Ore Ida Council - Where To Go Camping
Shafer Butte
Description: Just outside of Boise at the top of Bogus Basin. Shafer Butte can be used for both camping and day outings. This is also a good place for Troops and Packs in the Boise area to hold Courts of Honor and Special Pack Meetings. Fire grates are available, and some troops like to have a BBQ dinner followed by a Court of Honor. Packs can do the same. Also makes a good area close into town for Webelos overnighters.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Biking, Skiing
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:4
Directions: From Boise, take Bogus Basin Road to Bogus Basin. Bear to the left at the lower lodge and follow the signs to the camping area.
Squaw Creek
Description: South of Homedale, this area is wide open for large sized troops. Perfect for hiking, biking, and merit badge work. Good for spring, summer, or fall camping. A stream nearby, but no facilities.
Facilities: None
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Fishing, Wildlife Studies, Wild flowers
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 24 A:1
Directions: Take U.S. Highway 95 past Homedale. About 14 miles south of Homedale turn east on Sommer Camp Road (M.P. 9) and follow to Squaw Creek on the right.
Swan Falls
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 24 A:3
USGS MAP: Walters Butte and Initial Point
Directions: Approximately 25 miles south of Kuna. At Kuna, take Swan Falls Road south until you reach the dam. Turn left to go up river; turn right to go below the dam.
Note: From Version 1: Wide open areas for camp sites both up river or down from Swan Falls Dam. On the Snake River, in the middle of the Birds of Prey National Wildlife Refuge. High cliffs surround the river and the river valley downstream from the dam is filled with massive boulders which scouts love for playing Capture the Flag or other games.
Special Activities Available: Indian Petroglyphs approximately 3 miles downstream on the south side of the river. Ask permission to cross the dam or drive down river to the bridge and cross and hike up river.
Notes: Bring a whistle. Watch Scouts as they try to climb the cliffs. Make sure that you have tent stakes for sandy soil. Can get windy in the river valley.
Facilities: primitive camping,Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Great possibility for observing bird of prey in the canyon area. Visit the short interpretative trail that you pass on the way to the dam before dropping into the canyon. Watch for slick mud in spring and winter months.
Special Activities Available:
Access: Summer, Fall
Ten Mile Creek
Description: Several improved campgrounds in the area. Suitable for Boy Scout or Cub Scout overnighter. Good family camping area for spring, summer, and fall camping. There is a small fee required and reservations are suggested.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Fishing, Family Camping
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:6
Directions: Ten miles north of Idaho City off Highway 21. Several campsites in the area of Ten Mile Creek. Watch for the signs.
Trinity Lakes and Big Roaring River Lake
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 36 C:1
USGS MAP: Little Trinity Lake and Trinity Mountain
Directions: East from Boise on I-84, exit at Mountain Home/Fairfield Hwy. 20 exit. Travel on Hwy 20 for 30 miles; to FS 61 (road to Anderson Ranch Reservoir) travel 29 miles; then turn on Forest Rd. 172 and travel 15 miles; then travel 3 miles south on Forest Rd. 129.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating(non-power), Fees area, Climbing
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Note: Good for younger Scouts to stay at Trinity Lakes, older scouts can hike back in to higher lakes.
Warm Lake / Long Lake / Vulcan Hot Springs
Description: The original site of Boy Scout Camp Billy Rice. Warm Lake has both improved and unimproved campsites. Nicely wooded areas with the lake to the south. Vulcan Hot Springs is a 5 to 8 mile hike to the south of the lake. Long Lake shows about 4 miles on the map but hikes more like 6 or 7 with about a 3,000 foot climb. Summer fishing can be good and worth the hike.
Facilities: Depending on location. (Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood)
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Wildlife Studies, Hiking, Climbing, Swimming, Water Sports, Merit Badges
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 43 B:6
Access: Year Round (Road will be icy in the winter.)
Directions: Approximately 35 miles northeast of Cascade. Turn east on Warm Lake Road just past the spillway north of Cascade on the Highway.
Yellow Pine - Oregon
Description: Beautiful improved campground with approximately 24 sites.
Spring, Summer, and Fall use. Close to Unity Reservoir.
Notes: Unity Lake State Park
Facilities:
Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Fishing, Climbing
OREGON Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 82 C:3
Directions: Take U.S. Highway to Unity, Oregon. Go through town on Highway 26 and follow it around to Yellow Pine Campground. Watch for signs.
