R
Robert M.
Scout
ScoutPaddy Flat Campground
Discrimination
She was talking about they discriminated against anybody with pets. What camp or what person in Idaho doesn’t have a pet. This is the most pathetic campground I’ve ever seen.
Camping near Yellow Pine, ID
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Yellow Pine, Idaho sits within the Payette National Forest, offering a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites along waterways. The Yellow Pine Campground provides basic amenities near town, situated alongside a creek with pit toilets but no water. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Camping Area offers seven free sites overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. Other nearby options include Buckhorn Bar, Deadman, and Four Mile campgrounds, all managed by the Forest Service with varying levels of amenities. Most sites accommodate tents and small to medium RVs, though narrow forest roads limit access for larger vehicles.
Road conditions vary significantly by season, with many areas inaccessible during winter months. The region typically opens for camping from late May through October, depending on snowmelt and elevation. Summer brings warm days and cool nights at these higher elevations. As one camper noted, "The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or RV in this area." Most campgrounds have basic pit toilets, and only some offer drinking water. Cell service is limited throughout the area, becoming virtually nonexistent beyond Yellow Pine. Wildfire risk increases in late summer, occasionally causing closures or smoky conditions.
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with the East Fork sites particularly praised for their water views. According to visitors, Yellow Pine Campground fills quickly during special events like the annual Harmonica Festival but otherwise remains relatively uncrowded. The Yellow Pine area camping options provide peaceful settings with occasional wildlife sightings including deer and various bird species. The area offers good fishing opportunities, particularly for trout in the various forks of the Salmon River. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic viewpoints and backcountry areas. Most sites feature fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during drier months. The remote setting provides excellent stargazing opportunities on clear nights.
Best Campgrounds near Yellow Pine (187)
1. Yellow Pine Campground
"This is the closest campground to Yellow Pine. It is right next to the cemetery. It sits right alongside a creek and has many trees. There is one pit toilet for all of the sites and no water."
2. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area
"These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River."
3. Ponderosa Campground
"Nice lake close by with boat, wave runner, pontoon boat rentals. Reserve in advance!"
"This place has easy to access bike paths, beach/lake access, and is only a few minutes from town."
from $10 / night
Check Availability4. Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park
"Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."
"Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability5. Poverty Flat
"I first found out about poverty flats when I was checking out a near by hot spring, Mile 16. I decided to camp here so I could be close by to the spring."
"Some of the sites you can drive into while others you walk a short ways in. There is access to the river and a hike right from this historical campground."
from $10 / night
Check Availability6. Big Creek — Payette National Forest
"kinda small but great place to set up a base camp for exploring the wilderness next to the camp"
from $10 / night
7. Camp Creek Campground
"I don't know what it is about Idaho that makes me feel like I'm in a Fairy Tail."
from $10 / night
Check Availability8. Payette National Forest Four Mile Campground
"It was nice and quiet And you could hear the river nearby. Spot 3 has a great access trail that takes you down by the creek which flows into the river. There is a rock fire pit down there."
9. Deadman Campground
10. Buckhorn Bar Campground
"The other side is along the edge of the mountain. I loved how these sites were very green and had lots of plants! There is a pit toilet in the canter."
from $15 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 46 min from Boise, ID
- 5 hrs 25 min from Lewiston, ID
- 7 hrs 12 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 7 hrs 42 min from Missoula, MT
Recent Camping Photos near Yellow Pine, ID
69 Photos of 187 Yellow Pine Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Payette National Forest Four Mile Campground
Poverty Flat
Secesh Campground — Payette National Forest
Boise National Forest Shoreline Campgroundr
Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping AreaK
Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)
Northwest Passage Campground — Ponderosa State ParkC
Warren Wagon Rd
Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Upper Payette Lake Campground
Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park
Black Bear RV Park
Recent Reviews near Yellow Pine, ID
328 Reviews of 187 Yellow Pine Campgrounds
Amanda M.
TravelerWaters Edge RV Resort
Great overnight stop with the kids!!
I’d give 4.5 stars if possible. Great location to break up the trip between Boise and Lewiston.
Lots of fun stuff to do: good swimming beach with the ability to check out canoes and kayaks (life jackets available for loan was a big deal since our 7&9 year olds forgot to pack theirs), sand volleyball, big bonfire ring near the beach, benches and picnic tables along the water access, lots of access to fishing within walking distance. Big rocks along the water that our daughter really enjoyed scrambling along, and we laid across them to watch the meteor shower.
Sites are big and easy to park our 36’ camper, easy check in, cute little store with firewood for sale. Staff were courteous and helpful.
