Best Campgrounds near Donnelly, ID
Camping near Donnelly, Idaho centers around Lake Cascade State Park, with multiple lakeside campgrounds providing access to water recreation and mountain views. The area includes a mix of developed state park campgrounds, private RV parks, and the City of Donnelly Campground right in town. Poison Creek and West Mountain campgrounds offer full hookup options for RVs, while more primitive sites can be found at Amanita and Rainbow Point. Campers have convenient access to both the small town amenities of Donnelly and the larger recreation hub of McCall, about 15 miles north. According to reviews, the campgrounds are well-maintained with clean facilities, and many sites provide direct lake access for boating and fishing.
Most campgrounds in the Donnelly area operate seasonally from May through September or October, with some Lake Cascade State Park sites remaining open until December 31. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F during the day, while nights can be cool even in summer. Cell service is generally reliable in and near town, with AT&T providing 3-bar LTE service at some campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, especially for holiday weekends. Fire restrictions are common during late summer, and smoke from regional wildfires can occasionally affect air quality. Winter camping options are limited, with snow typically covering the ground from November through April.
The camping experience varies significantly between in-town and lakeside locations. The City of Donnelly Campground offers convenient access to town services at affordable rates ($15/night reported in 2024), while state park campgrounds provide more natural settings with beach access. Many campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs, with several offering pull-through sites for larger rigs. Families appreciate the swimming beaches at Rainbow Point, where "the sites are spaced far apart and very spacious." Boaters will find multiple launch points around Lake Cascade, with some campgrounds offering boat-in access. Tamarack Resort is nearby, making these campgrounds convenient bases for mountain biking and other resort activities.
