Within Boise National Forest, Rattlesnake Campground provides a forested setting alongside a creek and river system. The US Forest Service manages this seasonal facility from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with sites accommodating RVs up to 75 feet and offering drive-in access despite rough road conditions approaching the area.
The campground features drinking water via hand pump, vault toilets, and partial shade from surrounding trees. Sites work well for medium to small travel trailers and tents, with some pull-through options available. The steep valley location limits sunrise and sunset views but keeps the area well-maintained and close to water access for fishing. Note that pets are not permitted, and reservations are available for the $150 fee. Campers seeking different terrain can find campgrounds near Crouch about 11 miles away.
Description
Overview
Rattlesnake Campground is located 13 miles north of Crouch, Idaho along the Middle Fork Payette River at an elevation of 3621 feet. The Middle Fork drainage offers a variety of excellent trails. Fishing and hunting are popular activities as well.
Recreation
The Middle Fork Payette River offers good to excellent fishing most of the year. Anglers cast for whitefish and rainbow trout. Many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV riding can be found in the area. The One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail, and 465 ATV Trail are all in the vicinity of the campground. In-season big game hunting for deer, elk and bear is a popular activity in the surrounding mountains.
Facilities
The campground can be reserved as one large, accessible group site, which consists of nine single sites and one double site. This group site can accommodate up to 100 people. A two night minimum stay is required on weekends. A three night minimum stay is required on holiday weekends. Picnic and utility tables, campfire rings and a picnic shelter are provided. Two accessible vault toilets are also provided. Ten parking spurs are available, each 50-75' in length. Additional camping is available at nearby Hardscrabble and Trail Creek Campgrounds.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the banks of the Middle Fork Payette River among Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees, which offer partial shade. A few sites offer river views through the dense vegetation on the banks. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the Middle Fork drainage, including deer, elk, and red-tailed hawks.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRattlesnake is located in Idaho
Directions
From Crouch, travel north on Forest Road 698 approximately 14 miles to the campground, which is located on the left-hand side of the road.
Address
EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT
1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5
Emmett, ID 83617
Coordinates
44.2659306 N
115.8800194 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 50 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 34 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 53 min from Lewiston, ID
- 5 hrs 28 min from Walla Walla, WA
