Tent camping throughout Payette National Forest ranges from 5,000 to over 8,000 feet in elevation, creating dramatic temperature swings even in summer months. The forest encompasses 2.3 million acres with over 30 dispersed and established camping areas. Most tent campsites receive the heaviest use from mid-June through September when mountain roads become accessible after winter snow melts.
What to do
Hiking access to alpine lakes: At Lick Creek Area, hikers can access the wilderness boundary just minutes from their tent site. A three-mile trail leads directly to Lick Lake, which offers fishing and swimming opportunities in warmer months. "Lick lake is a 3 mile hike into the wilderness and is gorgeous!" notes camper Courtney R.
River recreation: Northwest Passage Campground provides direct river access that supports multiple water activities. "The river is walking distance from all sites. It is perfect for paddle boarding kayaking and floating. There is a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters," shares camper Cindy N.
Hot springs exploration: Near Four Mile Campground, tent campers can access natural hot springs within hiking distance. Hannah C. reports, "About a mile and a half up the road is 16 mile hot springs which was wonderful!" This makes for a perfect day activity from camp, particularly during cooler seasons.
What campers like
Lakeside access: Brundage Reservoir Camping Area offers tent sites directly on the shoreline. "We spotted a beautiful lake through the trees... we saw an open spot right next to the water. We unpacked, pitched our tent and settled in for the night," describes Ted-Kelli T., highlighting the premium waterfront tent locations.
Wildlife viewing: The forest hosts diverse wildlife that frequently visits camp areas. At Northwest Passage, campers regularly observe large mammals and birds. "The wild life there is abundant. We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks," one camper notes about their tent camping experience.
Solitude and quiet: The Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area features a secluded meadow setting with natural sound barriers. Kevin C. explains, "You can't hear rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that's really just as good. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevation creates cold overnight conditions even during summer months. "It's high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night," cautions Kevin C. about Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area.
Water access limitations: Most tent sites require campers to bring their own water or filter from natural sources. At Paddy Flat, campers should plan accordingly: "Very short hike nice camping. A very cold lake bring water or filter," advises Easton S. Even at established campgrounds, water access may be centralized rather than at individual sites.
Road conditions: Access to many tent camping areas requires traveling on rough forest roads. One camper describes their experience reaching Brundage Reservoir: "Driving down a pot-holed, dirt road for quite awhile, we found ourselves concerned that we may not find something." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote tent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Certain campgrounds feature child-friendly water access points. Northwest Passage Campground includes "a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters," making it suitable for families with young children.
Wildlife education opportunities: Granite Lake Camping Area provides natural wildlife observation chances for children. "Awesome place for tent camping and hiking lots of trails to explore," notes Christopher R., highlighting opportunities for nature discovery along shorelines and forest paths.
Off-peak timing strategy: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing matters significantly. One camper at Northwest Passage advises, "This campsite is non-reservable. It's first come first serve and usually very busy. The best time to get a spot is Sunday afternoon or Monday and Tuesday. Towards the weekends most spots are full."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer considerations: While most dispersed areas are tent-focused, some accommodate small trailers. Christopher R. notes about Granite Lake: "Not a great place if you need a RV to go camping," confirming the limitations for larger recreational vehicles at many forest sites.
Non-hookup preparation: Deadman Campground offers drive-up sites but without amenities. Annie C. explains, "A wide spot along the road, this free BLM campground has 5 drive up campsites and 2 walk in. All have really nice covered picnic areas and pretty good fire pits," but emphasizes the absence of hookups that RVers should prepare for.
Alternative options: When forest roads prove challenging, some RVers opt for established campgrounds closer to towns. "McCall is a 15 minute drive," notes one camper about Northwest Passage, providing context about supply runs and amenity access for those with RVs camping in more developed areas.
