Name: Garden Creek Recreation Site
Garden Creek Recreation Site is situated along the Big Lost River on fairly flat land. There are pockets of aspen with cottonwood trees scattered about. Mount Borah and the Lost River Range is just a few miles to the east, and the Pioneer Mountains are to the west. This is very beautiful country but at the recreation site it was very dry and hot on a mid-July day.
Campsites: There are several campsites scattered over a couple acres between the road and the river. Some have a table and fire ring, while others have a fire ring but no table and so on. Some are nestled among the aspens and cottonwood trees, while others are fairly open with little shade.
Host on Site: No.
Water: Bring your own drinking water as there is no potable water available.
Garbage Services: No.
Electricity Available: No.
Restroom: There is one vault style outhouse in Garden Creek Recreation Site.
Handicap Accessible: The outhouse is handicap accessible.
Firewood: No, you will need to provide your own.
Pets: I saw no restrictions about pets, however, it is common courtesy to leash your dogs.
Picnic Area: The entire Recreation Site could be called a picnic area. There is no daily fee so feel free to have your picnic here.
Recreation: The Big Lost River runs right by the site and is well known for its trout fishing. Mount Borah is nearby also and many people hike the trail at least part way up. I love to take pictures of everything and there are some beautiful scenic vistas. Recreation activities also include camping, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
Fishing: The Big Lost River is one of Idaho's premier trout streams. Check the regulations.
Boating: Not here.
Swimming: One might find a spot to swim in the river but there is no developed swimming area so swim at your own risk.
Additional Camping Opportunities: We have reviews for these nearby campgrounds; Phi Kappa Campground, Park Creek Campground and Boundary Campground. There are many free primitive camping sites along the Big Lost River. There is a very nice site across the road from Park Creek Campground, but it has its share of mosquitoes.
Phone service: The nearest cell phone reception we found on our ATT phones was at the top end of Trail Creek on the west side of the summit on the road to Sun Valley.
Nearby Services: For camping supplies should you run low, you can find them at MacKay, Idaho, to the east on Hwy 93 or Sun Valley or Ketchum, Idaho, to the west. Either way it is a 30 to 45 minute drive.
RV Dumping Site: As far as a public RV dumping station, I don't find one anywhere near. There is an RV dumping station just north of the SNRA Vistors Information Center 10 miles north of Ketchum, Idaho.
Location/Driving instructions: From Sun Valley, Idaho travel east on Trail Creek Road 24.8 miles to Garden Creek Recreation Site campground.
Coordinates: 43.976531,-114.066864
Elevation: 6745 Feet
Reviewed Date: July 2010
Fees And Reservations: No reservations. There is no fee to camp at Garden Creek Recreation Site.
This information is accurate as of the date of the review.
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High: 54°F | High: 54°F | High: 57°F | High: 62°F | High: 67°F | High: 68°F | High: 67°F |
 | | |  |  | | |
| Mostly cloudy throughout the day. | Possible light rain in the afternoon and evening. | Mostly cloudy throughout the day. | Partly cloudy throughout the day. | Clear throughout the day. | Clear throughout the day. | Clear throughout the day. |
| 50% chance of rain | 77% chance of rain | 51% chance of rain | No precipation during the day | No precipation during the day | No precipation during the day | No precipation during the day |
| Low: 33°F | Low: 34°F | Low: 36°F | Low: 32°F | Low: 34°F | Low: 33°F | Low: 31°F |
Comments
01/17/2019