The Hazard Lake camping area sits at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet in the Payette National Forest near Pollock, Idaho. The high-elevation lake is accessible via rough forest roads during summer months, typically July through September when snowpack has melted. Water temperatures remain cold even in peak summer, with trout fishing as the primary water activity rather than swimming.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hazard Lake offers good brook trout fishing for anglers looking for backcountry experiences. According to one visitor at Hazard Lake, "great time visiting I love the high elevation lakes for fishing not really into pay sites but this one is cool."
Water recreation: While the lake is small, it provides opportunities for non-motorized watercraft. A camper mentioned, "The lake itself is fairly small but many campers kayak or paddle board on it. Lots of fishing as well."
Trail exploration: The area surrounding luxury glamping in Pollock contains numerous hiking trails for day trips. At Seven Devils Campground, a visitor noted, "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."
What campers like
River sounds: Visitors to upscale outdoor accommodations near Pollock appreciate the natural water sounds. One camper at Northwest Passage Campground shared, "The wild life there is abundant. We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room between sites for privacy. At Rainbow Point, a camper noted, "The sites are spaced far apart and very spacious. Campground host is great and the campground is clean."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to Seven Devils Campground advised, "Watch out for black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain goats in the area."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most rustic sites near Pollock have minimal amenities. At Hazard Lake, a camper warned, "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."
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly in this region. A visitor at Hurricane Creek Campground shared, "We scheduled three nights here but after two nights of amazing lightning storms, we skipped the third night."
Site availability: Premium glamping sites in Pollock fill quickly during peak season. One Hazard Lake visitor advised, "There are several sites that don't really have water views so arrive early. I got in at 4pm on a Friday and there were only 2 spots left."
Tips for camping with families
Safety near water: Fast-moving water requires supervision. A visitor to Hurricane Creek Campground cautioned, "My one caution would be that if you have dogs keep them on a leash because if they were to get in the creek that would be all she wrote. That creek is appropriately named as it really moves."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain sites and times. A camper at Northwest Passage Campground warned, "One downfall here is the amount of mosquitoes. They are large and thirsty. We came prepared this year with lots of mosquito spray and some thermoscell mosquito deterrent."
Alternative lodging: For families seeking Pollock glamping experiences with more amenities, structured options exist. A visitor to Evans Farm described, "Cozy up in your Montana Wall Tent that offers a wood-burning stove, two burner propane cook stove, and pillow top queen sized mattress."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require caution. A visitor to Hurricane Creek Campground shared, "Before I drove down here, I'd read some reviews about the road not being pot-holed and washboard, but I decided to risk it with my van and so glad I did!"
Leveling needs: RVers should prepare for uneven surfaces at some sites. The same Hurricane Creek camper noted, "Spent one night in that spot then took another closer to the river for the second night where I had to use my leveling blocks."
Site selection: When RVing near Pollock, choosing the right site matters. A camper at Rainbow Point mentioned, "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."
