Rainbow Point
4.5747 reviewsPO BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA
Quick Facts
4,850 ftPrice
$15 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open May 17, 2025, t...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
4,850 ftPrice
$15 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
14 campsites
Season
Open May 17, 2025, t...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRainbow Point
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
During peak season (May 17 - September 15, 2025), fees range from $15 to $30 per night depending on campsite type.
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider208-382-7400.
What Campers Say
4.57
Top-Rated
Based on 47 reviews
62 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsspaciouslakebeach
Some mention
crowded
"Overall, Rainbow Point Campground is well-regarded for its scenic environment, proximity to Lake Cascade, and friendly camp hosts. However, issues such as crowded conditions, the cleanliness of vault toilets, and limited site availability were noted by some users."
Fees & Passes at Rainbow Point
$15 - $30/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights during a single visit.
Cancellation: $10 fee for cancellations made before the arrival date. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of t...
Prices verified December 7, 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 Rainbow Point
Rainbow Point's mountain climate brings refreshing variety throughout the camping season. Summer days offer pleasantly moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool down for comfortable sleeping under the stars. Be prepared for nature's full repertoire – afternoon thunderstorms can roll across the lake bringing dramatic skies and fresh mountain rain, while early and late season visitors might wake to a dusting of snow on the peaks. The wind often picks up across the water in the afternoons, creating perfect conditions for sailing and adding a symphony of rustling pine needles to your camping soundtrack.
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 May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Thinning work in neighboring Amanita campground during 2022 season.
About Rainbow Point
Tucked away on the pristine western shores of Lake Cascade, Rainbow Point Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's natural splendor. This hidden gem welcomes families seeking tranquility away from the crowds, where gravel roads wind through towering conifers to reveal thoughtfully spaced campsites. Each site comes equipped with everything you need for the perfect outdoor experience: sturdy picnic tables for lakeside meals, campfire rings for evening storytelling, grills for fresh-caught fish, and essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash collection.
Rainbow Point Campground offers single-family campsites that cater to both tent and RV campers. Some sites provide lake views and shoreline access, enhancing the camping experience.
Historical Significance.
Weather and SeasonsRainbow Point's mountain climate brings refreshing variety throughout the camping season. Summer days offer pleasantly moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool down for comfortable sleeping under the stars. Be prepared for nature's full repertoire – afternoon thunderstorms can roll across the lake bringing dramatic skies and fresh mountain rain, while early and late season visitors might wake to a dusting of snow on the peaks. The wind often picks up across the water in the afternoons, creating perfect conditions for sailing and adding a symphony of rustling pine needles to your camping soundtrack.
ElevationPerched at 4,850 feet above sea level, Rainbow Point offers the perfect mountain climate where summer's heat gives way to crisp, pine-scented air. This elevation creates an ideal refuge from valley temperatures, with cool mornings that invite you to wrap your hands around a steaming coffee mug and afternoons that never grow oppressively hot – perfect for endless hours of lakeside adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering ponderosa pines mingle with Douglas firs and grand firs, creating a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Summer transforms the understory into a painter's palette of wildflowers – Indian paintbrush, lupine, and bear grass bloom in succession, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The real stars of the show soar overhead and glide across Lake Cascade's mirror-like surface: majestic white pelicans form flotillas near the shore, while bald eagles patrol from ancient snags, their distinctive calls echoing across the water. Early risers are often rewarded with mist rising from the lake, creating an ethereal landscape that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Geological RegionRainbow Point rests along the western shoreline of Lake Cascade in west central Idaho's breathtaking mountain country. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry through dense mixed-conifer forests that cascade down to meet the water's edge. The forest floor erupts in a spectacular wildflower display each summer, painting the hillsides with vibrant splashes of color against the deep green backdrop of ancient evergreens. This convergence of mountain, forest, and water creates a diverse ecosystem that supports an impressive array of wildlife and offers endless opportunities for discovery.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityDetailed accessibility features are not mentioned. Some trails, such as the one leading to the beach, are noted as not being handicap accessible.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and private by some (e.g., 'excellent, private, roomy'), while others noted that certain sites felt small. Double sites (e.g., site 005) are also available.
Sites PrivacySites offer a measure of privacy depending on location, with many set apart from each other. The rustic and overgrown environment enhances privacy in certain areas.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, select sites spaced farther apart. Lake-facing sites are recommended for views and beach access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Varies
- generally after noon.
