Glamping in Warren, Idaho offers access to high-elevation lakes, remote wilderness areas, and seasonal outdoor accommodations throughout the Payette National Forest region. Visitors can experience temperatures that drop significantly at night, even during summer months, with elevation ranges from 5,000 to 8,000 feet in nearby camping areas. Most forest service campgrounds provide basic facilities including vault toilets, while private glamping options offer more amenities.
What to do
Fishing at high-elevation lakes: Hazard Lake Campground provides access to quality brook trout fishing in a secluded setting. One visitor reports, "great time visiting I love the high elevation lakes for fishing not really into pay sites but this one is cool" while another noted it's "a great canoe lake."
River activities: Rainbow Point Campground offers direct lake access for water recreation. According to camper Heidi C., "The beach at the lake is lovely. Site #7 backs up to a large beach area. The campground is convenient to Donnelly and McCall, and quite close to Tamarack Resort (7 minutes), if you are riding there."
Mountain hiking: From Seven Devils Campground, numerous trails lead to alpine lakes and mountain summits. One reviewer advises, "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. I have never seen more than a handful of other groups out here."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Northwest Passage Campground sites provide separation from neighboring campers. A reviewer explained, "There are only 22 sites so not a huge amount of campers and most of the sites are pretty private with woods separating them."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Rainbow Point Campground offers chances to see local wildlife, though campers should exercise caution. As Amanda C. warns, "We had a skunk walk right through or camp!" Meanwhile, at Seven Devils, visitors should "Watch out for black bears, rattlesnakes, mountain goats in the area."
River sounds: Riverside RV Park positions campers near moving water for a peaceful background. Julie shared, "We stayed in site 8 (full hookups) which is on the river. The view of the river was so spectacular."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Hazard Lake Campground offers a true disconnected experience. Jamie H. notes, "If you want to be off the grid this is it. No cell service."
Water considerations: Forest service campgrounds may have seasonal water restrictions. At Hazard Lake, Jamie H. found "the water pump was out of order due to the test for purity was not processed yet."
Remote access: Seven Devils Campground requires significant travel time on unpaved roads. One reviewer cautions, "Plan to take your time driving up 17 Mile road (takes about an hour to get here from Riggins!)."
Site availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. Callie B. experienced this at Hazard Lake: "I got in at 4pm on a Friday and there were only 2 spots left."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Campgrounds with designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation. At Northwest Passage Campground, "There is a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters."
Pest protection: Pack insect repellent for evening comfort. One camper advises, "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. It helped immensely."
Safety considerations: Some riverside sites require extra supervision. Julie from Riverside RV Park cautions, "The river is several feet down with no fence so not the best space if you have young kids."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Riverside RV Park accommodates varying RV sizes with full hookups. Julie confirms, "The site was large enough to park our 31ft 5th wheel. We had a small lawn for our dog."
Campsite selection strategy: At Rainbow Point, experienced RVers recommend specific sites. Heidi C. notes, "There are a few pull throughs which make it easy for RVs."
Facility limitations: Northwest Passage lacks standard RV amenities. One reviewer points out, "There are no hook ups or running water at sites," while another mentions "$62. No hooks. No cell. Because I'm out of state."
