225 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The forested mountains and valleys surrounding Council, Idaho provide camping options ranging from dispersed sites at Lost Valley Reservoir to developed campgrounds with cabin rentals. Campers can find established campgrounds with amenities at Ponderosa State Park, RV facilities at Lost RV Park, and primitive camping on public lands. The area features a mix of Forest Service and State Park operations, with elevations varying from valley bottoms near Cascade Lake to higher mountain settings in the Payette National Forest, where both tent and RV camping are supported.
Road conditions vary dramatically between the paved access to established sites and rough gravel roads leading to dispersed camping areas. "Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in," notes one visitor about Lost Valley Reservoir. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October, though some close after Labor Day. Summer temperatures are generally moderate at higher elevations, while winter brings heavy snowfall that makes most areas inaccessible. Cell service is available near developed campgrounds but becomes limited in more remote locations.
Lakefront sites represent the most sought-after camping locations in the Council area, particularly at Cascade Lake and Lost Valley Reservoir. Several visitors mentioned shoreline views as key highlights, with one camper describing Amanita Campground as offering "wide open lakefront views" that provide "an easy launch for kayaks by day, and a sunset view from the campfire by night." Campgrounds near water bodies typically include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly. More remote sites offer greater privacy and quiet, while established campgrounds provide convenience and facilities like drinking water and trash service. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, small mammals, and occasionally bears, with proper food storage required at most locations. Fishing is popular, particularly at Lost Valley Reservoir, where campers can access the water directly from several sites.
"Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."
"Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"After driving around Lake Cascade searching for a campsite with no luck, most campgrounds were either full or just weren't our vibe, we stumbled upon Sugarloaf Campground around 5:00 p.m."
"Beautiful lake, nice campground, little beach spots nearby. The lake is very large. Boat ramp is close by. You can swim, kayak, canoe, paddle board, boat, fish. Camping spots are large."
"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."
"Plenty of off-road trails."
"The campsites were large and there was access to the lake. The only space left for us was the one right in the front near the entrance but it was great!"
"This small lakeside campground captured our hearts. Who could resist it, with wide open lakefront views like these? A easy launch for kayaks by day, and a sunset view from the campfire by night."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The best hot spring locates a short distance from the campground. This is one of my favorite places to camp. The trees around gave us plenty of shade on a hot day!"
"We adore this spot for so many reasons—proximity to adorable McCall but removed enough to feel remote, trees, hiking along the water, close encounters with the fauna kind :) do yourself a favor and visit"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The beach at the lake is lovely. Site #7 backs up to a large beach area. The campground is convenient to Donnelly and McCall, and quite close to Tamarack Resort (7 minutes), if you are riding there."
"Close to the water, very chilly at the end of the season. Glad to have toilets and water."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Campground is well maintained and provides access to toilets and water (hand pump). Nice fire rings and picnic tables at each site. But the sites are close together and the mosquitos were swarming."
"Close to lost lake. A bit tight road around the camp, but I've seen 5th wheelers in there. Clean sites, even some ADA sites."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Minutes from Donnelly Idaho for “the things you forgot”. Great views coming back again for sure."
"Right on Lake Cascade so you have lake views on one side and mountain views on the other, seriously beautiful. Shows off Idaho in a good way!"
from $28 - $39 / night
Check Availability"We drove through there in April so there was still snow but the location for summer is great. Near the lake, near town, near the mountains. "
"Campsite is just outside of town next to the lake. Good little spot to pull up. We stayed one night and paid $15."
"Close to McCall,several pull-thrus; even indoor hot tubs! No restaurant but you’ll be close to many great ones"
"The location is nice and quiet, awa from traffic.They have a nice lodge with an indoor heated swimming pool. Each site had a picnic table but no fire pit where we stayed."
from $95 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis campground has a lot of sites that are well sectioned off from each other and have tons of greenery and shrubs to divide up the campsites, having access to the beach along the river and only being 15-20 minutes from McCall made this an amazing campsite.
TravelerOK for a short stay. The view of the water and mountains is beautiful. There isn't much for hiking. The neighbors were hunters. Lots of gun shots in the morning. The vault toilet was nice but not clean.
