Camping near Ola, Idaho centers around Boise National Forest and the Payette River system at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s during day and drop to the 40s at night, creating ideal conditions for forest and riverside camping experiences. The area's combination of forest roads, river access, and reservoir options make it particularly versatile for different camping styles.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sagehen Creek, the reservoir provides excellent trout fishing with some strategic planning. "The fishing was great for us. Some spots were pretty weedy. You just have to find the open spots to fish for trout," notes Ed E., who visited the area.
Water activities: Riverlife RVing offers direct Payette River access for recreational water sports. "Floating the river is very fun. Good fishing when River levels slow down a bit," according to Frank B., who appreciated the water access. For families with children, rock jumping is popular at Sagehen Reservoir where "on one side of the reservoir there are some large rocks and a deeper area great for rock jumping."
Hiking options: The area contains trail systems suitable for various skill levels, particularly around Sagehen Reservoir. As Will R. explains about Antelope Campground: "Plenty of trails for all skill levels. Avid climber and backpacker before kids but still found trails that challenged us with the kids."
What campers like
Hot springs access: Roystone Hot Springs offers a controlled hot springs experience with scheduled soaking. "The hot springs pool was open air but has a roof (nice for the shade), made of concrete, and perfect temperature," Katie F. explains, adding that they "keep the water probably a little cooler than body temperature if the weather is hot."
Quiet forest settings: Campers frequently mention the dense forest surroundings providing privacy and shade. "We were able to find the perfect site, nestled in the trees, away from other campers. It was nice and quiet," reports Ed E. about Sagehen Creek. For group camping, Eastside Campground offers "limited spaces and not super close together — which we love. View of the water is beautiful and there are many trees to provide shade for the entire campground."
Convenient overnight stops: Many sites serve as effective stopover points while traveling through the area. "Perfect solution for getting off the road for a quiet night. Payette River bubbling by, friendly hosts, and mountain views," says Laurie about Riverlife RVing. Similarly, Jayden K. notes that Big Eddy Campground is a "Good place to stop for the night. First come first serve, for the most part."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads, especially at higher elevations. "Sage hen Reservoir takes a bit to get to- nice but narrow dirt roads for about 12 miles," notes Kimberly D. about accessing Antelope Campground.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer only basic amenities with few modern conveniences. Sarah E. warns about Sagehen Creek: "there are no showers or flushing toilets, and everything is pack-out, so beware."
Seasonal wildlife: Certain times of year bring specific wildlife challenges. "We went when the caterpillars were hatching so they were everywhere but it wasn't a big deal," mentions Robyn H. about Sagehen Creek. At Tripod Dispersed, Imerie T. notes: "Lots of cattle roaming. Creeks, lake, and hiking."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. At Swinging Bridge, Kurt Z. reports: "Some TMO cell coverage at north entrance but generally not usable." Amy S. confirms: "I did not get cell service here" at Cold Springs Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Forest exploration: Seasonal huckleberry picking provides additional activities for children. Mike L. shares about Antelope Campground: "Lots of huckleberries when in season (gave the kids something extra to do)."
Swimming spots: Water access varies in quality between locations. Mike L. explains about Antelope: "Swimming was ok. Kind of a mud hole for swimming." For better swimming conditions, Sarah E. recommends Sagehen Creek, which is "Great for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer unexpected entertainment. At River Pond Campground, Cortez E. discovered: "At night there was a shrek play which was very unexpected." Another camper confirmed: "you hear the theater nearby at night - that was fun!"
Child-friendly water access: The Payette River offers shallow areas suitable for children at several locations. Spence L. notes that River Pond Campground offers a "Great place for families. The river was shallow enough for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV length. Amy S. notes about Swinging Bridge: "Not much room for larger campers or RVs, mostly geared toward tent camping." Similarly, for Cold Springs Campground: "Not much room for larger campers or RV, better for smaller campers and tents."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are rare but available at select locations. Price V. explains about Roystone Hot Springs: "There are few RV hookups, so if you choose to go reserve in advance." Mike E. adds that Roystone is "a full service park, but don't have a store that I know of."
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campgrounds. Amy S. explains Big Eddy is "a small campground right off Highway 55 and across from the Payette River." Noise levels vary, with Jeffrey H. noting about Swinging Bridge: "As mentioned it is close to the road."
Shade coverage: Tree cover varies significantly between sites. J.S. reports about River Pond Campground: "no shade from 11am to 5:30pm," while Eastside Campground offers "many trees to provide shade for the entire campground."
