French Creek

Star4.07
133 reviews
P.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,850 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Boise National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
French Creek
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $15 per night. Additional reservation service fees apply ($8 online/app, $9 contact center, $3 in-person).
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-382-7400
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What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 133 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

dusty

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

French Creek

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

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on Highway 55 for 85 miles to Cascade. Turn west on Old State Highway and go a half-mile to Lakeshore Drive. Turn south and travel 3 miles to West Mountain Road. Turn west and follow the road 5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via dirt roads, which some reviews describe as washboarded and rutted. One review mentions difficulty driving the 9-mile distance with a motorhome and car dolly due to road conditions.
Nearby places
Cascade (approx. 5 miles), Donnelly (approx. 14 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Cascade, approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at French Creek

Summer days at French Creek unfold with blissfully moderate temperatures hovering around 65°F—perfect for any outdoor pursuit without the sweltering heat found at lower elevations. As evening approaches and temperatures dip to a refreshing 43°F, you'll want to gather around the campfire (and yes, bring that bug spray—the local mosquito population considers twilight their social hour). The predominantly dry conditions mean your adventures rarely get rained out, making this an ideal basecamp for extended exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Comfortable ~65°F summers, great boating; late-summer algae and bugs can reduce enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-Sept; short fall season with fewer bugs but limited window.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 11% in ID

Spring/early summer see cleaner lake conditions and fewer bugs per reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sept; winter not a primary season here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - September 15, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025. Reservations start June 22, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Occasional toxic algae blooms in Lake Cascade, significantly affecting water activities as noted in reviews.

About French Creek

Nestled along the pristine western shore of Lake Cascade, French Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of waterfront adventure and forest tranquility. This thoughtfully designed retreat splits into intimate upper and lower sections, each offering its own character—from secluded forest hideaways to coveted lakefront spots where morning coffee comes with panoramic water views. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, casting a line as the sun sets, or exploring hidden trails through the towering conifers, French Creek delivers the quintessential Idaho camping experience.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking trails are available but not directly within walking distance. One reviewer stated, 'No hiking trails within walking distance,' and another mentioned using nearby dirt roads for ATV and exploration.
FishingFishing opportunities include casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and perch. However, some users noted swamp-like conditions near the lake during summer, which could affect fishing access.
SwimmingSwimming is available in Lake Cascade, but water conditions may vary by season. Toxic algae blooms were reported in user reviews for late summer, which could deter swimming.
BikingThe area includes biking trails, particularly near Lake Cascade. User reviews do not elaborate on trail difficulty or terrain.
BoatingLake Cascade provides excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing. User reviews highlight convenient lake access for paddleboards and kayaks, although water levels may be low in late summer.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, pelicans, bald eagles, and songbirds. A reviewer noted: 'Deer come through the edge of camp often, along with many other little critters.'
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and flies are prevalent, especially in marshy areas. Some roads are dusty and rutted, creating potential hazards for larger vehicles.
Active AlertsOccasional toxic algae blooms in Lake Cascade, significantly affecting water activities as noted in reviews.

Weather at French Creek

Reviews

4.1
133 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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

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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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