Three (3) Island Crossing
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 26 C:1
USGS MAP: Glenns Ferry
Directions: Travel on I-84 south from Boise to Glenns Ferry; turn south and follow signs to the state park.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Wate, Restrooms, Shower Facilities
Contact Agency/Person: Three Island Crossing; P.O. Box 609; Glenns Ferry, Idaho 83623 Phone 1(208)366-2394
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Hiking, Fees: yes,Other: Possible service project for Historic Trail Award
Access: Year Around
Silver City
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 24 B:1
USGS MAP: Silver City
Directions: Take Dirt Road 20 miles South East from Murphy. (Use a good map). Be sure to inquire about road conditions before proceeding. The road should not be attempted in inclement weather.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms
Contact Agency/Person: Idaho Hotel; Box 75; Murphy, Idaho 83650 : Phone:
1(208)495-2520
Special Activities Available: Mountain Biking, Hiking
Access: Spring, Summer
Note: Call Ahead for Ghost Town Tours. Silver City is probably the best preserved mining town in the state. All buildings are privately owned so seek permission before inspecting to closely. Population 6. At one time it was the largest city in Idaho.
Silver Creek Plunge
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): page 43 A:5
USGS MAP: Six Mile Point and Boiling Springs
Directions: From Boise take Hwy 55 to Banks and right to Garden Valley. Turn left 1 mile into Crouch, go through Crouch (north) on the Middle Fork Road. approximately 22 miles to Silver Creek Plunge, signs are posted. Operates partially on U.S. Forest service lands.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood, Shower Facilities
Contact Agency/Person: Silver Creek Plunge, HC 76 Box 2377, Garden Valley, ID 83622 (208)870-0586
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fees: swimming and camping
Access: Summer, Fall
Succor Creek State Park - Oregon
Map Reference (OREGON Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 79 B:8
USGS MAP: Adrian and Graveyard Point
Directions: Note Oregon Atlas and Gazetteer. From Boise take I-84 west to Caldwell exit and travel west through Homedale, cross Oregon border 1.2 miles turn left on dirt road (south) approximately 15 miles. (approximately 60 miles; travel time of 1 hour 10 minutes).
Facilities: Restrooms
Contact Agency/Person: Oregon State Park
Special Activities Available: Mountain Biking, Hiking
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Note: Stream nearby, spectacular cliffs, Geology merit badge
Wallowa Lake State Park - Oregon
Map Reference(OREGON Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 87 C:7
USGS MAP: Joseph
Directions: From Boise take I-84 west to LaGrande; turn North onto Hwy 82 to Joseph, Oregon.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood, Shower Facilities, Other (list): State Park: horses available, gondola ride to the summit and more.
Contact Agency/Person: Wallowa Lake State Park, Joseph Oregon
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating, Fees: State Park
Access: Summer, Fall
Note: Excellent jump off point for many hikes.
Ore Ida Council - Where To Go Camping
Shafer ButteDescription: Just outside of Boise at the top of Bogus Basin. Shafer Butte can be used for both camping and day outings. This is also a good place for Troops and Packs in the Boise area to hold Courts of Honor and Special Pack Meetings. Fire grates are available, and some troops like to have a BBQ dinner followed by a Court of Honor. Packs can do the same. Also makes a good area close into town for Webelos overnighters.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Biking, Skiing
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:4
Directions: From Boise, take Bogus Basin Road to Bogus Basin. Bear to the left at the lower lodge and follow the signs to the camping area.
Squaw Creek
Description: South of Homedale, this area is wide open for large sized troops. Perfect for hiking, biking, and merit badge work. Good for spring, summer, or fall camping. A stream nearby, but no facilities.
Facilities: None
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Fishing, Wildlife Studies, Wild flowers
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 24 A:1
Directions: Take U.S. Highway 95 past Homedale. About 14 miles south of Homedale turn east on Sommer Camp Road (M.P. 9) and follow to Squaw Creek on the right.
Swan Falls
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 24 A:3
USGS MAP: Walters Butte and Initial Point
Directions: Approximately 25 miles south of Kuna. At Kuna, take Swan Falls Road south until you reach the dam. Turn left to go up river; turn right to go below the dam.
Note: From Version 1: Wide open areas for camp sites both up river or down from Swan Falls Dam. On the Snake River, in the middle of the Birds of Prey National Wildlife Refuge. High cliffs surround the river and the river valley downstream from the dam is filled with massive boulders which scouts love for playing Capture the Flag or other games.
Special Activities Available: Indian Petroglyphs approximately 3 miles downstream on the south side of the river. Ask permission to cross the dam or drive down river to the bridge and cross and hike up river.
Notes: Bring a whistle. Watch Scouts as they try to climb the cliffs. Make sure that you have tent stakes for sandy soil. Can get windy in the river valley.
Facilities: primitive camping,Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Great possibility for observing bird of prey in the canyon area. Visit the short interpretative trail that you pass on the way to the dam before dropping into the canyon. Watch for slick mud in spring and winter months.
Special Activities Available:
Access: Summer, Fall
Ten Mile Creek
Description: Several improved campgrounds in the area. Suitable for Boy Scout or Cub Scout overnighter. Good family camping area for spring, summer, and fall camping. There is a small fee required and reservations are suggested.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Fishing, Family Camping
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 35 B:6
Directions: Ten miles north of Idaho City off Highway 21. Several campsites in the area of Ten Mile Creek. Watch for the signs.
Trinity Lakes and Big Roaring River Lake
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 36 C:1
USGS MAP: Little Trinity Lake and Trinity Mountain
Directions: East from Boise on I-84, exit at Mountain Home/Fairfield Hwy. 20 exit. Travel on Hwy 20 for 30 miles; to FS 61 (road to Anderson Ranch Reservoir) travel 29 miles; then turn on Forest Rd. 172 and travel 15 miles; then travel 3 miles south on Forest Rd. 129.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Contact Agency/Person: U.S. Forest Service
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating(non-power), Fees area, Climbing
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Note: Good for younger Scouts to stay at Trinity Lakes, older scouts can hike back in to higher lakes.
Warm Lake / Long Lake / Vulcan Hot Springs
Description: The original site of Boy Scout Camp Billy Rice. Warm Lake has both improved and unimproved campsites. Nicely wooded areas with the lake to the south. Vulcan Hot Springs is a 5 to 8 mile hike to the south of the lake. Long Lake shows about 4 miles on the map but hikes more like 6 or 7 with about a 3,000 foot climb. Summer fishing can be good and worth the hike.
Facilities: Depending on location. (Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood)
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Wildlife Studies, Hiking, Climbing, Swimming, Water Sports, Merit Badges
Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 43 B:6
Access: Year Round (Road will be icy in the winter.)
Directions: Approximately 35 miles northeast of Cascade. Turn east on Warm Lake Road just past the spillway north of Cascade on the Highway.
Yellow Pine - Oregon
Description: Beautiful improved campground with approximately 24 sites.
Spring, Summer, and Fall use. Close to Unity Reservoir.
Notes: Unity Lake State Park
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Special Activities Available: Hiking, Merit Badges, Fishing, Climbing
OREGON Atlas and Gazetteer page number and reference: Page 82 C:3
Directions: Take U.S. Highway to Unity, Oregon. Go through town on Highway 26 and follow it around to Yellow Pine Campground. Watch for signs.
Three (3) Island Crossing
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 26 C:1
USGS MAP: Glenns Ferry
Directions: Travel on I-84 south from Boise to Glenns Ferry; turn south and follow signs to the state park.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Wate, Restrooms, Shower Facilities
Contact Agency/Person: Three Island Crossing; P.O. Box 609; Glenns Ferry, Idaho 83623 Phone 1(208)366-2394
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Hiking, Fees: yes,Other: Possible service project for Historic Trail Award
Access: Year Around
Silver City
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 24 B:1
USGS MAP: Silver City
Directions: Take Dirt Road 20 miles South East from Murphy. (Use a good map). Be sure to inquire about road conditions before proceeding. The road should not be attempted in inclement weather.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms
Contact Agency/Person: Idaho Hotel; Box 75; Murphy, Idaho 83650 : Phone: 1(208)495-2520
Special Activities Available: Mountain Biking, Hiking
Access: Spring, Summer
Note: Call Ahead for Ghost Town Tours. Silver City is probably the best preserved mining town in the state. All buildings are privately owned so seek permission before inspecting to closely. Population 6. At one time it was the largest city in Idaho.
Silver Creek Plunge
Map Reference (Idaho Atlas and Gazetteer): page 43 A:5
USGS MAP: Six Mile Point and Boiling Springs
Directions: From Boise take Hwy 55 to Banks and right to Garden Valley. Turn left 1 mile into Crouch, go through Crouch (north) on the Middle Fork Road. approximately 22 miles to Silver Creek Plunge, signs are posted. Operates partially on U.S. Forest service lands.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood, Shower Facilities
Contact Agency/Person: Silver Creek Plunge, HC 76 Box 2377, Garden Valley, ID 83622 (208)870-0586
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fees: swimming and camping
Access: Summer, Fall
Succor Creek State Park - Oregon
Map Reference (OREGON Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 79 B:8
USGS MAP: Adrian and Graveyard Point
Directions: Note Oregon Atlas and Gazetteer. From Boise take I-84 west to Caldwell exit and travel west through Homedale, cross Oregon border 1.2 miles turn left on dirt road (south) approximately 15 miles. (approximately 60 miles; travel time of 1 hour 10 minutes).
Facilities: Restrooms
Contact Agency/Person: Oregon State Park
Special Activities Available: Mountain Biking, Hiking
Access: Spring, Summer, Fall
Note: Stream nearby, spectacular cliffs, Geology merit badge
Wallowa Lake State Park - Oregon
Map Reference(OREGON Atlas and Gazetteer): Page 87 C:7
USGS MAP: Joseph
Directions: From Boise take I-84 west to LaGrande; turn North onto Hwy 82 to Joseph, Oregon.
Facilities: Potable Drinking Water, Restrooms, Fire Wood, Shower Facilities, Other (list): State Park: horses available, gondola ride to the summit and more.
Contact Agency/Person: Wallowa Lake State Park, Joseph Oregon
Special Activities Available: Fishing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Boating, Fees: State Park
Access: Summer, Fall
Note: Excellent jump off point for many hikes.
