Lake Camping Near Placerville, Idaho, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Placerville’s lakefront camping scene is all about choice, with over 930 spots ranging from private nooks to open shoreline. Average prices hover around $43 a night, but you’ll find options dipping as low as $35. Top picks like Cagle Cove (117 reviews) and 23 Acres of Peace. Cascade, Idaho (16 reviews) come up again and again for their open water views and quiet surroundings. Most sites have toilets and showers, and campfires are usually allowed. You’ll spot waterbirds at dawn, take a swim when the sun’s high, or set out on horseback if you want to cover some ground. If you’re after lakeside peace near Placerville, you’ll find no shortage of places to pitch your tent or park your rig.

98% (174)

Top-rated campgrounds

Placerville’s lakefront camping scene is all about choice, with over 930 spots ranging from private nooks to open shoreline. Average prices hover around $43 a night, but you’ll find options dipping as low as $35. Top picks like Cagle Cove (117 reviews) and 23 Acres of Peace. Cascade, Idaho (16 reviews) come up again and again for their open water views and quiet surroundings. Most sites have toilets and showers, and campfires are usually allowed. You’ll spot waterbirds at dawn, take a swim when the sun’s high, or set out on horseback if you want to cover some ground. If you’re after lakeside peace near Placerville, you’ll find no shortage of places to pitch your tent or park your rig.

98% (174)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cagle Cove

99%

(193)

48mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenleaf, ID

Learn more about this land: Pick your camping spot around a secluded private fish filled pond. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching. Fire rings and picnic tables at each spot. Located near snake river/Sunnyslope wine country, and golf course. 30 to 45 minutes from Boise but feels like you are away from civilization. Pet friendly area and no nearby neighbors. Amazing opportunity to s t a r g a z e. Although there is room for multiple campers, we have limited the reservations to 4 spots. Drug free!

2. 23 Acres of Peace. Cascade, Idaho

98%

(42)

29mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Smiths Ferry, ID

Our Vision We believe that the majestic Idaho outdoors should be accessible and cherished by all. We want to restore the carefree spirit of camping, where you can simply journey until you discover the perfect spot. To achieve this, we acquired this beautiful piece of land and are constantly making enhancements to it. Our Offering Immerse yourself in a vast expanse of prairie, punctuated by mature pine trees. Situated near the serene Herrick Reservoir, the lively Payette River, and a myriad of ATV trails, adventure is just a stone's throw away. The charming town of Cascade is only a 15-minute drive to the north. We encourage you to bring along your ATVs, paddleboards, and fishing gear, and prepare to explore. Unplug from the rush of neighboring towns and savor the tranquility of this untouched landscape. This is a unique opportunity to truly experience dry camping and to recharge your inner spirit. We Offer: - A choice of three distinct camping spots - The option to reserve the entire area for yourself - A peaceful hideaway where you can disconnect to reconnect Book Your Stay Today! We hope you'll join us in our mission to restore the carefree spirit of camping. Book your stay today and experience the magic of 23 Acres of Peace.

3. Boise National Forest

81%

(42)

653 sites · Lowman, Idaho

You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho). Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte. You’ll have your hands full at this intersection of so many great parks!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Lucky Peak Lake

75%

(3)

95 sites · Robie Creek, Idaho

As luck would have it Lucky Peak Lake is a hell of a good time in and out of the water for naturalists, adventurers, and those who consider themselves “professional relaxers”. Take to your boat for a day of water skiing or fishing. You’ll be surrounded by lush green foothills, and there’s plenty of trails for hikers, bikers and pony riders to explore these areas. Off-roading is cool too if you want to pick up the pace. Fishing is, well, pretty epic with both the lake and Boise River at your beck and call. Picnic shelters and group camping means you can bring along the whole gang, and with such close proximity to happening Boise, you can spend an evenings out on the town before a sleeping bag adventure under the stars in one of Lucky Peak’s campgrounds. With a space this beautiful and a name this good, you won’t even need to TRY and get lucky, it just comes naturally here.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Lake Cascade State Park

93%

(7)

234 sites · Cascade, Idaho

Discover Lake Cascade State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Sawtooth National Forest

95%

(77)

683 sites · Challis, Idaho

Find four-season outdoor fun in this mountainous landscape.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Placerville

Grayback Campground

10mi from Placerville · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(2)

Bad Bear Campground

12mi from Placerville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Hayfork Group Campground

13mi from Placerville · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Boise National Forest

Shafer Butte Campground

13mi from Placerville · 7 sites · in Boise National Forest

Edna Creek Campground

16mi from Placerville · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Big Eddy Campground

17mi from Placerville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Beaver Creek Rental Cabin and Group Site

17mi from Placerville · 1 site · in Boise National Forest

Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin

17mi from Placerville · 1 site · in Boise National Forest

100%

(1)

Swinging Bridge Campground

18mi from Placerville · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Tie Creek Campground

18mi from Placerville · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Canyon Creek Campground

19mi from Placerville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Mountain View Campground

19mi from Placerville · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Stories from the community

j

jackie

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

Great spot close to Boise but felt like we were in the country. Grandkids loved playing by the pond. We went in October so water was low in the pond and beach was muddy in places but kids had a ball and mud washes off. We liked The Willows campsite by the willow tree. Loved listening to the little creek that runs behind that site. Driveway to campground has quite a slope but we had no trouble driving our 27’ rv back up. Woke up to see cows in the pasture behind the campground. Also saw two cranes.

