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Established Camping

Upper Payette Lake Campground

Upper Payette Lake Campground, near McCall, Idaho, is a peaceful retreat that offers a rustic camping experience surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With its close proximity to the lake, it’s a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making it a favorite for water lovers.

The campground features dispersed sites that provide a sense of seclusion, allowing you to unwind away from the hustle and bustle. Visitors have noted the charm of the area, with one reviewer mentioning, “It feels like it really is your own private Idaho.” While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the rustic charm is part of what draws campers here.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are plenty of trails nearby to explore the lush vegetation and wildlife. The campground is also a great place to disconnect from electronics and enjoy the serenity of nature. As one camper put it, “Nice place to be free of electronics and crowds.”

If you're looking for a quiet getaway with beautiful lake views and outdoor activities, Upper Payette Lake Campground is worth considering. Just remember to bring your own supplies, as there are no markets nearby, and enjoy the tranquility that this area has to offer.

Description

National Forest

Payette National Forest

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.

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.

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Location

Upper Payette Lake Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

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


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2020

Secluded and Peaceful

This campground is close enough to McCall that you can run in for supplies or fun. However, it is far enough away that it doesn't get a ton of traffic. The campsites are dispersed with one area that is a group camping area. Pit toilets can be found at the beginning and end of the road. The lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and leisurely boat rides. There is even a boat ramp to put in and take out at. Close hiking options are available too. Do keep in mind that as the season progresses the water layer will decrease.

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  • Review photo of Upper Payette Lake Campground by Hannah W., July 12, 2020
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020

Rustic

Quiet, nice canoe lake. Wildlife are present in this area each night. Lots of hiking available. Tight if bringing a longer RV, groups can be accommodated in the circle drive. Nice place to be free of electronics and crowds.

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2018

great camp on payette lake

had a great visit loved the paved trails along the shoreline the lake offers a great place for kayaking fishing or canoeing it's about 20 miles from McCall and is approximately 6000 feet in elevation.

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2016

McCall Idaho & Payette Lake - A beautiful place apart

This site and the surrounding area is filled with lush vegetation and this crisp, cool, blue blue lake. You can see natural waterfalls, a "beach-type" picnic area, and though you're in a campground setting, it feels like it really is your own private Idaho. $10/day, rustic pit toilets, picnic benches...the usual fare. The site itself was nothing new, but the area begs for you to explore! (Busy in summer months!)

  • Review photo of Upper Payette Lake Campground by KelTroy E., August 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Upper Payette Lake Campground by KelTroy E., August 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Upper Payette Lake Campground by KelTroy E., August 26, 2016
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Reviewed Aug. 9, 2016

Payette camping

Camping west of boise is always fun. The closer to Oregon we get the more I enjoy the outdoors

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Upper Payette Lake Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Upper Payette Lake Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is fair.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Upper Payette Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Upper Payette Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

    There are 23 campsites at Upper Payette Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts