Campgrounds in the Boise National Forest to see improvements, increasing capacity

GARDEN VALLEY, Idaho (CBS2) — As people flock up the mountains to camp this summer. You may see new features to campgrounds along the Middle Fork of the Payette River.

Nowadays, campgrounds see people of all demographics. But most sites were constructed in the 1960’s.

So, the Forest Service has been spending the last 10 years making them more accessible for all.

“Most of our sites have been designed in the 1960’s which in that time frame we didn’t have great big RV’s with big truck hauling them so most of the sites were really small and undersized for RV’s,” said Maria Willis, Boise National Forest Engineer.

Collecting topographic data, old designs and site surveys. Engineer Maria Willis determines what upgrades are needed.

“A lot of our campgrounds especially in this forest, people have been coming to them for decades and they love to tell you what they love about the site and what they don’t like about the site,” Willis said.

Through grants from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Willis says they are able to provide more opportunities in the same footprint.

“I do spend a little bit of time working with everybody to make sure that we are addressing what is existing but also adding sites where we can within existing campgrounds,” Willis said.

Tie Creek, up to the middle fork of the Payette River, was renovated back in 2017.

Double sites, more spurs, tent pads. All to increase capacity without losing the forest feel. For campers who bring their own stoves, there are utility tables to prevent burning wood tables.

“People come in all shapes and sizes, all different abilities and we don’t want to prevent them from being able to enjoy the forest because our furniture isn’t right,” Willis said.

Not only upgrading but adapting to all demographics who step foot on these campgrounds.

To meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, there’s a new style of fire rings.

“There’s a build surface that is supposed to be 9 inches tall and that’s so that someone in a wheelchair or somebody who can’t bend down that far can still build a fire at a level that’s comfortable to them,” Willis said.

And an open grit to extend the heat for people who can’t be right next to the fire.

“To make it really nice environment for everybody to enjoy, that they don’t have to work hard just to enjoy it,” Willis said.

It doesn’t stop there. With help from partners, more campgrounds will undergo renovations in the coming years.

In the last 10 years, the Forest Service has renovated seven campgrounds. Depending on location, renovations can range between $60,000 and $200,000.

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