- Payette National Forest
The best camping in Payette National Forest, ID
78% (9)
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Mary Ann
September 2025
35 ft fifth wheel
With pets
We enjoyed our stay here with a few caveats. It was easy to find, had gorgeous views and Kelly was very informative and responsive. Now, the caveats. The space felt a bit neglected.. Lots of weeds that needed cleared out. And, although he mentions it in the description, we didn’t appreciate the camera on the site. All that being said, we would likely stay again if we are back in the area.
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Andy
September 2025
Tent
With pets
This place exceeded our expectations. The site was very private with expansive access to the river, which is gorgeous. You are really 'away' here, the hosts are available for help but our site was about .5 mi from their house. Amazing place to unplug and unwind. Michelle & Larry were friendly and available to help with water, ice, and questions. There's an old hiking trail you can access - we saw plenty of recent bear evidence!
(Be aware there are large Idaho Power lines running through that can be noisy at times.)
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Michael
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely heaven! Just got home from an amazing Labor Day weekend at this amazing property. Beautiful wide open space with no other campers on top of us or even within ear shot. So peaceful and quiet, exactly what we needed for the weekend. I could’ve stayed forever. Michelle and Larry are awesome hosts. The communication from Michelle leading up to the trip with perfect directions and a reassurance of our decision to stay there was awesome. Then to be greeted by her wonderful smile and the ever so friendly and welcoming Larry! Larry guided us right to our spot. Gave us a great lay of the land, a brief history lesson and some helpful tips. Super amazing people. I’m excited to get back and visit them soon. Oh and to have a vault toilet was a plus in my wife’s eyes. Thanks Larry and Michelle! See you soon.
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Meredith
August 2025
Tent
Tent platform spot by the river was delightful for a peaceful getaway!
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Beth
August 2025
Weekend Trip to 300 feet off Payette river Puma RV
This was a great, comfy RV to stay in for a weekend getaway!
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Kyle
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot. Would recommend. Driveway a little steep. Nice that it has a stocked outhouse.
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amy
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Communication was on point, Michelle was wonderful and gave me a good recommendation as I was on a roadtrip. She was very understanding and caring. Larry met me at the gate and was knowledgeable about the property and very helpful with questions. They are a lovely couple with a beautiful property. I am a backpacker and it felt like I was backpacking because of how remote it felt. The drive out was also beautiful. I had no issues finding the property with the directions provided. Thanks you both for the healing stay on your gorgeous land.
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Brittany
August 2025
Tent
Michelle & Larry are all stars! My friend and I ended up having tire troubles on the drive in and they were beyond helpful…patching the tire, filling with air, etc.
Their land is also spectacular. The sites are spacious with gorgeous views of the river!
Book now, you won’t regret it!
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Kylie
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This is a nice spot! We were able to fit two big tents and a table as well. The outhouse is better than most. The best thing about this spot is the beach. It’s a beautiful walk, and short enough that we could carry our 1.5 year old and our 4 year old could walk. Super fun weekend trip, we would do it again!
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Joy
July 2025
Tent
Amazing! Privacy, views, wildlife, great riverside site. Don't forget to look up on that clear night ;)
Plan on taking your time getting there, it's a long and winding road with a nice bumpy finish, but sooo worth it!
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Brianne
July 2025
2 nights at Camp Modern
McKenzie is a great communicative host.
She was able to answer my questions quick and promptly.
The small dry cabin was clean and very aesthetic to the eye. The size was very comfortable for two adults.
The location is great. We were close enough to town to get things if needed or even a nice dinner out. Very close to lakes, fishing and rafting.My favorite was we were right across the away from a lovely hot spring. (Cash only if you go)
Our stay was during the end of July, temperatures were ranging around high 80s to low 90s. Some things for people to keep in mind when booking during the hot months. This cabin only has 1 window (1.5ftx1.5ft?) that can open. Which is at the top of the A frame, with no screen.
