Payette National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Payette National Forest is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Found a nice large flat area for 2 nights. Lots of mosquitoes."
"Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable."
"But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees."
"One of the few dispersed areas I’ve visited with multiple bathrooms. Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you’ll want to be on the water!"
"Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek. It does get busy on the weekends"
"So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area Each spot in its own area. One big area for group."
"It’s really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful."
"It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake."
"These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River."
"awesome undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night"
TravelerCamping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.
TravelerMy husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.
LegendThis campground is a hike-in area unless you visit via dirt bikes, mountain bikes or horses. It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake. It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943. The plane can be difficult to find as you have to bushwack to get to it. I did find a little trail that brought me out, but it is often hard to find. We hiked along the right side of the lake, then bushwacked to the left, forded a creek, and was able to find the plane. I have heard and red that you can find the plane by going around an unmaintained forest service trail on the left side of the lake as well. If you make it this far I encourage you to find the plane and read the informational signs no matter what. The story is incredible! While it is longer to hike back out on the rest of the loop, the trail is completely different than coming in and provides amazing views of the Secesh river. Don't expect any amenities when camping at Loon Lake. This spot is truly for those interested in packing in and packing out what they want to use in a remote setting.
LegendDirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road. 4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs. A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access. Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august. No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.
All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID. Good alternative to when the state park fills up
TravelerOnce you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.
If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.
The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.
The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.
Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.
TravelerThis camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available
LegendThese sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area. The sites only consist of a fire ring a d a small parking area, but they are free.
GuideGreat spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.
LegendChallenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable. Be aware of the temperature before tackling this hike. There are a number of campable areas surrounding the lake. Hammocking is ideal due to the close clumping of trees all around the lake.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Payette National Forest in Idaho, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping fees for dispersed sites in Payette National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Payette National Forest is generally free, but with some limitations. At Herrick Reservoir Access, camping is free with a 10-day stay limit. Similarly, Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area offers free dispersed camping options. Note that some developed campgrounds in the forest may charge small daily fees, but true dispersed sites typically don't have any cost associated. Always check current regulations as fees and stay limits can change seasonally or based on conditions. Fire restrictions may also be in place depending on the time of year and current fire danger.
What facilities are available at Payette National Forest campgrounds compared to dispersed sites?
Dispersed sites in Payette National Forest typically offer minimal to no facilities. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area has seven sites with two pit toilets and fire rings overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. Short's Bar Recreation Area provides porta-potties but few other amenities. In contrast, developed campgrounds like Cold Spring (near Lost Valley Reservoir) offer designated RV/trailer sites, tent sites, and campfire rings for a fee. Most dispersed sites lack potable water, garbage service, and toilets. When camping at dispersed sites, be prepared to pack out all trash, bring your own water, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Where can I find dispersed camping in Payette National Forest near McCall, Idaho?
Payette National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near McCall. Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) is accessible via a dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road with 4-5 pullouts for cars and RVs. It's located a few hundred yards from the lake. Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides additional options in the area. For those willing to hike, there are remote locations like Loon Lake, accessible via a 4.4-mile trail from Chinook Campground. Other dispersed sites can be found along forest roads throughout the area, with varying degrees of accessibility depending on your vehicle type.
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