Boise National Forest

    In 2008, Scenic Canyons Recreational Services acquired the special use permit to manage campgrounds and other recreation sites in the Boise National Forest, located north and east of Boise, Idaho.

Geology
    Most of the land lies within the Idaho batholith. Geologic processes on this formation have created a mountainous landscape crossed by many rivers. Elevations range from 2,600 to 9,000 feet. The spectacular Sawtooth Mountains run north and south along the eastern edge of the forest. Major rivers include the South and Middle Forks of the Salmon River, the Boise and Payette Rivers.

Recreation
    The Forest is known for its whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, hunting, scenic driving, motorized trail use and winter activities. Scenic Canyons manages campgrounds, boating facilities, picnic areas and rental cabins, all of which provide easy access to forest recreation.
    These recreation sites are distributed among the lakes and rivers of the area. Sites in the Crouch/Garden Valley area are along the Middle and South Forks of the Payette River. Four campgrounds are located along Idaho State Road 55 and the North Fork Payette River between Banks and Smith’s Ferry. Sagehen Reservoir has 9 sites surrounding it and the Third Fork Cabin is located adjacent to Squaw Creek.
    The major recreation activities in the late spring, summer and early fall include camping, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, hunting, sight seeing, mountain biking, motorcycling, ATV riding, horseback riding, hiking, photography, and viewing wildlife. There are over 150 miles of trail. The District contains large areas of summer range for big game species such as elk and mule deer. Trout are native to most streams and lakes.
    Temperatures at these recreation sites are generally cooler than Boise and vary with elevation. High temperatures during May average 70 degrees, June and September average about 78, July and August about 87. Low temperatures generally range from the upper 30s to mid 40s. July and August months are likely to have daily afternoon thunderstorms. The Forest receives its greatest precipitation in the form of snow. All high elevation sites will open as snow conditions allow. This usually occurs early to mid-May.

Middle/South Fork campgrounds                   Sagehen/North Fork campgrounds                     Map