Please check the Alerts & Notices page before you recreate within the Boise National Forest. Simply knowing the Forest Orders, current conditions, alerts, and closures prepares you for a pleasurable outdoor experience with no surprises! This webpage provides current Forest information about restrictions, closures, alerts and advisories.
Boise NF Fall Campground Closure Dates by District
VIEW THE DOCUMENT(Use the percent + zoom tool to see the information more clearly.)
If the campground is closed, that means that there are no longer any services like reservations, campground hosts, fees, trash pick up, water and many of the out-houses and gates will be locked. Schedule for out-house and gate closures will vary depending on the District. If a gate is locked, you may choose to pack in and pack out of the campground. Please remember to take your trash with you.
Keep in mind, snow will arrive very soon at the higher elevations. Forest Roads ARE NOT PLOWED and there is NO CELL SERVICE. Call the Districts before you leave for the most current weather and road information. There are no longer Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in effect, but conditions remain very dry and we ask everyone to continue to be very careful with campfires.
INCIWEB is used for information about wildfires primarily over 100 acres in size. To locate Boise National Forest fire information click on the State dropdown link and then choose Idaho. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are TERMINATED within Boise National Forest effective September 17, 2021 - VIEW THE TERMINATION
With the threat of wildfire danger increasing rapidly throughout central Idaho, local land management agencies will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in theBoise Fire Restriction Area and the Payette Fire Restriction Area beginning at 00:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 and will remain in effect until September 17, 2021.
Reminder - Forest campgrounds usually open from Memorial weekend until late July depending on weather, elevation and snow levels.
Campgrounds begin closing in September also dependent on conditions.
COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 - Law enforcement and/or search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19 issues. High-risk activities such as rock climbing, etc. or backcountry activities that increase your chance of injury or distress should be avoided. We also encourage you to follow public health guidelines regarding social distancing while you recreate in National Forests. For more information about how the Forest Service is responding to COVID-19, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates
Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Restricted Areas, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated is prohibited. While in the Restricted Areas, this certification must be demonstrated by either: the state's required identification on each individual bale or container, or possession of original and current documentation of the state certification. 36 CFR § 261.58(t)
This Order will be effective on August 2, 2021 and shall remain in effect until July 17, 2026 or until rescinded, whichever event occurs first. 04-2021-03
7-16-2021 - 7-17-2026 REGIONAL FIREWORKS AND SPARK ARRESTOR ORDER
1) Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited on National Forest lands administered as National Forests with the Intermountain Region are prohibited. 2) Operating or using any internal or external combustion engines without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order are prohibited on National Forest lands.
This Order will be effective on July 16, 2021 at 12:01 AM and shall remain in effect until July 17, 2026, or until rescinded, whichever event occurs first.
7-16-2021 - 7-17-2026 REGIONAL EXPLOSIVES AND EXPLODING TARGETS ORDER
Using an explosive, which is any chemical compound, mixture, or device that has the primary common purpose of functioning by explosion, including exploding targets are prohibited. 36 CFR § 26 l .52(b)
This Order will be effective on July 16, 2021 at 12:01 AM and shall remain in effect until July 17, 2026, or until rescinded, whichever event occurs first.
1-15-2020- Revised- The Forest Service is reinstating the Over-Snow restrictions that are not covered by the Motor Vehicle Use Map. (0402-00-56)
The Forest Service is reinstating the Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map (OSVUM) for the Boise National Forest that was published Feb. 11, 2016, under 36 CFR 212 Subpart C, effective immediately. (1-15-2020) The order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until April 30, 2023, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
8-13-2014 - The Cascade Ranger District - Road Closure NFS Road #478 (Rice Creek Road) is closed till further notice for public safety due to road damage and washouts. (0402-04-62.)
Mountain Home Ranger District Closures 208-587-7961
4-12-2021 – The Mountain Home RD has temporarily closed NFS road 159B
The Mountain Home Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to motorized vehicles along National Forest System road and area 159B. (0402-01-96)
The Road is closed to all motorized access to provide for public safety due to road failure.
This Order will be in effect beginning April 9, 2021 and shall remain in effect until March 31,2022, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
9-3-2021 Idaho City Ranger District closes NFS road 364 (Grimes Creek) and 261
The Idaho City RD of the Boise National Forest renewed the closure for another year of access to all public entry along National Forest System road and area 364 (Grimes Creek.)
