How much does camping cost at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Upper Payette Lake Campground are $10 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Upper Payette Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Payette Lake Campground 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 Upper Payette Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Upper Payette Lake Campground 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 Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Upper Payette Lake Campground is open July 01 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 Upper Payette Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Upper Payette Lake Campground have?

Upper Payette Lake Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Upper Payette 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 Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Upper Payette Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

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

Upper Payette Lake Campground

4.20

74 reviews

102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026, MCCALL, ID 83638, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Payette Lake Campground

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-$30: $30.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-$15: $15.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00; Scan &...

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Provider

208-634-0400

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Campground Map

102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026, MCCALL, ID 83638, USA

Upper Payette Lake Campground

102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026, MCCALL, ID 83638, USA

Nearby places

McCall (16 miles)

Weather at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers full lake access, reliably warm days (typically 65–80°F) and cool nights (35–50°F), making it ideal for boating, paddling, fishing, and day hikes from the campground. Trails and forested vistas are at their best, wildflowers are abundant in July and early August, and the campground's services (drinking water, vault toilets) are available. Expect moderate to high visitation around McCall — reservations are recommended and be prepared for possible fire restrictions during dry years. Peak months: August, July, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season: full lake access, 65–80°F, ideal for paddling, fishing and day hikes; peak season July–Sept.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from July 1 to September 15, though opening day depends on snow levels.

About Upper Payette Lake Campground

Upper Payette Lake Campground sits on the north shore of Payette Lake near McCall, operated by the US Forest Service in a mid-elevation forest setting. The lake's no-wake policy keeps the water calm for kayaking, fishing, and swimming, while vault toilets stay clean thanks to attentive camp hosts. Tent, RV, primitive, and group sites accommodate a range of camping styles, with trailheads and wildlife viewing opportunities nearby.

Upper Payette Lake Campground offers a mix of camping options, including group sites, single and double-family campsites. Primitive camping is also an option outside of the main campground during peak seasons when sites are full.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full lake access, reliably warm days (typically 65–80°F) and cool nights (35–50°F), making it ideal for boating, paddling, fishing, and day hikes from the campground. Trails and forested vistas are at their best, wildflowers are abundant in July and early August, and the campground's services (drinking water, vault toilets) are available. Expect moderate to high visitation around McCall — reservations are recommended and be prepared for possible fire restrictions during dry years. Peak months: August, July, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense forests of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine surround the campground, their deep green contrasting with meadows of seasonal wildflowers. The Salmon River Mountains provide the dramatic backdrop. Sites are spacious and well-distanced from each other, with some offering direct lake views and access. The lake itself is quiet, thanks to a no-wake policy that keeps motor noise minimal. At this elevation, the air stays crisp even in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging facilities such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations are not available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Not specified

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified

Groups

Two group sites are available. One accommodates up to 20 guests, and the other up to 30 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov mobile app, online, and contact center.

AccessibilityAll campsites are accessible, and the campground includes paved pathways to enhance mobility. Accessible vault toilets are also available.

Site SizeThe campground offers single-family, double-family, and group sites. Group sites can accommodate up to 20 and 30 guests.

PrivacySome campsites have lake views and access, providing options for solitude and scenic enjoyment. Sites are described as 'spacious' and 'nicely socially distanced.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesSites next to the lake offer peaceful views and easier water access.

Best CampsitesLakefront sites get the highest marks for their views and direct water access. Reviewers consistently mention these as the spots to book if you want to wake up steps from the shore.

Need help booking Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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 at this campground Lake is drawn down annually on or about September 1 (depending on annual conditions) and it may be difficult to launch a boat after that date

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Visitors to the Upper Payette Lake Campground can enjoy various recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The no-wake lake offers a serene environment for water-based activities, while nearby trails cater to both hikers and bikers.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

No-wake lake plus boat ramp; supports canoeing, paddleboarding and other non-motorized boating.

Water Sports4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Lake used for swimming (calm no-wake water) though no designated swim areas are described.

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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; the campground is equipped with vault toilets.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Rate Upper Payette Lake Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

74 reviews

Satisfactory

Upper Payette Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty and serene environment. Guests appreciate the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the helpfulness of the hosts. However, some complaints mention overgrown vegetation, trail maintenance issues, and challenges with the reservation process.

Review Summaries

Based on 74 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 74 reviews.

Site 009Loved
Site 009: 'Beautiful place, lots of room.'.
Site 014Mentioned
Site 014: 'Nice site but hadn’t been swept off for weeks.'.
Site 013Mentioned
Site 013: 'Nice campground but getting quite overgrown.'.

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the 'beautiful and quiet' setting, 'clean and sanitized' vault toilets, and the supportive camp hosts. Many reviewers emphasize the lake's no-wake policy, which contributes to the...

Based on 74 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes issues with trail maintenance (e.g., fallen trees and overgrown plants), lack of trash service, and reservation mishaps where reserved sites were occupied or unavailable....

Based on 74 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing potable water or filtration systems as the hand-pump water may not be ideal for drinking. Early-season visits are preferred for a full lake experience. It is also advised...

Based on 74 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Guests note that the lake is at its fullest during early summer, making it ideal for kayaking and fishing. Late-season visits may find the lake drawn down, affecting water-based activities. Snow...

Based on 74 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp hosts were the sweetest couple.' - Erica Siegel 2. 'The vault toilets were among the cleanest I've seen.' - Michelle W. 3. 'Great for kayaks, SUPs, and fly-fishing tubes.' - Catherine...

Based on 74 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews highlight the campground's paved pathways and accessible vault toilets. Camp hosts provided assistance to guests with mobility challenges, earning praise for their kindness and...

Based on 74 reviews

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Upper Payette Lake Campground

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-$30: $30.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-$15: $15.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00; Scan &...

Group Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-634-0400

Go if

You want peaceful lake access for paddling and fishing without motorboat noise, and you value a well-kept campground with responsive hosts.

Skip if

You need paved sites, full hookups, or guaranteed solitude during peak summer weekends when crowds arrive.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(2)

Granite Lake Camping Area

102 West Lake Street McCall, ID 83638

Granite Lake Camping Area sits at 6,781 feet in Payette National Forest near McCall, offering seven primitive tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and requires four-wheel drive to navigate the rough, rutted access road. This keeps visitor numbers low even on summer weekends.

Upper Payette Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Best Time to Camp at Upper Payette Lake Campground

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About Upper Payette Lake Campground

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