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Swan Falls Picnic Area

Swan Falls Dam is on the Snake River about 40 miles south of Boise. It was built in 1901 to provide electricity to nearby mines in the Owyhee Mountains. Swan Falls is the oldest hydroelectric generating site on the Snake River. Idaho Power built a new power plant in the mid-1990s. The old plant is now a museum. The museum is open to the public, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday between April 15 and Labor Day. Tours at other times may be arranged in advance by contacting Idaho Power by email…

  • Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
  • Coordinates: 43.242449, -116.376307

Nearby & related campgrounds

  • Dedication Point Overlook
  • Halverson Bar/Lake
  • Rabbit Creek OHV Trail
  • Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
  • Hemingway Butte OHV Trailhead
  • Silver City Campground

Frequently asked questions

Is Swan Falls Picnic Area reservable?

Swan Falls Picnic Area is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.

Where is Swan Falls Picnic Area?

See the map for Swan Falls Picnic Area's exact location and directions.

How do I book a campsite at Swan Falls Picnic Area?

Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.

Check campsite availability