How much does camping cost at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Camping fees at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) range from $10-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) first-come first-served or reservation?

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) 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 Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) before I book?

Yes! Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) 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 Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) is open May 22 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 Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Fire policies at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id): 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.

Are dogs allowed at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Popular activities at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

4.06

86 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Operates from June 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Operates from June 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

First Come First Serve : $10.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-GA1: $30.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-GB2: $20.00; MANAGEMENT: $15.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Provider

208-634-0400

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Plan a trip to Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

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Campground Map

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

44.9489, -116.4400

Weather at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Current alerts(4)

Idaho Off-road vehicle Safety Message
No electric, water or sewer site hookups available
Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility
Sites may be available on a first come, first served basis outside the reservation season

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best mix of warm days (around 75–82°F) and cool nights (low 50s°F), making it ideal for fishing, boating on Lost Valley Reservoir, mountain biking, and long wildflower-filled hikes. Wildflower displays and wildlife activity peak in July and August, and clear skies (excellent stargazing) make evening programs and campfire viewing memorable. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and the busiest period in late July–early August; sites are open Jun Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best conditions June–Aug: wildflowers, pleasant temps and reservoir activities; peak season amenities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Operates from June 1 to September 15, with reservations available starting June 25.

About Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Cold Springs Campground sits in the mid-elevation forest of Payette National Forest, operated by Recreation.gov with seasonal access during peak months. The campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites near Lost Valley Reservoir, where visitors fish, boat, swim, and hike through wildflower-filled trails. Wildlife viewing is a major draw, with camp hosts available to help guests make the most of the surrounding backcountry.

Cold Springs Campground caters to tent campers, RV campers, and groups. It offers both single-family sites and two large group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best mix of warm days (around 75–82°F) and cool nights (low 50s°F), making it ideal for fishing, boating on Lost Valley Reservoir, mountain biking, and long wildflower-filled hikes. Wildflower displays and wildlife activity peak in July and August, and clear skies (excellent stargazing) make evening programs and campfire viewing memorable. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and the busiest period in late July–early August; sites are open Jun Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a natural amphitheater. An open meadow ringed by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Wildflowers carpet the ground each summer as snowmelt recedes, with different species blooming weekly through July and August. Most sites sit in full sun with forest views at the edges. Lost Valley Reservoir lies close enough for boating and fishing. The open layout and 5,000-foot elevation deliver expansive views but little shade, which matters when daytime temperatures hit the upper 70s and low 80s.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is geared for tent and RV campers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limits are undefined in official materials.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The campground accommodates up to 75 and 50 guests in its group sites, and various additional single-family sites.

Groups

Two group sites are available, accommodating up to 75 and 50 people, respectively. These sites are spacious and secluded, making them ideal for large gatherings such as family reunions.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov through their website or mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets. Gravel roads allow for easier navigation by vehicles and trailers.

Site SizeThe campground offers single-family, double-family, and group sites ranging from accommodating 75 to 50 guests. Tent pads and picnic areas are separate from parking spurs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely, with some sites offering seclusion while others are closely grouped and lack shade.

Recommended SitesSite 26 offers proximity to other sites but lacks shade, according to reviews. "Lots of other sites that could offer more shade/more seclusion.

Best CampsitesGroup sites earn consistent praise for size and privacy. One family reunion review noted the group area "was plenty large enough to accommodate our large family." If you're camping solo or with one other family, aim for sites with tree cover. Reviews repeatedly mention that many sites lack shade and sit too close together.

Need help booking Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

No electric, water or sewer site hookups available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cold Springs Campground offers a mix of water-based and land-based activities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hunting. Many amenities are centered around Lost Valley Reservoir, which is a short drive from the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; visitors use vault-style toilets, which have received mixed reviews for cleanliness.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

From Booking Sources

4.1

86 reviews

Satisfactory

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Cold Springs Campground reveal mixed opinions. While users appreciate the rustic feel, wildlife, and proximity to Lost Valley Reservoir, criticisms include poorly maintained bathrooms, close campsite spacing, and lack of shade. Users frequently note it as ideal for large groups but less accommodating for smaller gatherings due to crowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 86 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 86 reviews.

Site #26Loved
Site #26 offers limited shade and privacy.
Site #27Issues noted
Site #27 experienced issues with reservation mishandling.

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include wildlife viewing, opportunities for boating and fishing, the scenic environment, and spacious group sites. Camp hosts were praised in some reviews for their helpfulness.

Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dirty and poorly maintained vault toilets, lack of shade at campsites, noise from generators, and overcrowding. Some users also criticized the lack of cell service and...

Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting for a rustic experience and bringing supplies such as garbage bags due to the pack-in/pack-out policy. Selecting shaded sites can improve comfort during hot weather.

Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate higher satisfaction during cooler months compared to hot summer periods, when dust and heat can be problematic. Noise complaints were more frequent during peak seasons.

Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

"No cell service up there was a big bummer." - Dry Ice "Bathrooms were not attended to." - Suzanne S "Loved being able to see so many stars." - Nikki Johnson "Great place to stay. You must understand...

Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible pit toilets are available, but their cleanliness has been criticized. Gravel roads facilitate access for vehicles and trailers.

Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, as noted in reviews mentioning the presence of dogs throughout the campground.

Based on 86 reviews

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Go if

You want reservoir access for fishing and boating with wildlife viewing in a mid-elevation forest setting.

Skip if

You need well-maintained vault toilets or a quiet environment free from generator and ATV noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.1

(6)

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654

Lost Valley Reservoir sits at 4,839 feet in Payette National Forest, near New Meadows. The dispersed camping area spreads along the reservoir's edge, with no developed sites or hookups. A vault toilet is the only amenity. Primitive and tent camping only.

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Plan a trip to Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Campground Map

Weather at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Planning Tips

About Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns