Rattlesnake Creek Campground

For Idahoans seeking an authentic immersion into the state's magnificent wilderness, Rattlesnake Creek Campground near Challis offers a compelling and versatile outdoor experience. Tucked away along the serene Middle Fork Payette River within the vast expanse of the Boise National Forest, this campground is a true gem for those who crave tranquility, direct access to nature, and a place where outdoor adventures are just steps from your campsite. It’s a destination that caters to both individual campers and larger groups, providing a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities.

Rattlesnake Creek Campground is particularly notable for its dedicated group site, making it an excellent choice for family reunions, scout troops, or any large gathering looking to enjoy Idaho’s backcountry together. Beyond its group facilities, the campground offers individual sites designed to provide a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding forests and river. Here, the emphasis is on the natural environment—the towering Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees that provide partial shade, the clear waters of the Middle Fork Payette River, and the abundant wildlife that calls this area home.

Whether your passion lies in casting a line for rainbow trout and whitefish, exploring miles of trails on foot or ATV, or simply relaxing by a campfire under the Idaho sky, Rattlesnake Creek Campground provides the perfect setting. It encourages a disconnect from daily life and a profound reconnection with the wild, embodying the very spirit of Idaho’s outdoor heritage. Prepare to create lasting memories amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes Idaho has to offer.

Rattlesnake Creek Campground is located approximately 14 miles north of Crouch, Idaho, along the Middle Fork Payette River, at an elevation of 3,621 feet. While the provided address lists "Challis, ID 83226, USA," information from other sources indicates its primary location within the Boise National Forest, closer to Crouch than the town of Challis. This places it in a rugged yet beautiful part of central Idaho, renowned for its extensive forests and clear rivers.

Access to Rattlesnake Creek Campground is generally via Forest Road 698. From Boise, Idaho, travelers would typically take State Highway 55 north to Banks, then turn east onto Banks-Lowman Highway 17 towards Crouch. From Crouch, the campground is about 14 miles further north on Forest Service Road 698, situated on the west side of the road. The road to the campground itself is paved, and some sites have paved driveways (sites 5, 6, and 7), making it relatively accessible for various vehicle types, including RVs up to 35 feet in length for individual sites.

Despite its accessible roads, the location retains a sense of wilderness. Cell phone service is generally not available, emphasizing the remote nature of the area. The nearest services for food or supplies are in Crouch. This combination of relatively easy access to the campground itself, coupled with the surrounding undeveloped forest, makes Rattlesnake Creek a prime destination for Idahoans seeking both convenience and an authentic backcountry feel. Its position directly on the Middle Fork Payette River is a key geographical highlight, offering immediate access to water-based recreation.

Rattlesnake Creek Campground provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to support a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground features 11 individual campsites, each with a capacity of up to 10 people. Sites 5, 6, and 7 have paved driveways, while others are gravel.
• Group Site: A significant feature is the availability of a large group site capable of accommodating up to 100 people, making it ideal for large gatherings and events. This group site can be reserved.
• RV and Tent Camping: Sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length, and are suitable for tent camping as well. The group site can accommodate RVs up to 75 feet.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits/Grills: All units are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits (or grills), providing essential amenities for cooking and gathering.
• Water: Potable water is available from a hand pump-equipped well, though visitors are also advised to bring their own.
• Vault Toilets: Vault-style outhouses are provided, located conveniently across the road from the group shelter and noted as being accessible.
• Handicap Accessible Features: The center 3 campsites (5, 6, 7), the outhouse, and the group shelter are paved and offer good accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are permitted within the campground but must be kept on a leash.
• No Garbage Services: Campers are required to pack out all their trash, as no garbage services are provided.
• No Electricity: The campground does not offer electrical hookups.
• Firewood: While some firewood may be purchased from the host at nearby Trail Creek Campground, it's recommended to provide your own.

Rattlesnake Creek Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Idahoans seeking an engaging outdoor experience.

