Iron Lake Campground

Star4.50
8 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

8,845 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Iron Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping reservation fees vary by reservation method: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the contact center, $3 if made...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 8 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadelocationlakesites

"User reviews generally praise the scenic setting, proximity to fishing opportunities, and the shaded campsites in the high alpine environment. However, the rough access road is a common concern."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Iron Lake Campground

44.9055, -114.1932

Driving directionsFrom Salmon, go 5 miles south on US 93, then west 20 miles on Forest Road 021, and 21 miles south on FR 020 (Salmon River Mountain Road). FR 020 is a narrow, rough mountain road requiring slow and careful driving.
FR 020 is a narrow, rough mountain road requiring slow and careful driving.
Nearby places
Salmon (~5 Miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Salmon (~5 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Iron Lake Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Iron Lake, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who brave the frigid temperatures. As summer arrives, the campground awakens to gentle breezes and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, fishing, and lounging by the water's edge. Be prepared for mountain weather's mercurial nature—even summer nights can bring a chill that makes that campfire especially welcoming.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Source: 'best suited for visits during warmer months'; lake and trails accessible in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Scenic fall colors likely, but high elevation risks early snow and colder conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring likely affected by snowmelt and cold; limited access early season expected.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

High alpine winter: 'crystalline blanket of snow and ice'; likely inaccessible or harsh for most.

Planning Tips

    About Iron Lake Campground

    Nestled along the pristine shores of a sparkling alpine lake, Iron Lake Campground beckons adventurers with eight intimate campsites that promise tranquility and natural beauty. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table for lakeside dining and a fire ring for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you'll find the convenience of piped drinking water and well-maintained vault toilets, the campground embraces a pack-it-out philosophy with no garbage services, encouraging visitors to leave only footprints in this pristine wilderness setting.
    Iron Lake Campground consists of eight campsites, primarily catering to tent camping and small RVs. The narrow and rough access road makes it unsuitable for larger RVs or trailers.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Iron Lake Campground provides access to various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing in the nearby lake and hiking trails leading to additional lakes to the south. The campground also offers a scenic drive with views of craggy peaks and pine forests.
    HikingA trail from the campground leads to Hat Lakes to the south, offering opportunities for lake fishing and exploration.
    FishingFishing is available in the lake at the campground, and additional opportunities exist at Hat Lakes, accessible via a nearby trail.
    BoatingCarry-down access for non-motorized boats is available, allowing visitors to explore the lake.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsRough mountain roads; potential wildlife encounters.

    Weather at Iron Lake Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    8 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Iron Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews generally praise the scenic setting, proximity to fishing opportunities, and the shaded campsites in the high alpine environment. However, the rough access road is a common concern.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 8 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users highlighted the scenic beauty of the lake, shaded campsites, and availability of fishing opportunities. The campground's location along a scenic drive was also appreciated.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The main issue mentioned in user reviews is the difficulty of the narrow and rough access road, which requires careful driving and is unsuitable for larger vehicles like campers over 12 feet.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Potential visitors are advised to avoid bringing large campers due to the road conditions and to be prepared to pack out their garbage as no trash services are available.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    The high alpine location and weather data suggest that the campground is best suited for visits during warmer months, as frigid temperatures and potential snowfall occur during winter.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Nice place to take the family. Long drive and I don't recommend bringing a camper over 12 ft. Fishing is pretty good. Campground is nice and has shade." - Travis Shinderling
    Based on 8 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific reviews by site number are available.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No user reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews mention pet policies or experiences involving pets.
    Based on 8 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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