How much does camping cost at French Creek?

Camping fees at French Creek range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is French Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

French Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at French Creek before I book?

Yes! French Creek has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit French Creek?

French Creek is open May 16 to September 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at French Creek?

French Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does French Creek have?

French Creek has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at French Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at French Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at French Creek?

French Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at French Creek?

Popular activities at French Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

French Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at French Creek?

Fire policies at French Creek: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.02

133 reviews

P.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Top 7% in IDSpring

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,850 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,850 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

French Creek

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-382-7400

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

French Creek

P.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Nearby places

Cascade (approx. 5 miles), Donnelly (approx. 14 miles)

Weather at French Creek

Current alerts(4)

Bears frequent the area; please keep a clean camp and be bear aware
Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
Idaho OHV Safety Message
Some first-come, first-served sites may also be available

Best Time to Camp at French Creek

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, low crowds, and active wildlife — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F with cool nights in the mid-30s to low-40s. Fishing and boating pick up as the reservoir warms and trout become more active, wildflowers and berry bushes bloom along forest clearings, and hiking is especially pleasant before summer insects and peak visitor numbers arrive. Expect quieter campgrounds (especially before late June reservations begin) and— Peak months: June, May, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in ID

Spring/early summer noted as best: cleaner lake, fewer bugs, wildflowers and quieter stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025. Reservations start June 22, 2025.

About French Creek

French Creek sits in the mid-elevation forest of Boise National Forest near Cascade, Idaho, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small campground runs along French Creek with access to fishing, boating, and hiking trails through surrounding woodlands. Reviewers consistently note clean vault toilets and the sound of the creek, though dusty roads and tight sites make it better suited for smaller rigs and tent campers.

French Creek Campground offers diverse camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping areas. Some sites are better suited for specific types of accommodations due to terrain and location.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, low crowds, and active wildlife — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F with cool nights in the mid-30s to low-40s. Fishing and boating pick up as the reservoir warms and trout become more active, wildflowers and berry bushes bloom along forest clearings, and hiking is especially pleasant before summer insects and peak visitor numbers arrive. Expect quieter campgrounds (especially before late June reservations begin) and— Peak months: June, May, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4850 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed conifer forest covers the hills around camp, thick enough to provide solid shade in the upper sites. French Creek flows behind select campsites with a steady babble that carries through the trees. Lake Cascade spreads eastward from the lower loop, its surface shifting from calm mornings to wind-chopped afternoons. The understory grows dense with native berry bushes, including thimbleberries and huckleberries that ripen in late summer. Reviewers mention pelicans on the water and bald eagles overhead. By late season, the shoreline can turn swampy with algae blooms, especially near lower sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations are available at French Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site accommodates a single family.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not clearly described in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, including areas for tent pads and RVs. Site sizes vary, with some sites accommodating larger vehicles up to 45 feet, although maneuverability may be challenging.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Upper sites tend to be more secluded, while lower sites near the road may lack privacy due to dust and road traffic. Reviews highlight that 'Campsites were spread apart so we didn’t feel cramped.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lower French Creek sites for closer proximity to the lake, but expect marshy conditions. Upper sites offer more privacy and shade.

Best CampsitesSites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 get mentioned for creek proximity and scenery. Upper sites generally deliver better privacy and less road dust than lower ones. Lower sites sit closer to the lake but can feel exposed to road traffic and dust from the access road.

Need help booking French Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

French Creek Campground offers a range of essential amenities, including vault toilets, potable water, trash collection, and gravel roads. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring. The campground does not have electricity hookups. User reviews praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the convenience of pressurized water spouts. However, some campers noted limited restroom availability in the lakeside section, which may be inconvenient for frequent use.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

French Creek Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is well-suited for water sports enthusiasts due to its proximity to Lake Cascade. However, some user reviews noted limited access to hiking trails and swampy lake conditions during specific seasons.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided, but recycling facilities are not mentioned. A user noted: 'There are trash cans in the lakeside campground, so if you have a frequent pee'er, get a site closer to the water because the bathroom is right next to the lake.'

Cell CoverageThe availability or quality of cell phone service is not mentioned in any authoritative sources or user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

133 reviews

Satisfactory

French Creek is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

French Creek Campground received mixed reviews, averaging 4.02 for general sentiment and 3.9 for campground-specific sentiment. Positive feedback highlighted cleanliness, helpful hosts, and beautiful views, while common complaints included swampy lake conditions, dusty roads, and unfriendly camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 133 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the campground for its cleanliness, well-maintained bathrooms, and scenic surroundings. A user remarked, 'Pit toilets were spotless,' while another said, 'Loved the sound of...

Based on 133 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include swampy lake access, unfriendly camp hosts, and dusty roads. One user shared: 'The road back to the site was terrible,' and another noted, 'Lake access was swamp-like.'

Based on 133 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are praised for their proximity to French Creek, while Site 15 received criticism for tight access and challenging terrain.

Based on 133 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites early to avoid confusion, and choose upper campsites for more privacy and reduced road dust. Avoid late summer visits if water conditions are a concern due to algae blooms.

Based on 133 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and early summer offer cleaner lake conditions and fewer bugs, while late summer brings swampy conditions and toxic algae blooms. Winter is quieter but less suited for water activities.

Based on 133 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Pit toilets were spotless. There were about three sets of campers, so it was very peaceful.' 2. 'Gorgeous views of forests and Cascade Lake. Loved the sound of French Creek running behind the...

Based on 133 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not clearly discussed, but users note terrain challenges for larger RVs and trailers.

Based on 133 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one review mentioned issues with a camp host’s dog. Another shared: 'Dog-friendly but keep an eye out for host’s pets.'

Based on 133 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet forest setting with creek sounds, good spring fishing, and don't mind primitive amenities.

Skip if

You're bringing a large RV, need hookups, or want to avoid mosquitoes and dusty access roads.

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4.3

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Lake Cascade State Park

PO Box 709, Cascade, Idaho, 83611-0709, United States

Lake Cascade State Park spreads across 86 miles of shoreline at 4,738 feet, offering 200 campsites in multiple loops along Idaho's expansive reservoir. Sites range from primitive to full-hookup, with fees starting at $7 per night. Crown Point and Huckleberry are the most popular campgrounds, praised for lake access and sunset views.