Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Payette National Forest, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. Find the best information on cabins near Payette National Forest, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each cabin offers quick access to one or more of Payette National Forest's most popular destinations.
Ponderosa State Park offers every kind of overnight experience imaginable with a variety of standard and serviced campsites, or cabins for small or large groups, amid a beyond-scenic mountain setting next to Payette Lake. There’s always more to explore! Learn more about all that Ponderosa State Park offers.
Beautiful Payette Lake surrounds the Peninsula Unit and is the shoreline of the North Beach Unit of the park, located in the heart of one of Idaho’s most popular year-round destinations. Hike and bike on your own or with a guide, listen to a park naturalist in the evening at the amphitheater or walk with them on one of the trails. Children can participate in the Junior Ranger Program in the summer months. Visitors can meander the North Fork of the Payette River in a canoe or kayak (rentals available), Nordic ski on groomed trails, snowshoe on designated trails, or simply sit on the front porch of a park cabin and enjoy the spectacular view.
Whether you enjoy cooking in a Dutch oven at a primitive camp site or an indoor stove in the comfort of a deluxe, lakeview cabin, Ponderosa State Park presents plentiful overnight experiences with a variety of standard and serviced campsites, or cabins.
$15 - $40 / night
Warm Lake Campground is near the eastern shore of beautiful Warm Lake, at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boating, canoeing and swimming are popular activities. A developed swim beach is available less than a quarter-mile away, at Warm Lake Lodge. Billy Rice Swim Beach is just over a mile from the campground, on the north side of the lake. The area offers a day-use site for picnicking and swimming. A boat ramp is located at nearby Shoreline Campground. The surrounding area offers great hiking, mountain biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, and hunting. The WeWuKiye (Wa Wu Kia) Trail No. 252 was recently built and can be accessed at Shoreline Campground. It is popular for hiking and mountain biking. For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Telephone Ridge Trail No. 112 offers 20 miles of trails for all riding levels, with staging areas within the campground and up the road at Shoreline Campground.
Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boating, canoeing and swimming are popular activities. A developed swim beach is available less than a quarter-mile away, at Warm Lake Lodge. Billy Rice Swim Beach is just over a mile from the campground, on the north side of the lake. The area offers a day-use site for picnicking and swimming. A boat ramp is located at nearby Shoreline Campground. The surrounding area offers great hiking, mountain biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, and hunting. The WeWuKiye (Wa Wu Kia) Trail No. 252 was recently built and can be accessed at Shoreline Campground. It is popular for hiking and mountain biking. For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Telephone Ridge Trail No. 112 offers 20 miles of trails for all riding levels, with staging areas within the campground and up the road at Shoreline Campground.
The campground is situated in a scenic forest of towering, old-growth ponderosa pine, which provides partial shade in the campground. Chipmunk Creek runs alongside the campground. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A variety of wildlife including bears, deer, elk, fox, grouse, eagles, osprey, grosbeaks, whooping cranes and otters, lives around the lake.
Warm Lake Lodge is located across the road from the campground and has a restaurant and small store with camping and fishing essentials.
$34 / night
$42 - $52 / night
Shoreline Campground is located just across the road from beautiful Warm Lake, at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boating, canoeing and swimming are popular activities. Billy Rice Swim Beach is nearby, offering a day-use site for picnicking and swimming. A boat ramp is located just across the road from the campground. The surrounding area offers great hiking, mountain biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, and hunting. The WeWuKiye (Wa Wu Kia) Trail No. 252 is popular among hikers and mountain bikers. It was recently built and can be accessed at the campground's entrance. For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Telephone Ridge Trail No. 112 offers 20 miles of trails for all riding levels, with staging areas within the campground and at Warm Lake Campground just down the road.
Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boating, canoeing and swimming are popular activities. Billy Rice Swim Beach is nearby, offering a day-use site for picnicking and swimming. A boat ramp is located just across the road from the campground. The surrounding area offers great hiking, mountain biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding, and hunting. The WeWuKiye (Wa Wu Kia) Trail No. 252 is popular among hikers and mountain bikers. It was recently built and can be accessed at the campground's entrance. For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Telephone Ridge Trail No. 112 offers 20 miles of trails for all riding levels, with staging areas within the campground and at Warm Lake Campground just down the road.
The campground is situated in a mixed-growth lodgepole pine forest, which offers partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant in the area. A variety of wildlife including bears, deer, elk, fox, grouse, eagles, osprey, grosbeaks, whooping cranes and otters, lives around the lake.
$50 / night
Seasonal RV Park for 55 and up campers. Full hookups.
$10 - $50 / night
This campground features nine sites along the North Fork of Lake Fork Creek. All sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
This is a beautiful campground and a great base camp for adventure. From the campground, trails head east, branching north and south into pristine mountain areas: East Fork Lake Fork Creek Trail #104, Lake Fork First Bridge Trail #339, and Paddy Flat/Lake Fork Creek Trail #103. There are many points of interest and trailheads if you continue along Lick Creek Road. Nearby is Slick Rock-Climbing area, a stunning exposed granite wall. Popular hiking areas include, Box Lake, Snowslide Lake, and Duck Lake. Drive to Lick Creek Summit (6,879 ft.) for 360-degree views of the Salmon River Mountains.
