Lake Cascade State Park

4.27

15 reviews

PO Box 709, Cascade, Idaho, 83611-0709, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,738 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Idaho Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,738 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Idaho Parks and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Cascade State Park

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $7.00 Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) is required for every vehicle entering Idaho State Parks. This fee is included in campsite fees but applies...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

2083826544cas@idpr.idaho.gov

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 15 reviews

306 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews for Lake Cascade State Park are a mix of praise for its natural beauty, spacious sites, and diverse activity offerings, as well as criticism regarding some facilities' maintenance and cost."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 709, Cascade, Idaho, 83611-0709, United States

Lake Cascade State Park

PO Box 709, Cascade, Idaho, 83611-0709, United States

Driving directionsTurn west onto Lake Cascade Parkway, off of Highway 55 in the town of Cascade (follow signs to golf course). Multiple campgrounds can be accessed from this point, including Ridgeview (north on Lakeshore Dr.), Sage Bluff (1 mile down Lakeshore Dr.), and Cabarton (3 miles south). Crown Point can be reached by turning west on Vista Point Blvd. Off Highway 55, Sugarloaf and Boulder Creek can be accessed via Stonebreaker Ln and Loomis Lane respectively. Campgrounds on the west side of the lake, including Poison Creek, are accessible via Roseberry Rd. off Highway 55.

Roads leading to the campground are paved, with clear signage directing visitors to various loops. Seasonal accessibility may depend on weather conditions.

Nearby places

Cascade (~1 mile)

Donnelly (~16 miles)

Boise (~75 miles)

McCall (~25 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and other essentials can be found in Cascade, less than a mile from the park.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Cascade State Park

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Lake Cascade, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the reservoir into a frozen wonderland perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts. As temperatures dip below freezing, the park becomes a haven for winter sports lovers. Come summer, the mercury rises to create those perfect Idaho days—warm enough for swimming and water sports, yet refreshingly comfortable for ambitious hiking expeditions. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with spring wildflowers dotting the meadows and autumn painting the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, hiking and water sports; praised but more crowded in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Should offer good scenery and fewer crowds; specific fall foliage notes limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Wildflower-studded meadows and receding ice make spring attractive though details are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 12% in ID

Open year-round; ice fishing and snowmobiling draw visitors in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season occurs during warmer months, with heavy activity during summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, with seasonal recreational activities such as ice fishing and snowmobiling in winter, and hiking and boating in summer.

About Lake Cascade State Park

Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water against the shore, surrounded by Idaho's breathtaking mountain wilderness. Lake Cascade State Park beckons adventurers with more than 200 individual campsites spread across 12 thoughtfully developed campgrounds, along with secluded dispersed camping areas and two spacious group facilities perfect for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Whether you're casting a line through winter ice, carving fresh powder on snowmobile trails, or harnessing summer winds for an exhilarating day of sailing and windsurfing, this sprawling outdoor playground transforms with the seasons. From sunrise hikes through meadow trails to sunset paddles across glassy waters, Lake Cascade State Park invites you to write your own adventure story in the heart of Idaho's spectacular landscape.

Lake Cascade State Park offers a variety of camping options, including primitive, RV, and tent camping. Group camping facilities and yurts are also available.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Lake Cascade, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the reservoir into a frozen wonderland perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts. As temperatures dip below freezing, the park becomes a haven for winter sports lovers. Come summer, the mercury rises to create those perfect Idaho days—warm enough for swimming and water sports, yet refreshingly comfortable for ambitious hiking expeditions. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with spring wildflowers dotting the meadows and autumn painting the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons.

