Payette National Forest

For postcard-worthy riverside camping, head on over to Payette’s Ponderosa Campground. Find yourself right on the totally scenic Secesh River, home to a few gorgeous trails that wander through Idaho’s wilderness and picture-perfect views. Drinking water and fire-pits are provided, but besides that you’re in for some decently rustic camping. Read more...

Camp on the shores of Upper Payette Lake, at the Upper Payette Lake Campground! Most sites enjoy some sweet lake views and some have direct lake access. Spruce and pine provide shade, and summertime wildflowers dot the campground, which is set at the base of the Grassy Mountains. Fish, canoe, kayak, or swim on the no-wake lake, or hit the trails f Read more...

Into just about everything outdoorsy? Experience it all at Four Mile Campground in Idaho’s super gorgeous Payette National Forest. We’re talking miles and miles of sweet hiking trails, not to mention fishing, boating, and good old fashioned nature admiring. With just a few first-come, first-served sites available, you can count on a rustic and sec Read more...

Camp at the Hard Creek/Upper Hazard Lake Trailhead, a great spot to start your exploration of the forest. This campground is rustic with a vault toilet, fire rings, and some tables. Nothing fancy, but very picturesque. Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers have access to the nearby trails that lead to the Hazard Lakes and beyond. Enjoy the rugg Read more...

Try not to get confused. Grouse Campground is located on the shores of Goose Lake so make sure you pitch your tent in Grouse, not Goose, unless you have a floating tent or want to set sail on your air mattress. Anyhow, Grouse Campground offers some shade from the summer sun in the gorgeous Grassy Mountain Range with enough wildflowers to keep you Read more...

Proclaim yourself "Duke of Hazard" Campground as you set up camp on the shores of Hazard Lake, high in the Grassy Mountains at 7,050 feet. Enjoy some shade from the surrounding lodgepole pines and Engelmann spruce while staring out at beautiful lake views from most of the campsites. The serene mountain setting is the perfect backdrop for some peac Read more...

Camping has never been so comfortable. Lake Fork Guard Station Rental Cabin gives you a weekend outdoors while still not compromising on comforts. Rent the cabin and you’ll have access to toilets, propane lights, heating, and kitchen appliances, including a stove and oven! Uhh yeah we’re not kidding when we say comfort is key. Outside the cabin, e Read more...

Get blissed out in Idaho’s wilderness at Buckhorn Bar Campground. Nestled in the totally picturesque Payette National Forest, you’re right around the corner from fishing, hiking, and some pretty sweet postcard-worthy spots. Want to get even more back to basics? Buckhorn Bar also has a handful of tent-only sites, meaning this is one prime spot if y Read more...

Up for some primitive camping? Pitch your tent at one of the secluded first-come, first-served sites at Camp Creek Campground. If you’re a hiker, wander down the many nearby trails which wind through the forest. Catch gorgeous mountain views as you meander along paths lined with towering pines and firs, then spend your nights roasting at marshmall Read more...

Let Poverty Flat Campground surprise you with its abundance of natural goodness. Campsites are shaded with countless ponderosas and firs, and are right around the corner from plenty of sweet outdoorsy activities. This is a prime spot to start your journey exploring Idaho’s wilderness. With loads of trails and the nearby Salmon River, you’ve got da Read more...

If you’re looking for a prime camping spot in Payette National Forest to use as a base for hiking through Idaho’s breathtaking wilderness, there’s a good chance Burgdorf Campground is the spot for you. This rustic campground is home to plenty of trails for your wandering pleasure, and if you’re ready for some post-hike relaxation you’re right arou Read more...

Imagine pitching your tent in a forested oasis surrounded by tons of hiking, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and much, much more. Sound incredible? We thought so, too. Find all of this at Chinook Campground, located deep in Payette National Forest. Sites are first-come, first-served, relaxing, and rustic. Read more...

For some stellar camping in Idaho’s rugged Payette National Forest, pitch your tent at Jeanette Campground. Hike on through the nearby Jeanette Creek Trail which offers some seriously scenic views of Crystal Mountain alongside tall trees and a meandering creek. Need to chill after all that hiking? You’re just right down the road from the area’s fa Read more...

Do you dream in deep greens and earthy browns? How about the bright blues of forest lakes? Get right into the heart of Idaho’s lush natural landscape by spending your days at Kennally Creek Campground. Bring your hiking boots and explore the nearby trails, including the breathtaking Needles Summit Trail which winds around Stump Lake and gives incr Read more...

Pack in to Lake Fork Campground and you might never want to pack out! Pitch your tent along the North Fork of Lake Fork, and sip in the pristine mountain air. Slick Rock climbing area is nearby, offering some sweet granite for climber’s to ascend. North of that is the start of an extensive ATV trail. Hike, bike, fish, picnic, or do it all. There’s Read more...

How does a sweet view of the South Fork canyon country all around your tent sound? If you’re answer is something along the lines of “awesome,” head to Shiefer Campground in the Payette National Forest. The undeveloped campground sits on the banks of the Salmon River with trail access to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and Pilot Peak Read more...

Deadman Bar Campground is the perfect place for campers seeking a quiet, remote spot on the water. The campground sits along the banks of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River (yep, that’s a lot of forks). Since this spot is near the road, you get convenience in exchange for some noise and dust. The river is popular with anglers, boaters, a Read more...

The East Fork Cxts Dispersed Site Camping Area is quiet and has available sites… unless it’s during the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival, held annually in late July or early August. Rough gravel roads lead into camp, so be prepared for a bumpy, but scenic ride! The site is alongside the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, and Johnson Creek is Read more...

Hey boaters! Looking for a small, rustic campground where you can spend your days on the water? Head to Indian Point Camping Area. The campground sits alongside the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, so bring your fishing pole, canoe, and tube. The campground is located next to the road, which is convenient, but can also be noisy and dusty. Read more...

Lake Creek Camping Area is a rustic campground near the banks of Lake Creek. There are lots of trails for ATV riders, equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers, so get out there and explore the wilderness. After a long day of adventure, go for a soak in the nearby Burgdorf Hot Springs. Read more...

Lookin’ for a small, quiet campground with just the basics? Rapid Creek Camping Area has a vault toilet, fire rings and tables, and… that’s about it! Pitch your tent near the banks of Rapid Creek shaded by the surrounding trees. There is no potable water here, so come prepared. This campground is popular for its nearby off-road vehicle opportuniti Read more...

Ruby Meadows Trailhead is ideal for campers who want to explore the rugged landscape on ATV, motorcycle, or mountain bike! This shaded campground sits near Summit Creek and Lake Creek. The trailhead allows visitors to access Willow Basket Creek Trail #141, which leads up to Loon Lake. Don’t worry, campers without wheels can explore the scenic area Read more...

The Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area is great for anglers looking for a quiet spot to pitch their tents. The rustic campground sits along the shores of Upper Payette Lake. Bring your fishing pole and try your luck at reeling in some dinner. Learn more about the area on the one-mile interpretive trail that starts right at the campground. R Read more...

Brundage Reservoir Camping Area is a small, remote camping spot along the banks of the reservoir. This campground is well-suited for tents or small RVs. Bring your motorboat if you’ve got one, and hang out on the water all day. Brundage Reservoir is a great spot for fishing, so cast a line and see if you can catch your next meal!Read more...

Goose Lake Campground Area has dispersed spots for camping near the banks of Goose Lake. The campground is very basic, there are outhouses and fire rings and not much else. Goose Lake is great for anglers and canoeists, so plan to spend your day on the water. This campground is ideal for tent camping and small RVs, but leave the large vehicles and Read more...

Paddy Flat Camping Area is a small campground great for equestrians or anyone else looking for some peace and quiet. Explore the forests, rivers, valleys and peaks of the Payette National Forest on foot or horse. There’s no water here, so come prepared!Read more...

Situated between many national treasures, Evergreen Campground is the perfect pit stop as you go on to see your next Idaho gem. Although it's located close to the highway, the leafy shade of the trees and gurgling sound of a nearby stream dull out most of the noise. With recent construction completed as well, it'll feel nice and new. Whether you w Read more...

Smokey Boulder Camping Area is a great for hunters and ATV riders. Pitch your tent in this dispersed campground near Mud Creek. Some sites have fire rings and tables, and if you’re lucky you might snag one. The nearby trails are great for hiking, equestrians, and off-highway vehicle riders to explore the scenery of Payette National Forest. Read more...

Looking for a wilderness adventure? Big Creek Campground is the perfect starting point in Idaho to venture out into the mysteriously named Frank Church Wilderness of No Return. With plenty of trees and nearby winding trails, you’ve got a heck of a lot to explore over here. Some amenities are available, so some gear and a few friends are all you ne Read more...

If you’re planning to find yourself in the Lost Valley Reservoir, you should check out the Cold Springs Campground. Imagine an open meadow dotted with summertime wildflowers surrounded by fir and ponderosa pine trees, now imagine your tent or RV there and smile. There are two group sites that can accommodate up to 50 and 75 campers, so bring all o Read more...

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area is great for campers looking for a rustic experience on the water. The site is great for tent-campers, but not suitable for large RVs. The campground sits along the banks of the Lost Valley Reservoir, an awesome spot for fishing and boating. There are also trails for off-road vehicles nearby. Read more...

Pitch your tent among the pines at Huckleberry Campground. You’ve got your very own piece of Idaho’s Payette National Forest, so sit back, relax and soak up those wilderness vibes. Campsites are rustic and just steps away from Bear Creek, perfect if you’re feeling like you want to chill out with good old fashioned fishing. Read more...

Looking for a super romantic trip outdoors? Consider staying at Paddy Flat Guard Station Rental Cabin. Or as we like to call it: Sweetheart’s Getaway Cabin. With amenities like a stove and oven available, as long as you bring the pots and pans, cooking a romantic meal is definitely in the cards! Go horseback riding or hike through the gorgeous for Read more...

Strap that mountain bike onto the back of your Subaru/(insert outdoors-y car here). Cabin Creek Campground is a beautiful place to explore through your very own calf horsepower. ATVers will be happy to know there's a trail for them to the south as well, and a waterfall near the campsite is truly picturesque. Whether you're picnicking or exploring, Read more...

Pitch your tent at Sheep Rock Interpretive Site. It’s a great spot to start your day hike through the surrounding rugged canyons, creeks, forests, and mountain peaks. There is no potable water here, so come prepared! To get here, you’ll take a long dirt road. But once you arrive, you’ll find a scenic overlook of Hells Canyon. Follow the interpreti Read more...

On a hot summer day, you’ll be glad you chose to pitch your tent at Brownlee Campground under the shade of the ponderosa pines. The campground is located a few miles off the main highway so it enjoys some peace and quiet along with quick access to all of the fun to be had in Payette National Forest. East Brownlee Creek flows along the campground, Read more...

Creekside livin’ at its finest. Check out Lafferty Campground for some sweet rustic spots right in the heart of Payette National Forest. Campsites are RV and car-friendly, so take a weekend and drive on down for some much needed R&R. Up for more? Fishing and hiking are right around the corner!Read more...

Big Bar Camping Area is a rustic campground along Snake River in Hells Canyon. There are activities here for all to enjoy- great fishing for anglers, scenic trails for hikers and equestrians, and cascading river rapids for boaters. And if you just want to relax, you’re in a great spot with beautiful views of the surrounding rugged peaks. Read more...

Kick back and relax at Big Flat Campground, where campsites right on Little Weiser River sets the scene for a tranquil getaway. Bring that box of tackle and sink a line for warmwater fish like bass, then roast it up on the grill and listen to the crickets talk. With light usage, you won't have to worry about a bunch of other people cramping your s Read more...

Looking for a rustic cabin getaway? Try out Buck Park Cabin! Idaho has a history of not disappointing outdoor enthusiasts and it’s not breaking that streak here! Bring some bedding, a horse (if you’ve got it) and your adventurous self! Explore the trails on foot or hoof, go total hunter/gatherer and fish/berry pick for your meals! Go ahead, step o Read more...

Hitt Mountain Dispersed Campground and Trailhead sits in a partly wooded area, so take your pick of a shaded or open spot. Equestrians, hikers, and ATV riders will enjoy the nearby trails. There’s no water here, so plan ahead, and set out on an exploration of the forests, peaks, valleys, and streams of Payette National Forest. Read more...

Idaho’s more than just potatoes, trust us. Visit Spring Creek Campground if you need anymore convincing. Pack up the RV, trailer, or tried and true favorite tent and get ready for the camping excursion! Wake up early and hit the miles of trails available. Relax by the creek and get lost in thought as you fish. Whether you have a small party or a l Read more...

A slice of paradise is what you’ll find when you stay at Paradise Campground. Bring the mountain bike and hit the terrain. Explore the backcountry and the surrounding area. Get “lost” in nature when you escape the rat race of city life. With all the adventuring you do, you’ll barely realize the awesome exercise perks that Paradise Campground has t Read more...

Justrite Campground’s undeveloped campsites are set on the banks of Mann Creek. Surrounded by miles of backcountry roads and trails, this is an awesome spot to explore the Hitt Mountains, especially on a mountain bike. After adventuring all day you can enjoy some nice foresty shade at the campground and fish for rainbow trout in the creek. Goldilo Read more...

Maintained by the local Kiwanis Club, the Kiwanis Campground offers one-unit of dispersed camping along Manns Creek. Enjoy easy access to biking, fishing, hiking, horse riding, hunting, and water activities from your tent. This campground is located right off the road and can be a bit noisy and dusty so make sure you bring some ear plugs if you ar Read more...

Mann Creek may have been a bit off with the name. The creek is a bit larger, more reservoir sized, and anyone, not just men, come and love Mann Creek Campground. Hang at the shore, swimming, jet-skiing, and boating. Beat the heat and picnic in the shade of the beautiful pines. Breathe in deep that Idaho air and get ready for a weekend of fun. Read more...

Granite Lake Camping Area is great for tent campers who want to try their luck at fishing. The campground sits near the banks of Granite Lake, filled with bullhead catfish, cutthroat, Kokanee salmon, large mouth bass, pike, and rainbow trout. Bring your canoe and paddle through the water, or head out on a hike from one of the nearby trails. Read more...