Forested campground near a creek at approximately 5,329 feet elevation.
$15 / night
An oasis of nature awaits with our spacious RV sites complete with electric, septic, water, and WiFi. Our mature trees provide just the right amount of shade on those hot summer days. Amenities include picnic table, fire pits, showers/restrooms, and clubhouse with pool table. We even have fish cleaning stations for your catch of the day.
Or step into one of our newly renovated lodge rooms that are inspired by nature yet complete with today’s modern luxuries. Featuring LED fireplace, smart tv, mini-fridge, coffee maker, all in a spacious setting with large table for working and eating.
Or grab one of our two-bedroom suites complete with a full-kitchen.
$40 / night
The Paddy Flat Cabins East and West are undergoing renovation in Summer 2024, and we hope to make these units available for public use in 2025. The Paddy Flat Guard Station is located in the Payette National Forest of central Idaho. Guests enjoy the remote area for its hunting opportunities and abundance of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle roads and trails. Abundant streams and numerous alpine lakes within travel distance offer fantastic fishing opportunities. The Paddy Flat Cabin East provides sleeping quarters four up to 4 persons. This cabin is also allowed up to two single-family tents outside.
The Paddy Flat Guard Station serves as an excellent jumping-off point for adventures via horseback, motorcycle, ATV or hiking. Numerous trailheads within a few miles allow access to alpine lakes for fishing, meadows for watching birds and wildlife, as well as peaks ranging as high as 8,681 foot elevation for excellent views of the South Fork of the Salmon River drainage.
This Guard Station sits at an elevation of 5,250 feet and is situated within a scenic meadow surrounded by a dense conifer forest. The Payette National Forest contains some of Idaho's most beautiful and diverse country. Located in west-central Idaho, north of Boise, the 2.2 million-acre forest extends 100 miles west to east, from Hells Canyon to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and 70 miles north to south, from the Salmon River to the Weiser River.
While the Paddy Flat Guard Station is located within some of the most scenic forest areas of Idaho, you may find a desire to visit "civilization" during your visit. If you hanker for a pizza, hot lunch or subway sandwich, the town of Donnelly is just a bit of back-tracking away. While you are there, take some time to explore the historic town of Roseberry or take the ten mile drive to Gold Forks Hot Springs for a relaxing dip in their pools. While McCall is a bit further of a drive north, a walk through downtown is always a fun way to while away the afternoon. Spend some time on the waterfront, take in a local museum, visit Ponderosa State Park, or take a tour through the McCall Fish Hatchery.
$100 / night
Scout
I called (no one answered @4:45pm)... then we drove because it was on our way... and there was no one. The restaurant was closed... it is 6:15pm.. maybe they aren't open past 6?
Guide
Very calm and peaceful this weekend. Able to get our favorite spot by the river.
Guide
This place is nice but no campfires allowed which my boys love to do. However, they have swimming pool, jacuzzi, and free popcorn all day!
Traveler
We loved it! We hadn't made reservations so only got to stay one night but plan on going back. The campground is Huge and accommodates a lot of spaces but they are far enough apart to not feel at all crowded. Lots of activities, biking, lake, showers, laundry, full hookup.
Guide
There are new owners for 2023 season. They are working on improving the park's services and amenities. The park has mature trees providing ample shade throughout the day. Most sites have a concrete patio and grassy area. The photos on their website provide an accurate description of the Motel and park. We were on the Main Street side of the RV park. There is a wee bit of road noise during the day. It is quiet at night. There are a number of sites occupied by folks staying for the summer. Made reservations for the week of 4th July. Everyone working at the RV Park was very friendly and helpful. The camp host and Maintenance person, Steve was especially helpful. We pulled into RV Park and discovered the coach had developed a short that tripped the power pedestal breaker. Steve played a major role in locating and helping me fix the shorted wire run. Our stay would have been ruined without his help. Next time I stay in the area, this will be my first choice of places to stay. We camped at Alpine Lodge and RV in a Motorhome.
Wifi is available. Verizon was 2-3 bars on phone.
ScoutVery friendly and helpful staff. We had a beautiful site on the river.
Legend
Beautiful log cabin in the mountains of Idaho, located in Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest, so astonishing views are plentiful. There is no cell service here, so prepare for the trip ahead, print out your maps to the station, otherwise getting lost on your way here is a very likely possibility. BYO drinking water, headlamps and sense of adventure. Pack out what you pack in..must respect the power of nature.
Near by attractions are Florence which is a well known location for gold mining in days past, nice place to hike and explore the area’s history.
TravelerI stopped for a bite to eat at the bar/restaurant but decided to camp here for a night. The campground is mainly focused on RVs but there is space enough for tents in an area with trees. There was plenty of space even though it was Labor Day weekend.
The showers/toilets for the men were broken so the lady showers/bathrooms were shared. They were clean.
