Yurt camping near Payette National Forest offers a balance of wilderness access and shelter at elevations ranging from 4,400 to 7,500 feet. The mountainous terrain features alpine lakes, deep canyons, and extensive trail systems across 2.3 million acres of protected wilderness. Seasonal considerations are significant with heavy winter snowfall limiting access to many sites between October and May.
What to do
Alpine hiking trails: Seven Devils Campground sits at the gateway to numerous high-elevation trails. "An incredibly beautiful area. It is rugged and feels so wild. There are several hikes that can be done in a single day or stretched out to multi day trips that go along mountaintops and alpine lakes," notes Celine K. who recommends watching for "black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain goats in the area."
River recreation: Riverside RV Park in Riggins offers immediate water access. "We stayed in site 8 (full hookups) which is on the river. The view of the river was so spectacular," shares Julie, adding it has "easy in/out access through the park. Town with gas, groceries, and restaurants close by."
Winter yurt expeditions: While summer yurts are popular, winter yurt camping in Payette National Forest provides access to uncrowded backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Most winter-accessible yurts require advance reservations and preparation for cold weather camping with temperatures regularly dropping below 10°F.
What campers like
Lake proximity: Rainbow Point campground offers direct lake access. "The sites are spaced far apart and very spacious. Campground host is great and the campground is clean. There are a few pull throughs which make it easy for RVs. The beach at the lake is lovely. Site #7 backs up to a large beach area," according to Heidi C.
Riverside campsites: The sound of flowing water enhances many camping locations. Alan K. describes Riverside RV Park: "Next to the Little Salmon River, stand on the bank and watch and hear the River rush by. Lush green grass and picnic tables. Look up to the canyon myna/hill tops all green."
Wilderness seclusion: Hazard Lake campground provides genuine off-grid experiences. "If you want to be off the grid this is it. No cell service," explains Jamie H. who notes it offers "Great brook trout fishing and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. It would be a good home base to explore the areas many trails."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most wilderness yurts and backcountry sites have minimal amenities. Jamie H. notes about Hazard Lake: "The campground did not have a camp host so roudy campers are not kept in check. Also the water pump was out of order due to the test for purity was not processed yet. Bring extra rolls of toliet paper because the outhouses while they were good where not resupplied over the weekend."
Reservation systems: Many yurt facilities require advance bookings, especially during peak summer months and winter holidays. Wilderness yurts typically book 6-9 months in advance.
Access challenges: Reaching remote campgrounds often requires significant travel time on unpaved roads. Kirsten I. shares about Seven Devils Campground: "After 45 minutes drive on dirt road we reached this rustic campground... There are pit toilets, no trash, no water."
Tips for camping with families
Riverside activities: River Side offers family-friendly water access. Randy I. explains, "We had great waterfront access, there is no real beach and the slope into the water is steep. My kids are older so it was not a problem."
Playground amenities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide dedicated recreation spaces. "Fun REC for kids, playground, and party fire pit area," reports Isabel about Arrowhead RV Park, though she cautions "Individual spots were extremely tight."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Northwest Passage Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting chances for children. "The wild life there is abundant. We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks," shares Cindy N., adding "the river is walking distance from all sites. It is perfect for paddle boarding kayaking and floating."
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup options: Waters Edge RV Resort provides complete amenities for RVers. "Great walking paths to view all kinds of wildlife along the river," mentions Campfiresandcoffee94, who adds it offers a "Beautiful view, great weather."
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks have limited operating seasons. Phillip C. notes about Waters Edge: "Staff very friendly and accommodating. Sites are pretty level. Campground within walking distance to town, good river front area. Fairly quiet, we will come again!"
Space limitations: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. Joshua D. observes at Rainbow Point: "Sites are all fairly close together with not a lot of privacy. The lake is beautiful, but expect noise from boats. The vault toilets were clean."
