Tent camping near Mesa, Idaho provides access to multiple wilderness areas within Payette National Forest and surrounding public lands. Campsites range from 3,000 to 7,000 feet elevation with temperatures fluctuating dramatically between seasons. Summer reservations can fill quickly at established campgrounds, while dispersed areas often remain available with proper preparation for primitive conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Brundage Reservoir offers calm waters perfect for paddle sports. Campers can find spots "right next to the water" after navigating the access road, creating convenient launch points for morning paddling sessions before temperatures rise.
Mountain biking: Brundage Reservoir Camping Area serves as an excellent base for mountain bikers heading to nearby trails. One visitor noted, "We went here for mountain biking (if you go, check out Groupon for the lift) this campground was awesome because it was so close to Brundage resort."
Climbing: Multiple climbing routes exist near Northwest Passage Campground, with one camper mentioning "a climbing crag that has a variety of climbs for different skill levels that is a five minute drive" from the campsite. Routes accommodate beginners through experienced climbers.
River floating: The North Fork Payette River provides floating opportunities near several campgrounds. A reviewer at Northwest Passage mentioned the river is "perfect for paddle boarding kayaking and floating" with "a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed sites offer privacy from neighboring campers. At Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area, one camper described it as "excellent if you just want a quiet place where no one is around," noting the campground is "really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations. Northwest Passage Campground visitors reported that "wild life there is abundant. We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks" during their stay.
Natural sound environments: Many campers appreciate the natural soundscape at dispersed sites. At Rapid Creek, a visitor described how "you can't see rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet."
Lakeside camping: Herrick Reservoir Access provides waterfront camping with no reservation requirements. While one camper noted it's "a no frills place" with "no fire ring, no table," they appreciated the accessibility for those seeking free camping options.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Many reservoirs experience significant drawdown by late summer. At Herrick Reservoir, a camper noted, "Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at."
Property boundaries: Some camping areas border private land with limited signage. A Herrick Reservoir visitor cautioned, "Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends" and noted "aggressive signage" from adjacent private landowners.
Water sources: Few campgrounds provide drinking water. Paradise Campground users should "bring all gear for dispersed camping," as one visitor advised, since no potable water exists on-site.
Stay limits: Most dispersed camping areas enforce maximum stays. Herrick Reservoir Access has a "limit of 10 days" for campers using the free sites.
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires navigating unmaintained roads. A visitor to Brundage Reservoir described "driving down a pot-holed, dirt road for quite awhile" before finding suitable camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas for safer water play. Northwest Passage Campground offers "a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play."
Site selection at Paradise: When camping with children at Paradise Campground, one visitor recommends exploring beyond the roadside sites: "Most of these designated campgrounds are right off the fire roads which can be a bit exposed and tricky if you have children or dogs with you. As you continue to drive there are a few areas on the east side of the road which provide more privacy."
Insect preparation: Mosquitos can be problematic throughout summer months. A Northwest Passage visitor warned they are "large and thirsty" and recommended bringing "lots of mosquito spray and some thermoscell mosquito deterrent."
Water safety: Fast-moving streams can present hazards. A Paradise Campground visitor noted "the creek is fast running, echoing throughout the canyon so fishing or swimming are not an option."
Tips from RVers
Primitive site preparation: Most dispersed areas lack facilities. At Rapid Creek, one camper mentioned the vault toilet was "reasonably clean" but advised bringing supplies to maintain personal standards.
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for cold nights even during summer months. At Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area, a visitor in August reported "the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night."
Pricing variations: Out-of-state visitors face higher fees at some locations. A Northwest Passage Campground visitor noted paying "$62. No hooks. No cell. Because I'm out of state."