The restaurant and bar are worth a visit even if you don’t camp. The burger was the best I had in a long time and the place is frequented by locals. The place was clearly understaffed but they were friendly and helpful.
Would stay again
GuidePerfect late summer camping
GuideFun REC for kids, playground, and party fire pit area. Individual spots were extremely tight. Employee had to help us park (even though we didn't feel like we needed it).
ScoutThe site (Aspen 7) was snug - our tent was 3 feet from the fire - but the campground is beautiful and the couple maintaining the sites are meticulous! They did regular rounds and practically had the sites cleaned and ready for the next visitor within minutes of checkout. The facilities are well kept and there is so much to do! I can see why the park is often completely booked.
TravelerGreat place where there are lots of amenities. Escorted to our spot and helped us back in. Cable as well. We had bad weather, but the site, 115, felt pretty isolated.
GuideTent pads were clean and well leveled. Bathrooms were clean and showers were free. Water and power available. Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner.
Guide
Family oriented destination. Big group fun
LegendWe were fortunate to snag a cancelation spot for 3 days. We hiked, biked, SUP, enjoyed the 3 breweries in town. One of my favorites was picking wild huckleberry that happened to be in season while we were there. It's one of the best places to find them in the state. The sites were not too close. The showers in the new section were some of the best we have found. It is one of our new favorites. We can't wait to go back.
Traveler
One of the best places I have been, secluded And very much relaxing
Traveler
As stated in description it's rustic. Not much to it but it did offer a sheltered place to build a fire/get warm and weather a bad storm. In the summer, the long rough road into it is not for everyone. Scenery is good and very quiet. If you want remote with the bare basics, this is the place.
Guide
We loved this campground! Nice place to bring bikes, very close to beautiful lake, fishing, camp store, swimming etc.
Had concrete pads for tents. Very peaceful place.
Legend
Warm Lake Shoreline Campground is a nice walk in area right on the shore of the lake. You can walk down to fish, swim or kayak/paddle board. This is one of the better areas I think in this campground. Less walk through traffic then other area but access to everything. Good size sites, your neighbors are within shouting distance but it’s still quiet. Your in the trees and off to one side of the lodge so vehicle traffic is not very noticeable either. Worth the drive for the scenery and peacefulness.
LegendWarm Lake is BEAUTIFUL! And the locals know it, talk about a crowd. I think every spot was taken and at max capacity. We walked some of the lakeside trail and there were people all along it fishing.
The lake filled up quickly with kayakers, swimmers and other boats. Even with all that it was still possible to find a somewhat quiet spot along the lakeside. The campground has paved sites that are level and it’s all well maintained. The night sky would be very awesome, unfortunately there is the constant haze from the wild fires which is horrible. Not far up the road they are fighting a good size fire that has put out so much smoke that it overcast the sky counties away.
LegendWarm Lake Is BEAUTIFUL! Peaceful, dark and REMOTE.
Quite a drive to this beautiful lake but apparently it is well liked by locals because it was crowded! People fishing everywhere, people all around the lodge, trail and beach.
The water is crystal clear and fishing is popular. There is a trail that goes completely around the lake but we turned back when a snake crossed our path.
There are several options to include a group camping area, a shoreline primitive area, rental cabins and a Rec vehicle area. The lodge offers pretty much everything you could need, but considering how busy they are I would try to bring what I needed.
LegendWarm Lake Campground
Quite a drive to this beautiful lake but apparently it is well liked by locals because it was crowded!
The water is crystal clear and fishing is popular. There is a trail that goes completely around the lake but we turned back when a snake crossed our path.
There is a tent area, rental cabins and a camper area. I had no signal, bring a map.
The forest fires were further into the forest but the smoke haze was ever present.
GuideWhat a beautiful place, and location to spend a week in October. With all the fall colors in full display, brisk evening air perfect for a fall fire to warm yourself. We could not have picked a better week to stay in October. Great walking paths to view all kinds of wildlife along the river. Met the owner who also owns the Ashley inn right in town, though it was chili at night, and our pipes froze the last night, it was the best October birthday week we have had in a long time. If they were open year-round and our rig was good in the snow, we would be up there every month. Beautiful views, great weather, and we always go and eat at the whistle stop Cafe in town, give their pizza a try.
LegendClean, leveled, friendly, only 1/4 mile to their downtown. Friendly and helpful staff, showers, toilets, beach area for swimming WITH lounge chairs, swimming right in front, volleyball court, dog walking trails, fire pits, horse shoe play area, etc! Only wish I was able to do laundry but coming back again! Oh and the best part, great fishing under the bridge!
ScoutWonderful people, beautiful park!
TravelerNicely spaced camp sites with easy access to showers (closed during COVID) and bathrooms. Alpine loop was under renovation during our visit - construction noise woke us each day.
TravelerNice spots, big, flat, clean and paved. Good privacy between sites. Beautiful lake with swimming area and lots of fishing. Lake isn’t too rough.. good for paddle boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Payette National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Payette National Forest is Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 36 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Payette National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Payette National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
