Josephus Lake Campground

Star0
2 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,064 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season begins J...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Salmon-Challis National Forest site

Official Website
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Josephus Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are charged for camping at this site. Note: The campground is not routinely maintained.
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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullakesites

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. They emphasize the need for vehicles with high ground clearance due to the challenging access road and note that the three campsites can be fully occupied during peak times."

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Campground Map

Josephus Lake Campground

44.5489, -115.1426

Driving directionsFrom Stanley, go north 17 miles on Highway 21 and turn on forest road 008. The campground is about 18 miles north on forest road 008.
"You will definitely want to take a vehicle with good ground clearance." User reviews also note: "The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky & there's about 18 miles of it. It took about an hour & a half to drive it."
Nearby places
Stanley - 17 miles south (on Highway 21), plus 18 miles on unpaved Forest Road 008.

Best Time to Camp at Josephus Lake Campground

Summer arrives late to this mountain sanctuary, with the campground welcoming visitors starting July 1st when the high country finally sheds its snowy blanket. Peak season brings the delightful unpredictability of mountain weather – brilliant blue skies and comfortable temperatures often reign, though wise campers pack layers for those crisp mornings and potential afternoon thundershowers. As autumn fades, winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland, with deep snows and bone-chilling temperatures creating a dramatically different but equally stunning scene.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Campground opens July 1; late summer is peak season with pleasant high-country conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Likely scenic but short season; no detailed fall review trends available.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Snow persists into late season; campground opens July 1, so spring camping not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed/unsuitable in winter; high-country snow keeps it inaccessible.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open season begins July 1.

About Josephus Lake Campground

Discover a hidden gem where three intimate campsites rest along the pristine shores of Josephus Lake, offering an authentic wilderness escape. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for memorable evenings under the stars, while a convenient vault toilet ensures basic comfort in this remote paradise. Adventure beckons just steps from your tent, as a scenic hiking trail winds directly from the campground into the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, opening doors to some of Idaho's most untouched backcountry.
Josephus Lake Campground is categorized as a dispersed camping site in Salmon-Challis National Forest. It offers three designated campsites suitable for tent camping. User reviews also describe additional small camping spots accessible by crossing a shallow river.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Josephus Lake Campground provides opportunities for dispersed camping and picnicking. The hiking trail from the campground leads west into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, offering scenic views and access to the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. User reviews emphasize the beauty and peacefulness of the lake, which is suitable for paddleboarding.
HikingOfficial sources note the presence of a hiking trail heading west into the wilderness, branching through lake-filled regions to reach the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. User reviews highlight the scenic nature of these trails.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky," posing a potential hazard for vehicles without good ground clearance. The remote and unmaintained nature of the campground might also necessitate careful planning.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Josephus Lake Campground

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Josephus Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. They emphasize the need for vehicles with high ground clearance due to the challenging access road and note that the three campsites can be fully occupied during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the beautiful and peaceful lake and the availability of fire rings at campsites. One review states, 'The lake is small, but very pretty, clear & peaceful, good for paddleboards....
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Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Users frequently mention the poor condition of the access road as a significant drawback: 'The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky & there's about 18 miles of it. It took about an hour & a half...
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Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest arriving early to secure one of the three campsites, especially during peak periods. They also recommend using a truck or vehicle with high ground clearance to navigate the access road.
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews do not provide detailed insights into seasonal trends, but they emphasize challenges related to road conditions and campsite availability, which may vary throughout the year.
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The lake is small, but very pretty, clear & peaceful, good for paddleboards. There were lots of trees.' 'This is a must-do destination. You will definitely want to take a vehicle with good ground...
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Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users mention three main campsites that are often fully occupied. One review notes additional small camping spots across a shallow river, though these lack bathroom facilities.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in any user reviews or official sources.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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