199 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Ola, Idaho include several established sites along the Payette River and within Boise National Forest, offering a mix of tent and RV accommodations. The region includes the Swinging Bridge Campground, Cold Springs Campground, and Big Eddy Campground along Highway 55, plus dispersed camping options like Tripod Dispersed. Most locations provide basic amenities such as vault toilets and fire rings, while several campgrounds include drinking water access. Tent campers will find suitable sites at nearly all campgrounds, while RV campers have options ranging from primitive forest service campgrounds to more developed sites with hookups.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing campgrounds in the Ola area, particularly at higher elevations. Many campgrounds are accessible via Highway 55, though several require travel on dirt or gravel forest roads. "It takes a bit to get to Sage Hen Reservoir—nice but narrow dirt roads for about 12 miles," notes one visitor about routes to Antelope Campground. The camping season typically runs from late April through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Sagehen Creek, Cold Springs, and Big Eddy campgrounds require reservations for some or all sites, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations, particularly at more remote forest campgrounds.
Riverside camping represents a common feature in the area, with many campgrounds situated near or adjacent to the Payette River. Campers appreciate the natural soundtrack provided by flowing water, which helps mask road noise at campgrounds near Highway 55. Several visitors mentioned that despite proximity to the highway, "the rushing river all but drowns out road noise most of the time." Sagehen Reservoir provides opportunities for boating and fishing, with Eastside Campground and Sagehen Creek offering water access. The higher-elevation campgrounds feature cooler temperatures even during summer months, making them popular escapes from valley heat. Camping in the Ola area generally offers good shade coverage from the abundant evergreen forests, though amenities remain basic at most sites, with vault toilets and limited drinking water availability being standard.
"Right off the highway but feels a lot more isolated. Lots of greenery, clean bathroom, and sound of the river. It is off the highway so there is car noises but it’s not bad."
"As mentioned it is close to the road."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"We were able to find the perfect site, nestled in the trees, away from other campers. It was nice and quiet. They do not have hook ups so it is pretty much dry camping."
"Lots of sites close to lake. Camp host is nice also."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Nice setting adjacent to the Payette River adds to the aesthetic with spots along the shore to drop a line and try your luck. It is a smaller park and the maintenance is spectacular. "
"Fantastic views, great owners, and prime location. Our stay was just perfect. We really felt like part of the family as we got to know the owners of the property. "
from $40 / night
Check Availability"the sites are first come first serve. the one we got was right in the middle, next to the bathroom, easy walk to the river. sites are a decent size for tent or rv, just not so much for both."
"If you can’t find a spot here there are several other places along the highway, but this is definitely the nicest."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"This is a small campground right off Highway 55 and across from the Payette River. There are 4 small campgrounds right in a row near here. There is plenty of shade and pretty good privacy. "
from $120 / night
Check Availability"This is a very well run campground and hot springs near Emmett Idaho. The staff is very on top of things and keeps the place very clean and orderly."
"Right off highway for easy in/out. Road is not busy so road noise was minimal"
from $35 / night
"Went on a hike around lake, very nice. Swimming was ok. Kind of a mud hole for swimming. Fishing close by."
"Drive up on the gorgeous Payette River with lots of camping on the river as well."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful spot but while starlight mountain theatre is running you hear the play..that can be positive or negative depending on your plans. I enjoy it."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Creeks, lake, and hiking."
GuideWe came up to escape the 105 temps in Boise. Shoreline was not at capacity. Quiet couple of days. Paved roads and sites. Plenty of space between sites. Friendly site hosts. Beautiful lake with a significant boat launch area
TravelerThere are several back in and pull thru spots for campers. There’s also a tent only spot. Clean vault toilet. Disagree with the review stating limited river access- there are trails everywhere leading to it. Clean, fire pits. Gravel road is washboard most of the way in, but not bad and don’t need 4wd. I’m sure the camp host was sick of people speeding in as I saw plenty of idiots speeding thru, cussing loudly, ripping dirt bikes thru. That’s why the 4 stars- there were a lot of people everywhere and many were annoying. Wish it were less popular.
GuideAfter driving around Lake Cascade searching for a campsite with no luck, most campgrounds were either full or just weren't our vibe, we stumbled upon Sugarloaf Campground around 5:00 p.m. What a great surprise!
