Nearby getaways (Boise: camping, horses, snakes)

[ramenfan]

I've been in a bit of a funk and would like to just get away from everything for a couple days during the middle of the week next week. I want to drive up into the mountains somewhere behind us, find a campsite (with pit toilets at the very least), and just not think about anything other than how gorgeous the scenery is.

Any real scenic campsites I should know about? I probably don't want to drive more than 50 miles out of town.

[boiseguy]

If you drive up to lucky peek and take the turn off to atlanta, it follows the boise river up into the mountains. Its a dirt road but there are campsites and warm springs that bubble out of the ground... and its absolutely gorgeous. Dunno about the quality of the road this time of year, its a dirt road and it snakes around the reservoir a bit.. but if you keep following it you will get to some pretty country where the river is full of rapids with the sound of water and not to mention trees! Keep in mind I'm not sure of the quality of the road.. in the summer its good for even a sedan, but with mountain runoff... I don't know

[Syringaloid]

Originally Posted by ramenfan

I've been in a bit of a funk and would like to just get away from everything for a couple days during the middle of the week next week. I want to drive up into the mountains somewhere behind us, find a campsite (with pit toilets at the very least), and just not think about anything other than how gorgeous the scenery is.

Any real scenic campsites I should know about? I probably don't want to drive more than 50 miles out of town.

I saw on the news the other night that the mountain snowpack in the Boise Mountains is still at 100% so you might not have too much luck finding a snow free camping spot in the forest or higher mountains. There might be some clear camping spots near Robie Creek which is in a lower elevation.

[Torrie]

Originally Posted by boiseguy

If you drive up to lucky peek and take the turn off to atlanta, it follows the boise river up into the mountains. Its a dirt road but there are campsites and warm springs that bubble out of the ground... and its absolutely gorgeous. Dunno about the quality of the road this time of year, its a dirt road and it snakes around the reservoir a bit.. but if you keep following it you will get to some pretty country where the river is full of rapids with the sound of water and not to mention trees! Keep in mind I'm not sure of the quality of the road.. in the summer its good for even a sedan, but with mountain runoff... I don't know

Funny you should suggest this, my husband and I took an evening drive up this way about a week ago. We didn't go all the way to Atlanta, but we went to Arrowrock Dam and a bit beyond. The roads were clear to that point. Saw lots of wildlife around, elk, deer, hawks, etc. It was very peaceful and a nice getaway. There were a few spots around the reservoir where you could set up camp.

[rogerxd45]

a really fun place i like to go is up grimes creek. you drive up to lucky peak and head to idaho city and the turn off is about 10-15 miles from idaho city.
well im not sure if you ment you want toilets or dont want them but grimes creek is just alot of different areas you can pull over and camp. it isnt a dedicated camping area but when i go camping i dont want my neighbors closer up there then they are down in boise. the only dedicated campground i like is up by lowman its not kirkum its a different one a couple miles away towards banks/horseshoe bend. but i cant remember the name. its got a good hot spring and is right on the river.