Bureau of Land Management · Idaho

Garden Creek Campground

Bureau of Land Management · Idaho, United States

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Cost
Campsites are first come, first served. Camping Fee: Free, Stay Limit: 14 days.
Elevation
6,824 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)
Nearest town
Challis
Address
Challis Field Office, Challis, ID
Phone
208-879-6200
Activities
Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Photography, Wildlife Viewing

About

This campground, located in an aspen grove, is along the Big Lost River and features scenic hiking and nature viewing opportunities for visitors. Travel 3.5 miles south to the border of the Challis National Forest to hike from the Deep Creek Trailhead or head about 15 miles north on ID-93 to the Whiskey Springs Wildlife Viewing Area to observe waterfowl in the Chilly Slough Wetlands Conservation Area. There are 5 first come, first served primitive campsites. This site has no potable water and limited cell service.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January27°12°-9°39°11 of 11
February28°13°-11°45°11 of 11
March35°19°7°57°11 of 11
April40°23°6°56°11 of 11
May53°35°22°65°8 of 11
June65°45°30°81°1 of 11
July81°58°37°88°0 of 11
August78°56°42°87°0 of 11
September67°47°32°79°0 of 11
October52°31°11°69°8 of 10
November40°23°-7°56°9 of 10
December28°14°-8°46°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.