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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

SWINGING BRIDGE

Banks, Idaho · Valley County · Campground

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 kayak…

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44.17156, -116.12096
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at SWINGING BRIDGE

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High71°F
Avg Low49°F
Peak Rain Chance1%
Humidity42%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality45 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
65°/49°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
6:04 AM9:19 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
66°/47°
🌬 9mph
6:04 AM9:20 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
70°/51°
🌬 9mph
6:03 AM9:20 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
75°/47°
🌬 9mph
6:03 AM9:21 PM
Wed
🌦
Light Drizzle
81°/51°
💧 1%🌬 14mph
6:02 AM9:22 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About SWINGING BRIDGE

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.

How to Get There

From Horseshoe Bend, ID, take State Rt. 55 north for 21.5 miles to the campground sign. Turn left after the sign into the campground(on west side of highway).

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.
  • 🌡
    Layers for swings
    Daily temp range is wide (49°F low → 71°F high). Pack layers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to SWINGING BRIDGE

Heading to SWINGING BRIDGE? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for SWINGING BRIDGE?

No central reservation system listed for SWINGING BRIDGE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232344) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to SWINGING BRIDGE?

From Horseshoe Bend, ID, take State Rt. 55 north for 21.5 miles to the campground sign. Turn left after the sign into the campground(on west side of highway).

How do I contact SWINGING BRIDGE?

You can reach the park at phone: 541-351-1182.