Rainbow Point

Star4.56
121 reviews
PO BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

4,850 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 17, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

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
Rainbow 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

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Provider
208-382-7400.
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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 121 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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Rainbow Point

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Peak season for swimming, boating and trails; very popular but can be crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-September; late-season visits likely quieter with good scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring offers wildflowers but weather can be variable and limited access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 17–Sept 15 window; winter visits not supported.

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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Varies
  • generally after noon.
Check-out
  • Varies
  • typically by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
14 nights during a single visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
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.
HikingHiking trails are accessible in the area, though specific details regarding trail length and difficulty are not provided.
FishingFishing opportunities include casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and perch. The campground provides convenient access to Lake Cascade for fishing enthusiasts.
SwimmingSwimming 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.
BikingBiking trails are available in the vicinity, but specific details such as trail terrain are not mentioned.
BoatingA boat ramp is located within the campground, making it convenient for boating activities like water skiing, canoeing, and other water sports.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes waterfowl, songbirds, pelicans, and bald eagles. Some users also noted potential sightings of moose, black bears, and mountain lions.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear 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.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof trash cans are available within the campground.

Weather at Rainbow Point

Reviews

4.6
121 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 121 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...
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Based on 121 reviews

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...
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Based on 121 reviews

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...
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Based on 121 reviews

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...
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Based on 121 reviews

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...
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Based on 121 reviews

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...
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Based on 121 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited feedback on accessibility. One review mentions that trails to the beach are not handicap accessible.
Based on 121 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews focus on pet policies or experiences.
Based on 121 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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