Recreation


Mountains in background with wall of trees in foreground

Discover an Area by Activity

Select an activity to find an area to visit.

The Boise National Forest is a land of steep mountains, fast rivers and dense forests making it a recreation destination any season of the year. From biking and hiking through lush green mountains and rolling arid landscapes, to snowboarding in cooler months and swimming or kayaking in the warmer ones, the Boise National Forest is the recreational choice for over 1.5 million outdoor enthusiasts every year.

 

FIRST STOP: 

Visit the Interagency Visitor Information Center / BLM Public Room at 1387 S. Vinnell Street, in Boise, Idaho 83709 for information regarding your public lands.  The center provides mining claim information, federal agency passes, Motor Vehicle Use maps, BLM and Forest Service maps and so much more!  Center Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.  208-373-3889.

 

BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE FOREST:  

Check with the Districts for campground opening and closing dates. View the Alerts & Notices webpage for road and area closures. Remember most of the Forest has no cell phone coverage. Look at each district (Areas & Activities - Find An Area) for a listing campgrounds. 

REMINDER:  The Danskin Trail System normally opens April 11.

 

FIRE WATCH: 

VIEW AREA CLOSURES DUE TO WILDFIRE ACTIVITY AT ALERTS AND NOTICES PAGE.

INCIWEB-  For  wildland information, photos, updates and maps go to: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov.

 

NEW HISTORIC AUTO TOUR:

Download the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway Historic Auto Tour and take our tour from Boise to Stanley and back!

 

RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS:

SCENIC BYWAYS - If you’re interested in taking the scenic route, three Scenic Byways ramble through portions of the Boise National Forest offering unrivaled natural beauty and multiple recreation opportunities.

CABIN RENTALS - Rustic cabins and guard stations once used by Boise National Forest Rangers can be rented for overnight visits.  Each offers unparalleled scenic surroundings, numerous outdoor recreation opportunities and abundant wildlife viewing

WATER FUN - Water sports enthusiasts are not hurting for options on the Boise National Forest! With 9,600 miles of rivers and streams, and 15,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs, there is a wide variety of locations for swimming, boating and fishing.

 

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Recreation Conditions Report

Area Name Status Area Conditions
Big Trinity Lake - Rental Cabins None None Reservations are required from www.recreation.gov.  Livestock, such as saddle, pack or draft animals, are not allowed at this site. Camping is not allowed at the site of the cabins; please do not use tents at the cabin.  
Big Trinity Lake Campground None None Trinity Recreation Area normally opens in mid July. Call District for updates.  (208-587-7961)
Blue Lake Trail None None The Blue Lake Trail and Snowbank Road #446 gate normally opens June 1.  Gate is locked November 16.
Bull Trout Lake Campground & Group sites - reserve None None Opening of campground is snow dependent. 2021 tentative opening date is June 26. Campground officially closes late Sept.
Cozy Cove Campground - reserve None None Deadwood campgrounds normally open as snow conditions permit access.  Campgrounds close at end of Sept.  Access roads are open with the exception of FS 555 road (Scott Mountain Road).  This road is very narrow and in bad shape.  Not a recommended route.
Danskin Mountain OHV Area Trail(s) None None The Danskin Trail System normally opens April 11.
Edna Creek Campground - reserve None None
Graham Guard Station - Rental Cabin None None

Fly in only. The airstrip is generally free of snow from late May until the beginning of October; use appropriate landing precautions for this backcountry airstrip.

Road repair completed in 2018 however, access only with high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle because visitor must ford North Fork Boise River to get to the cabin.  Livestock are permitted at Graham Cabin. 

 
Hardscrabble Campground None None 2021 Scheduled to open May 7. 2019 - Hardscrabble Campground renovations and remodel were completed. 
Ice Hole Campground None None 2019 - The remodel and renovations were completed.
Kirkham Hot Springs - Day Use Only None None Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. THE SITE REMAINS CLOSED TO OVER NIGHT CAMPING.  Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site. There is a $5.00 fee per-vehicle / per-day use fee for parking outside of the closed gate.
Lower Roaring River Trail 045 Closed Closed There is a closure on a portion of the Lower Roaring River Trail - 045 until further notice.  #0402-01-59.  View Alerts & Notices webpage.
Rattlesnake Campground and Group sites - reserve None None 2021 Scheduled to open May 7.  
Sage Hen Creek Campground - reserve None None 2021 Scheduled opening May 14. 2021 Sage Hen Campgrounds will be open and available for reservations HOWEVER there maybe times during the 2021 summer months that it is temporarily closed due to logging operations.  Check with Emmett RD before you go!   208-365-7000
Shafer Butte CG and Group sites - reserve - TENT None None Normally opens June 15 - October 1  (or until closed by snow).  Campground gate is closed October 1. 
Stack Rock Trail None None Construction of a new trail connection has been completed - fall 2019.
William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail Closed Closed Closure on a portion of the trail until further notice.  Order #0402-01-059  View Alerts & Notices webpage.  

Recreation Areas