Tie Creek Campground

For Idaho locals who cherish the serene sounds of a flowing river and the peaceful embrace of a national forest, Tie Creek Campground near Garden Valley, ID, offers a delightful retreat. Nestled within the expansive Boise National Forest, and located along the beautiful Middle Fork Payette River, this campground provides a well-maintained yet rustic setting for your next outdoor adventure. If you're seeking a quiet escape that blends convenience with natural beauty, Tie Creek Campground is a destination worth exploring.

This campground, though smaller with a limited number of sites, is known for being "well kept, clean, laid out great." It strikes a lovely balance for campers who appreciate essential amenities without the crowds or commercial feel of larger parks. Imagine waking up to the fresh mountain air, with the gentle murmur of the river just steps away, ready for a day of fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding in nature's embrace. Tie Creek Campground offers a genuine Idaho camping experience, providing a peaceful base from which to explore the vast recreational opportunities of the surrounding forest.

Tie Creek Campground is situated in the picturesque Boise National Forest, located at Forest Road #698A, Garden Valley, ID 83622, USA. It's approximately 9-10 miles north of Garden Valley along Forest Road 698 (also known as the Middle Fork Payette River Road). To get there, you'll typically take Highway 17 west from Garden Valley for about 2.5 miles, then turn north onto Forest Road 698 for roughly 11 miles. While the main highway access is straightforward, the final stretch on the gravel forest road can be a bit long and bumpy, as is common for many beautiful Idaho forest campgrounds. However, visitors consistently confirm that this minor inconvenience is "WELL worth it" for the serene destination.

The campground is split into two sections across the road, offering different site characteristics. While it's noted that being close to the road can lead to "loud when trucks and cars go by," many campers also observe that the "road is not very busy," suggesting that significant noise is intermittent. Importantly, the campground is accommodating for various vehicle sizes; the north side, in particular, has campsites "probably big enough to accommodate a 25 foot trailer or larger with no problem," making it suitable for RVs as well as tents. Overflow parking is also available and can fit "5 large vehicles," which is a convenient feature for groups. Tie Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning you'll need to arrive to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with two bathrooms (vault toilets) for both genders, which are noted for being clean and well-maintained.
• Drinking Water Pump: Fresh, potable water is available from a hand-pump-equipped well. Campers should be aware that this is not pressurized water.
• Updated Site Amenities: Individual campsites feature newly updated BBQ grills, fire pits with grates, and picnic tables, enhancing the camping experience.
• Spacious Sites: Campsites offer plenty of room for multiple tents (e.g., a 12-person and a 3-person tent with room for another larger tent) and are well-suited for RVs.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Designated fire pits are provided at each site for campfires (always check current fire restrictions before lighting).
• RV Spots: The campground has dedicated spots suitable for RVs.
• Overflow Parking: Ample overflow parking is available, capable of accommodating up to 5 large vehicles.
• No Trash Service: Campers are required to practice Leave No Trace principles, meaning all garbage must be packed out from the site.
• No Electricity/Hookups: This is a primitive campground with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the campground. Campers are encouraged to be considerate of others regarding leashing and noise.
• Fee-Based Camping: Tie Creek is a paid campground, typically costing around $15 per night for single sites, with additional fees for extra vehicles. Senior Pass holders often receive a discount.

• Riverside Location: A primary highlight is the campground's stunning location right by the Middle Fork Payette River. While dedicated "access points to the river" are limited to certain campsites, securing one means you "will love it" for the constant river sounds and easy access. A general river access spot is also available for all campers, though it can get busy.
• Serene Natural Ambiance: Despite some highway noise, the overall atmosphere is peaceful, dominated by the sounds of the river and nature, offering a true "getting away from people" experience if other campers are considerate.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "well kept, clean," and logically laid out, indicating attention to detail by the managing agency.
• Spacious Campsites: The sites are notably spacious, providing ample room for tents, vehicles, and even areas to leash dogs, ensuring comfort and privacy.
• Angler's Paradise: The Middle Fork Payette River offers "good to excellent fishing most of the year" for whitefish and rainbow trout, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts.
• Extensive Recreational Opportunities: The surrounding Boise National Forest provides numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding. Nearby trails include the One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail, and the 465 ATV Trail. Big game hunting for deer, elk, and bear is also popular in season.
• Dog-Friendly: With dogs allowed, it's a great spot for Idaho locals who want to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: This policy allows for spontaneous trips and means you don't need to plan months in advance, though early arrival is recommended to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

Address: Boise National Forest, Forest Road #698A, Garden Valley, ID 83622, USA

Phone: (208) 373-4100

Mobile Phone: +1 208-373-4100

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Tie Creek Campground, including its seasonal opening and closing dates, current conditions, specific fire restrictions, and any changes to amenities or fees, it is highly recommended to contact the Boise National Forest directly using the provided phone numbers. Their office can offer detailed insights to help plan your visit.

For Idaho locals, Tie Creek Campground presents a fantastic opportunity for a genuine and accessible mountain getaway. Its location right on the Middle Fork Payette River, nestled within the Boise National Forest, offers that quintessential Idaho experience many of us crave – the sound of flowing water, the scent of pine, and the vast wilderness at our fingertips. While some reviews mention the challenge of other campers' etiquette (like off-leash dogs or noise), the campground itself is consistently praised for being "well kept, clean, and laid out great." This means the core elements of a great camping spot are firmly in place, allowing you to focus on the natural beauty.

The spacious sites, accommodating both tents and a good range of RVs, make it versatile for various types of local adventurers. The availability of a fresh water pump and clean vault toilets provides essential comforts without detracting from the rustic feel. Importantly, the "first-come, first-served" system means you don't need to battle reservation systems months in advance, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips. Whether you're an avid angler seeking trout, a family looking for easy river access to play by the water, or an explorer keen to hit the numerous hiking, biking, or ATV trails in the vicinity, Tie Creek Campground serves as an excellent base. It’s a place where the rewards of nature far outweigh any minor inconveniences, making it a truly suitable and beloved destination for those who call Idaho home.

Tie Creek Campground

Boise National Forest, Forest Road #698A, Garden Valley, ID 83622, USA