If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Payette National Forest, look no further. Finding a place to camp with your dog in Idaho has never been easier. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
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
At Last Chance Campground, there are 20 single and three double sites situated along Goose Creek in a mature Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest. 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 campground boasts many opportunities for recreation. Goose Lake is a short distance away, which features a picnic area, restrooms, and fishing piers. There is excellent fishing in the reservoir, or try your luck in Goose Creek, next to the campground. Popular Goose Creek Trail #533 begins at the campground and leads to Goose Creek Falls and onto Brundage Reservoir. Hiking to Goose Creek Falls is a family-friendly hike that everyone is sure to enjoy. A special treat is to go huckleberry picking in late summer along the trail!
Last Chance Campground is situated among large ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees, which offer a charming forested setting. The campground is situated along Goose Creek, at approximately 4,653 feet.
$15 / night
45 sites, no hook-ups. Central drinking water. Nice tent living pads. Vault restrooms. Boat Ramp with handling docks. Great birding area. Secluded campground.
This campground is located adjacent to the Secesh River and offers beautiful river views. There are eleven camp sites. 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 ht tps://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
There is fishing and trail access.
The South Fork of the Salmon River is a highly popular area of the Forest and is one of the earlier areas to be snow-free in the spring. Several campgrounds and dispersed campsites can be found along the South Fork Road (FS Rd #674). The southern-most 7 miles of the South Fork Road are on the Boise National Forest.
$10 / night
Experience all that McCall has to offer with clean mountain air, fantastic outdoor activities, and, of course, great people. Enjoy nearby boating, fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, hunting, canoeing, zip lining, and three challenging golf courses. ATVs, UTVs, and SUPs are always welcome...bring the fun!
For the fisherman, there are over 200 lakes within 30 miles, with everything from shore fishing to fly fishing excursions. Hikers and backpackers of all levels love the well-groomed forest trails, and bikers appreciate the miles and miles of bike trails. Rock climbers rave about McCall. If you are an ATV / UTV enthusiast or four-wheeler, you will love McCall. Motorcyclists, come and discover some of the most beautiful countries you have ever ridden through!
Downtown McCall offers a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The Manchester Ice Center offers a year-round venue for figure skating, hockey, curling, and more. In addition to festivals and events throughout the year, thousands flock downtown to see the towering snow sculptures, live music, food, and art at the annual McCall Winter Carnival. This quaint and beautiful mountain resort is one of the few remaining treasures of the historical past.
We are a family operated RV park and campground located 2 minutes from downtown McCall, the marina and Payette Lake.
RV sites include 45' pull-throughs on concrete pads with water and electric hookups and plenty of shade trees. On-site dump station. Free pump-out service for stays longer than 7 days.
$39 - $54 / night
Upper Payette Lake Campground is located 16 miles from McCall, Idaho, on the shores of beautiful Upper Payette Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails. 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.
Upper Payette Lake is a no-wake lake that offers great fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The paved, mile-long Shoreline Trail begins in the campground and several additional hiking and biking trails begin just across the road from the entrance.
The lake is situated at the foot of the Salmon River Mountains at an approximate elevation of 5,900 feet. Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine forest the site, providing partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. Summer days are typically warm and nights are cool.
$15 / night
$42 - $52 / night
Located along side the South Fork Salmon River, this paved campground offers 10 campsites, including 4 walk in tent sites.__ 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.
__The campground serves as take-out for those floating the South Fork of the Salmon River from Goat Creek. Serves as the trailhead for an extensive trail system. Many loop hikes are possible from here, of varying lengths and difficulties. Open to those on foot, horses, mountain bikes, and trail bikes. Fishing in the river.__
__The campground serves as take-out for those floating the South Fork of the Salmon River from Goat Creek. Serves as the trailhead for an extensive trail system. Many loop hikes are possible from here, of varying lengths and difficulties. Open to those on foot, horses, mountain bikes, and trail bikes. Fishing in the river.__
The South Fork of the Salmon River is a highly popular area of the Forest and is one of the earlier areas to be snow-free in the spring. Several campgrounds and dispersed campsites can be found along the South Fork Road (FS Rd #674). The southern-most 7 miles of the South Fork Road are on the Boise National Forest.
$10 / night
Grouse Campground is located just 16 miles from McCall, Idaho, on the shores of Goose Lake. Visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing and horseback riding. 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.
Goose Lake is a no-wake lake offering rainbow and brook trout fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Numerous hiking, horseback riding and dirt bike trails are in the vicinity, including Granite Mountain Lookout and Goose Creek Falls.
Goose Lake is situated in the beautiful Salmon River Mountain range at an elevation of 6,500 feet. A forest of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pines provides partial shade in the campground, which is a short, three-minute walk from the shoreline. Summer wildflowers are abundant.
Brundage Mountain Resort, located nearby, offers scenic chairlift rides and excellent lift-served mountain biking and hiking.
$10 / night
There are several dispersed campsites along the lakeshore located just before and beyond Upper Payette Lake Campground. Sites have no amenities and are often difficult to access with a big RV as the ground can be wet through most of July.
