French Creek
4.0863 reviewsP.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA
Quick Facts
4,850 ftPrice
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 17, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,850 ftPrice
$15/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 17, 20...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsFrench 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
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider208-382-7400
What Campers Say
4.08
Satisfactory
Based on 63 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."
Fees & Passes at French Creek
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Cancellation: Cancellations are allowed up to the day before check-in, incurring a $10 cancellation fee and forfei...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Boise National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.
ElevationPerched at 4,850 feet above sea level, French Creek occupies that sweet spot where mountain air stays crisp without leaving you breathless. This elevation blessing means you'll enjoy comfortable temperatures throughout your stay while being surrounded by a thriving forest ecosystem that flourishes in these ideal conditions. The altitude creates a natural refuge from valley heat, making summer camping here particularly refreshing.
Natural Features and SceneryThe marriage of water and forest creates a stunning backdrop at every turn in French Creek Campground. Towering mixed conifers provide a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. In late summer, lucky foragers discover patches of wild thimbleberries and prized huckleberries tucked among the understory. The real stars of the show, however, might be the wildlife—from graceful pelicans gliding across Lake Cascade to the thrilling sight of bald eagles soaring overhead. The gentle babble of French Creek itself adds a soothing soundtrack to your stay, while the lake stretches endlessly eastward, its surface changing from mirror-calm mornings to wind-kissed afternoon ripples.
Geological RegionFrench Creek Campground claims one of the most enviable positions in west-central Idaho, where the rugged landscape softens into the welcoming embrace of Lake Cascade's western shoreline. This region showcases nature's artistry through dense mixed conifer forests that carpet the surrounding hills, creating a green tapestry punctuated by clearings bursting with native berry bushes. The interplay between the ancient geological forces that carved this valley and the more recent human touch of the reservoir creates a unique ecosystem where mountain meets water in spectacular fashion.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not clearly described in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose lower French Creek sites for closer proximity to the lake, but expect marshy conditions. Upper sites offer more privacy and shade.
Best Campsites
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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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates a single family.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into upper and lower sections. Lower sites are closer to the lake with potential marshy areas. Upper sites are more secluded and shaded, with mixed vegetation.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025. Reservations start June 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or the mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, but issues around confusion have been noted in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to the day before check-in, incurring a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. No refunds for cancellations made on the day of check-in.
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
Swimming 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.Biking
The area includes biking trails, particularly near Lake Cascade. User reviews do not elaborate on trail difficulty or terrain.Boating
Lake 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 viewing
The 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.'Beach activities
Limited beach access due to swampy conditions near the lakeshore. A user mentioned: 'Don’t expect stellar lake access—it exists, but it’s very swampy.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the sources but may include wildlife viewing during colder months.Water Sports
Boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing are popular water sports at Lake Cascade.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are observed after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes 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
34
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Cascade, approximately 5 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17, 2025 - September 15, 2025
Trash and 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.'
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lake Cascade and French Creek. Water access is limited and marshy in some areas.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include dusty roads, tight campsites unsuitable for larger RVs, mosquito prevalence, and inconsistent camp host behavior.
HostMixed reviews regarding camp hosts; some visitors found them friendly and accommodating, while others described them as grumpy or unhelpful.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.1
63 reviews
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 63 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 63 reviewsShow more
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 63 reviewsPro 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 63 reviewsSeasonal 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 63 reviewsCamper 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 63 reviewsShow more
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 63 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not clearly discussed, but users note terrain challenges for larger RVs and trailers.
Based on 63 reviewsPet-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 63 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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