Is Picnic Point first-come first-served or reservation?

Picnic Point 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 Picnic Point before I book?

Yes! Picnic Point 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.

What is the best time to visit Picnic Point?

Picnic Point is open The campground is open for reservations from May 17th to September 15th, with peaks during the summer months.. 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 Picnic Point?

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

How many campsites does Picnic Point have?

Picnic Point has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Picnic Point?

Pets are not allowed at Picnic Point. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Picnic Point?

Picnic Point offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Picnic Point?

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

Picnic Point (Id)

4.22

41 reviews

PO BOX 696 CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Picnic Point (Id)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-382-7400

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PO BOX 696 CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Picnic Point (Id)

PO BOX 696 CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Nearby places

Cascade (26 miles, approximately 45-minute drive)

Weather at Picnic Point (Id)

Best Time to Camp at Picnic Point (Id)

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Picnic Point because mild daytime highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F (with crisp mornings around 40–45°F) make paddling, swimming, fishing, and shoreline picnics comfortable while wildflowers and clear lake reflections are at their peak. The calm weather and long daylight are ideal for boating and early-morning wildlife viewing (elk and many bird species). Expect the busiest weekends in July and August and reserve early — the campground has only eight walk-in tentpads Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: mild temps, peak swimming, boating, fishing and wildflowers; campground open in summer.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 17th to September 15th, with peaks during the summer months.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Picnic Point (Id)

Picnic Point sits on the shore of Warm Lake in Boise National Forest, a U.S. Forest Service campground with fewer than ten sites. The location offers direct lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing, plus trailheads for hiking and biking into mid-elevation forest. Reviewers praise the bluff views and proximity to the beach, though occasional noise from nearby lodges can disrupt quiet hours.

Picnic Point Campground specializes in tent-only camping, offering walk-in sites that overlook Warm Lake, with no RV or group sites available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Picnic Point because mild daytime highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F (with crisp mornings around 40–45°F) make paddling, swimming, fishing, and shoreline picnics comfortable while wildflowers and clear lake reflections are at their peak. The calm weather and long daylight are ideal for boating and early-morning wildlife viewing (elk and many bird species). Expect the busiest weekends in July and August and reserve early — the campground has only eight walk-in tentpads Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5300 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground crowns a bluff carved by ancient geological forces, with commanding views over Warm Lake's waters. Ponderosa pine forests blanket the mountainsides. Summer brings an explosion of wildflowers. Lupine, balsamroot, paintbrush. Painting the meadows. The area supports elk, black bears, woodland grouse, and occasional whooping cranes during migration. Otters and osprey frequent the shoreline.

Lodging & AccommodationsWhile lodging is not available within the campground itself, the nearby North Shore Lodge offers a small restaurant, lounge, and store with limited supplies.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, accessible online or via its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned. Walk-in sites may require carrying gear from the parking lot to tent pads, which could pose challenges.

Site SizeThe specific site sizes are not described, but most tent pads are walk-in and overlook scenic Warm Lake.

PrivacyUser feedback suggests campsites offer stunning views but are closer together, potentially leading to less privacy. "Everyone is packed in pretty closely together," one reviewer mentioned.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites on the bluff provide the best lake views, but visitors should bring earplugs for potential noise disturbances. A wagon or cart may help transport gear to tent pads from the parking lot.

Best CampsitesReviewers frequently mention sites 001, 003, and 004 for their lake views and proximity to amenities. Sites closer to the lodge tend to be noisier. One user noted that all sites are "packed in pretty closely together," so privacy is limited despite the small campground size.

Need help booking Picnic Point (Id)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Picnic Point Campground offers tent-only campsites that are accessed through a short walk (50 to 200 feet) from the parking area. Amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection, campfire rings, grills, and picnic tables, but no electricity. Stairs lead to Warm Lake from three locations within the campground. The parking area and pathways are dirt, adding to the rustic charm. Partial shade is provided by towering ponderosa pines, and summer wildflowers are abundant. "The bathrooms are clean and you don't have to walk too far from your vehicle to get to your campsite," noted one reviewer.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Picnic Point (Id)

Picnic Point Campground offers a range of activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing at Warm Lake. Nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. "Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake, and bull trout," the official sources note, while user reviews highlight the lake and its activities as a key attraction.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 15% in Idaho

Direct lake access and Billy Rice Swim Beach provide designated swimming areas at Warm Lake.

Boating4.0/5

Boating and canoeing are popular; a boat ramp is available at the neighboring Shoreline Campground.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area supports elk, black bear, fox, grouse, eagles and osprey; wildlife viewing referenced.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Nearby trails (WeWuKiye No.252) and trailheads accessible from neighboring campgrounds.

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Mid-elevation, bluff setting suggests good skies, but noise and forest cover may limit nights.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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).

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

41 reviews

Satisfactory

Picnic Point (Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful views, clean facilities, and proximity to Warm Lake for activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. However, noise from nearby parties at the lodge or inconsiderate campers detracts from the overall experience for some visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 41 reviews.

Site 001Loved
Site 001 was noted for being noisy due to inconsiderate campers but also praised for its proximity to the lake.
Site 004Loved
Site 004 was highlighted for its scenic views but was furthest from the parking lot.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the scenic views of Warm Lake, the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, and the easy accessibility of campsites. "The view is great (bluff). Right next to the beach and lodge...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise issues due to rowdy campers and parties at the nearby lodge were common complaints. For example, "Unfortunately, the little cabin resort next door had some rowdy, super loud people that were...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs to mitigate noise from the lodge or other campers. Consider bringing a wagon or cart to carry camping gear to tent sites.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Some users noted quieter periods during weekdays or early in the season. "Most of the campsites were vacant while we were there (June 8-13)," stated one user.

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground has a great view of the lake from most of the spots," wrote RJ Carlson. "Beautiful spot, great views of the lake, nice little walk-in campground," added Jenni A.

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility may be challenging due to walk-in tent pads requiring gear to be carried from the parking lot. No specific reviews from users with disabilities.

Based on 41 reviews