The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Tucked into the rolling foothills west of Hailey, Idaho, the Croy Creek Recreation Area and Trailhead is a mecca for local mountain bikers. An extensive trail network winds through the hills, offering heart-pounding climbs and thrilling descents. Start your trip at the BLM Croy Creek Trailhead and ride for miles through waving grasses, scattered trees, and rocky slopes. The trails were damaged by the Beaver Creek Fire in 2013; they've recovered nicely, but a few sandy patches remain. Croy Creek Recreation area lies just 20 miles south of the popular ski resorts in Sun Valley.
Croy Creek is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site. BLM lands are publicly owned, so they're usually open for hiking, biking, camping, and other activities. In Idaho, 22 percent of the state is managed by the BLM — that's almost 12 million acres of space that you can use for outdoor recreation. The trail system at Croy Creek is managed in partnership with Blaine County and the BLM. Some BLM sites charge fees, but the Croy Creek Recreation Area is free. While camping is not permitted along the trail, you'll find other Bureau of Land Management camping opportunities nearby. Thanks to Idaho's short, relatively mild winters, you can camp year-round.
Two Dog Trail is the longest trail in the Croy Creek network. It starts north of the trailhead, just off of Democrat Gulch Road. Over the course of this route, you'll enjoy steep climbs, exciting rollers, and berm turns. If you're coming from the Croy Creek Trailhead, you can reach this trail via the Bullion Connector Trail. While this trail is open to both hikers and bikers, hikers should watch for approaching riders on slopes and curves.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
With its beautiful backcountry views and gradual climbs, Bulldog Trail is a great choice for beginning and intermediate riders. To get to this trail, continue past the BLM trailhead and turn right on Bullion Creek Road. There's a small parking lot on the right. For a longer ride, start at the main Croy Creek Trailhead, take the Bullion Connector Trail to Two Dog Trail, and connect to Bulldog Trail on the northern end of the trail system.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The mountains and hills near Croy Creek Recreation Area and Trailhead are filled with scenic fishing spots. For brown trout and rainbow trout, head to the beautiful Big Wood River between Hailey and Ketchum. Another local trout hotspot is the Silver Creek Preserve, which lies about 23 miles south. The fishing season usually runs from Memorial Day weekend until the end of November.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rock climber, you'll find spectacular options on Trail Creek Road. Drive 15 miles north to the town of Ketchum and head northwest on Sun Valley Road until it turns into Trail Creek Road. This family-friendly spot offers trad routes and a sport route, each with stunning views. Expect a bit of scrambling at the beginning, and feel free to bring a top rope.
The best place to see wildlife near the Croy Creek Recreation Area is the Draper Wood River Preserve. As you walk the well-maintained paths and boardwalks, keep an eye out for bears, moose, and beavers. If you're interested in birding, bring your binoculars to spot the more than 100 bird species that live in the area.
While there's no dedicated picnic area at Croy Creek Recreation Area, you'll find several great spots a few miles away in Hailey. If you have kids, check out Hop Porter Park; it offers picnic tables, grills, and one of the best playgrounds in the area. Deerfield Park has a small playground and lots of open space for a casual picnic on the grass.
The Croy Creek Recreation Area does not offer BLM RV camping. Drive south to Magic Reservoir, and you'll find a few semi-developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Camping areas are scattered around the reservoir; make sure to stick to the marked sites. BLM areas that allow camping include Moonstone Landing, Lava Greek, Magic Dam, Lava Gove, Myrtle Point, Richfield Diversion, and West Magic. The access roads are dirt, but they're usually passable for RVs. Most of the camping areas offer pit toilets and fire rings.
Much of the land near Croy Creek Recreation Area is managed by the BLM, which means that it's open for dispersed camping. You'll find a range of Bureau of Land Management free camping options in the region; simply pull off of any BLM road and choose a site. The BLM recommends that you stay within 100 feet of the road and use existing sites whenever possible. Some local roads that travel through BLM lands include Lees Gulch Road, Townsend Gulch Road, and parts of Bullion Gulch Road. Make sure to obey posted no-camping signs, and use a BLM map to make sure that you're on public lands.
The Croy Creek Recreation Area and Trailhead sit close to some of southern Idaho's busiest outdoor-adventure destinations — you're likely to meet hikers, bikers, anglers, and skiers. Don't wait until you arrive to search "BLM camping near me"; this area can be busy, so it's good to have a few options in mind before you arrive. The BLM office in Shoshone, Idaho can provide valuable tips.
The weather is a big consideration for any BLM camping trip in Idaho. Summers are hot and dry; make sure to bring plenty of water and look into current fire bans. When this happens, you'll need to have a stove and cooking fuel. Many local BLM campsites offer little to no shade, so an awning is a great way to stay out of the sun. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and pleasant hiking and biking. Winter camping is possible, as long as your RV is prepared for cold winds and the occasional snowstorm.
Many BLM campsites near the Croy Creek Recreation Area lie close to the towns of Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum. Supply runs are quick and easy, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. As soon as you're out of town, the views are spectacular — from mountain peaks to tree-lined rivers, there's something new around every corner. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Anytime you use a public-land facility like the Croy Creek Recreation Area, it's important to leave it in the same condition in which you found it. The BLM recommends a Leave No Trace camping style — clean up after yourself, pack out trash, and never take anything from the environment. In doing so, you can protect the land and ensure that it's open for recreation for decades to come.
To get to the Croy Creek Recreation Area and Trailhead, make your way to the town of Hailey on ID-75. From downtown, turn left on Bouillon Street. Drive for about 0.5 miles, and continue onto Croy Creek Road. Drive three miles, pass the Rotarun Ski Area, and turn right on Trailhead Road. The trailhead is located at the end of this short dirt road.
Address: Croy Creek Road and Trailhead Road, Hailey, ID 83333
Ready to visit Croy Creek Recreation Area and Trailhead? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
