Is Herd Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Herd Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Herd Lake Campground?

Herd Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Herd Lake Campground have?

Herd Lake Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Herd Lake Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Herd Lake Campground?

Herd Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Herd Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Herd Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Herd Lake Campground

3 reviews

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

Top 7% in IDSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

7,001 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

7,001 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Herd Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(208) 879-6200BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Herd Lake Campground

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

Weather at Herd Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Herd Lake Campground

Best season: spring. Late spring (late May through June) offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically mid-50s to low-70s°F), melted trails, and peak wildflower displays, making hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Creeks run full from snowmelt, scenery is lush, and the campground's remote single-site setting keeps crowds very low. Expect cool nights (often 30s–40s°F), occasional muddy approaches on Herd Lake Road, and prime conditions for backcountry day trips into the Jerry Peak– Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in ID

Source states late spring (May–June) offers mild temps, melted trails, peak wildflowers.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Herd Lake Campground

Herd Lake Campground sits 10 miles down Herd Lake Road near Challis, Idaho, at 7,001 feet elevation. This is a single-site primitive campground where you'll have the entire place to yourself. It's positioned at the edge of the Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness, a mile north of Herd Lake. The site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilet, but there's no potable water and cell service is limited.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Late spring (late May through June) offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically mid-50s to low-70s°F), melted trails, and peak wildflower displays, making hiking and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Creeks run full from snowmelt, scenery is lush, and the campground's remote single-site setting keeps crowds very low. Expect cool nights (often 30s–40s°F), occasional muddy approaches on Herd Lake Road, and prime conditions for backcountry day trips into the Jerry Peak– Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation7001 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits below the road next to Herd Creek, surrounded by conifers and granite peaks that define the Jerry Peak-Jim McClure Wilderness. This landscape was shaped by volcanic activity, glacial carving, and tectonic forces. Ancient lava flows are visible in the terrain. A non-motorized trail leads a mile to Herd Lake itself. The setting is isolated and quiet, with creek noise and forest sounds replacing any mechanical hum.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, are available. This campground is for primitive camping only.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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

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

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

Total Campsites1 campsites

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

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. It sits below the road, next to Herd Creek, compact enough for a small group or family. The location provides significant privacy simply because of how isolated the campground is.

Amenities available

Herd Lake Campground offers minimal but essential amenities, catering to those seeking a primitive and secluded camping experience. The site features one campsite equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. A vault toilet is also available, located near the single campsite. There is no potable water available, so visitors must bring their own. Cell service is limited, making it a spot for true off-the-grid camping. "The access road to the campsite is narrow with limited turn-around space. Use caution with trailers," as emphasized in official sources.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Herd Lake Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Trail provides non-motorized access to Herd Lake and site borders Jerry Peak–Jim McClure Wilderness.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Remote site adjacent to designated wilderness offers good wildlife opportunities.

Fishing3.0/5

Proximity to Herd Lake suggests possible fishing, but no explicit details provided.

Winter Activities2.0/5

High elevation likely sees snow; no winter facilities or groomed trails noted.

Water Sports2.0/5

Nearby lake could allow non-motorized craft but no facilities or put-in described.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high-elevation site with likely low light pollution and limited cell service.

Photography4.0/5Granite peaks, lava flows, creek and high-elevation views offer good photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

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