Camping near Warren, Idaho provides access to remote forest service sites throughout Payette National Forest at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The region receives heavy snowfall from November through April, with forest service roads typically inaccessible until late May. Temperatures can drop to the 30s even during summer nights, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Upper Payette Lake offers excellent conditions for various water activities beyond camping. "The lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and leisurely boat rides. There is even a boat ramp to put in and take out at," notes one visitor to Upper Payette Lake Campground.
Gem hunting: The creeks around Ruby Meadows provide unique opportunities for amateur prospectors. A visitor explains: "I enjoyed panning in the creeks around the area because there are neat dark red and purple garnet to be had. Only found a speck or two of gold, so I am glad I was looking for garnet and not gold."
Winter activities: For those visiting during colder months, Peninsula Campground at Ponderosa State Park offers seasonal recreation. "Heading out in the winter, there are great snowshoeing and Nordic skiing options," shares one camper who visits during quieter seasons.
What campers like
Lake access: The Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area receives high marks for its waterfront sites. "Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails," reports one enthusiastic visitor.
Historical features: Some sites offer unique historical elements beyond natural features. At Loon Lake, visitors can explore remnants of aviation history: "It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943."
Riverside sites: Campers frequently mention the appeal of hearing running water. At Secesh Campground, one visitor notes: "Our site was Site 1 and we backed up to the river. This was a quick overnight stop for us. It was beautiful to listen to the river all night."
What you should know
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds in the Warren area require significant travel on unpaved roads. About Secesh Horse Camp, a camper advises: "Dope off grid, dusty, pretty, dusty, epic drive and views along salmon river to hidden gem Secesh river. Flat sites."
Seasonal limitations: Water levels change significantly throughout the camping season. "Do keep in mind that as the season progresses the water layer will decrease," warns a visitor to Upper Payette Lake Campground about lake conditions later in summer.
Varying amenities: Facilities differ greatly between established and dispersed sites. One camper at Ponderosa Campground notes: "I stayed here one night. It was a weeknight and very quiet - only one other site was occupied. The pit toilets were clean. There is no water available there, so either bring your own or a filter."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access locations: For families seeking less remote options, Peninsula Campground offers conveniences. "What a great place to spend time with your family! Clean bathrooms, easy hook ups, and a warm Visitor's Center all made our cold, damp camping trip a success," shares one family camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting animals in their natural habitat. "Wildlife are present in this area each night. Lots of hiking available," notes a visitor to Upper Payette Lake about the regular animal sightings.
Adventure hiking: For families with older children, Chinook Campground serves as a starting point for the Loon Lake hike. "We had the place to ourselves. Great small campground if you want to get away from everything," mentions one visitor about this basecamp location.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: RVers should research site dimensions before arrival. At Upper Payette Lake, a camper warns: "Tight if bringing a longer RV, groups can be accommodated in the circle drive."
Supply planning: The remoteness of Warren area camping requires thorough provisioning. "This campground is close enough to McCall that you can run in for supplies or fun. However, it is far enough away that it doesn't get a ton of traffic," explains a visitor to Upper Payette Lake Campground.
Connectivity options: For RVers needing to stay connected, some dispersed sites can accommodate technology needs with proper equipment. One Upper Payette Lake Dispersed camper shares: "We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection."