Bathroom was clean, we didn’t use the shower.
The only thing I could complain about is that our picnic table was not in the best shape, but we swapped out for our neighbor’s since the site showed as available for the only night we were going to stay.
Hannah A.ScoutCold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (ID)
Quiet & Remote
Lots of first-come-first-served campsites. We showed up on a Tuesday early and there were tons of spots available. Vault toilets were clean. Drinking water was some of the best we've had. No cell service for Verizon. Road up to the campground is gravel washboard for about 3.5 miles - slow going, but ultimately worth it.
Reservoir was decent. Very weedy, and unless you take the concrete boat ramp, it is all thick mud. Water seemed clean though, and was nice and cool.
Lots of cows around - can definitely hear them early in the morning.
Nice place to camp - would stay again.
- rreed C.
GuideBoise National Forest Shoreline Campground
Break from the valley heat
We came up to escape the 105 temps in Boise. Shoreline was not at capacity. Quiet couple of days. Paved roads and sites. Plenty of space between sites. Friendly site hosts. Beautiful lake with a significant boat launch area
- CCoq A.Guide
Sugarloaf Campground — Lake Cascade State Park
A Last-Minute Find That Turned Into a Favorite
After driving around Lake Cascade searching for a campsite with no luck, most campgrounds were either full or just weren't our vibe, we stumbled upon Sugarloaf Campground around 5:00 p.m. What a great surprise!
While it's a bit larger than the campgrounds we usually prefer, it quickly won us over. The campground host was incredibly friendly, the campsites were clean and well maintained, and the bathrooms were spotless(though there are no showers). It's also just a short walk down to the lake, making it easy to enjoy the shoreline whenever you like.
One of our favorite touches was the collection of adorable birdhouses lining the entrance road; they added so much charm to the campground. We also loved all the wildlife. There were plenty of beautiful birds, grazing cattle wandering near the beaches, and we even spotted deer walking through the campground. We stayed in Site 70, which worked well for a last-minute reservation. If we return and we definitely plan to, we'd probably choose one of the sites in the 40s, as they seemed a bit more private and farther from the campground entrance. Overall, Sugarloaf was a wonderful surprise and somewhere we'd happily stay again.
Andrew S.GuideBig Sage Campground — Lake Cascade State Park
Beautiful views!
Pretty much every campsite has phenomenal views of Lake Cascade and the sunset behind the mountains! Location was great to go into town and to go to some local hotsprings. We had good service with Verizon and Starlink. TWO IMPORTANT WARNINGS, turn off your water and take down your awning every time you leave your site! There are random and VERY strong windstorms. Our awning got ripped off. The water pressure is also CRAZY strong, and our hose blew up.
- sshannonScout
French Creek Campground
Very charming and well maintained
The sites are spacious and well maintained. Bathrooms are SO clean, you’re right next to the lake and there weren’t many mosquitoes. The other spots are close but it doesn’t feel crowded and there are only a few spots at the campground anyway. Lots of trees so it was well shaded.
Shawn S.
LegendGoose Lake Camping Area
Stunning views and serene atmosphere
Dispersed camping areas all over the mountain. From Granite Lake to Brundage Resrvoir to Goose Lake and all the way out to Hazard Lake and more I forgot the names to, nooks and crannies everywhere with equestrian areas, tents spots and even a few areas for my 36ft fifth wheel. The roads are rough, gravel, potholes, and washer board. But if you take it slow and are equipped adequately for offgrid, you won't be disappointed. Weekends get busy and a bit noisy with off-roaders. Sundays through Wednesday is pure solitude.
- MMarianne P.Traveler
Black Bear RV Park
Two minutes to town
Convenient location and quiet even though right off 55. Sites are fairly close together. Well run park.
Guide to Yellow Pine
Dispersed camping options around Yellow Pine, Idaho include numerous sites situated within the Payette National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 4,700 and 8,000 feet, creating distinct camping seasons typically running from late May through mid-October. Many camping areas become accessible after snowmelt clears forest roads, with July and August offering the most reliable access conditions.
What to do
Hiking riverside trails: At Ponderosa Campground, visitors can explore trails directly from camp. "This is a beautiful campground right on the Secesh River and right across the road from a trail that takes you on a hike along the river. I found wild huckleberries and strawberries on this hike in early July," notes Hannah C.
Hot springs access: Poverty Flat Campground serves as a convenient base for hot springs enthusiasts. "It's a short walk, or shorter drive, to one of my favorite hot springs in the state," shares Sheil K., while another visitor mentions, "The drive out is amazing, and there are plenty of hot springs along the way."