Check-out
- Varies
- typically by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
14 nights during a single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Typically accommodates single-family guests
- exact capacity per site is undefined.
Groups
No specific details are available about group campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout includes single-family campsites, some pull-through sites, and spaced-apart sites for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThere are 4 first-come, first-served sites available.
Cancellation Policy$10 fee for cancellations made before the arrival date. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee. No-show penalty includes a $20 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rainbow Point Campground provides opportunities for a variety of recreational activities. These include boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking. Wildlife viewing is also a notable attraction.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible in the area, though specific details regarding trail length and difficulty are not provided.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and perch. The campground provides convenient access to Lake Cascade for fishing enthusiasts.Swimming
Swimming is popular in Lake Cascade. Users have highlighted the sandy beach areas, which are suitable for children and families. Water temperature is described as moderate, though grassy patches near the surface were noted.Biking
Biking trails are available in the vicinity, but specific details such as trail terrain are not mentioned.Boating
A boat ramp is located within the campground, making it convenient for boating activities like water skiing, canoeing, and other water sports.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes waterfowl, songbirds, pelicans, and bald eagles. Some users also noted potential sightings of moose, black bears, and mountain lions.Beach activities
Beach activities are highlighted, with a sandy beach providing a space for sunbathing and children's play.Winter Activities
Winter-specific recreation is not detailed. However, the campground is not reservable in the off-season, suggesting limited winter activities.Water Sports
Water sports like canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing are available, facilitated by the boat ramp within the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted within designated campfire rings. Emphasis on extinguishing fires thoroughly.
- Quiet hours mentioned in some user reviews but specific times are not defined.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity in the area necessitates clean campsites. Seasonal thinning work in nearby Amanita campground may affect visitation. Gravel roads can pose challenges for RVs or trailers.
Active alertsThinning work in neighboring Amanita campground during 2022 season.
Weather at Rainbow Point
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Cascade Medical Center, Cascade, ID (approximately 20 minutes away); police station and fire services available in Cascade.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and bear-proof trash cans are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Lake Cascade with a boat ramp and swimming access. A sandy beach is available for recreational use.
Common complaintsDisgusting vault toilets and overgrown vegetation are common complaints from user reviews. Some visitors also noted the campground feels crowded.
HostHosts are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, often going above and beyond, including loaning personal kayaks.
Campground Map
PO BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on Highway 55 for 95 miles to Donnelly. Turn west on West Roseberry Road and go 1.5 miles to Norwood Road. Turn south and continue a mile to Tamarack Falls Road. Turn west and go just over a mile to West Mountain Road. Turn south and go a mile to the campground.
Access requires navigating gravel roads; the campground is reachable via West Mountain Road, which may involve seasonal navigation difficulties.Nearby places
Donnelly (5 minutes away), Boise (95 miles, approximately 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Donnelly, ID, which is only 5 minutes away. Includes grocery stores, fuel stations, and general camping supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
47 reviews
Rainbow Point is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Rainbow Point Campground is well-regarded for its scenic environment, proximity to Lake Cascade, and friendly camp hosts. However, issues such as crowded conditions, the cleanliness of vault toilets, and limited site availability were noted by some users.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Common positive aspects include the beautiful lake views, sandy beaches, spacious and private campsites, and helpful camp hosts. Users have also praised the campground's proximity to the lake and...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback largely centers on the cleanliness of vault toilets, overcrowding during peak times, and the limited number of campsites. One user experienced challenges with reservation...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend reserving campsites in advance due to limited availability. Families with children are encouraged to explore the beach and nearby trails. Visitors also noted the importance of being...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season for visits, with activities like swimming and boating being highlighted. However, the campground can become crowded during these months. Late-season visits may offer...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Good NF campground. No hookups! $15 single site.'
- 'Beautiful camp spot right on the lake!'
- 'The campground is small and generally quiet, with little road traffic.'
- 'Bathrooms could use a...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 007: 'Perfect. Bathrooms were clean. Camp hosts were great.'
- Site 003: 'Frustration with reservation management. The site was opened for others to reserve after I had already booked.'
- Site...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Limited feedback on accessibility. One review mentions that trails to the beach are not handicap accessible.
Based on 47 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews focus on pet policies or experiences.
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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