We bring a battery operated temperature/humidity gauge with us when camping. This cabin heated up to 112°. Felt like being left in a hot car. It was very hot!
The catch here is that this cabin is also by a water source. A lot! of mosquitoes. So our choice was either to be very hot inside or open the window up top/front door and let the mosquitoes in. We tried the first night, it was a blood bath with those little suckers. The second night we ended up setting up our regular tent/camping gear since we could at least have our screens protect us from the mosquitoes and be cool at night.
I think this is an easy fix for the host if they want to do minor swaps for the big window with screens that open. Overall still had a great time and would recommend to others.
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Richard
July 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
Outstanding views in all directions, and a friendly, informative host in Meredith. If you’re dry/tent camping (we were in a rooftop tent on our truck), be advised there is no shade. Keep in mind that the site is a working ranch, so their work is ongoing throughout the day. We would stay again.
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Floortje
July 2025
16 ft car
With pets
We had an amazing time at this beautiful campground right alongside the river! Definitely recommend.
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Tracy
July 2025
Tent
The spot on the river was super private and beautiful. Lying in the hammock by the river was idyllic!! I wish there had been a picnic table for cooking.
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Andy
July 2025
Tent
Really sweet campsite by the river with plenty of space for ourselves. Felt very private and serene :) Larry shared some of the storied history of his ranch after taking us down to the site. Pretty rustic overall for the price, but it had what we needed. Would be good for a big group if you’re worried about the campgrounds nearby filling up. I’d like to come back in a tougher vehicle and drive up to Imnaha.
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Mariel
July 2025
16 ft car
With pets
This place is truly heaven on Earth. The owners are incredibly sweet and attentive, always checking in to make sure we were doing okay. The natural beauty is unbelievable—tons of wildlife, a breathtaking river, and so many trails and hidden spots to explore! My dog Sebastian had the time of his life.
As a cow and horse lover, I was in awe—the owners have cattle and horses on the property, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. I loved every single piece of it. It’s super private, incredibly peaceful, and completely removed from the noise of everyday life. Honestly, I would pay anything to live here. Can’t recommend it enough!
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Kristy
June 2025
35 ft travel trailer
With pets
This campsite was peaceful and beautiful, with sweeping meadow and mountain views. We loved getting to know the local cow herd and soaking in the sounds of nature. We were in town for an event at Tamarack Resort—the 25-minute drive was stunning every time. Would definitely stay again!
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Amanda
June 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Very quiet, overlooking a beautiful valley. Felt very safe.
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Mallory
May 2025
18 ft campervan
We absolutely adored our time at the ranch! Michelle and Larry were lovely and showed us to our gorgeous site right by the river. We will definitely be back!
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amy
April 2025
18 ft campervan
Beautiful view on a sweet ranch. Horses, cows, pigs, goats and dogs and cats. Meredith had just gotten back in town from vacay when we arrived, but greeted us and showed us around.
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Overview
About
Lakes, creeks, and peaks, oh my! Payette National Forest has ‘em all. Salmon-Challis National Forest and Nez-Pearce Clearwater National Forest are its neighbors, while its Victor Peak, Loon Creek, Loon Lake, North Loon Mountain, Bruin Mountain, Bear Pete Mountain, and Boulder Creek could keep you busy for months. Forage for mushrooms or berries, fish in the chinook salmon hatchery at the South Fork of the Salmon River, or snowboard down Brundage Mountain. Hike to the three historic fire lookouts, or check out the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the second largest wilderness area outside Alaska (don’t worry, plenty before you have visited and returned).
In this wealth of outdoor activity, it’s hard to tear yourself away for a visit into town. However, you will be glad you took the time to visit the closest town of McCall, where luxury mountain lodges have thermal spas perfect for resting your aching bones in between treks up or down the mountains.
78%
9 ratings · 2 reviews
July 2018
This is my families campground. My great-great grandfather is buried there which is why its named after us.
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Virginia H.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
Amazingly beautiful area!
Kate R.
8 years on Hipcamp