Camping near Payette National Forest
Several campgrounds spread through Payette National Forest give campers a mix of settings to pick from. Last Chance Campground works well for hikers who want quiet spots near trails. If you head to Lake Cascade State Park, Sugarloaf Campground has bigger sites with good views of the water. Campers looking for privacy often choose Ponderosa State Park, where trees separate many of the sites. Rainbow Point Campground tends to have more open sites but still keeps the forest scenery. During summer months, you'll need reservations at most places since they fill up fast. The forest often has fire bans in dry periods, so check what's allowed before lighting a campfire. Bears and other animals roam throughout the forest, making secure food storage a must at all sites. While camping, you'll likely see deer wandering through and maybe elk in meadow areas. The lakes and streams in Payette National Forest have good fishing, but you'll need an Idaho fishing license. Many different animals call the forest home, so don't be surprised when you spot wildlife near your camp. Following Leave No Trace rules helps keep the forest in good shape for future visitors. Payette National Forest camping works for both simple tent setups and larger RVs depending on which campground you choose.
