Is Wallace Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wallace Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wallace Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Wallace Lake Campground has 13 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 Wallace Lake Campground?

Wallace Lake Campground is open Seasons of Use 6/15. 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 Wallace Lake Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Wallace Lake Campground?

Cell phone service at Wallace Lake Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Wallace Lake Campground have?

Wallace Lake Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Wallace Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Wallace 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 Wallace Lake Campground?

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

Wallace Lake Campground

4.06

27 reviews

Top 8% in IDFall

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Idaho

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

8,176 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use 6/15

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Unknown Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

8,176 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use 6/15

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Unknown Official Website

Get Directions

Wallace Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Wallace Lake Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Wallace Lake Campground

45.2473, -114.0073

Nearby places

Salmon is the nearest city

detailed distances and travel times are not provided.

Weather at Wallace Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Wallace Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic mountain color, and very low insect pressure — days are typically crisp and clear (about 45–65°F) with cool, campfire-friendly nights (near or below freezing by October). Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as fish feed actively and elk/deer move into lower elevations; hiking is excellent without summer heat or buggy conditions. With only 12 sites, crowds remain modest compared with low-elevation lakes, but expect a bit Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in ID

Fall recommended: crisp days, cool nights, almost no bugs and attractive foliage; reviewers favor Sep/Oct.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use 6/15

About Wallace Lake Campground

Wallace Lake Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine country of Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering views of the Salmon River Range and access to excellent trout fishing. The small campground features secluded sites among pine forests, with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, wildlife viewing, and quiet backcountry solitude, though the rough unpaved access road requires careful driving.

Wallace Lake Campground offers primitive camping experiences. Campsites are suitable for tents and are equipped with basic amenities to provide a rustic outdoor experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic mountain color, and very low insect pressure — days are typically crisp and clear (about 45–65°F) with cool, campfire-friendly nights (near or below freezing by October). Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak as fish feed actively and elk/deer move into lower elevations; hiking is excellent without summer heat or buggy conditions. With only 12 sites, crowds remain modest compared with low-elevation lakes, but expect a bit Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation8176 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDeep pine forests surround Wallace Lake, a clear mountain lake cradled in a natural basin below the Salmon River Range. The trees provide shade and frame views of the peaks reflected in the water. Reviewers mention rainbow, tiger, and brook trout in the lake, and at least one visitor spotted a bald eagle. The setting is quiet enough that the forest and water dominate what you see and hear.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Unknown

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unknown

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not possible for this campground.

Site SizeStandard-sized campsites designed to accommodate tents.

PrivacyDescribed as secluded by users. One reviewer shared: "Beautiful secluded campsites.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to Wallace Lake are recommended for privacy and convenient access to fishing and boating.

Best CampsitesReviewers call the sites secluded and praise the privacy. Firewood gets stocked at the campsites, which matters at this elevation when nights turn cold.

Amenities available

Restrooms are not available at this site. Water Potable water is not available at this site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors at Wallace Lake Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. The natural surroundings also offer opportunities for hikers and photographers to engage with the picturesque scenery.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 Wallace Lake Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.1

27 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Wallace Lake Campground has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Reviewers emphasize the peace and quiet, excellent fishing opportunities, and beautiful surroundings. The drive to the campground is described as challenging due to rough roads, but the destination is considered worth the effort.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic beauty, including views of the Salmon River Range and pine forests - Excellent fishing opportunities, including species like Rainbow, Tiger, and Brook Trout - Secluded campsites offering...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

- Difficult road conditions leading to the campground (rough and unpaved) - Presence of bugs during certain seasons

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are noted for their seclusion and privacy. One reviewer said, "Beautiful secluded campsites," while another appreciated the "quiet and less crowded" atmosphere.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Avoid relying on Google Maps for navigation; instead, follow the directions provided to the fairgrounds and then follow the signs - Bring bug spray during overnight stays - Recommended to visit...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Summer: Quiet and less crowded, excellent fishing opportunities - Fall: Noted for its beauty with fall foliage and tranquility - September recommended to avoid bugs

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The fishing was crazy good! Took the fly rod out on the kayak and pulled in 20 rainbows and tigers." - Jim Bolen "Absolutely gorgeous. Bit of a drive to get to the top and September is the month to...

Based on 27 reviews