Paddlers and anglers can launch directly from Upper Payette Lake Campground, which sits along the shoreline of this high-elevation lake in Payette National Forest. The campground operates from early June through late October at 6,000 feet elevation, about 16 miles from McCall via forest roads that can challenge longer RVs.
Dispersed campsites spread along the lake access road, with vault toilets positioned at both ends. William P. notes that "water is best at entrance, the other has quite a bit of minerals" and mentions the toilets "were cleaned daily, very nice host." The lake supports canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with a boat ramp available for launching watercraft. Paved trails follow sections of the shoreline, and hiking options extend into the surrounding forest.
Water levels drop as the season progresses, affecting boat access later in the year. Wildlife activity increases after dark in this forested setting. The $10-30 nightly fee includes picnic tables and fire rings, with pets welcome throughout the campground. For those planning extended stays in the region, campgrounds near McCall provide additional options within the broader Payette National Forest area.
Description
Overview
Upper Payette Lake Campground is located 16 miles from McCall, Idaho, on the shores of beautiful Upper Payette Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails. 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
Upper Payette Lake is a no-wake lake that offers great fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The paved, mile-long Shoreline Trail begins in the campground and several additional hiking and biking trails begin just across the road from the entrance.
Facilities
The campground offers two group sites that can accommodate up to 20 and 30 guests. Several additional single and double-family sites are available as well. All sites are accessible; some have lake views and some have lake access. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A boat ramp, day-use site and several paved pathways are located in the campground. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.
Natural Features
The lake is situated at the foot of the Salmon River Mountains at an approximate elevation of 5,900 feet. Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine forest the site, providing partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. Summer days are typically warm and nights are cool.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsUpper Payette Lake Campground is located in Idaho near McCall
Directions
From McCall, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21. Turn right and continue for 16 miles to gravel Forest Road 495 and follow for a mile into the campground.
Address
102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026
Mccall, ID 83638
Coordinates
45.1225 N
116.0288889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 31 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 38 min from Lewiston, ID
- 5 hrs 25 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 5 hrs 54 min from Missoula, MT
