Herd Lake Campground

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721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID 83226, USA

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Challis Field Office site

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Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Challis Field Office site

Get Directions

Herd Lake Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free. Campsites are first come, first served.

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208) 879-6200BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov

What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

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1 Google reviews

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Fees & Passes at Herd Lake Campground

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free

Stay Limit: 14 days

Cancellation: No reservation required; first come, first served.

Prices verified November 27, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Challis Field Office website.

Best Time to Camp at Herd Lake Campground

Late spring through early summer unveils this mountain hideaway at its finest, when comfortable temperatures between 53 and 73°F create perfect conditions for both adventurous days and cozy evenings around the campfire. Gentle breezes keep the air fresh without disturbing your camp setup, while the region's characteristically dry humidity ensures clear, star-filled nights and pleasant hiking conditions. These golden months transform the surrounding wilderness into an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and wildlife emerging from winter's quiet slumber.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

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

About Herd Lake Campground

Tucked away in the embrace of California's pristine wilderness, Herd Lake Campground stands as one of the region's best-kept secrets for those seeking true solitude. This intimate single-site retreat lies 10 miles down the winding Herd Lake Road, where the gentle murmur of Herd Creek becomes your soundtrack to serenity. Just a mile north of the crystalline waters of Herd Lake and bordered by the magnificent Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness, this remote sanctuary offers adventurers a rare chance to have an entire campground to themselves. Your private haven comes equipped with essential comforts—a sturdy picnic table for sunset dinners, a fire ring for starlit storytelling, and a vault toilet—while the absence of potable water and limited cell service reminds you that you've truly escaped the modern world.

Herd Lake Campground is a primitive site designed for small groups or individuals seeking solitude and a connection with nature. It is a single-site campground, emphasizing a first-come, first-served system.

Historical SignificanceNestled at the gateway to the Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness, this campground serves as a portal to one of California's most ecologically precious landscapes. The surrounding wilderness area protects ancient forests, pristine watersheds, and delicate alpine ecosystems that have remained largely untouched by human development. This careful preservation allows modern visitors to experience the Sierra Nevada much as early explorers and indigenous peoples once did, making every stay a connection to the region's wild heritage.

Weather and SeasonsLate spring through early summer unveils this mountain hideaway at its finest, when comfortable temperatures between 53 and 73°F create perfect conditions for both adventurous days and cozy evenings around the campfire. Gentle breezes keep the air fresh without disturbing your camp setup, while the region's characteristically dry humidity ensures clear, star-filled nights and pleasant hiking conditions. These golden months transform the surrounding wilderness into an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and wildlife emerging from winter's quiet slumber.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's prime location alongside babbling Herd Creek creates a natural amphitheater of sound and beauty, where the water's gentle melody mingles with wind-rustled leaves and birdsong. Towering conifers frame dramatic vistas of the Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness, painting a backdrop that shifts from golden sunrise hues to alpenglow at dusk. A scenic trail beckons hikers and nature lovers to explore the mile-long journey to Herd Lake, where mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding peaks in perfect tranquility. This non-motorized path preserves the area's peaceful ambiance, ensuring that only the sounds of nature accompany your wilderness wanderings.

Geological RegionPositioned at the threshold of the Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness, the campground sits within a geological wonderland shaped by millennia of volcanic activity, glacial carving, and tectonic forces. This rugged terrain showcases the raw power of Earth's creative forces, where granite peaks pierce the sky and ancient lava flows tell stories written in stone.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground's narrow access road and lack of designated accessibility features make it less suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Sites SizeThe single campsite is compact and designed for a small group or family.

Sites PrivacyThe site, located below the road and next to Herd Creek, offers significant privacy due to its isolated setting.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended CampsitesGiven its remote nature and narrow access road, it's recommended for individuals seeking solitude and not using large trailers.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Groups

Group camping is not available as there is only one campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of one secluded campsite tucked below the road.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe single campsite is always available as first come, first served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation required; first come, first served.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activities at Herd Lake Campground cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in hiking via the trailhead to Herd Lake, or enjoy the tranquility of the nearby wilderness area. Fishing and other water-related activities are available at Herd Lake, accessible via a short trail from the campsite.

Hiking

"A trail provides non-motorized access to the lake," making it suitable for hiking enthusiasts. While no specific trail details are provided, the proximity to Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness suggests potential for more extended and rugged hiking adventures.

Wildlife viewing

The campground's remote location adjacent to a wilderness area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, though no specific species are mentioned.

Winter Activities

No specific winter activities are detailed for Herd Lake Campground, although its wilderness setting may allow for self-guided activities such as snowshoeing or backcountry skiing.

Water Sports

No designated water sports facilities or activities are mentioned.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Campfires may be permitted using the fire ring provided.

Hazards

General hazardsLimited cell service and no potable water require preparedness for emergencies. The narrow access road poses challenges for trailers.

Weather at Herd Lake Campground

°F

Dec 7

Sunday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 51%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 8.4 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast

Weather History

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Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Emergency Services

Challis Field Office, 721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID 83226; Phone: (208) 879-6200.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo designated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out what they pack in.

Proximity to water featuresApproximately 1 mile north of Herd Lake and beside Herd Creek.

Common complaintsNone documented.

Campground Map

721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID 83226, USA

Driving directionsFrom Challis, go 18 miles southwest on US 93 and ID 75, then 16 miles southeast on East Fork Road (Forest Road 120) and Herd Creek Road.

The access road to the campsite is narrow with limited turn-around space. Use caution with trailers.

Reviews from booking and map sources

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Limited Reviews

Herd Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews