About this campground
The South Fork Payette River is a classic pool-drop river cooperatively managed by the BLM and Boise National Forest. Deer Creek launch is a main put-in spot for the Class III-IV, "Staircase" section of the South Fork Payette River. many boaters will launch here to avoid the three miles of calm water from the Confluence Site. The site is essentially a very broad gravel area adjacent to the Banks-Lowman Highway. The facilities include a steep, steel and wood boat ramp, portable toilet, and information kiosk. This is a fee parking area - $5.00/day or $30.00 season pass for the Boise National Forest Annual Day Use Pass. Day passes are available on-site. Purchase online Boise National Forest Annual Day Use Pass Payette River Maps (Boater's Guide)
Getting there
Deer Creek Launch Site is located along the Banks-Lowman Highway four miles east of Banks, Idaho and six miles west of Garden Valley, Idaho.
Activities
- INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
- FISHING
- WATER SPORTS
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- PHOTOGRAPHY
- PADDLING
- Accessible Facility or Activity
Nearby federal campgrounds
Explore more Idaho camping
Payette River: Deer Creek doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Idaho campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Idaho camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.