ScoutThe park is at the end of a washboard dirt road about 12 miles long. But the pit toilets are clean, water spigots are nearby, and the fees are low. There's a train that goes by four or five times a day, but there are sites farther away. The mountains, the river, and the trestle bridge with the train make for absolutely stunning scenery.
LegendThe water stinks and the bugs are bad but good for a night
LegendThe water smells awful. Steep hill to get in.
GuideWhat a wonderful campground! Small yet don’t feel on top of your neighbor. Views of the lake are phenomenal and the beach/shoreline was awesome! We loved every minute and give it a 10/10.
GuideSome rough road coming in but the sunrise view is worth it. Completely empty other than a few people who stop by to take pictures of the view on the drive through.
Guide7 sites packed in pretty tight. Spectacular views out over Hells Canyon. Only one other group there. Pit toilet was clean and well stocked. 4 miles from Hat Creek Point (day use only). No water available.
GuideNice spot along river with lots of shade. Nice sites, clean and well maintained restrooms w showers. 6kW EV charger by river in day use area - one of the few along the Hells Canyon scenic byway.
Camping sites near Council, Idaho range from high-elevation forest settings to lakeside retreats, with altitudes spanning 3,000 to 7,000 feet across the region. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with most areas closing after the first significant snowfall. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making off-season camping impractical without specialized equipment.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access the popular Goose Creek Falls trail directly from Last Chance Campground, which offers a well-maintained 2.8-mile path to the falls. "The hike to the Goose Creek falls, as mentioned by others, is great. It's 2.8 miles to the Falls and another 0.2 miles to a neat bridge. The water was wild in June and so were the flowers," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Launch kayaks and boats from the shoreline at Amanita Campground on Cascade Lake. "This small lakeside campground captured our hearts. Who could resist it, with wide open lakefront views like these? A easy launch for kayaks by day, and a sunset view from the campfire by night," reports one camper.
Seasonal foraging: Look for morel mushrooms in spring and huckleberries in summer near many camping areas. "This is a great place to access Goose Creek Falls. A great hike for the family. It is also a good place to pick Morels in the spring and Huckleberries in the summer," shares a reviewer of Last Chance Campground.
Lake access: Direct water entry points at Sugarloaf Campground allow for immediate recreation. "We tent camped here in July 2018. Sugarloaf is off by itself at the end of the lake, so it's a little more laid back there. Our group simply set our in the morning and camped out on the beach with our gear," one visitor explains.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening wildlife sightings are common at multiple campgrounds. "We even had 3 baby foxes visit our camp one evening. I could see it getting crowded on weekends, but I had this all to myself on a Monday and Tuesday," notes a Sugarloaf Campground visitor.
Quiet weekday camping: Most campgrounds experience significantly lower occupancy Sunday through Thursday. "Stayed at this campsite in late July and it was very quiet and not every campsite was occupied. Karen, the camp host is an absolute sweetheart and gave us some really good recommendations for the area," writes a Last Chance Campground reviewer.
Road conditions: Access roads to Lost Valley Reservoir can be challenging for larger vehicles. "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," cautions one camper.
Campsite availability: Popular sites fill quickly, especially at established campgrounds during summer weekends. "We love this campground. We've been able to stay here twice, but it's hard to get a reservation, unless it's during the week," reports a visitor to Poison Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Council, Idaho?
The Council area offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. For those seeking established campgrounds, Huckleberry Campground — Lake Cascade State Park is a well-maintained, wooded facility with easy access. It's a favorite among campers visiting the Council region. Dispersed camping enthusiasts can explore Herrick Reservoir Access, which offers free camping with a 10-day limit, though be mindful of surrounding private property. For those willing to travel a bit further from Council, options expand to include campgrounds near McCall, Cascade, and throughout Payette National Forest, providing everything from primitive sites to full-service facilities.
Where are the campgrounds in Council, Idaho?
Council, Idaho offers several nearby camping options. About 16 miles north of Council on Highway 95, you'll find Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area which connects to Cold Spring Campground with both RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small fee. Another option in the area is Poverty Flat, which is located near the Mile 16 hot spring and offers basic amenities including a water spigot and outhouse. The Council area is surrounded by beautiful forested areas with both designated campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities throughout the region.
What camping is available near Council, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Council, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 225 campgrounds and RV parks near Council, ID and 33 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Council, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Council, ID is Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Council, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Council, ID.
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