SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo

Summit Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Swimming and fishing draw campers to Summit Lake, a small, reportedly muddy lake about a five-minute hike from the sites, situated on a ridgeline summit within Boise National Forest. The campground has three first-come, first-served sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table, sharing a single vault toilet. Sites are well-spaced. Warm Lake Road runs nearby, though nighttime traffic is light; a wilderness airstrip in the area introduces occasional plane noise. Dispersed camping is permitted in the surrounding area, and the open elevation gives clear sightlines for night-sky viewing, making this a reasonable free overnight stop for campers who don't need hookups or reservations. Nearby Pen Basin and Buck Mountain provide additional no-frills options in the same corridor.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSummit Lake Campground is located in Idaho near Yellow Pine

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 approximately 80 miles to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 only a short distance to the turnoff at the (Warm Lake road) Forest Highway 22. Proceed along Forest Highway 22 northeast approximately 25 miles. When you arrive at the Warm Lake area, Forest Highway 22 will become Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east along FS Road 579, approximately 8 miles to Summit Lake Campground.

Coordinates

44.64503076 N
115.58561018 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Summit Lake Campground needs a permit.

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Summit Lake Campground

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
50%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Base camp for fire suppression

We stopped by here but did not go in due to it being used the the wild fire suppression teams and we didn’t want to disturb them. Respect to all the men and women out there risking their lives to save the forests.

  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Summit Lake Campground by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2019

Quiet spot

This is a pretty quiet place! It about an hour drive/17 miles from Cascade on a paved road. True to it's name, the lake and campsite are right on a summit! The lake is pretty small and a little muddy, but a fun dip nevertheless. It's about a 5 minute hike from the campsites. There are 3 campsites at the campground and they are all first come first serve! Dispersed camping is allowed in the area as well. Managed to find 2 empty spots here on Labor Day weekend, which was a real treat! The sites all have fire rings and picnic tables and share a vault toilet. The sites are well spaced and there little noise carries around the area. The campground is a little close the to highway (Warm Lake Rd) but traffic at night is pretty low, so the noise isn't bad. There is a wilderness airstrip not too far off, so some plane noise as well! Otherwise, a nice spot with some great views of the night sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Summit Lake Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Summit Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Summit Lake Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Summit Lake Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Summit Lake Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.