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.
$15 - $40 / night
"Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."
"Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner."
$10 / night
"Nice lake close by with boat, wave runner, pontoon boat rentals. Reserve in advance!"
"This place has easy to access bike paths, beach/lake access, and is only a few minutes from town."
$15 / night
"The best hot spring locates a short distance from the campground. This is one of my favorite places to camp. The trees around gave us plenty of shade on a hot day!"
"We adore this spot for so many reasons—proximity to adorable McCall but removed enough to feel remote, trees, hiking along the water, close encounters with the fauna kind :) do yourself a favor and visit"
$95 / night
"Close to McCall,several pull-thrus; even indoor hot tubs! No restaurant but you’ll be close to many great ones"
"The location is nice and quiet, awa from traffic.They have a nice lodge with an indoor heated swimming pool. Each site had a picnic table but no fire pit where we stayed."
$10 - $30 / night
"This site and the surrounding area is filled with lush vegetation and this crisp, cool, blue blue lake."
"Water is best at entrance, the other has quite a bit of minerals. Pump only, no hose bib. Vault toilets were cleaned daily, very nice host."
$10 / night
"Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites. Good spot for riding base."
"Be sure to hike the Secesh river trail which starts across the Secesh River from the campground. I found huckleberries and wild strawberries along the trail at the beginning of July."
"Lick lake is a 3 mile hike into the wilderness and is gorgeous! No fee."
$15 / night
"The other side is along the edge of the mountain. I loved how these sites were very green and had lots of plants! There is a pit toilet in the canter."
GuideThe road getting up there was a bit difficult even with 4-wheel drive after all the rain. But once in the right area, I found a great little cut off road that dead ended at a camp site. Lots of deer, no other people around.
ScoutVery nice hosts. Best RV showers.
TravelerGreat camp hosts wonderful to have Full hook ups. Sites not too close to one another great to have the lake so close and have plenty of trails and pads to ride and walk on and enjoy the beauty of nature.
ScoutI'm planning on camping there next week, so I'll let ya know. The info about hook-ups etc. is wrong as what I've read. Just a swell looking campground at an affordable cost.
I have plenty of solar so I expect to enjoy this campground.
Take Care everyone!
Guide⭐ Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5
The campground is in good overall condition with several nice sites along the river, but there isn’t much to do on the property itself. It works well for an overnight stop, but it’s not a destination campground for longer stays.
🏕️ Campground Grounds & Amenities — 4 / 5
• The grounds are well maintained and clean. • Plenty of trash cans, riverfront spots, and ice/firewood available. • Laundry room and a small book exchange are nice touches. • Children’s play area and a horseshoe pit are available, though the pit only had three horseshoes, which made playing a bit awkward.
🔌 Hookups — 3 / 5
• Power and water worked perfectly. • Cable TV did not work, even though it was advertised. • Dump stations are available and easy to access.
🚻 Restrooms — 3.5 / 5
• Clean facilities with plenty of hot water in the showers. • Men’s room is small for a campground with 50 RV sites:• 1 urinal • 1 toilet • 2 showers
📍 Area & Activities — 3 / 5
• Not much to do on-site beyond the basics. • No hiking trails — just an asphalt driveway. • You’ll need a car to reach any local attractions or activities.
👥 Camp Hosts — 4 / 5
• Great communication before arrival via email and text. • Website was easy to use for booking. • Only negative: the female camp host approached us to tell us our outdoor rug couldn’t be on the grass. The request was reasonable, but the delivery was abrupt — no introduction or greeting. Not rude, but not warm either. A simple “Hi, I’m…” would have gone a long way.
🛏️ Who This Campground Is Best For
• Overnight travelers • Road trippers needing a clean, reliable stop • RVers who want riverfront scenery but don’t need on-site activities
🎯 Bottom Line
We’d stay here again for a one‑night stop, but it’s not ideal for a multi‑day stay unless you plan to spend most of your time off‑site.
TravelerThe campground itself is ok. If you get a site down by the water, those are the only ones with picnic tables and fire pits (19, 20, 21, 22, D1, D2, D3, where D = no hookups). Many of the sites with hookups are basically parallel parking spots but they don’t have their own picnic tables or fire pits. There are no tents allowed on the grass in the RV area, they are allowed on the pavement only. Tents are of course welcome on the grass in the tent camping area. There are picnic tables and fire rings in the tent area. Sites 6 and 8 were very sunny and hot. There is river access for swimming, shady areas over by the swimming area, and shady areas with picnic tables in the day use areas. The tent sites appeared to be on a slope. The camp host was THE BEST! She moved us out of a sunny site and had one available with a fire pit and picnic table for our first night. She checked back in frequently and was delightful to visit with. She takes excellent care of her guests and made the whole weekend especially enjoyable. There are docks available for boat parking and additional parking available for boat trailers. The grass is as green as can be and is watered daily which makes it very nice. There are flush toilets and a shower for guests to use as well as some porta potties. Dogs are welcome and must be leashed at all times. There are trash receptacles for waste and the campground was incredibly clean and nice.
TravelerThese sites are basic but have picnic tables and fire rings, accommodating tents, campers, or smaller RVs. Direct access to the lake with a very small boat launch. Not a great swimming area but great for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding. Shady sites. Composting toilets. No water or hookups. May have better swimming access points on the other side of the lake where it’s more sandy/rocky.
ScoutPlenty of room, close to town, free, toilets, great views.
RangerCamped here prior to lottery season night before our launch, and it was alive with excitement! There will be lots of whitewater enthusiasts getting ready to float and the boat ramp will be pretty busy but if you have a river permit in hand this is the best place. If you do not have a river permit in hand, the hustle and bustle might be interesting to experience but there are other campgrounds that may more suited to a non-river user. To each their own though!
Payette National Forest campsites sit between 2,000 and 7,000 feet in elevation, creating varied camping conditions across the forest's 2.3 million acres. The area features a mix of granite mountains, alpine lakes, and meadows where temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months. Camping options range from primitive dispersed sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities.
Hiking to waterfalls: Last Chance Campground offers access to Goose Creek Falls via a well-maintained 2.8-mile trail. "The hike to the Goose Creek falls, as mentioned by others, is great. It's 2.8 miles to the Falls and another 0.2 miles to a neat bridge. The water was wild in June and so were the flowers," shares Gretchen B. from Last Chance Campground.
Wild berry picking: Many campsites offer seasonal berry harvesting opportunities. "Do keep in mind that as the season progresses the water layer will decrease," notes Hannah C. about Upper Payette Lake Campground. At Last Chance Campground, one camper mentioned, "This is a great place to access Goose Creek Falls. A great hike for the family. It is also a good place to pick Morels in the spring and Huckleberries in the summer!"
Canoeing and kayaking: The smaller lakes provide calmer waters perfect for paddling. "The lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and leisurely boat rides. There is even a boat ramp to put in and take out at," according to Hannah C. about Upper Payette Lake Campground.
Historical campsites: Some Payette National Forest campsites have been in use for generations. "It is a historical site that has been used off and on for the past century," explains Hannah C. about Secesh Horse Camp, which features hitching rails for horses.
Off-grid experience: For those seeking to disconnect, several campgrounds offer a more primitive experience. "Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites. Good spot for riding base," writes Skyeriver about Secesh Horse Camp.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers regularly report seeing various wildlife. "Quiet, nice canoe lake. Wildlife are present in this area each night. Lots of hiking available," reports Ken B. from Upper Payette Lake Campground.
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are common during dry periods. One camper at Little Payette Lake Dispersed noted, "No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions."
Insects can be intense: Many campers mention mosquitoes as a significant issue. "Horrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though," reports Imerie T. about Little Payette Lake Dispersed camping area. Another camper noted, "Not super crazy view, but free. Not too many spots available in July. LOTS of bugs."
Water access varies: Despite proximity to lakes, direct water access isn't guaranteed. At Little Payette Lake Dispersed area, one camper mentioned, "Views of the lake but log jams and swampy shore mean no access."
Indoor options for bad weather: When conditions turn unfavorable, some facilities offer indoor amenities. At McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge, one visitor mentioned, "The indoor pool and spa and steam room made this my favorite park so far on our journey."
Accessibility to town: Some camping areas provide convenient access to nearby towns for supplies. "All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID. Good alternative to when the state park fills up," notes Austin C. about Little Payette Lake Dispersed camping.
Clean facilities matter: Families often prioritize campgrounds with well-maintained bathrooms. "The bathrooms are pit toilets but they did have potable water out of a spout," mentions Tom K. about Last Chance Campground.
Size limitations: Many forest roads have restrictions that limit larger RVs. "The road up to this campground isn't bad but it is gavel and steep," notes Tom K. about Last Chance Campground. Another camper mentioned, "Tight if bringing a longer RV, groups can be accommodated in the circle drive."
Hookup availability: Black Bear RV Park offers more amenities for RVers than forest service campgrounds. "Great bathrooms and showers great laundry room. Older place has power and water and a central dump station," reports Jeff K.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at dispersed sites. "Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things," warns Imerie T. about the Little Payette Lake Dispersed camping area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permits for camping in Payette National Forest?
Most developed campgrounds in Payette National Forest don't require advance permits, but they do charge fees for overnight stays. For dispersed camping at locations like Herrick Reservoir Access, camping is free with a 10-day stay limit. No reservations are needed for most primitive sites, though popular campgrounds may have reservation systems during peak season. Always check current regulations as they can change seasonally. For group camping or special activities, you might need to contact the ranger district office. Remember that even without formal permits, you're required to follow forest regulations regarding campfires, waste disposal, and resource protection.
Where are the best campgrounds in Payette National Forest?
Payette National Forest offers excellent camping options to suit various preferences. Poverty Flat is highly rated for its proximity to hot springs, water spigot access, and outhouse facilities. Ruby Meadows Trailhead provides a peaceful setting with creek access, though it can occasionally get busy with ATV enthusiasts. For locations near amenities, sites around McCall and Cascade Lake are popular. Many visitors also enjoy camping at Lake Cascade State Park's various campgrounds for water recreation. If you're looking for a quieter experience, the dispersed camping areas throughout the forest offer more solitude with fewer facilities.
What amenities are available at Payette National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across Payette National Forest campgrounds. At Boise National Forest Warm Lake Campground, you'll find dry camping with no hookups, but each site includes a picnic table and fire pit with nearby hiking trails. Copperfield Park offers a range of site sizes from tiny to spacious, with boat launch access nearby. More developed campgrounds like those in state parks typically provide water spigots, outhouses or flush toilets, and sometimes showers. Some locations have tent pads, designated parking areas, and trash service. Dispersed camping areas generally offer no amenities beyond a place to set up camp, so come prepared with everything you'll need.
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