Dispersed camping near Donnelly, Idaho provides access to multiple mountain lakes and reservoirs with varied elevation ranging from 4,800 feet to over 6,000 feet. Most sites follow a standard 14-day stay limit under Forest Service regulations. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime with nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F even in July and August, requiring appropriate camping gear.
What to do
Paddleboarding on uncrowded waters: Brundage Reservoir offers secluded paddling experiences, often with minimal crowds even during peak season. According to a camper at Brundage Resivour Dispersed Camping: "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area."
Fishing for mountain trout: Several lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities in alpine settings. Goose Lake features "undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night," according to a visitor.
Hiking accessible trails: The area around Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides multiple recreation options. A visitor notes, "Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails."
What campers like
Lake views and sunsets: Many rustic camping spots near Donnelly feature prime lakeside viewing areas. A camper at Upper Payette Lake shared: "And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection."
Spacious campsites: Many dispersed sites offer good separation between camping areas. At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, a visitor observed: "There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom."
Off-road exploration: Multiple forest roads and trails support ATV and dirt bike activities. A visitor to Lost Valley Reservoir noted: "Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails."
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito activity: Insects can be problematic at certain times. A camper at Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) reported: "Horrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though. Next to road so you do have that noise. It is a traveled road so about every 10 mins a car drives by."
Limited lake access: Some sites advertised as lakeside may have restricted water access. A Little Payette Lake visitor noted: "Dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road. 4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs. A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access. Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august."
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels typically drop throughout summer. One camper at Herrick Reservoir Access observed: "Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own."
Tips for camping with families
Pack bug protection: Morning and evening insect activity requires preparation. According to a Warren Wagon Rd camper: "We love this spot. We ended up taking 3 spots because we had a group with us. Only Mosquitoes at dusk and dawn. Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek."
Plan for temperature swings: Mountain elevation causes significant day-to-night temperature differences. A visitor to Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area shared: "It's high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night."
Consider hike-in options: For families with older children, backpacking opportunities exist. A visitor to Lake Louie Dispersed Camping reported: "Challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many primitive camping sites near Donnelly require leveling equipment. A Little Payette Lake camper advised: "Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things."
Road conditions vary: Forest roads accessing primitive camping sites deteriorate during wet weather. One camper at Upper Payette Lake recommended: "There are some seriously beautiful spots to camp here. Another review says that it's $10 to camp, but that is in the actual campground. Instead of turning right to get into the campground, keep driving straight and you will find the dispersed camping."
Pack out all waste: No services exist at most primitive sites. A Brundage Reservoir visitor emphasized: "Each spot in its own area. One big area for group. Haul ALL your own stuff in & OUT. Water is great."