Established Camping

Upper Payette Lake Campground

6 Reviews

About

National Forest

Payette National Forest

Overview

Upper Payette Lake Campground is located 16 miles from McCall, Idaho, on the shores of beautiful Upper Payette Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Recreation

Upper Payette Lake is a no-wake lake that offers great fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The paved, mile-long Shoreline Trail begins in the campground and several additional hiking and biking trails begin just across the road from the entrance.

Facilities

The campground offers two group sites that can accommodate up to 20 and 30 guests. Several additional single and double-family sites are available as well. All sites are accessible; some have lake views and some have lake access. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A boat ramp, day-use site and several paved pathways are located in the campground. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.

Natural Features

The lake is situated at the foot of the Salmon River Mountains at an approximate elevation of 5,900 feet. Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine forest the site, providing partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. Summer days are typically warm and nights are cool.

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Poor
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Rent an RV near McCall, Idaho

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Hannah W.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2020

Secluded and Peaceful

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. The campsites are dispersed with one area that is a group camping area. Pit toilets can be found at the beginning and end of the road. 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. Close hiking options are available too. Do keep in mind that as the season progresses the water layer will decrease.

Ken B.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 16, 2020

Rustic

Quiet, nice canoe lake. Wildlife are present in this area each night. Lots of hiking available. Tight if bringing a longer RV, groups can be accommodated in the circle drive. Nice place to be free of electronics and crowds.

Christopher R.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2018

great camp on payette lake

had a great visit loved the paved trails along the shoreline the lake offers a great place for kayaking fishing or canoeing it's about 20 miles from McCall and is approximately 6000 feet in elevation.

Location

Upper Payette Lake Campground is located in Idaho

Directions

From McCall, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21. Turn right and continue for 16 miles to gravel Forest Road 495 and follow for a mile into the campground.