Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area offers free camping northwest of Council, Idaho. Located at over 4,000 feet elevation, this area provides primitive camping options along the reservoir shoreline from late spring through early fall. Access requires navigating a well-maintained gravel road about 16 miles north of Council off Highway 95.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, campers can enjoy fishing for small perch. A camper noted, "Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails."
Swimming access: The reservoir provides swimming options, though water conditions change seasonally. "The beach is very rocky," one visitor mentioned, while another pointed out that "green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge" by early August.
ATV trails: Several nearby routes accommodate off-road vehicles. "Very relaxing. Several families had ATVs," a reviewer shared, making this area popular for those bringing recreational vehicles.
Huckleberry picking: Seasonal berry harvesting becomes available in late summer. "Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August," according to one camper who visited Waters Edge RV Resort in Cascade.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at dispersed sites. "Very quiet," noted one reviewer, while another mentioned their campsite was "tucked into the trees" with some sites feeling more secluded than others.
Wildlife viewing: The riparian environments support various animal species. At Arrowhead RV Park on the River, visitors appreciate the "beautiful park" with river access that supports wildlife watching opportunities.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to water. "Camped right on the water!" shared one enthusiastic Lost Valley visitor, while another mentioned "direct access to the lake" at several primitive sites.
Lake views: Scenic vistas across the water draw many visitors. "Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water," noted a camper, highlighting the visual appeal of the surrounding landscape.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels drop significantly in late summer. "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," advised one experienced camper.
Limited facilities: Expect basic or no amenities at dispersed sites. At Lost Valley, "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."
Rough access roads: Some campsites require high-clearance vehicles. "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," warned one visitor.
Seasonal closures: Most rv sites near Council, Idaho operate seasonally. Oasis on the Snake RV Park & Campground runs from March through November, while a reviewer mentioned that at Chalet RV Park, "The campground is a bit old and worn although the owners are overcoming the neglect of the previous owner."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access for children. "The beach is very rocky," noted one camper about Lost Valley, while another mentioned Clear Creek Station has space for families despite being "rough around the edges."
Group sites available: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. "Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area," shared a Lost Valley visitor about their experience.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. Arrowhead RV Park features "Fun REC for kids, playground, and party fire pit area," according to a recent visitor.
Pack water supplies: Drinking water access varies between sites. One Lost Valley camper noted, "Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive," highlighting the need to plan accordingly.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many RV parks in the area provide graded parking areas. At Superior Street RV Retreat LLC, a camper appreciated that "due to the nice clean gravel we didn't end up a muddy mess" during rainy weather.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds require additional equipment. At Oasis on the Snake, reviewers advised visitors "need a water pressure regulator" for optimal hookups.
Site spacing: RV parks vary in how close units are positioned. At Chalet RV Park in Donnelly, "Site space is reasonable" according to one review, while at Arrowhead RV Park, "Individual spots were extremely tight" with staff assistance sometimes required for parking.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds near Council provide complete utility connections. "We had a full hook-up site" mentioned a visitor to McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge, though they also noted "Each site had a picnic table but no fire pit where we stayed."