Traveler
We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in October. There were many spots available along the road leading up to this site. But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees. And once we got our camper backed in, we didn’t even know the road was there. And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection.
Scout
We had the place to ourselves. Great small campground if you want to get away from everything.
Scout
The campground had just about everything we hoped for: it was quiet, clean, scenic, on a river, green, had showers, and a fantastic host. The dock right in front of our campsite was a bonus and the river was calm enough to swim in. Limited-range WiFi is available at the light pole at the camp entrance. Great stargazing at night, and we were serenaded by a couple of owls! Perfect location to visit the Hells Canyon Dam or start you rafting trip.
Traveler
Two other RVs already here so we backed into the shaded nook just as you pull off Lick Creek Rd. Views of the lake but log jams and swampy shore mean no access.
No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes.
Traveler
This is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles. The sign says you can camp up to 10 days consecutive, we only stayed for the night and continued on. This is also right on little salmon river.
Guide
Owners were very helpful about the activities in the area.
Scout
Campsite is just outside of town next to the lake. Good little spot to pull up. We stayed one night and paid $15. Lots of campsites were full on the other side, this was good being so close to the tamarack resort.
Scout
they have absolutely destroyed what we use to love..they put sand in every camping spot with railroad ties and huge spikes make sure you like sand in your shoes and in your tents and campers.. the placement of the fire pitts make it where you cant sit around the fire ..carry a flashlight at all times so you dont trip over the ties that they have placed …they took family sites big enough for 10 people and made them so close you can actually hear the next site breathing in their sleep..the camp host by the Name of Tod Had a nasty additude towards my wife when we had first woke up at 8:00 am hounding us about money..sorry we got there at 3:00 in the morning we were going to stay for 14 days and left in 3 they made nature into a aparment style camp ground i guess thats what happends when greed takes over..we have never had problems before ..camp hosts were great and now they need blue and red lights on top of their wheelers..now you look out your front window used to see the lake and mountains now you see the top of some ones tents…way to go IFAG..
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?
Scout
We’ve been here twice now. First 2021 and again June 2024. Campground is well kept. Showers and facilities clean. Minutes from Donnelly Idaho for “the things you forgot”. Great views coming back again for sure.
Guide
Stayed two nights here. Very nice, large campsite spots with picknick table and fire pit. Friendly camp host. Clean vault toilets. Goose Trial is right at the campsite. Nice easy trial. First come spots. We came in late 700pm but there were a lot of spots left.
Guide
Very calm and peaceful this weekend. Able to get our favorite spot by the river.
TravelerThis camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available
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!
Guide
We stopped by mid- Oct but didn't camp since water is already turned off. BUT , it's a beautiful campground.
Guide
We love this place... this is our go-to campground and one of our favorites. Kids can go swimming and fishing or just hung out by the water!
Guide
The gps for this site was off. It says to take a left at the fork. But the reservoir is to the right. Just follow the posted sign. It was nice and peaceful, tad bit chilly since it’s October. Last year I wasn’t able to get a spot near the lake but there is so many places to boondock up there.
Scout
I went to book this for a weekend for a family trip in the summer.. They do not have any tent spots. She was OK with our motorhome and one tent but the minute I said we had two kids and two small tents. She immediately informed me that she would not be renting to us. 
Scout
Great spot for groups! 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.
Guide
Nice park and facilities. Very friendly check-in. Small store in park. Clean and well kept grounds.
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.
Scout
Short walk to the lake beautiful views, so many little critters. Right next to the road though so a lot of cars kick up dust on the way by.
TravelerForest Service campground, no hookups, so be prepared. There is pressurized water (no hand pump). But it’s a 1 lane road, so if you are filling up a big tank, might block traffic.
Campground is split into two sides. The lake side has a boat ramp, but no beach area. Some sites can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Guide
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.
Legend
This location is not too far east out of Cascade, Idaho and easy to access. Once we turned off the warm spring highway to the right, southbound, we made a decision at the Y to go left. it turns out that this is older camping going clockwise around. The lake itself And these campgrounds were kind of rundown and less attractive to us with our travel trailer. we came back out and went to the right. at the Y so that we were going to go counterclockwise around the lake. And we wound up in the improved campgrounds that are run by the YMCA. nice little loops with good parking, good roads and easy access Pulling our 30 foot travel trailer. We really enjoyed staying here. It was quiet, peaceful, not overrun, not full at every space in the campground. Great little reservoir for kayaking and fishing and hiking around the shores. we really like this place 'cause all of the various campground loops were well taken care of. we also liked the fact that if we wanted to run back into Cascade for dinner or supplies, it wasn't very far at all. we'll come back to this place and put it on our list of
GuideGreat RV park! Park has a food truck on the property which was a nice treat. Clean showers and laundry service. Also have decent phone service for the area. Park is clean and hosts are excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Payette National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Payette National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 103 dog-friendly camping locations near Payette National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
