Within Payette National Forest, Last Chance Campground sits along Goose Creek, offering large sites beneath towering Ponderosa pines. The Forest Service facility operates seasonally from May through October, though recent logging operations have temporarily impacted access and availability. Sites accommodate both tents and larger RVs, with each featuring picnic tables and fire rings.
The campground's defining feature is its proximity to Goose Creek, which flows directly past campsites. Gretchen B. notes the "large sites, beautiful and huge Ponderosa pines, and very clean and odorless vault toilets." The forest setting provides natural shade and the constant sound of moving water. A camp host typically oversees operations during peak season, maintaining facilities and offering local recommendations.
Goose Creek Falls Trail begins at the campground's end, providing a 2.8-mile hike to waterfalls with well-designed boardwalks over muddy sections. Summer visitors often find huckleberries along the trail, while spring brings morel mushrooms to the area. The creek also offers fishing opportunities, though bear activity has been reported along the water corridor.
Access requires navigating a steep, narrow gravel road approximately 2 miles from the main highway. Mike E. warns that "this road is on the side of a steep hill and is mostly a one lane road" with limited passing spots for oncoming traffic. RV drivers should exercise particular caution on the grade and tight turns. Cell service remains spotty throughout the area.
The campground sits 15 minutes from McCall, making it convenient for resupply runs or dining options. For those preferring full hookups, Creekside RV Park and Campground provides developed amenities closer to town.
Description
Overview
At Last Chance Campground, there are 20 single and three double sites situated along Goose Creek in a mature Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest. 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
This campground boasts many opportunities for recreation. Goose Lake is a short distance away, which features a picnic area, restrooms, and fishing piers. There is excellent fishing in the reservoir, or try your luck in Goose Creek, next to the campground. Popular Goose Creek Trail #533 begins at the campground and leads to Goose Creek Falls and onto Brundage Reservoir. Hiking to Goose Creek Falls is a family-friendly hike that everyone is sure to enjoy. A special treat is to go huckleberry picking in late summer along the trail!
Facilities
This popular campground along Goose Creek features twenty single sites, three double sites, and one group area. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. All sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. There are vault toilets and drinking water through a hand pump and an artesian well. There are no hookups and no trash receptacles; please pack out your trash. A day use area has a horseshoe pit and picnic tables.
Natural Features
Last Chance Campground is situated among large ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees, which offer a charming forested setting. The campground is situated along Goose Creek, at approximately 4,653 feet.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLast Chance Campground is located in Idaho near New Meadows
Directions
Travel north of McCall on Highway 55 for seven miles and then turn right onto road #453; a small sign on the right indicates Last Chance Campground before the turnoff. Travel north two more miles on dirt road #453 to the campground. Volunteer Camp Hosts are present from May to September. This campground tents to fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly!
Coordinates
44.988435 N
116.190021 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/16/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 5/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 28 min from Boise, ID
- 2 hrs 33 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 19 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 4 hrs 56 min from Kennewick, WA
















