Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Big Springs Campground - Caribou
Big Springs Campground is nestled along the banks of Pebble Creek at an elevation of 6,500 feet, just 16 miles from Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Visitors enjoy fishing and exploring local trails.
Natural Features: A Douglas fir forest towers over Loop A, offering partial shade. Loop B is situated among a grove of aspens which provide limited shade. Sagebrush, grasses and summer wildflowers dot the landscape.
Recreation: Pebble Creek offers cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing. Big Springs Nature Trail begins in the site, offering an easy path along the creek.
The multi-use Boundary Trail, for hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, begins in the campground and accesses several additional local trails.
Facilities: The campground contains one large group site that can accommodate up to 175 people with a shelter, tables, a campfire ring, grills and parking.
Several single and double sites are also available with tables, campfire rings and grills. Some sites have stairs between the parking spur and site pad. Single and double sites on the less shady Loop B have picnic shelters. Two equestrian sites are available with horse corrals and hitching racks.
Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase from the host. Security is provided by hosts and periodic county sheriff patrols.
Nearby Attractions: Lava Hot Springs is close enough for an exciting day trip. A natural hot springs soaking pool, Olympic-sized swimming pool, water slides and diving platforms provide fun for all ages. Two 9-hole disc golf courses are linked around the pool complex.
Tubing on the Portneuf River is also a very popular activity. Tube rentals are available at many locations in town.
Closed Sept. 28th EXCEPT Horse Camp 1 & 2; No Water; Pack In Pack Out; Limited Cleaning and toilet paper refresh; First Come/First Served; No Fees until Spring
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Opens May 21 |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Campground closed. Water is off. Horse sites avilable thru November 15th. |
| Reservations: | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov. Reservations must be made 4 days ahead of arrival. Select sites first come first serve, water off and campground closes on 09/26/2022. 2 Horse sites available through November 15th. |
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water |
| Fees: | For current fees, please go to Recreation.gov |
| Open Season: | May |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: | All vehicles and RV's must park in designated areas only. ATV's or ORV's allowed on designated trails only. No riding in the campground.All equipment must fit on the site pad. Vehicles park in developed areas only. |
| Closest Towns: | Lava Hot Springs, ID |
| Water: | Potable Water |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | There are no electric, water or sewer site hookups at this campground This facility is pack-it-in/pack-it-out A fee of $5 for extra vehicles will be collected on-site Off-road vehicles not allowed to be operated on campground roads |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.76556, -112.09528
42°45'56"N, 112°5'43"W
Just east of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, look for "Pebble Area" sign and turn left onto Blaser Highway/Old Highway 30. Go north on the paved highway 9 miles to Pebble Creek Road, known locally as Mike's Place or Whiskey Mike's. Turn left across railroad tracks on gravel Forest Road 036. Travel about 7 miles to the campground.
Pebble Creek Road is a narrow single-lane dirt road with limited sight distance and not suitable for the very large RVs (the tour bus size RVs that require overhead clearance due to their height and have limited turning capacity due to length, as opposed to a truck with trailer of the same length which has a tighter turning radius due to the hitch).
Activities
Mountain Biking
Campground Camping
hiking, fishing, all terrain vehicle, berry picking, biking, bird watching, horseback riding, horse corrals, hunting, mountain biking, nature trails, off-road vehicle trails, photography, wildlife viewing| No. of Sites | 29 |
| Reservation Info | http://www.recreation.gov |
| Fire Information | yes |
| Sleeping Shelter | no |
Group Camping
ATVs, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, horse riding, berry picking, hunting, nature trails| No. of Sites | 1 |
| Reservation Info | http://www.recreation.gov |
| Fire Information | yes |
| No. of Accessible sites | 175 |
River and Stream Fishing
fishingDay Hiking
Horse Riding
Big Game Hunting
Small Game Hunting
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Viewing Wildlife
Viewing Plants
Viewing Scenery
OHV Trail Riding
Interpretive Areas
Picnicking
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Picnic tables: | |
| Tent camping: | |
| Toilets: | |
| Drinking water: |