Bench Creek Campground

For Idahoans who cherish tranquil outdoor experiences amidst stunning natural beauty, Bench Creek Campground near Lowman offers a delightful retreat. Nestled alongside Bench Creek, just off the picturesque Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route (Highway 21), this small, intimate campground provides a perfect base for exploring some of Idaho's most beloved recreational areas. It's the kind of spot where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest, all while having access to essential amenities.

Bench Creek Campground is particularly appealing for its serene atmosphere. Unlike larger, more bustling campgrounds, it's described as "not heavily used," allowing for a greater sense of peace and privacy. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet escape, whether you're a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small family looking for a more intimate connection with nature. While it’s close enough to Highway 21 that you might hear some traffic, many find this a minor trade-off for the convenience and the overall peaceful environment.

Beyond its quiet charm, Bench Creek Campground is a gateway to diverse outdoor activities. Its proximity to a beautiful river, often ideal for fly fishing, and nearby areas for hiking and boating, means there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the Idaho wilderness. The presence of a clean bathroom, a welcome feature for campers without their own facilities, further enhances the comfort of your stay. This overview aims to provide you with all the details you need to plan your peaceful escape to Bench Creek Campground.

Bench Creek Campground is strategically located along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, also known as Highway 21, near Lowman, Idaho. Its address is generally listed as Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, Lowman, ID 83637, USA. More specifically, it can be found approximately 24 miles northwest of Stanley on Highway 21, or about 108 miles northeast of Boise when traveling on Highway 21 towards Stanley. When approaching from Boise, look for the campground on the left side of the highway shortly after passing Banner Summit.

The campground's direct access from Highway 21 makes it incredibly convenient for both local Idaho residents and those traveling through the state. Despite its roadside location, many find the overall ambiance to be peaceful, and while highway traffic can be heard, it often doesn't detract from the natural beauty. The forested setting along Bench Creek adds to its charm, and the paved roads and driveways within the campground contribute to easy maneuverability, even for smaller trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet in length. This blend of accessibility and a beautiful, relatively undeveloped setting makes Bench Creek Campground a compelling choice for a quick stopover or a longer stay to explore the heart of Idaho's scenic byways and wilderness areas.

• Campsites: Bench Creek Campground offers 5 individual campsites, each designed to provide a personal space for campers.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient area for outdoor dining and activities.
• Fire Rings with Cooking Grills: Each site includes a metal fire ring, often with an attached cooking grill, allowing for enjoyable campfires and outdoor cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Vault Toilet: The campground provides one vault-style toilet (outhouse). Reviews consistently highlight its cleanliness and that it is well-stocked with toilet paper, a significant plus for a primitive campground. This facility is also noted as being handicap accessible, contributing to a more inclusive experience.
• No Drinking Water: It is important for campers to note that drinking water is not provided on-site. Visitors must bring their own supply of potable water or have the means to filter/treat water from natural sources.
• No RV Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs, making it suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs and trailers. The campground accommodates smaller trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet in length.
• No Reservations: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are taken. This offers flexibility but advises early arrival during peak seasons.
• Fees: A fee of approximately $5 per night for a single unit is typically charged. Passes like the Senior Pass or Access Pass may offer a 50% reduction in camping fees.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted within the campground, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• No Garbage Services: Campers are expected to pack out all their trash and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

• Beautiful Natural Setting: Bench Creek Campground is nestled in a beautiful forested area along Bench Creek, providing a serene and picturesque environment. The presence of trees, including Ponderosa pines, offers welcome shade.
• Cleanest Campground Bathroom: A standout feature, consistently praised by visitors, is the exceptional cleanliness of the vault toilet. Many reviewers consider it among the cleanest they've encountered, which greatly enhances the primitive camping experience.
• Small and Not Heavily Used: Its small size (5 sites) and lighter usage contribute to a more private and peaceful camping atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude.
• Fly Fishing Opportunities: The proximity to Bench Creek and nearby Bull Trout Lake offers excellent opportunities for fly fishing, with various trout species available. The Payette River is also nearby, known for its fishing.
• Hiking Trails Nearby: A trail adjacent to the campground heads southeast towards Stanley Lake, and numerous other hiking opportunities are available in the surrounding Salmon-Challis National Forest and Boise National Forest areas.
• Scenic Byway Location: Situated on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route (Highway 21), the campground offers easy access to a beautiful drive with stunning mountain views.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested environment provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with deer commonly seen and the possibility of hearing wolves howling at night. Bear awareness is important for food storage.
• Close to Lakes: Bull Trout Lake and other small, unnamed lakes along Bull Trout Road are nearby, offering additional fishing and even swimming opportunities. Stanley Lake is also within reasonable distance.
• Affordable Camping: With a modest nightly fee and the possibility of discounts for pass holders, it offers a very affordable way to enjoy Idaho's outdoors.
• Handicap Friendly: With paved roads, driveways, and an accessible vault toilet, it is more handicap friendly than many small, primitive campgrounds.

Address: Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, Lowman, ID 83637, USA (Specifically 24 miles NW of Stanley on Highway 21).

Phone: (208) 756-5100 (This number is for the Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor's Office, which manages Bench Creek Campground. It's the best contact for current conditions, alerts, and detailed information).

Mobile Phone: +1 208-756-5100

For Idahoans, Bench Creek Campground represents a quintessential Gem State camping experience that perfectly blends natural beauty with accessible simplicity. It’s an ideal spot for locals who seek a quiet, uncrowded retreat without venturing too far off the beaten path. The small number of sites and lighter usage mean you're more likely to find a sense of solitude, allowing for true relaxation and a deeper connection with the surrounding forest and creek.

The fact that it provides a surprisingly clean and well-maintained vault toilet is a significant highlight, enhancing comfort for those without self-contained units. This attention to basic amenities, combined with the affordable nightly fee, makes it a highly practical and budget-friendly option for quick weekend getaways or longer stays. For fly fishing enthusiasts, the direct access to Bench Creek and proximity to other fishing spots like Bull Trout Lake are major draws. Hikers will also appreciate the adjacent trails that lead into the vast wilderness areas.

Bench Creek Campground embodies the authentic, low-key outdoor lifestyle many Idahoans cherish. It's a place where you can easily pull in after a scenic drive along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, set up camp amidst the trees, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and wake up ready for a day of fishing or hiking. For locals looking for a peaceful, well-situated, and uncomplicated camping experience that allows them to fully immerse themselves in Idaho's natural splendor, Bench Creek Campground is a highly recommended and cherished destination right in our backyard.

Bench Creek Campground

Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, Lowman, ID 83637, USA