Edna Creek Campground

For Idahoans seeking a blend of convenience and classic outdoor recreation, Edna Creek Campground, nestled near historic Idaho City, offers a fantastic destination. This beloved campground, which has recently undergone a significant remodel, is a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance Idaho’s outdoor experiences. It’s a place where families can enjoy the simple pleasures of camping, from splashing in the namesake creek to gathering around a warm campfire, all while being remarkably easy to access. Edna Creek Campground serves as an excellent starting point for adventure, particularly for those with off-road vehicles, and provides a comfortable base for exploring the rich natural beauty of the Boise National Forest.

Edna Creek Campground is located at Idaho City, ID 83709, USA. This places it within the sprawling Boise National Forest, a vast expanse of mountains, forests, and rivers in west-central Idaho. Its proximity to Idaho City, a historic mining town, adds a unique cultural dimension to a camping trip, offering additional points of interest just a short drive away.

One of the key advantages of Edna Creek Campground, as highlighted by local reviewers, is its exceptional ease of access. "Its very easy to get to," making it a convenient option for a quick weekend escape or a longer stay without the hassle of navigating difficult backcountry roads. This accessibility likely stems from its location relatively close to a highway, making it a "stop at this one all the time" spot for many. While some campers might typically prefer more secluded locations further from main roads, Edna Creek strikes a balance, providing easy entry to nature.

The campground is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions. Its ease of access makes it suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including RVs and trailers, as well as providing ample space for tent camping. This ensures that many Idahoans can comfortably reach and enjoy the campground without specialized equipment.

Edna Creek Campground has recently benefited from a significant remodel, enhancing its facilities and overall visitor experience. It offers a range of services designed for comfortable camping, with some notable improvements and a specific point of feedback regarding the pit toilets.

• Campsites: The campground features numerous campsites suitable for both tent and RV parking. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring, providing the basic necessities for cooking and relaxation.
• Water Access: While not explicitly detailed, remodeled campgrounds often include access to potable water. Campers should confirm availability upon arrival or contact the Forest Service, especially given that it is a developed campground.
• Remodeled Facilities: The campground "looks absolutely amazing after the remodel!" This suggests updated infrastructure, potentially including new or improved site pads, pathways, and general landscaping.
• Pit Toilets: The campground provides pit toilets. However, a specific review from 2025 notes a significant issue: "the bathroom pit toilets could not smell any worse, not sure what happened with the ventilation, but as new and clean as they are, they are the worst smelling pit toilets I have ever been in." While physically "new and clean," visitors should manage expectations regarding odor. "Bathrooms are generally clean" in another review indicates overall maintenance efforts.
• Campfires: Fire rings are available at each site, allowing for traditional campfires (always check for fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons).
• Trash Services: As a developed campground, it is likely to offer some form of trash disposal, though campers should always be prepared to pack out what they pack in to minimize impact.

The "great time" and enjoyment of "playing in the creek, sitting around the campfire and just playing games" highlight the family-friendly and recreational focus of the campground, supported by its facilities.

Edna Creek Campground's appeal stems from a combination of its natural setting, recreational opportunities, and recent upgrades, making it a local favorite.

• Recent Remodel: The "absolutely amazing" remodel is a major highlight, indicating modern, well-designed camping facilities that enhance the comfort and aesthetics of the campground.
• Creek Access: The presence of "the creek" (Edna Creek) flowing through or adjacent to the campground is a significant draw, especially for families and children who enjoy "playing in the creek." It adds a soothing natural sound and recreational element.
• Ideal for Side-by-Side/ATV Riding: For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Edna Creek Campground is a "great starting point" for riding side-by-sides and ATVs. The surrounding Boise National Forest offers an extensive network of trails and roads suitable for motorized recreation, making this a prime basecamp.
• Easily Accessible: As noted, its ease of access from a main highway makes it a convenient choice for short trips or for campers who prefer not to venture too far into rugged backcountry.
• Beautiful Setting: The campground provides a "beautiful" natural environment for relaxation and recreation, surrounded by the forests and terrain of central Idaho.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The amenities and activities, such as campfires and games, coupled with the creek access, make it very appealing for families. The general enjoyment suggests a positive atmosphere among campers.
• RV and Tent Friendly: With "space for RV parking, and plenty of space for tents," the campground accommodates a wide variety of camping styles.

While the strong odor of the pit toilets is a specific concern, it's generally outweighed by the overall positive experience and the campground's other appealing features. The sentiment "I'd leave a 1 star rating - to try to discourage more people from attending, BUT IT WOULD BE A HUGE LIE!" strongly indicates a highly enjoyable and sought-after spot.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Edna Creek Campground, including current conditions, operating seasons, and any specific advisories or fees, it is best to contact the Boise National Forest office that oversees this area, particularly the Idaho City Ranger District.

Address: Idaho City, ID 83709, USA

Boise National Forest (Idaho City Ranger District) Phone: (208) 392-6681 (This number is specifically listed for Edna Creek Campground, likely connecting to the Idaho City Ranger District office).

General Boise National Forest Phone: (208) 373-4100 (for broader inquiries if the direct line is busy).

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially before embarking on your trip, to confirm details about site availability, water status, fire restrictions, or any updates regarding facilities (such as the ventilation issue with the toilets). This ensures you have the most current information for a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

For Idahoans, Edna Creek Campground offers a quintessential local camping experience, expertly balancing ease of access with genuine outdoor recreation. The recent remodel signifies a commitment to providing quality facilities, which is a significant draw for local families and groups seeking a comfortable yet authentic camping trip without venturing deep into the backcountry. The fact that it’s "very easy to get to" makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend getaways or for those who simply want to spend more time recreating and less time traveling.

Its status as a "great starting point" for side-by-side riding directly caters to a popular Idaho pastime, offering direct access to the vast trail networks of the Boise National Forest. Families will particularly appreciate the opportunity for children to "play in the creek," creating cherished childhood memories in nature. While the frank feedback on the pit toilets is a point to note, it's clear from the overall enthusiastic reviews that the positives overwhelmingly outweigh this minor inconvenience. Edna Creek Campground offers the familiar comfort of a well-loved local spot, providing a reliable and enjoyable setting for campfires, games, and connecting with Idaho’s beautiful outdoors – a true local favorite that continues to get better.

Edna Creek Campground

Idaho City, ID 83709, USA