While it's a bit larger than the campgrounds we usually prefer, it quickly won us over. The campground host was incredibly friendly, the campsites were clean and well maintained, and the bathrooms were spotless(though there are no showers). It's also just a short walk down to the lake, making it easy to enjoy the shoreline whenever you like.
One of our favorite touches was the collection of adorable birdhouses lining the entrance road; they added so much charm to the campground. We also loved all the wildlife. There were plenty of beautiful birds, grazing cattle wandering near the beaches, and we even spotted deer walking through the campground. We stayed in Site 70, which worked well for a last-minute reservation. If we return and we definitely plan to, we'd probably choose one of the sites in the 40s, as they seemed a bit more private and farther from the campground entrance. Overall, Sugarloaf was a wonderful surprise and somewhere we'd happily stay again.
RangerTown ( Idaho City)is expensive, so come prepared. I did find a deal there for firewood. The gas station great price per stick. Okay, my dog loved the water, even though she only gets in to her chest. With 100+ degree days it was necessary. Really only one tight spot...don't make boats back up. The lake has retreated(water released to keep lake full) don't park boats to close to shore at night. Lost about 50' so far.
RangerTown ( Idaho City)is expensive, so come prepared. I did find a deal there for firewood. The gas station great price per stick. Okay, my dog loved the water, even though she only gets in to her chest. With 100+ degree days it was necessary. There's one really tight place by the damn, but still be careful on the drive in. Lots of busy on the weekends.
ScoutIt’s was in the 90s when we arrived. Site was mostly clean, a couple bottle caps left behind and a drink cup in the fire ring. Ground was not flat, so our tent was slightly tilted. Very dusty and hot but quiet and overall clean. The toilets were thankfully well maintained, 6 rolls of toilet paper in toilet #4 and we got there toilet #3 had a sign that said wet paint. But #4 was close enough to our reserved spot 5, I’m glad I didn’t have to make a long trek, LOL. The road coming in is vary narrow and I’m surprised we never crossed paths with another car. It got cold later on at night thankfully and going to The Springs was the best decision we made since it helped cool us off. Overall our first camping trip was smooth sailing. Would come back again.
GuideSmall trailer friendly campground. Beautiful trees, good shade, and well maintained. We were in site 13 and loved it here! Easy to back in .
GuideWe booked this location last minute, as a last stop on a long road trip. The tent sites are shaded, and even the parking is on grass. The restrooms and showers were clean. In the office building there is a game room with a table and a microwave that we used to heat up some tasty leftovers.
GuideHad our first camping trip with our new trailer here. Not the easiest to back in but we are also new to trailer backing. Spots are close together and we weren’t able to open our awning due to tree (space 7) but very clean camp area and nice to have the river and town so close. Shared fire pits didn’t work out for us as neighbor had their chairs there and claimed it for the evening. Overall nice experience, just know this is not the most private.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping options in Ola?
Ola and the surrounding area offer diverse camping experiences. Montour WMA Campground provides a beautiful setting off the beaten path, accessible via scenic drives through either Horseshoe Bend or Emmett. For free dispersed camping, Herrick Reservoir Access allows stays up to 10 days, though be mindful of surrounding private land. Additional options in the broader region include Sagehen Creek near Emmett and Swinging Bridge, which offers drive-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities.
When is the best season for camping in Ola?
The best season for camping around Ola is generally late spring through early fall (May-September). Higher elevation sites like Grayback Gulch Campground offer relief from summer heat with mature shade trees, though evenings can remain cool. For those seeking more alpine conditions, Edna Creek Campground northeast of Idaho City sits at around 5,000 feet elevation, providing cool nights even in summer. Winter camping is limited due to snow and road closures at higher elevations, while lower elevation sites may remain accessible year-round with proper preparation.
What amenities are available at Ola camping sites?
Camping amenities near Ola vary widely by location. Country Corners Campground & RV Park offers well-maintained facilities and serves as a convenient stopover near the Idaho-Oregon border. Farewell Bend State Recreation Area Campground provides full RV hookups, tent camping areas, and access to the Snake River. Many public campgrounds in the region typically include picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Some sites offer water access, though availability may be seasonal.
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