South Fork Recreation Site

Undeveloped camping by the S Fork Payette River. No signs on the hwy indicate the site, so you have to know how to find it using the app. There is a sign right at the site, along with 3-4 fire rings. No toilets or other amenities. There are a few more sites tucked away along the road, if you keep going a little ways. The river and forest are pretty. it's quiet except for occasional passing car. Shooting at the gun range across the highway began a 7:00 am. It was ok for an overnight stay but wouldn't want to stay for longer.

The Garden Valley Public Shooting Range is right across the river and incredibly loud, it's not something you can ignore. We had a neighbor running a contractor-grade generator most of the day, no quiet hours on BLM land. The Garden Valley Airport is right across the river and is also loud, but it's fun to see the prop planes take off.

The noise aside, our site overlooking the South Fork of the Payette River was one of the most beautiful we've had. When there isn't gunshots, running generators, or a plane taking off, the sound of the river is wonderful.

There are a few sites when you first pull in with metal fire rings, but many unofficial sites down the road marked by rock fire pits. Some of these smaller turnouts will only work with a van or tent.

AT&T: Not enough data to run a speedtest, text messages would trickle in a few times a day.

Beautiful spot but there’s a 24/7 gun range across the river that gets a little old. There’s also an airstrip across the river but I don’t mind the planes.
Access was a little tricky with my big 5’er bit it’s doable with a spotter. The site was phenomenal. Very nice fire ring and pretty level. Gorgeous night sky views. There are several spots along this road as you go up so if this one is full don’t give up hope.

We saw this spot on here and there were no reviews but took a chance. We did use the coordinates from the BLM website instead of what’s on the maps. (It’s only a few feet difference but leads to different place to park) Found there are 4 spots with fire rings and half are big rig friendly in the further up spot. Can see a campground across the river and it’s on a dirt road, but everything was pretty quite. The river is not swimmable unless you are good with strong currents. There are a few other camping spots along the road within 2-3 miles if the first 2 camping spots are taken up. Signs say up to 14 days of camping allowed.