Cabin camping near Yellow Pine, Idaho provides access to the remote Payette National Forest at elevations between 4,700 and 8,000 feet. The area receives approximately 300 inches of snow annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 40°F at night to 85°F during day. Forest Service cabins typically operate during snow-free periods from late May through October, depending on elevation and seasonal conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access the extensive trail system from Peninsula Campground with options ranging from flat lakeside paths to mountain ascents. "Be sure to check out the hiking trails and visit the Lily Marsh, Meadow Marsh, and Osprey Point. In the winter, the park offers great snowshoe trails, and groomed trails for cross-country skiing and skate skiing," notes Hannah C.
Fishing spots: The rivers and lakes near Yellow Pine offer trout fishing opportunities with varying regulations. According to a visitor at McCall RV Resort, "For any fisherman, as you leave the park go right about 2 miles to a parking area for Brown Pond. I caught my limit in 20 minutes, and earthworms hanging two feet down from a bobber is the ticket."
Winter recreation: Several cabin locations maintain winter access for cold-weather activities. "PSP is a great place to stay or spend a day at. I like to go to PSP during the 'off-season' to avoid the crowds. Heading out in the winter, there are great snowshoeing and Nordic skiing options," reports Celine K.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Warm Lake Campground offers direct water access. "Isolated with fantastic views! Many hiking trails make for an adventurous day. Lake is close by for recreation with canoes, kayaks, canoes and swimming. If you search, you may find rope swings in trees!" shares Misty J.
Natural surroundings: The forest cabins provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. "The area is secluded and not crowded which makes for quiet and restful evenings. The stars are absolutely amazing! If you are a stargazer, this is the place!" continues Misty J. about Warm Lake Campground.
Seasonal timing: Strategic planning avoids crowds at popular sites. At Boise National Forest Shoreline Campground, "Nice spots, big, flat, clean and paved. Good privacy between sites. Beautiful lake with swimming area and lots of fishing. Lake isn't too rough.. good for paddle boarding," notes Kim H.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote cabins requires planning. "We had a short drive to the boat ramp. There is excellent trout fishing. There is a small swim beach near the Warm Lake Lodge and Restaurant, near where the cabins are. All in all, a great stay, away from the city. It's a nice peaceful setting," shares Ed E.
Reservation requirements: Most Forest Service cabins require advance booking through recreation.gov with limited availability. At Arrowhead RV Park on the River, which offers alternative cabin options, a visitor noted, "Very friendly and helpful staff. We had a beautiful site on the river."
Water sources: Verify water availability before arrival as some cabins have seasonal access. "The campground itself has parking in an outer gate and then you must walk all your belongings in through the gate and to your spot. There's only a few spots. The walk isn't too bad and it's well worth the views," explains Simran D.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Waters Edge RV Resort offers developed water access suitable for children. "Clean, leveled, friendly, only 1/4 mile to their downtown. Friendly and helpful staff, showers, toilets, beach area for swimming WITH lounge chairs, swimming right in front, volleyball court, dog walking trails, fire pits, horse shoe play area," mentions C.W.
Activity options: Choose locations with multiple recreation options to keep children engaged. "In the summer you will find vast amounts of huckleberries, wonderful swimming, and many deer," reports Hannah C. about Peninsula Campground.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly; pack clothing for temperature swings of 40+ degrees. "Though it can be busy, there is plenty to do to get away from everyone. The big pines are amazing, especially if you get up late at night when the meteor showers happen," advises Ryan L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking cabins or RV sites with electric for supplemental heating, verify amperage capabilities. "We reserved a spot here to prepare for a rafting trip. We have a 27' Travel Trailer RV and we reserved a full hook-up site. The staff was friendly and we were escorted by staff to the site we reserved," shares Ed E.
Supply runs: Stock necessary provisions before heading to remote cabins. "Close to McCall, several pull-thrus; even indoor hot tubs! No restaurant but you'll be close to many great ones," notes Mike J.
Seasonal access: Check road conditions for larger vehicles accessing remote cabins. "Great place where there are lots of amenities. Escorted to our spot and helped us back in. Cable as well. We had bad weather, but the site, 115, felt pretty isolated," reports JoAnn L.
