USDA Forest Service · Idaho

Swinging Bridge

USDA Forest Service · Idaho, United States

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Sites
7
Hookups
7 no hookups
Season
May 21 to September 5
Max RV length
40 ft
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
3,763 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
SWINGING BRIDGE CAMPGROUND (NFSR 023D) · bituminous surface treatment · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Boise National Forest
Address
BOISE, ID
Phone
541-351-1182
Activities
Camping, Fishing, Kayaking

6 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Swinging Bridge Campground is located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet.

The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where extreme kayaking is a popular activity.

Recreation

The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River.

Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.

Facilities

The campground contains single-family sites, each with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Because of its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected.

Natural Features

The campground is situated is a scenic canyon just above Highway 55. The mountains are forested with a mix of Ponderosa and lodgepole pines and shade is plentiful within most of the campground. Summer days are warm, reaching 80-90 degrees; nights are cooler.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January36°19°-2°49°11 of 11
February38°23°-7°51°11 of 11
March45°29°11°68°11 of 11
April49°31°21°72°10 of 11
May63°42°30°82°2 of 11
June74°49°35°89°0 of 11
July89°60°45°99°0 of 11
August87°60°49°97°0 of 11
September75°50°41°88°0 of 11
October60°38°19°77°5 of 10
November48°30°5°64°9 of 10
December36°18°4°52°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.