Wilderness exploration: Big Creek Campground provides access to significant backcountry areas. "Confinement area for pilots and for those wanting to hike into the FCRNRW which is 2 miles down the road," reports Courtney R., highlighting its role as a gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
What campers like
Riverside sites: East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area consistently receives praise for water proximity. "These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River," explains Hannah C.
Solitude during non-event periods: Yellow Pine offers quiet camping most of the year. "I was here on 4th of July weekend and there were still some sites left. I know it fills up for the harmonica festival due to its proximity to town," notes a camper about Yellow Pine Campground.
Forest atmosphere: Buckhorn Bar Campground features distinctive vegetation. "I loved how these sites were very green and had lots of plants! There is a pit toilet in the center," shares Hannah C., highlighting the lush surroundings that characterize this particular camping area.
What you should know
Water considerations: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "There is a water spigot, but it said the water is being tested and it recommends boiling the water before it is used," warns a reviewer about Buckhorn Bar Campground. Many dispersed sites have no potable water.
Road conditions: Most access routes require careful driving. "The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or RV in this area," cautions Hannah C. about East Fork dispersed sites.
Seasonal considerations: Four Mile Campground and similar sites offer the best availability during weekdays or non-holiday periods. "No one was camping there except me on a July 4th weekend. It was nice and quiet and you could hear the river nearby," reports Hannah C.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with river access: Four Mile Campground offers family-friendly water features. "Spot 3 has a great access trail that takes you down by the creek which flows into the river. There is a rock fire pit down there," notes Hannah C.
Consider established campgrounds: Ponderosa Campground provides more amenities for family comfort. "This site has water, a pit toilet, and ten sites," says a reviewer, making it one of the best places to camp near Yellow Pine for families needing basic facilities.
Pack complete supplies: Most Yellow Pine area campgrounds have minimal services. "The outhouse hasn't been maintained much, and was out of toilet paper," reports Sheil K. about Poverty Flat, highlighting the need to bring all essentials.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations are significant: Poverty Flat Campground and similar areas have space constraints. "Some of the sites you can drive into while others you walk a short ways in," explains a camper, indicating the need for smaller rigs or trailers.
Consider multi-day stays: Many campers recommend allowing time to explore. "I definitely would recommend poverty flats. It's a great campsite in the middle of nowhere Idaho," shares Sheil K., suggesting the remote location warrants a longer stay.
Assess campgrounds before committing: When camping near Yellow Pine, Idaho, initial scouting helps. "I was unsure about staying at this campground at first because it looked like it wasn't right on the river. However I ended up having the best stay," explains a Four Mile Campground visitor, highlighting how initial impressions can be misleading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near Yellow Pine, Idaho?
Where are the best camping spots near Yellow Pine, Idaho?
The best camping spots near Yellow Pine include Yellow Pine Campground, which sits alongside a creek with plenty of trees and is the closest campground to town. For those seeking dispersed camping, East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area offers seven sites right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. These sites are located on the old highway to Yellow Pine, though the narrow road makes them unsuitable for large RVs. Other good options in the broader area include Ruby Meadows Trailhead for those who enjoy panning in nearby creeks, and Ponderosa Campground for boaters, all within driving distance of Yellow Pine.
What is the best time of year to camp in Yellow Pine, Idaho?
What is the best time of year to camp in Yellow Pine, Idaho?
The best time to camp in Yellow Pine is late spring through early fall (late May to mid-September), when mountain roads are clear and temperatures are moderate. Summer offers ideal conditions, though the 4th of July weekend and during the Harmonica Festival in August can be particularly busy at campgrounds like Yellow Pine Campground. For a nearby alternative during peak season, Warm Lake Campground east of Cascade offers a scenic destination with good hiking trails. Fall brings beautiful colors and fewer crowds, while winter camping is extremely limited due to heavy snowfall and road closures. Always check road conditions before traveling, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
What amenities are available at Yellow Pine campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Yellow Pine campgrounds?
Amenities at Yellow Pine area campgrounds tend to be rustic. Yellow Pine Campground offers basic facilities with one pit toilet and no running water, though it provides shaded sites along a creek. For those willing to travel a bit further, Poverty Flat provides a water spigot and outhouse facilities, making it slightly more accommodating. Most dispersed camping areas near Yellow Pine feature only fire rings and possibly a pit toilet. Campers should plan to be self-sufficient by bringing their own water, toilet paper, and trash bags. Cell service is limited throughout the area. For more amenities, campgrounds near McCall like Peninsula Campground offer water, power hookups, showers, and established tent pads, but require a longer drive from Yellow Pine.
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