The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Summit Creek Recreation Site is located in Idaho and is open for the public to use all year-round. At Summit Creek, visitors can hike, bike, fish, and camp for free, though perhaps what sets the recreation site apart most is its natural hot springs, like Barney Hot Springs, which are nearly never crowded.
The Summit Creek Recreation Site and its accompanying Summit Creek Campgrounds are both owned and managed by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM ensures that the land at Summit Creek is kept clean for its wildlife residents and that the forests on the land are safe from wildfire outbreaks. Close by this recreation area are the Boise National Forest, Payette National Forest, and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
The Summit Creek Trail is located right in the Summit Creek Recreation Site and follows a path up to the top of Phi Kappa Mountain. Along the trail, you'll find lots of wildflowers and get a glimpse of beaver dams.
Length: 9.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Proctor Mountain Loop Trail is a moderately difficult trail that follows steep inclinations up the side of Proctor Mountain. This trail is sometimes crowded in the summer and icy in the winter.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is a loop trail that takes a path over some climbing rocks. It's also very shady and permits pets to walk in some areas without a leash.
Length: 5.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Those who want to fish or boat at Summit Creek Recreation Site can do so in either the Summit Creek or the Summit Reservoir, both of which are full of Idaho native fish species, like rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Keep in mind, though, that there are no marked roads leading directly to either body of water, so you may wish to use an off-roading vehicle to transport your boat to the edge of the water.
The Summit Creek Recreation Site is known for its abundant forests, creeks, and springs, all of which are great spots for photographing wildlife. Moose and deer roam the area frequently, and birdwatchers can enjoy the area's many songbirds, from sparrows to woodpeckers and many in between.
There are no picnic shelters set up around the Summit Creek Recreation Site, but there are picnic tables provided at each campsite at the Summit Creek Campgrounds. If you choose to camp at the campground, you can certainly use one of the picnic tables, but if you'd like to picnic in the greater Summit Creek Recreation Site area, consider bringing your own folding chairs, blankets, or towels to sit on while you enjoy your picnic. No matter where you set up your picnic, though, be sure to pick up all of your leftover food and trash properly so that you do not disturb the natural environment.
There are many big game species at the Summit Creek Recreation Site that hunters with a valid Idaho-issued hunting license or passport can hunt. These species include deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, and wolves. Moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep are also available to hunt during specified seasons.
When you're searching for BLM camping but still want to find a campground with full service, try staying at a private campground that isn't owned by the Bureau of Land Management. One option for RV camping nearby the Summit Creek Recreation Site is the Caldwell Campground & RV Park, which has full electrical hookups, water, and even free Wi-Fi. You may also like the Oregon Trails Campground, which includes hookups on top of amenities like a laundry facility and a dog park.
If you'd like to stay at a place that offers Bureau of Land Management free camping, check out the Summit Creek Campgrounds within the Summit Creek Recreation Site. These Bureau of Land Management campgrounds includes seven campsites that may fit large RVs with picnic tables at each site. There are no options for electric or water hookups, making this campground primitive, but there are vault toilet facilities.
If you plan on camping at Summit Creek in Idaho, be sure to pack everything you will need for your stay since there are no electricity or water hookups anywhere in the site area. You may want to pack jugs of clean water as well as fire starters since contained campfires are permitted at the site. It's also a good idea to have plenty of blankets to stay warm at night and sunscreen and light clothing for wear during the days in the summer, keeping you safe from heat exhaustion.
When you choose to stay at a primitive BLM-owned campground, you're choosing a camping experience that will take you far away from busy city life. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When you visit the Summit Creek Recreation Site, you will need to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace Policy in order to help keep the site clean and safe for the wildlife that lives there. This policy includes making sure you do not leave any food or trash behind and burying any human or pet waste at least 200 feet from any water source.
To reach the Summit Creek Recreation Site from Howe, Idaho, take County Road northwest for 40 miles, then turn northeast on Summit Road. From there, travel 9.5 miles to the entrance of Summit Creek Recreation Site.
Ready to visit Summit Creek Recreation Site? 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.
