How much does camping cost at Rainbow Point?

Camping fees at Rainbow Point range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Rainbow 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 Rainbow Point before I book?

Yes! Rainbow 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rainbow Point?

Rainbow Point is open May 16 to September 15. 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 Rainbow Point?

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

Is there cell service at Rainbow Point?

Cell phone service at Rainbow Point is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Rainbow Point have?

Rainbow Point has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Point?

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

What amenities are available at Rainbow Point?

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

Rainbow Point

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rainbow Point?

Fire policies at Rainbow Point: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.49

121 reviews

PO BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Idaho Family-Friendly Campgrounds Idaho Best Campgrounds Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,850 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 17, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,850 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 17, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Rainbow Point

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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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

Rainbow Point

PO BOX 696, CASCADE, ID 83611, USA

Nearby places

Donnelly (5 minutes away), Boise (95 miles, approximately 2 hours)

Weather at Rainbow Point

Current alerts(4)

Bears frequent the area; please keep a clean camp and be bear aware
Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
Idaho OHV Safety Message
Some first-come, first-served sites may also be available

Best Time to Camp at Rainbow Point

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access: warm, dry days (about 70–85°F) with cool nights (40–55°F) make Lake Cascade excellent for boating, swimming, fishing and long hikes. Wildflower displays on the hillsides peak in early summer, and campground facilities and services are fully available between May 17 and Sept 15. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August but generally peaceful weekdays. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm days (70–85°F), swimming, boating and wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 17, 2025, to September 15, 2025.

About Rainbow Point

Rainbow Point sits on the eastern shore of Lake Cascade in Boise National Forest, minutes from Donnelly. This moderately sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for direct lake access, sandy beaches, and spacious sites with water views, plus fishing, swimming, and boating on the reservoir.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access: warm, dry days (about 70–85°F) with cool nights (40–55°F) make Lake Cascade excellent for boating, swimming, fishing and long hikes. Wildflower displays on the hillsides peak in early summer, and campground facilities and services are fully available between May 17 and Sept 15. Expect moderate weekend crowds in July–August but generally peaceful weekdays. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4850 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense mixed-conifer forest meets the water here. Ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and grand firs create layered shade across the hillsides. In early summer, wildflowers. Indian paintbrush, lupine, bear grass. Cover the understory in bright patches against the evergreens. White pelicans gather near shore. Bald eagles call from snags above the lake. The forest floor in some areas has grown thick and overgrown, which adds privacy but can feel unkempt depending on your site.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at the campground. Accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no explicitly mentioned cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typically accommodates single-family guests
exact capacity per site is undefined.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.

AccessibilityDetailed accessibility features are not mentioned. Some trails, such as the one leading to the beach, are noted as not being handicap accessible.

Site 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.

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 SitesFor privacy, select sites spaced farther apart. Lake-facing sites are recommended for views and beach access.

Best CampsitesCampsite 7 gets consistent praise for lake proximity and solid facilities. Site 005 is a double site if you're camping with another group. Specific sites vary in size. Some are spacious and private, others feel tighter.

Need help booking Rainbow Point?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Rainbow Point Campground offers essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including picnic tables, campfire rings, grills at each campsite, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available, and trash collection is provided on-site. Electricity is not available. Roads and parking spurs are gravel, and the campground is set among a mixed-growth conifer forest, providing a scenic and tranquil environment.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, and bear-proof trash cans are provided.

Cell CoverageSome users noted cell phone service, specifically mentioning Verizon coverage. This can be a convenience for some and a distraction for others.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

121 reviews

Recommended

Rainbow Point is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 121 reviews.

Site 007Loved
- Site 007: 'Perfect.
Site 003Loved
Camp hosts were great.'. - Site 003: 'Frustration with reservation management.
Site 012Loved
The site was opened for others to reserve after I had already booked.'. - Site 012: 'Spacious site; however, challenges with trailer placement.'. - Site 006…

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want direct lake access with swimming and boating in a mid-elevation forest setting near Donnelly.

Skip if

You need modern restrooms or prefer less crowded campgrounds during peak summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

P.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID, 83611, USA

Amanita sits on Lake Cascade in Boise National Forest, a moderately priced campground operated by the Forest Service near Donnelly. The small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, plus direct lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing. Reviewers praise the clean facilities, scenic views, and well-spaced sites that provide privacy, though road noise from West Mountain Road and reduced shade from beetle-control tree removal are common complaints.