Upper Payette Lake Campground

Payette National Forest

Upper Payette Lake Campground is located 16 miles from McCall, Idaho, on the shores of beautiful Upper Payette Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails.

Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

The campground offers two group sites that can accommodate up to 20 and 30 guests. Several additional single and double-family sites are available as well. All sites are accessible; some have lake views and some have lake access.

Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A boat ramp, day-use site and several paved pathways are located in the campground. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.

Need to Know

Idaho Off-road Vehicle Safety Message
Opening day is dependent upon snow levels; call ahead to check on early season reservations
No electric, water or sewer site hookups at this campground
Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility
Sites may be available on a first come, first served basis outside the reservation season
If reserving the group sites for more than 75 people, please contact the McCall Ranger District at 208-634-0440
Lake is drawn down annually on or about September 1 (depending on annual conditions) and it may be difficult to launch a boat after that date
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Natural Features

The lake is situated at the foot of the Salmon River Mountains at an approximate elevation of 5,900 feet. Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine forest the site, providing partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. Summer days are typically warm and nights are cool.

Recreation

Upper Payette Lake is a no-wake lake that offers great fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. The paved, mile-long Shoreline Trail begins in the campground and several additional hiking and biking trails begin just across the road from the entrance.

Contact Information

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102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026 MCCALL ID 83638

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 208-634-0400

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From McCall, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21. Turn right and continue for 16 miles to gravel Forest Road 495 and follow for a mile into the campground.

Available Campsites

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