About RIVER SIDE (ID - BOISE)
Overview River Side Campground is located along the Deadwood River at the north end of scenic Deadwood Reservoir at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Boating, fishing and hiking are popular activities. Recreation Because of its remote location, Deadwood Reservoir is quiet and unpopulated, making for great fishing for Chinook and Kokanee salmon, and rainbow and cutthroat trout. Boating, water skiing, canoeing and kayaking are popular on the lake. A boat ramp is located about 2 miles away at Cozy Cove Campground.Many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding are in the area. Facilities This primitive campground offers waterfront sites with direct river access. A vault toilet is located up a hill above the campground. Drinking water is provided. Roads and parking spurs within the site are dirt. Natural Features The campground is situated in a mixed-growth pine forest, which offers plentiful shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. The entire campground affords views of the river.
How to Get There
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north. At Banks, take Highway 17/Banks-Lowman Highway east to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Continue along Highway 17 over Banner Summit. Turn west on Forest Road 579. Continue on FR 579 to Deadwood Resevoir.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 12 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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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 RIVER SIDE (ID - BOISE)
Heading to RIVER SIDE (ID - BOISE)? 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 RIVER SIDE (ID - BOISE)?
No central reservation system listed for RIVER SIDE (ID - BOISE). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234096) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RIVER SIDE (ID - BOISE)?
From Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 55 north. At Banks, take Highway 17/Banks-Lowman Highway east to Lowman. Turn left on Highway 21. Continue along Highway 17 over Banner Summit. Turn west on Forest Road 579. Continue on FR 579 to Deadwood Resevoir.
References & Official Resources