The area and roads are closed to all public entry to provide resource rehabilitation and address ongoing human sanitation issues. (0402-03-103)
This Order will be in effect from September 3, 2021 and shall remain in effect until September 01, 2022 at 00:01 A.M. Unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
9-21-2021 Lowman Ranger District has temporarily closed the roads and area near Fir Creek Campground and the Blue Bunch Trailhead
The Lowman RD of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to all public entry to roads and area near Fir Creek Campground and the Blue Bunch Trailhead due to a wildfire.
The purpose of the closure is to provide public health and safety during the potential growth of the Boundary Fire. The emergency closure was ordered as the result of the Boundary Fire’s spread over a fire management action point. The adjacent portion of the Frank Church-River of No Return is also closed due to the Boundary Fire (Salmon Challis National Forest Closure Order Number: 04-13-21-015)
This Order will be in effect from September 21, 2021 and shall remain in effect until October 31, 2021, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor. (0402-05-88)
12-31-2020 - Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO OVER NIGHT CAMPING. Visitors may walk into the campground, but they are not permitted to drive in. There is a $5.00 fee per-vehicle / per-day use fee for parking outside of the closed gate. (0402-05-85)
9-9-2021 Emmett Ranger District has temporarily closed portions of NFS 696 system roads
The Emmett RD of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to all public entry, along portions of National Forest System road (NFS) road 696 (OLD), NFS road 696 (West Fork Scriver) and NFS road 696D.
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the West Scriver Stewardship Timber Sale logging operations.
This Order will be in effect Monday, September 13, 2021 at 7 a.m. MST and will remain in effect until Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 5 p.m. MST unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor. (0402-06-49)
The fire burn permit is free and required under Idaho law for any burning outside city limits statewide (excluding campfires) from May 10 through October 20. However, some cities and other jurisdictions - including local or county fire departments, Idaho DEQ, Tribal Reservations, and others - may have additional or alternate permit systems in place. Please review website. http://burnpermits.idaho.gov/
For questions regarding burn permits, contact the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management Bureau at this Contact link. If after hours or no answer, please contact your local Fire Department or Sherriff's office.
Alert - Use Caution - Floating South Fork Boise River
Please use caution if you plan on floating the South Fork Boise River. The South Fork Boise River, located in a large roadless area, is a changing river due to mud slides and rock deposits following large fires. Rafters need to be aware and prepared for changeable rapids. The Buffalo Creek rapid, which used to be a Class 3, is now a Class 5 Rapid. Please view the video and use extreme caution!
Additional 2014 - 2019 Road closures
Alert - A few roads that were washed out in 2014 may still be closed and may not be repaired in the future.
Check with the Ranger District before heading to the areas shown in the news release.
Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulation 261.50 (a) gives each Forest Supervisor the authority to issue orders which close or restrict use of the of described areas within the area over which he/she has jurisdiction. An order may close an area to entry or may restrict the use of an area by applying any or all of the prohibitions authorized in Title 36, Part 261, Subpart B, of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Restricted Areas, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated is prohibited. While in the Restricted Areas, this certification must be demonstrated by either: the state's required identification on each individual bale or container, or possession of original and current documentation of the state certification. 36 CFR § 261.58(t)
This Order will be effective on August 2, 2021 and shall remain in effect until July 17, 2026 or until rescinded, whichever event occurs first. 04-2021-03
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions take effect within Boise National Forest
With the threat of wildfire danger increasing rapidly throughout central Idaho, local land management agencies will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in the Boise Fire Restriction Area and the Payette Fire Restriction Area beginning at 00:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 and will remain in effect until October 20, 2021 unless rescinded earlier by the jurisdictional agencies.
7-16-2021 - 7-17-2026 EXTENDED ORDER - Fireworks and Spark Arrestors
Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited on National Forest lands administered as National Forests with the Intermountain Region.
Operating or using any internal or external combustion engines without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order are prohibited on National Forest lands. (Order number: 04-2020-01)
Attached is the regional order prohibiting exploding targets and other explosives. This Order will be effective on July 16, 2021 at 12:01 AM and shall remain in effect until July 17, 2026, or until rescinded, whichever event occurs first. (Order number: 04-2021-01)
Effective - December 14, 2017--The Forest Service is withdrawing the Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map (OSVUM) for the Boise National Forest that was published on February 11, 2016 under 36 CFR § 212 Subpart C, effective immediately. The OSVUM shall have no further force or effect.
9-17-2017 - TERMINATED - Effective Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions within Boise National Forest are terminated. VIEW THE TERMINATION.
