Golden Gate Campground

Star4.75
6 reviews
Golden Gate Campground, Boise National Forest, Idaho, USA

Quick Facts

4,836 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open mid-May to mid-...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Cascade Ranger District, Boise National Forest site

Official Website
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Golden Gate Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20 to $35 depending on the site type and season.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
208-382-7400null
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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's remote and peaceful location, proximity to Yellow Pine for supplies, and essential amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. Negative points include its close proximity to Johnson Creek road, which may result in noise and dust during busy seasons."

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Campground Map

Golden Gate Campground, Boise National Forest, Idaho, USA

Golden Gate Campground

Golden Gate Campground, Boise National Forest, Idaho, USA

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 approximately 80 miles to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 only a short distance to the turnoff at the Warm Lake Road (Forest Highway 22). Proceed northeast approximately 25 miles along Forest Highway 22 to the Warm Lake area where it becomes Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east on FS Road 579 until it intersects FS Road 413, approximately 10 miles. Turn north on FS Road 413 and travel approximately 23 miles to Golden Gate Campground.
The campground can be accessed by most vehicles, although the road is narrow and may be rough in spots.
Nearby places
Yellow Pine (approximately 5 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Yellow Pine community (basic supplies) and Cascade (full services) are the closest supply locations.

Best Time to Camp at Golden Gate Campground

Experience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing and the forest takes on a magical silence. As spring melts into summer, the mountains come alive with warmth and sunshine, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the meadows lush and the air crisp. Clear summer skies reveal stunning starscapes that will leave you breathless.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-May–mid-Sept; peak season early June–late Sept with favorable conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Seasonal transformations noted; likely good fall colors and quieter than peak summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May so late spring access; scenery returns but season is short.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter despite heavy snow in the area.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Early June through late September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open mid-May to mid-September.

About Golden Gate Campground

Escape to Golden Gate Campground, where time slows down and the whispers of pine trees replace the noise of modern life. Tucked away in the heart of mountain wilderness, this hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature's profound serenity. Here, beneath towering pines and endless skies, you'll discover the peaceful solitude that only remote mountain camping can provide.
The Golden Gate Campground accommodates tent camping and likely RV camping, considering its accessibility by most vehicles. Group camping and cabin lodging are not mentioned.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Golden Gate Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking. It is located near trailheads leading into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, providing opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized exploration. The nearby Johnson Creek and South Fork Salmon River are popular fishing spots. A user review mentioned: 'The campground is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. The South Fork Salmon River and Johnson Creek offer opportunities for fishing. Berry picking and hunting are popular pastimes in season.'
HikingThe campground is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. Trails support both motorized and non-motorized hiking, though specific trail details like length and difficulty are not provided.
FishingFishing is available at Johnson Creek and the South Fork Salmon River. The types of fish or the quality of fishing are not detailed.
BikingThe area is popular for mountain biking, though exact trail details, such as terrain and skill level recommendations, are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity here, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bears and moose), noise and dust from Johnson Creek Road during busy seasons, and rough terrain.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Golden Gate Campground

Reviews

4.8
6 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Golden Gate Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and peaceful location, proximity to Yellow Pine for supplies, and essential amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. Negative points include its close proximity to Johnson Creek road, which may result in noise and dust during busy seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

1. Peaceful and remote setting. 2. Proximity to Johnson Creek for scenic views and fishing. 3. Availability of vault toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire rings. 4. Wildlife viewing...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Dust and noise due to proximity to Johnson Creek road during busy seasons.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid road noise and dust. Bring potable water since none is available on-site. Proximity to Yellow Pine offers convenience for supplies.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's peak season is early June through late September, aligning with favorable camping conditions. Reviews suggest the area becomes busier during peak season, which may affect the serene...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Cute little campground located right on Johnson Creek. It has vault toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and metal fire rings.' 2. 'Far enough away that you're alone. Close to Yellowpine for any...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite reviews are not provided.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews discussing accessibility for campers with disabilities are not available.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One authoritative source mentions that dogs must be kept on a leash, but user reviews addressing pet experiences are not available.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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