Swanholm Lookout (FR 229) in ID -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Idaho

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Swanholm Lookout (FR 229) in ID

Boise NF, Idaho City Ranger District
5,175 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 5.0-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Elmore County, ID. The road serves Swanholm Peak. The road is open seasonally, June 16 to September 14.

Boise National Forest, Idaho City Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (5 miles). Climbs 2,600 ft over 5 miles -- sustained grades near 26%, with pitches to 33%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 9 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

West Warrior Peak stands 3,744 ft above the site, 2.7 miles northeast. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.6 miles off. The nearest town, Robie Creek, is 36 mi off.

September normals 44–72°F, 1.1″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Log Chute Gulch (FR 166B1) in IDForest Road Road19.5miFR 166B3 — Grouse Butte in IDForest Road Road20.4miBackcountry Campsite in IDBackcountry Campsite20.7miGrouse Creek - Hunter CR (FR 166) in IDForest Road Road20.9miElks Flat Cg, North Loop (FR 061EF1) in IDDispersed Camping21.8mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Boise National Forest, Idaho City Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.

fs.usda.gov
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?