Winchester Lake State Park Campground operates year-round with 46 water and electric sites plus 22 standard sites spaced throughout wooded areas. Located a short distance from Lewiston, this state park supports small non-motorized boats and hosts multiple fish species including bass, trout, crappie, and perch. The park features both tent and RV camping areas with varying levels of hookups, plus yurts for upscale glamping close to Grangeville, Idaho. Most visitors note the well-maintained facilities and serene forested environment provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Winchester Lake State Park Campground offers varied fishing experiences with multiple catch options. According to one visitor, "We caught: blue gill, trout, bass, crappie, perch, cat fish and had a small Tiger Muskie on the line but lost it." Electric motors are allowed on the lake, and poles can be borrowed at the visitor center.
Winter recreation: Winchester Lake State Park Campground maintains access during winter months when fewer visitors compete for space. One camper noted, "I will definitely be back soon, even frozen it was very enjoyable." The park maintains accessibility for winter fishing and hiking opportunities.
Mountain exploration: Nez Perce National Forest Seven Devils Campground provides access to high-elevation hiking trails leading to alpine lakes. A visitor shared, "There are several hikes that can be done in a single day or stretched out to multi day trips that go along mountaintops and alpine lakes." The campground sits near Heaven's Gate Lookout with views spanning four states.
What campers like
Watercraft access: Non-motorized water recreation options create quiet experiences on local waters. A camper stated, "No motorized watercraft are allowed on the lake which makes it a wonderful place to kayak and SUP." Multiple lake access points accommodate various watercraft with ample parking available.
Forest campsites: Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park offers sites beneath forest canopy with views overlooking the reservoir. One visitor explained, "We moved our 5th wheel as far from the edge as possible which allowed for a decent platform and we ended up having a birds eye view of what all the kids were doing."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations throughout camping areas. A visitor at Winchester Lake mentioned, "If you are lucky you may see a black bear feeding on blackberries, deer are numerous, elk frequent the lake, and one of my favorites is to watch Osprey dive in the lake for fish." Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing times.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote glamping sites near Grangeville requires preparation for challenging roads. One camper warned about Seven Devils Campground, "Plan to take your time driving up 17 Mile road (takes about an hour to get here from Riggins!). The views are spectacular and easy to find." Some routes feature steep grades and gravel sections.
Water limitations: Many campgrounds have reduced or seasonal water access. A visitor noted, "There are pit toilets, no trash, no water." Always carry adequate drinking water, especially when visiting remote sites during summer months.
Seasonal considerations: Most campground facilities operate between May and October with reduced services during shoulder seasons. At Three Rivers Resort & Campground, one visitor observed the atmosphere: "I pulled in (camping alone my first time) and had a warm welcoming." Plan early for prime summer weekends when facilities reach capacity.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational areas for children. Freeman Creek offers "Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through" and "We still enjoyed the water and had a ton of fun finding tadpoles."
Group camping options: Dworshak State Park accommodates larger family gatherings with specialized sites. One repeat visitor shared, "We book a group camp site every year and have a camping reunion! The kids love it and the grown up worry less at such a family appropriate park."
Insect considerations: Summer visits often have reduced insect activity compared to other regions. One family noted, "when we went in June, there were next to no mosquitos! My poor teenager usually gets eaten alive anywhere we go and he left unscathed!" Morning and evening still require basic insect preparations.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup information: Not all campgrounds provide full RV services despite accommodating large rigs. At Winchester Lake, a visitor detailed, "We were there for two weeks and they did have electricity and water hookups just no dump so we showered and used the bathroom facilities which were very well kept!"
Riverfront RV options: Riverside RV Park provides direct water views from designated sites. According to one RVer, "We stayed in site 8 (full hookups) which is on the river. The view of the river was so spectacular. The site was large enough to park our 31ft 5th wheel. We had a small lawn for our dog." Sites typically cost $30-35 per night.
