Sitting alongside a small high-elevation lake in Payette National Forest, Hazard Lake campground draws anglers, paddlers, and tent campers through a short summer season that runs July to September. The lake is compact enough that kayakers and paddleboarders can cover it easily, and brook trout fishing draws consistent interest from visitors. Sites fill fast on weekends, so arriving by mid-afternoon on a Friday is advisable; one camper arrived at 4pm and found only two spots remaining.
The campground has no host on-site, which means noise from neighboring campers can go unchecked. Cell service is absent. The water pump has been reported out of service on at least one occasion, so carrying a backup supply is a reasonable precaution. Outhouses are on-site but may run short on supplies over busy weekends. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table, with parking for two vehicles when cars are pulled close together. Not all sites have lake views, and those that do tend to go first.
Gene S. describes it as "a great canoe lake," and that holds up across multiple reviews. The surrounding area also has trail access, making the campground a reasonable base for day hikes. Pets are welcome, and campers with dogs can find dog-friendly camping near Payette National Forest if this site is full. The Hard Creek/Upper Hazard Lake Trailhead sits a few miles west for those wanting trailhead access. No fee or a modest nightly charge applies depending on conditions when you arrive.
Description
Overview
Hazard Lake Campground is situated along the shore of Hazard Lake at an elevation of 7,050 , Hazard Lake Campground presents convenient lakeside access and abundant recreational opportunities. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Recreation
The Upper Hazard Lake Trail #169 departs directly from Hazard Lake. The surrounding area presents plenty of additional trail access for multiuse enjoyment. Motorized use on the lake is limited by a no wake restriction and there is no boat ramp available so lightweight, portable watercraft are recommended.
Facilities
Each of 12 sites includes a fire ring and picnic table. Potable water is typically available July September.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHazard Lake is located in Idaho near Pollock
Directions
From McCall, travel five miles west on Highway 55. Turn right on Goose Lake Road/Forest Road #257. Follow the paved road to Brundage Mountain Resort where the road turns to gravel and continue approximately 18 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.201163 N
116.144289 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 31 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 52 min from Lewiston, ID
- 5 hrs 39 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 6 hrs 9 min from Missoula, MT