• Riverside Location: Its prime location directly on the banks of the Middle Fork Payette River is a major draw. This offers excellent opportunities for fishing (rainbow trout and whitefish), wading, and simply enjoying the soothing sounds and scenic beauty of the river.
• Dedicated Group Site: The presence of a large, reservable group site capable of hosting up to 100 people, complete with a group shelter, picnic tables, and a large fire pit, is a significant highlight. This makes it ideal for family reunions, organizational outings, or large gatherings.
• Accessible Sites: Specific sites (5, 6, 7) and facilities are paved and offer good access, making the campground more inclusive for visitors with mobility considerations.
• Abundant Recreation Opportunities: The surrounding Middle Fork drainage is a hub for various activities. Popular options include:
  • Fishing: Good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout and whitefish in the Middle Fork Payette River.
  • Hiking & Biking: Numerous trails like the One Spoon Trail and Rattlesnake Trail are in the vicinity.
  • ATV Riding: The 465 ATV Trail and other off-highway vehicle opportunities are available for motorized recreation enthusiasts.
  • Hunting: In-season big game hunting for deer, elk, and bear is popular in the surrounding mountains.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, black bear, wolves, fox, and red-tailed hawks, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
• Partial Shade & Privacy: Situated among Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees, many sites offer partial shade and a sense of privacy, contributing to a comfortable and secluded feel.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite being rustic, amenities like the hand-pump water and vault toilets are maintained, with toilets specifically noted as being clean.

Rattlesnake Creek Campground is managed by the Boise National Forest, specifically under the Emmett Ranger District. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including current conditions, reservations (for the group site), and any specific regulations, it is best to contact the managing ranger district.

Address: While the provided address is Challis, ID 83226, USA, the campground is more accurately located near Crouch, ID.

For general inquiries and reservations for the group site:

Recreation.gov (for reservations): www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

Boise National Forest - Supervisor's Office:

Address: 1249 S Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709

Phone: (208) 373-4100

Emmett Ranger District (Direct management of the campground):

Address: 1805 Highway 16, #5, Emmett, ID 83617

Phone: (Specific phone number for Emmett Ranger District not provided, but the general Boise National Forest line can connect you or provide it.)

For Idahoans, Rattlesnake Creek Campground presents an ideal and highly suitable option for experiencing the profound beauty and recreational richness of their home state. Its location within the Boise National Forest, right on the Middle Fork Payette River, places it firmly in the heart of classic Idaho wilderness, offering a genuine escape from urban environments. This accessibility from cities like Boise, combined with a true backcountry feel, strikes a perfect balance for local adventurers.

One of the most compelling reasons for Idahoans to choose Rattlesnake Creek is its exceptional suitability for various outdoor pursuits deeply ingrained in the local culture. The "good to excellent fishing" for rainbow trout and whitefish in the Middle Fork Payette River makes it a prime destination for anglers. Furthermore, the extensive network of trails provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and especially ATV riding—a popular pastime in Idaho's forests. For hunting enthusiasts, the surrounding mountains offer seasonal big game hunting, making it a comprehensive outdoor hub.

The campground's capacity to host large groups through its dedicated, reservable group site is a significant advantage for Idaho families and organizations. It provides a unique setting for reunions, celebrations, or community gatherings amidst nature, something not all campgrounds can offer with such spaciousness and dedicated facilities. This makes planning larger get-togethers much simpler and more enjoyable.

While a previous review mentioned observations of "bear droppings" at the campground, this is a common reality when camping in Idaho's forests, indicating active wildlife. For experienced Idaho campers, this simply underscores the importance of proper food storage and bear awareness, which are standard practices when venturing into their state's wild spaces. It speaks to the authenticity of the wilderness experience, rather than being a deterrent. The presence of deer, elk, and other woodland animals further enhances the wildlife viewing opportunities, a beloved activity for many locals.

The availability of basic yet well-maintained amenities, such as hand-pump water, vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, ensures a comfortable experience while still maintaining a rustic feel. The partial shade from Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees, along with the privacy offered by the spaced-out sites, adds to the appeal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

In conclusion, Rattlesnake Creek Campground is an excellent choice for Idahoans. It combines accessible forest camping with direct river access, diverse recreational activities, and the unique benefit of a group site. It's a place where locals can fully embrace their love for the outdoors, create cherished memories, and experience the raw beauty and abundant wildlife that define the great state of Idaho.

Rattlesnake Creek Campground

Challis, ID 83226, USA