Upper Payette Lake Campground

Star4.32
74 reviews
102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026, MCCALL, ID 83638, USA
Summer Destination

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

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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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
Upper Payette Lake Campground
$10.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 for individual sites to $30 for group standard non-electric sites during peak season. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 through...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-634-0400
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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 74 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

crowdedreservation

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom McCall, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21. Turn right and continue for 16 miles to gravel Forest Road 495 and follow for a mile into the campground.
The campground is accessible via Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21, which is paved and generally well-maintained. The final mile is on gravel Forest Road 495, which may require caution but is passable for most vehicles.
Nearby places
McCall (16 miles)
Nearby supplies
McCall (16 miles away) offers groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other necessities.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Experience the best of Idaho's mountain climate with pleasantly warm summer days that invite endless outdoor adventures, followed by refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Early season visitors are rewarded with the lake at its fullest, creating ideal conditions for water activities, while late-season adventurers should note that water levels may drop, revealing different shoreline perspectives and quieter surroundings.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season July–Sept; pleasant warm days and full lake early summer ideal for activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Positive fall reviews but lake level can drop in September affecting water activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opening depends on snow; early spring likely limited with variable lake levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally open; winter access and activities are not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 01 - 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.
  • Current Alerts: Lake levels may be low after September 1, affecting boat ramp usability.

About Upper Payette Lake Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Upper Payette Lake near McCall, Idaho, this tranquil mountain campground offers an authentic wilderness escape. Cast a line into crystal-clear waters, paddle across the glassy lake surface, or explore winding forest trails that reveal stunning vistas at every turn. Modern conveniences like vault toilets and drinking water complement the natural setting, while well-maintained gravel roads provide easy access to your perfect lakeside spot.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
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Stay Limit
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe campground features the paved, mile-long Shoreline Trail and additional hiking trails nearby. User reviews note the presence of overgrown vegetation and fallen trees on some trails, which may limit accessibility in certain areas.
FishingThe no-wake lake provides opportunities for fishing, including fly-fishing and fishing from kayaks. Evening hours are highlighted as an excellent time for fishing.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available near the campground. The 20 Mile Creek trail, located on the opposite side of the lake, is notable for its challenging terrain and scenic views. However, user reviews mention occasional trail blockages due to fallen trees.
BoatingThe lake supports non-motorized boating activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The presence of a boat ramp enhances accessibility for these activities.
Wildlife viewingCampers have observed deer and other wildlife in the area. The serene, natural setting makes it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service. Lake drawdowns after September 1 may impact boating access.
Active AlertsLake levels may be low after September 1, affecting boat ramp usability.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3
74 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Upper Payette Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 74 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 009: 'Beautiful place, lots of room.' Site 014: 'Nice site but hadn’t been swept off for weeks.' Site 013: 'Nice campground but getting quite overgrown.' Group Site GA2: 'Lots of room and...
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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...
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Based on 74 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no specific information about pet policies in the source materials, and user reviews do not elaborate on pet-related experiences.
Based on 74 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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