ElevationNull

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself standing at the edge of a vast, mirror-like reservoir that stretches toward the horizon, perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks and endless Idaho sky. Lake Cascade's waters are cradled by a diverse tapestry of evergreen forests that give way to wildflower-studded meadows, creating a constantly changing vista that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike. The mountainous terrain provides a dramatic backdrop to every outdoor adventure, while hidden coves and scenic overlooks offer intimate moments of solitude. Whether shrouded in morning mist or bathed in golden sunset light, the panoramic views across Lake Cascade create memories that linger long after you've returned home.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of central Idaho's rugged mountain country, Lake Cascade State Park showcases the raw beauty of the American West. This stunning reservoir, carved into the mountainous landscape, serves as the centerpiece of a diverse ecosystem where dense coniferous forests meet open meadows in a breathtaking display of natural harmony. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell the ancient geological story of Idaho, offering visitors a chance to explore a landscape shaped by millennia of natural forces, now transformed into one of the state's premier outdoor recreation destinations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed in designated areas only.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most campsites allow a maximum of 8 people, with companion sites accommodating up to 16 people.

Groups

The park provides two group camping opportunities, including a group camp and the Osprey Point Group Yurt complex. While specific site capacities are not mentioned, these facilities cater to larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into multiple loops, including Ridgeview, Sage Bluff, and Poison Creek.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Idaho Parks and Recreation's website www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov or by phone at 208-382-6544.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited due to high demand during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyNo refunds are offered due to wildfires or other natural events. Exceptions for health issues are not accommodated.

AccessibilityADA-accessible yurts, cabins, and group facilities are available. These facilities do not require proof of disability for use.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size to accommodate different needs, with some companion sites allowing up to 16 people.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some users have described sites as 'sunny sardine-like,' while others appreciated the spacious layout with significant distance between sites.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Ridgeview for hookups and scenic views. Poison Creek is ideal for full hookups.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The park is a hub for diverse outdoor activities throughout the year. Activities range from hiking, boating, and fishing in the summer to ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

HikingHiking trails in the park are described as easy, making them suitable for casual hikers and families. Details on specific trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.

FishingFishing is a popular activity with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, Coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and perch. Anglers can fish from the shore or a boat, with ice fishing available in winter.

BikingMountain biking is accessible within the park, but specifics regarding trail terrain and difficulty are not mentioned.

BoatingBoating is a major attraction, with specific emphasis on sailing and windsurfing due to prevailing winds. There are six boat ramps available for visitor use.

Wildlife viewingThe park is well-suited for bird watching and wildlife observation, though details on specific species or optimal viewing locations are not provided.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildfires pose a recurring safety risk. Severe asthma reaction noted in reviews due to smoke.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated areas only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesMedical clinic within less than 1 mile in Cascade; nearest hospital located in McCall (~25 miles).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but additional details about pickup schedules or specific locations are not provided.

Water FeaturesLake Cascade's 41 square miles and 86 miles of shoreline offer ample water recreation opportunities.

Camp HostCampground hosts and park rangers are noted to be friendly and helpful according to user reviews.

Weather at Lake Cascade State Park

Reviews

4.3

15 reviews

Satisfactory

Lake Cascade State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lake Cascade State Park are a mix of praise for its natural beauty, spacious sites, and diverse activity offerings, as well as criticism regarding some facilities' maintenance and cost.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the park's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. For instance, Gene noted, 'What a beautiful state park right on Lake Cascade. Many different loops to enjoy for tent...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include high costs (e.g., Sharon Mendoza: 'WAY OVER PRICED') and maintenance issues, particularly with toilets and showers. Other users found the park too crowded or expressed frustration...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for better site selection, and book in advance to avoid last-minute surprises, especially during peak seasons. Ensure to check for updates on facilities and water availability.

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the park's popularity for ice fishing and snowmobiling, while summer reviews emphasize water sports and hiking. Crowding appears more frequent in summer.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The drive here is amazing! Gorgeous during both seasons.' (Jess Or, 2022) 2. 'Camp hosts and park rangers are very nice!' (Myrah Small, 2021) 3. 'Nice place but way too crowded.' (Shay Hossman,...

Based on 15 reviews