Independence Lakes Campground, near Sawtooth National Forest, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and don’t mind a bit of a trek. This place is all about the experience, with a short walk from the parking area leading you to the campsites, where you can set up your tent and soak in the stunning surroundings.

The campground is known for its beautiful hiking trails that take you to several picturesque lakes. One reviewer raved about the “beautiful hike” to the lakes, which is a must-do for anyone visiting. Just keep in mind that the road can be a bit rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended to reach the area comfortably.

Amenities are pretty basic here, with vault toilets available and no electric hookups or showers, but that’s part of the charm. Campers have mentioned the peacefulness of the area, with only a few other tents around, making it feel like you have the place to yourself. The sound of the nearby creek adds to the serene atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a day of hiking.

If you’re up for a challenge, the hike to the lakes is a rewarding experience, with beautiful backcountry views along the way. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there’s no trash disposal on-site. Independence Lakes Campground is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality time in nature.

Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between July through October. Sites are handicapped accessible. Campground amenities include 9 tables and grills, toilets, and livestock facilities. No drinking water or trash service is available. Nearby Independence Lakes Trail (#35) is 3.1 miles to the Lake. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin.Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait;

Independence Lakes Campground

Join the fun near Almo. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Almo is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Almo. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Almo

The Best Camping Near Almo, Idaho

First and foremost this campground needs a high clearance vehicle to reach and is best visited in late summer fall as it is very marshy there earlier in the year.

The campground has permanent fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. The campgrounds are pretty close together but we were the only ones there so it didn't really matter. Nearby is a stream to cool off in and a hike to the top of Independence Peak can give you an amazing 360 of the surrounding area!

Perfect for Seclusion

Although reluctant to share, I absolutely enjoy visiting this area. June through August are it's most popular season for visitors. There's a bathroom and base camp available at the start of the trailhead. What goods you pack in with you must go out with you. There is no access to dumping trash. It's a 2.5 mile hike to the first lake. It inclines all the way up. You are treated with beautiful back country views, met with several switch backs before reaching the first lake. There are 3 lakes and past the 3rd lake you are able to hike up to the top towards the cliff rocks where you can see the view down the lakes where ot loops back down to the 2nd lake. I have not hiked up that part, but I hear it's challenging, so be sure to have good hiking shoes. Based off my experience, the hike up to the lakes is dog friendly and baby carrying friendly. Fishing is also available as they refill the lakes every year.

Glorious Day Hike

Road is a little rough to get here. We set up camp in the early evening. Hot and the flies were pretty thick. Evening came and it was perfect! Only two other tents that we could barely even see from our campsite. Felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. Loved hearing the creek as we tucked in for the night. The hike the next morning to the lake was a great challenge! There is an unmarked fork at about a mile and half in... go right! We hiked to the second lake. My son fished with hopes of catching a grayling. He took the winning photo of the lake!

Awesome free trailhead camping! 

 We stopped at this campground hoping it was Trailer Friendly. We were able to get up to the parking lot but I wouldn't recommend it. If my trailer was not lifted we would have had issues. It was dark by the time we reached the parking lot to the campground so we decided to stay there for the night and find a new site in the morning. The campground was busy and the parking lot was full. You have to park and its a short walk to the campsites. The hike to the lakes is a beautiful hike and remains one of my favorites. We ended up finding a great spot to set up camp the next morning. This was our first trip with our trailer and it taught us to do more research before planning our trip. This campground is great overall just didn't work for our set up.

Photos of Independence Lakes Campground

Real photos from real campers