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Activities

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, near Payette National Forest, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of solitude and natural beauty. This area is perfect for tent camping, offering a peaceful escape with scenic views and direct access to the water.

Visitors have noted the abundance of trees providing shade and a sense of privacy, making it a great place to unwind. Many campers have enjoyed the nearby trails and the chance to fish, with one reviewer mentioning, “Great fishing, great sights.” While the amenities are basic, you’ll find drinking water and toilets available, which is a plus for those looking to keep it simple.

The atmosphere here is laid-back, and you can expect to see families enjoying the outdoors, with kids playing near the water. Some campers have pointed out that the sites can be a bit cramped, but the overall experience is enjoyable, especially with the stunning sunsets and the chance to kick back by a campfire. Just remember to pack out your trash, as there are no dumpsters on-site.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle, Lost Valley Reservoir offers a serene environment with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, this location has a lot to offer for a memorable camping trip.

Description

National Forest

Payette National Forest

Numerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. __No amenities available.

Reservation Info

Sites are not reservable

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Location

Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

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.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2022

Very Quiet

until the late 1980s my family and I camped here with our RVs all the time but a chipmunk they have been trying to save since( they are everywhere...) has resulted in the campgrounds being closed for vehicle use. great place to take a tent and a six pack! little store 3 miles down the road.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

Great campgrounds tucked away

Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.

Site25
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Great dispersed camping

Just came back from my second week long trip in 3 weeks there. Camped right on the water! I usually go up on Monday stay till Saturday, one of the benefits of being retired! Definitely going to go one more time, maybe two this summer. Very very scenic.

Sitefree dispersed camping
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Larry J., June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Larry J., June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Larry J., June 26, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2019

Second annual

Liked it enough to come back. Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices. Bathrooms are really dirty. Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive. Nice fire pits. Close to water for playing in. There are some towns nearby. Would recommend just use the woods whenever possible.

  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Easton S., September 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Easton S., September 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Easton S., September 17, 2019
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2019

Lots of trees

There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom. I’m pretty sure it’s pet friendly. You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky.

  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Easton S., July 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Easton S., July 24, 2019
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Easton S., July 24, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.

Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.

If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.

The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.

The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.

Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Denise L., July 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Denise L., July 30, 2018
  • Review photo of Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area by Denise L., July 30, 2018
  • (4) View All