Herd Lake Campground

Star0
3 reviews
721 East Main St Suite 8, Challis, ID 83226, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

7,001 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

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

Official Website
Get Directions

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
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(208) 879-6200BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"No user reviews were provided in the source materials."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late spring–early summer cited as prime, with comfortable temps and access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant for solitude and foliage, though specifics aren't provided.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 11% in ID

Late spring highlighted as an excellent time with comfortable temperatures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

No winter info; high elevation and remote road imply limited winter access.

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.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    14 days

    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 viewingThe campground's remote location adjacent to a wilderness area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, though no specific species are mentioned.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsLimited cell service and no potable water require preparedness for emergencies. The narrow access road poses challenges for trailers.
    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.

    Weather at Herd Lake Campground

    Reviews

    0.0
    3 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Herd Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 3 reviews

    What Campers Love

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Common Concerns

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No user reviews were provided in the source materials.
    Based on 3 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Herd Lake Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated January 5, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in Idaho

    Campgrounds
    Herd Lake Campground