Swinging Bridge Campground

Swinging Bridge Campground offers a riverside retreat where the rushing waters of the North Fork Payette River provide a constant backdrop to your camping experience. This intimate 11-site campground balances easy access with a sense of seclusion, making it an ideal base for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind in nature.

Situated in a scenic canyon just off Highway 55, the campground is enveloped by a mixed forest of ponderosa and lodgepole pines, providing ample shade and a quintessential mountain atmosphere. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, allowing campers to fully embrace outdoor living. While the amenities are basic, with vault toilets and no showers, the proximity to the river and surrounding natural beauty more than compensate.

Located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho, Swinging Bridge Campground serves as a gateway to the recreational opportunities of the Boise National Forest. The area is renowned for its world-class whitewater kayaking and rafting, with sections of the Payette River offering thrills for experts just steps from your campsite. For those preferring calmer pursuits, excellent fishing for rainbow trout and whitefish can be found along the river's banks.

The campground's location makes it a perfect stopover for travelers exploring the Payette River Scenic Byway or a weekend base for Boise residents seeking a quick escape to the mountains. Its relatively small size fosters a quiet, intimate camping experience, though some ambient noise from the nearby highway is to be expected. The surrounding forest and river scenery create a backdrop that's particularly stunning in the early morning and late evening hours when the light plays off the water and tree-covered slopes.