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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Big Roaring River Lake Campground

Atlanta, Idaho · Elmore County · Campground

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 Mounta…

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43.62062, -115.44370
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About Big Roaring River Lake Campground

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

How to Get There

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.

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 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 Big Roaring River Lake Campground

Heading to Big Roaring River Lake Campground? 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 Big Roaring River Lake Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Big Roaring River Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/238051) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Big Roaring River Lake Campground?

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 o…