Boise National Forest's French Creek Campground sits along the western shore of Lake Cascade outside Cascade, Idaho, giving campers access to both a forested creek corridor and a boat ramp on the lake side. The campground is split into two distinct areas: one fronts the creek, where the sound of moving water carries through the sites, and the other sits closer to the lake with a dock and ramp for anglers and boaters. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, though a mid-June visit found the campground largely uncrowded.
The access road is a single lane and worth noting before arrival, particularly for larger rigs. French Creek accommodates vehicles up to 45 feet, and there is pressurized running water on-site, which reviewers found useful for dishes and handwashing. No hookups are available, so self-contained setups are necessary. Sites near the road can collect dust from passing traffic, and creek-side spots run a bit louder than those set back from the water.
Josh D. sums up the setup plainly: "Forest Service campground, no hookups, so be prepared." The campground charges $20 per night, allows pets, and provides trash service. Fishing is the primary draw, with lake access a short walk from most sites. Campers looking for state park infrastructure nearby can check out Big Sage Campground or Sage Bluff Campground — Lake Cascade State Park, both located east along the lake.
Description
Overview
French Creek Campground is located next to scenic Lake Cascade in west-central Idaho. It is near the town of Donnelly, at an elevation of 4,850 feet. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are popular activities in this scenic region.
Recreation
Lake Cascade offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Anglers enjoy casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass and perch. Many hiking and biking trails are in the area as well.
Facilities
The campground is divided into two sections of campsites. Some are located on the east side of West Mountain Road, closer to the lakeshore and with beautiful lake views. Other sites are on the west side of the road, on a hillside above the lake. A few of these sites have partial lake views. Some also have stairs from the parking spur to the campsite. Campsites are equipped with a table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but there is no electricity at the campground. Roads and parking spurs within the facility are gravel.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the western shore of Lake Cascade and on the banks of French Creek. A forest of mixed conifers covers the campground, providing ample shade. Thimbleberry and huckleberry plants are abundant throughout the upper reaches of the campground. A wide variety of wildlife makes its home around the lake. Waterfowl and songbirds are abundant, as well as pelicans and bald eagles.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFrench Creek Campground is located in Idaho near Cascade
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, travel north on Highway 55 for 85 miles to Cascade. Turn west on Old State Highway and go a half-mile to Lakeshore Drive. Turn south and travel 3 miles to West Mountain Road. Turn west and follow the road 5 miles to the campground.
Address
P.O. BOX 696
Cascade, ID 83611
Coordinates
44.5283333 N
116.1083333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 46 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 30 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 31 min from Lewiston, ID
- 5 hrs 14 min from Walla Walla, WA
