Big Bar Camping Area

Payette National Forest

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National Forest Development Road 454 Council, ID 83612 208-634-0700 Official Website

GPS: 45.1241, -116.7425

  • Overview
  • Q&A
  • Reviews (2)
  • Amenities

Overview of Big Bar Camping Area

Elevation 1,673 ft / 509 m

Tent Camping Yes

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Q&A - Ask the Community about Big Bar Camping Area

To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. (208) 634-0700

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Reviews of Big Bar Camping Area 2 people have reviewed this location.

Ratings Summary

Overall Rating
Access
Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
Noise
RT
RT
Caldwell, ID
1 review
“Nature at "Her" Best”

Reviewed 10/3/2020

Nightly rate: FREE!
Days stayed: 3
RV Length: 34' (Class A)
Overall Rating

We drove in on Wednesday afternoon from Boise, through a fair bit of burned out country. The drive from Cambridge, ID is about 50 miles or so of climbing, descending and winding, often with switchbacks down to 25 and 35 mph. The road was good and paved all the way to the camping area. There are at least 4 areas at the Big Bar Camping Area and we chose Area 4. The road into the camping area was dirt & gravel and kinda rough and rocky with some large washed out spots and "potholes". There were a few places where the growth was very close and brushed us on both sides. It was a bit steep in places, probably would be an issue if it rained, but we had no problem getting in and back out. You should scout ahead before driving down in.

There were several camping "spots" on the way down to the river's edge with perhaps 3 separate levels. The higher levels have at least some rock fire rings and are large enough to accommodate large rigs and groups. At the river's edge, there were 3 or 4 "spots" with rock fire rings and there was a vault toilet. We were able to get down to the river level with a 34' class A and could have parked in any of the spots at that level.

From the Idaho side, the nearest "services" were in Cambridge about 50 slow miles away. On the Oregon side, it would be about 30 miles to Halfway (not sure what services they have) and about 80 to Baker City where there is most whatever you would need.

We had no AT&T service.

While I would not consider the area pretty or beautiful, the views are awe inspiring. Very rustic, rough, and impressive; nature at her best.

There were several campers there, but sufficient separation to make it private, and comfortable. Another camper told us they had seen 4 good-sized bears on the drive in; we only saw deer.

Access
Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
Noise
AT&T

RT would stay here again

This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com

“Great Secluded Location”

Reviewed 6/5/2018

Nightly rate: FREE!
Days stayed: 2
RV Length: 29'
Overall Rating

We stayed here a couple days to visit Hells Canyon. This is a gravel lot with a helicopter pad in the center. There are lots of places to pull any size rig. There are several fire rings on the river side of the parking area. The lot is right on the Snake River with amazing views. We were able to get 3G Verizon which allowed us to access the internet, but we couldn't make any calls and sending texts was very hit and miss. The WeBoost made the 3G stronger but didn't seem to help with calls or texts. The Hells Canyon Visitor Center is only about 10 miles away. There aren't any viable town options close by. Halfway, OR is about 30 miles away and probably has the best options for gas and groceries, but we picked up groceries in Baker City on our way in so we didn't have to search for that.

There was a camper set up that appeared to have already been there for awhile but they kept their area clean. I'm not sure how the weekend is there, we arrived on a Monday evening and it was quiet and serene.

Access
Location
Cleanliness
Site Quality
Noise
T-Mobile

This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com

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Amenities

Hookups
  • dry camping
Recreation
  • water access
Facilities
  • restrooms: vault
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