Campground

Facilities

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.

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.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Group Standard Nonelectric
  • Management
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hunting
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating

Amenities

  • Fire Pit
  • Picnic Table
  • Tent Pad
  • BBQ
  • Accessibility

Getting Here

Latitude
45° 7' 21.0000" N
Longitude
116° 1' 44.0000" W

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.

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.

    • Contact Information

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

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

    Additional Information