Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

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3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens New Meadows Ranger District site

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Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees associated with dispersed camping at Lost Valley Reservoir.
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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USFS
Provider
208-347-0300

What Campers Say

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2 Google reviews

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Fees & Passes at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free
Prices verified November 17, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official New Meadows Ranger District website.


Best Time to Camp at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Lost Valley, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the camping area into a frozen wonderland. As temperatures plunge and snow accumulates, the reservoir becomes a serene ice-bound jewel, perfect for those seeking solitude and winter camping adventures. Come summer, the area awakens under warm sunshine and crystal-clear skies, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and lazy afternoons by the water. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with spring wildflowers and autumn's golden display painting the surrounding forest in vibrant hues.

Spring (Mar-May)

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

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

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 Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

    Escape to the tranquil shores of Lost Valley Reservoir, where primitive camping meets pristine wilderness in the heart of Idaho's backcountry. This dispersed camping haven invites adventurers to claim their own piece of paradise along the reservoir's edge, far from the crowds and constraints of developed campgrounds. Without the distractions of hookups or facilities, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of the Payette National Forest, where the only amenities are the ones nature providesβ€”star-filled skies, fresh mountain air, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore.
    The Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area is specifically designated for dispersed camping with no developed facilities.
    Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Lost Valley, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the camping area into a frozen wonderland. As temperatures plunge and snow accumulates, the reservoir becomes a serene ice-bound jewel, perfect for those seeking solitude and winter camping adventures. Come summer, the area awakens under warm sunshine and crystal-clear skies, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and lazy afternoons by the water. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with spring wildflowers and autumn's golden display painting the surrounding forest in vibrant hues.
    Natural Features and SceneryLost Valley Reservoir sits like a hidden gem amidst a sea of evergreen forest, where towering pines and firs create a natural amphitheater around the sparkling waters. The undeveloped shoreline offers countless secret coves and peaceful spots to pitch your tent, each with its own view of the reservoir's mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding peaks. Wildlife thrives in this undisturbed habitat, where early risers might spot deer coming to drink at dawn, while eagles soar overhead and the forest echoes with birdsong throughout the day.
    Geological RegionNestled within the rugged expanse of Payette National Forest, Lost Valley Reservoir occupies a natural basin carved by ancient geological forces. This remote corner of Idaho showcases the region's volcanic past, with the surrounding landscape bearing witness to millennia of natural sculpting. The dispersed camping environment allows visitors to experience the forest as it was meant to beβ€”wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful. The reservoir itself serves as the centerpiece of this geological wonderland, its waters filling a valley that perfectly captures the essence of Idaho's untouched wilderness.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityNo information available on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
    Sites SizeThe dispersed camping locations do not provide specific site sizes.
    Sites PrivacyCampsites are located adjacent to the reservoir, indicating limited privacy due to the open layout.
    Total Campsites0 campsites

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    Groups
    Group camping is not available.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutDispersed sites surrounding Lost Valley Reservoir.
    Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come-first-served as standard for dispersed camping.

    Amenities available

    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    The recreational opportunities at the Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area include fishing, motorized boating, and hunting. These activities are supported by the proximity to the reservoir and surrounding forest.
    Fishing
    Fishing is specifically mentioned as an activity at the reservoir, though details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.
    Boating
    Motorized boating is explicitly mentioned as an activity at the reservoir. However, there are no details about docking facilities or boat rentals.
    Winter Activities
    Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.
    Water Sports
    Water sports are only represented by motorized boating; other activities like kayaking or paddleboarding are not discussed.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Campfires may be permitted but within general dispersed camping guidelines.

    Hazards

    General hazardsAccess to some campsites may be difficult for large RVs. No specific wildlife hazards are noted.

    Weather at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

    31
    Β°F
    Dec 7
    Sunday
    Foggy
    Precipitation: 0%

    Strong wind, exercise caution

    Humidity: 100%

    High humidity, may feel muggy

    Wind: 10.7 mph

    Strong wind, exercise caution

    Foggy

    Weather History
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    Emergency Services

    Emergency services and ranger assistance can be found at the New Meadows Ranger District, though currently noted as temporarily closed.

    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingNo mention of trash or recycling facilities is available.
    Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lost Valley Reservoir.
    Common complaintsLack of amenities and difficult access for larger vehicles.

    Campground Map

    3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654
    Driving directionsEight miles southwest of New Meadows on US hwy 95, east on Forest Road #89 to Lost Valley Reservoir. Sites are located adjacent to the reservoir in many locations.
    Access to most sites is difficult with a large RV. Roads to the area are unpaved and lack amenities.
    Nearby places
    New Meadows - 8 miles southwest
    Nearby supplies
    Closest supplies are presumably available in New Meadows, 8 miles away, given its proximity as the nearest city.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    0.0
    0 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    There are no user reviews provided in the source materials.
    Review Summaries

    What Campers Love

    No user reviews to highlight positive aspects.

    Common Concerns

    No user reviews to highlight common complaints.

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    No user recommendations are available.

    Seasonal Insights

    No seasonal trends can be identified due to a lack of user reviews.

    Camper Quotes

    No direct user quotes are available.

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No site-specific reviews are available.

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews discussing pet policies or experiences with pets are available.

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated November 17, 2025
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