Dispersed camping areas near New Meadows, Idaho provide rustic accommodations at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet throughout the Payette National Forest. The camping season typically runs from late May through September, with roads often remaining snow-covered until mid-June at higher elevations. Campers frequently encounter temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, even during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, visitors can cast for small perch throughout summer. One camper notes, "Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails."
Paddling lakes: The calm waters at Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provide excellent paddling conditions. A visitor mentions, "Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails."
Hiking options: The area around Lake Louie requires a challenging trek but rewards with secluded camping. "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," reports one backpacker.
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: At Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area, the creek creates a natural white noise. A camper describes: "You can't see rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that's really just as good. 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."
Uncrowded water recreation: Brundage Reservoir offers seclusion for water activities. According to a visitor, "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."
Private camping spaces: Campsites at Lost Valley Reservoir offer privacy between sites. One reviewer states, "There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water."
What you should know
Mosquito populations: Bug activity varies by location and season. At Little Payette Lake (Dispersed), campers report significant mosquito issues: "Horrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though. Next to road so you do have that noise."
Temperature fluctuations: Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area experiences significant temperature drops after sunset. One camper notes, "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."
Lake conditions change seasonally: By late summer, water levels decrease noticeably at many lakes. A camper at Little Payette Lake reports, "Views of the lake but log jams and swampy shore mean no access. No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping provides flat camping areas with water features nearby. A camper mentions, "Nice flat spot with a stone fire ring. Hazard creek nearby isn't too loud and sounds great."
Space for larger groups: Lost Valley Reservoir accommodates multiple families. One visitor shares, "Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices."
Vehicle considerations: Access roads require planning. A visitor to Lost Valley notes, "The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts."
Tips from RVers
Backing into sites: At Warren Wagon Rd, camping spots accommodate multiple vehicles. "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."
Leveling challenges: Most rustic camping areas near New Meadows have uneven terrain. A camper at Little Payette Lake advises, "Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things."
RV site accessibility: Some areas can accommodate larger rigs with careful navigation. A Lost Valley Reservoir visitor notes, "The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in."