R

Robert

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cagle Cove

My son and I spent two days at Cagle Cove, The Aspens site and had a great time. We are definitely going back. It feels very secluded. You hear some birds, occasional cow and some roosters in the morning. The sites are spacious and very clean. The ground is flat with no rocks or roots to worry about, so tent placement is quick and easy. We were in a 3-person tent with a 10x10 canopy and even had room for our Yukon XL. The owners kept a fresh stockpile of firewood they sell for $5 a bundle, and these logs are big, they’re dry and burn quite a long time. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to recharge, get a good nights rest, cook over a campfire, and see a sky full of stars, this is the place. You can splurge and bring the good steak, because this place is a deal.

K

Kristen

October 2025

Tent

With pets

6 nights at Cagle Cove

Great little find close to town! The spots are a little close together mostly because it's so open and some are on the smaller side (we had a hard time fitting our 10 person party tent and our car in our spot out of the road, there are bigger spots we'll pick next time. But it's great if there's only one or two spots taken or it would be wonderful to rent the whole for a family campout. We will definitely be back. It's beautiful and the pond was fun. The boats are a nice touch. They keep it clean and the portapotty is perfect. It's nice having the dog off leash. We were there for a week and Lily only visited one day, she was a nice dog and a lot of fun for the kids that we're there between the two sites, she's definitely a bonus but she does find any food you haven't closed up so keep it packed ;) Just information- there's not much by way of fire making materials to be gathered, they sell logs at a very fair price compared to the local gas stations but you'll have to use fire starters, girl scout water or bring your own tender/kindling.

T

The Snack Pack

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

It's a little difficult to pound tent stakes into the ground due to the ground mostly being rock underneath the wood chips, but we managed it a couple times! The spot is clean and the hosts were nice.

L

Laura

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

What a great little spot! Campsites are just far enough away, each tucked into their own little corner. I stayed in the Aspens and it was lovely. Easy to get to, great communication from the host, literally the cleanest portapotty I have ever seen. Would absolutely recommend, would absolutely stay again.

B

Bruce

September 2025

40 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Cagle Cove

Nice pond, nice hosts, reasonable price, clean ports potty!

L

Logan's

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

I took my wife and kids here for a night of camping and let me tell you. My kids had a wonderful time in the canoes in the pond. The camp site was very clean, the porta potty was very clean. It was a very wonderful time having a camp fire and spending quality time with my family. I will definitely be booking again.

M

Michael

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Cagle Cove

We were traveling through Boise late at night and needed a camp site for our pop up camper. This turned out to be a real gem of a find. We camped next to babbling brook (the “Willows” site) with easy access to a pond and portable toilet. Everything was well maintained and the price can’t be beat. Just a few miles off the highway. The owner was very responsive. Highly recommend!

J

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

Another great stay! This is the BEST CAMPGROUND! I love falling asleep to the sound of running water. As a single woman traveling alone with small dogs it felt totally safe. Beautiful, relaxing, super clean, an outhouse so you don't have to hall out your poo. I would come back frequently if I didn't live so far away. Seriously stay here it's lovely.

M

Maureen

September 2025

19 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

I only stayed one night, as I was getting ready to start the BDR with a group. It was the perfect layover. Quiet, safe and had everything you need if you’re a dry camper.

C

Chunky Marine

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Cagle Cove

Beautiful view and cool setup. This was on someone's private land and was quite and peaceful. The RV was great to use. The dog was so sweet. She did love snacks and did poop in my area but its fine. I love dogs. Other then that is was comfortable and convenient. Had porta potty and a trash can to use was very clean and well maintained.

Jackie

August 2025

38 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Cagle Cove

Such a cool secluded place for camping. The pond was fun to walk around. We took the kayaks and little boat out with the kids in morning. Very peaceful. No mosquitos. Would definitely stay again. Awesome if you had a group of campers too.

D

Daniel

August 2025

28 ft fifth wheel

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

Last minute trip for one night. Love this place!!!

Leighann

July 2025

22 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Cagle Cove

This was a great spot! Enjoyed having this to ourselves. Saw some wildlife in the evening. Great spot for our dogs to enjoy as well. Would recommend!

Angela

July 2025

25 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

Sweet little place. Beth was great. I'd stay again.

J

Joseph

July 2025

Tent

4 nights at Cagle Cove

This was our first HipCamp and it set a standard. We would definitely return. The only problem was quickly remedied.

B

Brian

July 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Cagle Cove

Enjoyed stay at the Cova. Well laid out sites and clean. Nice and peaceful stay.

K

Katie

July 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

We reserved twp of the four spaces at Cagle cove for a birthday party for my daughter. All the teenage girls absolutely loved it down there! we had a GREAT weekend! Beth was an Amazing and helpful host! We will definitely be back again for another "in-town" trip!

E

Emma

July 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Cagle Cove

I camped in my car at Cagle Cove. Getting there and finding my spot was super straightforward with the directions given and the signs on the property. It’s a peaceful, pretty spot to camp that’s not too far off of I-80. The owners were very communicative and let me know that they were available if needed. The pond in the middle of the campsites is a nice touch!

S

Shannon

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

Beth is a wonderful host! Very responsive and nice. The place is not too far away for a quick weekend getaway. It’s peaceful, and the dog being off leash is fantastic!! I would love to be able to book all of the sites for my family and have a whole family camp weekend!