Fishing, swimming, and lakeside camping draw visitors to Lost Valley Reservoir, a free dispersed area within Payette National Forest north of Council, Idaho. Turn off Highway 95 onto Lost Valley Reservoir Road and follow it to the water's edge, where sites line the shore and give direct access to the reservoir. The road continues around the lake and over a small dam, with short spur roads branching off to additional spots at the water's edge.
Road conditions are worth noting before you go. Some of the spur roads have deep ruts and require meaningful ground clearance. The main loop is more manageable, and at least one reviewer reports getting a fifth-wheel in without major difficulty. A few sites share a common outhouse, and drinking water is available nearby, though campers should pack out their own garbage. No pets are permitted.
The reservoir itself shrinks as the summer progresses. Water levels drop noticeably after early August, and algae tends to accumulate along the shoreline by late summer, so mid-July through the first week of August tends to be the most appealing window. Perch are present, though reviewers note they run small. Huckleberries typically ripen in early August along the surrounding terrain. Cold Springs Campground - Payette NF (ID) sits roughly half a mile back toward the highway junction for campers who want a more developed alternative with fee-based sites.
"Camped right on the water," notes Larry J., who returned for a second week-long stay within three weeks. If lakeside dispersed camping at no cost fits your plans, this one is worth the drive.
Description
Numerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. __No amenities available.
Reservation Info
Sites are not reservable
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area is located in Idaho near New Meadows
Directions
Eight miles southwest of New Meadows on US hwy 95, east on Forest Road #89 to Lost Valley Reservoir. Sites are located adjacent to the reservoir in many locations. Access to most sites is difficult with a large RV. No amenities at any of the sites.
Coordinates
44.9702803 N
116.45777 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 32 min from Boise, ID
- 2 hrs 53 min from Lewiston, ID
- 4 hrs 40 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 5 hrs 12 min from Kennewick, WA
