How much does camping cost at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area?

Camping fees at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are first-come-first-served as standard for dispersed camping.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area before I book?

Yes! Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area has 1 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.

Are there showers at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area?

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area?

Fire policies at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area: Campfires may be permitted but within general dispersed camping guidelines.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area?

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area?

Popular activities at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

3.10

6 reviews

3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Idaho

Quick Facts

4,839 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,839 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There are no fees associated with dispersed camping at Lost Valley Reservoir.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

208-347-0300

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654

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.

Weather at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

Best Time to Camp at Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

Summer brings the most reliable access and best camping conditions. Daytime temperatures typically run 70-85°F, with nights cooling to 40-55°F. Water-based activities peak during these months, and forest roads stay clear. Early summer means mosquitoes. Winter transforms the area with heavy snow, making access difficult but creating opportunities for winter camping and ice activities. The remote location keeps crowds low to moderate, with weekends seeing the most visitors.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Source notes summer has most reliable access and peak water-based activities.

Planning Tips

About Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

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.

The Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area is specifically designated for dispersed camping with no developed facilities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable access and best camping conditions. Daytime temperatures typically run 70-85°F, with nights cooling to 40-55°F. Water-based activities peak during these months, and forest roads stay clear. Early summer means mosquitoes. Winter transforms the area with heavy snow, making access difficult but creating opportunities for winter camping and ice activities. The remote location keeps crowds low to moderate, with weekends seeing the most visitors.

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir fills a natural basin carved by ancient geological forces, surrounded by volcanic landscape shaped over millennia. Dense pine and fir forest rings the water. The shoreline is undeveloped, with dispersed camping spots directly adjacent to the reservoir offering open views across the water. Wildlife is present. Elevation sits just under 5,000 feet.

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 be—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.

Scenic ViewsGeneral views of Lost Valley Reservoir and surrounding forested areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no formal lodging accommodations such as cabins, yurts, or lodges at this dispersed camping area.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping is not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping locations spread around the reservoir with no defined sites or size limits. The open layout along the shoreline means limited privacy between camping spots.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come-first-served as standard for dispersed camping.

Site SizeThe dispersed camping locations do not provide specific site sizes.

PrivacyCampsites are located adjacent to the reservoir, indicating limited privacy due to the open layout.

Amenities available

The Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area offers dispersed campsites with minimal amenities, as indicated by the official description 'Numerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. No amenities available.' There are outhouses scattered around the lake, which serve as restrooms.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAccess to some campsites may be difficult for large RVs. No specific wildlife hazards are noted.

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

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

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.1

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

There are no user reviews provided in the source materials.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

No user reviews to highlight positive aspects.

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

No user reviews to highlight common complaints.

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user recommendations are available.

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

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

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are available.

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers and boaters who want a free lakeside base with no reservation headache. First-come-first-served means showing up Friday morning beats any booking system, and motorized boats are welcome on the reservoir.

Skip if

No potable water, no hookups, and the nearest ranger district is temporarily closed. Anyone who needs reliable supplies or emergency services close by should know New Meadows is 8 miles out and self-sufficiency is mandatory here.

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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.

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Campgrounds

Payette National Forest

Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Numerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir.  No amenities available.</p>