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Big Roaring River Lake Campground

FSU.S. Forest Service — Idaho · Boise National Forest

AgencyFSU.S. Forest Service
AreaBoise National Forest
LocationIdaho · Boise National Forest · 43.62062, -115.44370 · Map
SitesNot reported — the federal listing names no individual sites for this campground
Getting a siteFirst-come, first-served only — this campground takes no reservations.
HookupsNot reported in the federal data
Max RV lengthNot reported in the federal data
Months openNot in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov.
FeesNot reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground.

Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →

This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.

From the official listing

Overview: 

Set within the beautiful Trinity Recreation area, the Big Roaring River Lake Campground has12 campsites in a dense lodgepole forest on the river.

The Trailhead to the north follows the Upper Roaring River and the Trailhead to the south accesses the William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and the Lava Mountain Trail.

Both trails are open to two-wheeled ATVs, horses, bikes, and people. The Lava Mountain Trail itself passes three lovely lakes on its way south to Lava Mountain.

Fishing in the river or in Big Roaring River Lake for rainbow trout. Hand-carry boat launch for canoes and other small craft.

Several Campgrounds in there area offer a quiet retreat in a beautiful high alpine landscape.

The Trinity Recreation area has a limited season due to late snow melt, but campgrounds they are accessible by car.

Natural Features: Campgrounds are located in a dense lodgepole pine forest close to the East Fork Roaring River at an elevation of 7,900 feet. They're nestled among four subalpine lakes: Big Roaring River Lake, Little Roaring River Lake, Big Trinity Lake and Little Trinity Lake. The peaks of the Boise Mountains surround the cabins, and Trinity Mountain, the tallest in the range at 9,700 feet, is just to the south.

Snow can make this area inaccessible until early July, but soon afterward, the land is blanketed by colorful summer wildflowers. This area is a haven for elk and deer, but wildlife watchers may also spot an occasional black bear.

Recreation: Hikers can access the 4-mile Rainbow Basin Trail System from Big Trinity Lake. The William H. Pogue National Recreation Trail and Lava Mountain Trail are for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. Both of these trails can be accessed near Big Roaring River Lake. The Little Roaring River Trail at Little Roaring River Lake is also open to mountain bike, off-road vehicles and hiking. Click here for an Idaho OHV Safety Message.

Anglers can fish in any of the nearby lakes for rainbow and cutthroat trout. The lakes are also ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak.

Nearby Attractions: The summit of Trinity Mountain is the highest drivable point in Idaho, although the road may be blocked by snow until early July. A short, steep hike takes visitors to the lookout tower for panoramic views of several subalpine lakes and other mountains in the Boise Range.

Directions, from the listing

From Boise, Idaho travel east along Interstate 84 (I-84) to Mountain Home, Idaho.

At the I-84 and State Highway 20 junction, take Highway 20 east for 35 miles to the Pine/Featherville turnoff.

Travel north on Forest Highway 61 for 29 miles to Forest Service (FS) road 172.

Proceed 15 miles northwest to FS road 129.

Continue 3 miles to the Guard Station junction.

The roadway is paved up to the junction of FS road 172. FS Road 172 is native material (dirt) and trailer traffic is not recommended. There are signs noting each of the junctions.

Nearest federal campgrounds

FSU.S. Forest ServiceBig Trinity Cabin
1 mi straight-line · MOUNTAIN HOME Idaho
FSU.S. Forest ServiceElks Flat Campground
9 mi straight-line · MOUNTAIN HOME Idaho
FSU.S. Forest ServiceDog Creek (Id)
9 mi straight-line · MOUNTAIN HOME Idaho
FSU.S. Forest ServiceNinemeyer Campground
11 mi straight-line · Idaho
FSU.S. Forest ServicePine Campground Boat Ramp
13 mi straight-line · Idaho

Trip Card — Big Roaring River Lake Campground

Idaho · Boise National Forest

AgencyFS · U.S. Forest Service
LocationIdaho · Boise National Forest
FeesNot reported in the federal data
Getting a siteFirst-come only
HookupsNot reported
Max RVNot reported
Months openNot in federal data
SitesNot reported

Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/238051 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.