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Overview: Hardscrabble Campground is located approximately 12 miles north of Crouch, Idaho. It is one of 5 campgrounds that lie along the Middle Fork of the Payette River, north of Garden Valley at an elevation of approximately 3,215 feet. The Middle Fork drainage offers excellent trail opportunities. Fishing and hunting are popular activities as well. Natural Features: The campground is situated on the banks of the Middle Fork Payette River among Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees, which offer partial shade. A few sites offer river views through the dense vegetation on the banks. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the Middle Fork drainage, including deer, elk and red-tailed hawks. Recreation: The Middle Fork Payette River offers good to excellent fishing most of the year. Anglers cast for whitefish and rainbow trout. Many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV riding can be found in the area. Check on the Boise National Forest map and the Emmett Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for information about trails and road open to OHV use. The One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail and 465 ATV Trail are all in the vicinity of the campground. In-season big game hunting for deer, elk and bear is a popular activity in the surrounding mountains.
Hardscrabble Campground is located in Southwestern Idaho, 11 miles north of Garden Valley. Take National Forest Road 698 (NF-698), north from Garden Valley. Watch for recreation signs.
It was closed but I wandered. Great location, just off the river. Good sized lots with gravel beds for tents as well. Decent spacing and wooded trails nearby
Nice and clean campground. Each spot had it's open secrets to uncover. We found a nice little beach going through a small trail.
***No drinking water*** , fill up at Tie Creek campground, or elsewhere. 3.4 miles of dusty dirt road to get there. It is right on the Middle Fork Payette, with good birding, and a hotsprings nearby if the river is low enough to wade across.
Only 6 spots and they tend to be reserved fairly quickly. I have been able to go on a Thursday and get a spot, but on weekends - forget it.
There is fresh water, restrooms, and access to the river. However, there are many 'free' / 'unoffical' campsites nearby that get rowdy. The last time we went, there was very loud hispanic music blasting until 2:30am. When you go somewhere to get away and enjoy nature, this is not ideal. But if you are looking to just get in the woods - this area is ideal. It is also significantly cooler (~20 degrees). 7/10
Clean campground with great river access at all perimeter sites. River is about 75 - 100ft wide and relatively shallow and flowing mildly through summer at about 24in. with many safe pockets and places for children to play in the water.
