Name: Riverside Campground-BNF
This review was made from the information we observed from our visit on Wednesday September 1, 2021 and was accurate as of that date.
Riverside Campground is set on the east shore of the Middle Fork of the Boise River on mostly level ground. It is forested with some underbrush which make a couple of these campsites fairly secluded. The elevation here is just over 5200 feet so the summer temporatures can hit into the 90s. On the day we visited it was in the low 80s. This campground did not appear to be busy based on the weeds that had not been trampled down. Only one campsite was occupied at the time of our visit. This campground is a first come first serve facility.
Campsites: The campsites are equipped with a picnic table, a fire pit with attached grate and a lantern post. The road and driveways are gravel. Campsites 1, 3 and 5 are on the river and appear to get the most use.
Host on Site: No
Water: Yes there is water available from a hand pump equipped well. I didn't taste the water.
Garbage Services: No
Electricity Available: No
Restroom: There is one vault style outhouse which was clean and stocked with toilet paper.
Handicap Accessible: Only the outhouse is handicap accessible but the approach to the outhouse is not handicap accessible.
Firewood: No
Pets: Must be on a leash
Picnic Area: The picnic area is a good question. Campsite number 7 appears to have been setup as a small group site and is on the river next the the "day-use area". If I were just looking for a picnic area we would go to the pond by the hot spring at Power Plant Campground.
Recreation: Camping and fishing are certainly recreational opportunities however one could hike, trail ride(ATVs), possibly prospect for gold and many other activities.
Fishing: The South Fork of the Boise River offers trout fishing and is a beautiful river.
Boating: No
Swimming: I'm sure many people play in the river and there is a hot spring by Power Plant Campground only a short drive away.
Hiking: We found the Power Plant trail at the entrance to Power Plant Campground.
Wildlife: There were bear warnings on every table. Deer would likely visit the campground as well as other woodland critters like squirrels and birds.
Additional Camping Opportunities: There are 2 other campgrounds nearby. We visited Power Plant Campground upstream a mile or so. The other is the Queen's River Campground which I know nothing about. If "I" were to camp here I would probably stay at Power Plant Campground because of the access to hiking and the river. However in my opinion campsites 1, 3 and 5 are nicer than any at Power Plant Campground.
Nearby Services: There are VERY limited services in Atlanta. Beaver Lodge is available for food and drinks.
Gas and Food: Beaver Lodge is available to eat at but we didn't see any source to purchase gas. On the route from Mountain Home there is gas at Pine, Idaho. It was about 70 cents per gallon more than gas at Mountain Home.
RV Dumping Site: None close
Location/Driving instructions: There are two ways to the Atlanta area. The route I took from Mountain Home was very steep and the road was narrow and is NOT recommended for trailer or RV use. Most people come up the river either from Lucky Peak or from Idaho City. These routes are on gravel roads which are almost always washboard.
Coordinates: 43.809321,-115.129590
Elevation: 5280 Feet
Reviewed Date: September 2021
Fees And Reservations: The fees as posted on 9/1/21 are single sites $15, double sites $30 and day-use $5. We didn't notice that any were double sites. Riverside Campground is currently a first come, first served facility.
This information is accurate as of the date of the review.