Fire Restrictions to be Implemented Boise National Forest effective Aug. 11, 2017
The Boise National Forest will be entering Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Aug. 11 at 12:01 a.m. Campfires will only be allowed in the designated sites as shown on the attached list.
This order will remain in effect until further notice Oct. 1, 2017, at 12:01 unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor. Order #0402-00-52
With the reduced risk of wildfires due to cooler temperatures and precipitation in the area, state and federal wildfire officials will lift Stage 1 Fire Restrictions within the West Central Idaho Mountains effective Thursday, Sept. 15, at 11:59 p.m.
Fire Restrictions to be Implemented in Treasure Valley and West Central Mountains
With the threat of wildfire danger increasing throughout southwest Idaho, local wildland fire management agencies will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, effective August 1, 2016 beginning at 12:01 a.m. They will remain in effect until further notice. Order #0402-00-41
9-9-2021 Emmett Ranger District has temporarily closed portions of NFS 696 system roads
The Emmett RD of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to all public entry, along portions of National Forest System road (NFS) road 696 (OLD), NFS road 696 (West Fork Scriver) and NFS road 696D.
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety during the West Scriver Stewardship Timber Sale logging operations.
This Order will be in effect Monday, September 13, 2021 at 7 a.m. MST and will remain in effect until Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 5 p.m. MST unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor. (0402-06-49)
9-3-2021 Idaho City Ranger District closes NFS road 364 (Grimes Creek) and 261
The Idaho City RD of the Boise National Forest renewed the closure for another year of access to all public entry along National Forest System road and area 364 (Grimes Creek.)
The area and roads are closed to all public entry to provide resource rehabilitation and address ongoing human sanitation issues. (0402-03-103)
This Order will be in effect from September 3, 2021 and shall remain in effect until September 01, 2022 at 00:01 A.M. Unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
The Mountain Home Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to motorized vehicles along National Forest System road 129, also known as Trinity Ridge Road. (0402-01-97)
The Restricted Road was damaged due to flash flooding and is closed to public motor vehicle access to protect public safety and prevent interference with repair operations.
This Order will be in effect August 5, 2021 and shall remain in effect until September 30, 2021, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
The Idaho City RD of the Boise National Forest will temporarily close access to all public entry along a portion of National Forest System road 384 (Little Owl Creek Road) and Edna Creek campground.
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and prevent damage to the road during the NFS road 384 Road Reconstruction Project. The Campground will also be closed because it lies within the reconstruction area. 0402-03-102
This Order will be in effect Wednesday July 7, 2021 at 7 a.m. MST and will remain in effect until September 2, 2021 at 5 p.m. MST unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
The Lowman Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to motorized vehicles along National Forest System roads 582, 545, 515, and 546.
This Order will be in effect beginning April 14, and shall remain in effect through April 30, 2021 or until rescinded by the Forest Supervisor. (0402-05-86)
The Restricted Roads are closed to all motor vehicles during plowing to protect public safety and the condition of the roadbed. Roads are being plowed to facilitate early access to areas for spring planting.
The Mountain Home Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to motorized vehicles along National Forest System road and area 159B. (0402-01-96)
This Order will be in effect beginning April 9, 2021 and shall remain in effect until March 31,2022, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
The Road must be closed to all motorized access to provide for public safety due to road failure.
3-31-2021 – The Idaho City RD has temporarily closed NFS road 327
The Idaho City Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to motorized vehicles along National Forest System road and area 327 (Granite Creek Road.)
This Order will be in effect March 31, 2021and shall remain in effect until May 1, 2021 at 12:01 A.M. unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
The purpose of the closure to all highway legal motorized vehicles (passenger cars, vans, SUVs, pickups and trucks) is to provide for public health and safety due to vehicles becoming stuck and stranded in snow covered segments of the Road.
THIS ORDER HAS BEEN TERMINATED 12-28-2020 (0402-03-101)
12-7-2020 – The Idaho City RD has temporarily closed NFS road 327
The Idaho City Ranger District of the Boise National Forest has temporarily closed access to motorized vehicles along National Forest System road and area 327 (Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road.)
This Order will be in effect December 07, 2020 and shall remain in effect until December 28,2020 at 12:01 a.m. unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.
The purpose of the closure to all highway legal motorized vehicles (passenger cars, vans, SUVs, pickups and trucks) is to provide for public health and safety due to vehicles becoming stuck and stranded in snow covered segments of the Road.
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