How much does camping cost at Yellowjacket Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Yellowjacket Lake Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

Yellowjacket Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. null

What is the best time to visit Yellowjacket Lake Campground?

Yellowjacket Lake Campground is open null. 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 Yellowjacket Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Yellowjacket Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Yellowjacket Lake Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Yellowjacket Lake Campground have?

Yellowjacket Lake Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Yellowjacket Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Yellowjacket Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Yellowjacket Lake Campground?

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

Yellowjacket Lake Campground

3.77

13 reviews

Yellowjacket Lake Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

The campground is on...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

The campground is on...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Yellowjacket Lake Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

null

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

USFS

Provider

nullnull

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Yellowjacket Lake Campground

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

Campground Map

Yellowjacket Lake Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest

Yellowjacket Lake Campground

Yellowjacket Lake Campground, Salmon-Challis National Forest

Nearby places

Cobalt (Approximately 32 miles, driving time varies due to road conditions).

Nearby supplies

null

Weather at Yellowjacket Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Yellowjacket Lake Campground

Summer delivers daytime highs around 60–75°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Snow blocks access until late spring and returns by early fall. July is peak season for wildflowers and warm-water fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms move through fast in summer. The seven-site limit keeps crowds minimal even on holiday weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open summer (Jul 1+), pleasant daytime temps and July wildflowers; peak visitor season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is only open during the summer season starting July 1st.

About Yellowjacket Lake Campground

Seven primitive sites sit at 8,000 feet on the shore of Yellowjacket Lake, backed by the granite face of Sugarloaf Rock. The campground has no water, no restrooms, and requires navigating the narrow Forest Road 113 to reach it. Trailheads into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness start right from camp.

Yellowjacket Lake Campground provides a rustic camping experience with minimal facilities. It is best suited for tent camping or small vehicle camping due to limited accessibility for larger RVs or trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers daytime highs around 60–75°F with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Snow blocks access until late spring and returns by early fall. July is peak season for wildflowers and warm-water fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms move through fast in summer. The seven-site limit keeps crowds minimal even on holiday weekends.

ElevationAt 8,000 feet above sea level, this high-altitude campground offers a true mountain experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly in the thin atmosphere, and alpine meadows burst with color during the brief but spectacular growing season. The elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months and positions visitors perfectly for accessing the surrounding high country trails.

Natural Features and SceneryYellowjacket Lake spreads out below Sugarloaf Rock, a dramatic granite formation visible from most of the shoreline sites. The Yellowjacket Mountains rise in layers of volcanic rock and exposed granite, evidence of ancient eruptions and glacial carving. Wildflowers carpet Hoodoo Meadows in July. The lake holds native trout and allows non-motorized boats only. At this elevation, the forest thins enough to give long views across the Frank Church Wilderness backcountry.

Geological RegionNestled at the threshold of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, this campground sits within a geological wonderland shaped by millennia of volcanic activity and glacial carving. The Yellowjacket Mountains showcase exposed granite formations and volcanic remnants, with Sugarloaf Rock standing as a testament to the powerful forces that sculpted this landscape. This unique position offers visitors a front-row seat to some of Idaho's most dramatic and pristine backcountry terrain.

Scenic Viewsnull

Lodging & AccommodationsThe nearby Yellowjacket Guard Station provides additional accommodations. This reservable rental cabin features a corral for horses, a group fire ring, the Beagle Creek Trail, a woodstove for heat, and a gas cook stove.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Amenities available

Yellowjacket Lake Campground is located at an elevation of 8000 feet and features 7 campsites near Yellowjacket Lake, surrounded by the Yellowjacket Mountains. The location offers a serene and remote camping experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. However, the campground lacks basic amenities, such as restrooms and potable water, which can influence the camping experience. It is important to note the rugged accessibility, as FR 113 is narrow with few turnouts and could be challenging for long RVs or vehicles with trailers.

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Yellowjacket Lake Campground is an excellent location for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include fishing in Yellowjacket Lake and Yellowjacket Creek, as well as hiking in the Yellowjacket Mountains and nearby trails leading to attractions like Hoodoo Meadows and McEleny Peak.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campsite.

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 Yellowjacket 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

3.8

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Yellowjacket Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is appreciated for its natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and tranquil environment. However, the lack of basic amenities like restrooms and potable water could be a drawback for some users.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the 'good fishing,' the serenity of the area, and the stunning natural surroundings, with Sugarloaf Rock as a notable landmark.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges include the absence of potable water, rugged access on FR 113, and the lack of restroom facilities.

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No individual campsite-specific reviews are available.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for the lack of water and restroom facilities and consider the narrow and challenging FR 113 road conditions while planning their visit.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No detailed seasonal review trends are provided, but weather data suggests that early summer and late summer may be the most favorable times to visit due to moderate temperatures and clearer skies.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

One user described the campground experience as 'Absolutely amazing!' and highlighted the 'good fishing' and 'nice camp area.'

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are present.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are present.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Anglers and wilderness hikers who pack all their own water will find direct trail access into the Frank Church, native trout in Yellowjacket Lake, and Hoodoo Meadows in July bloom, all free and rarely crowded even on holiday weekends.

Skip if

No vault toilets, no potable water, and FR 113 is narrow with almost no turnouts, so if you're towing a trailer or need any campground infrastructure, this road will turn you around before you even see the lake.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.6

(11)

Bighorn Crags Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Bighorn Crags Campground sits at 8,678 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, serving as the primary access point for the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The campground has 14 tent sites at $4 per night. There's no cell service and no garbage collection, so visitors pack out everything they bring.

14 campsites

Tents

4.547 km

$4.00 - $4.00 / night

Less Visited

4.2

(9)

Yellowjacket Guard Station

311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA

Yellowjacket Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest near Salmon, Idaho, within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This US Forest Service cabin rental offers a remote base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables on site. Fall brings peak aspen color that transforms the surrounding meadows and ridgelines into gold against evergreen backdrops, drawing photographers and elk watchers during the September rut.

1 campsites

Reservable

9.628 km

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(5)

Mcdonald Flat Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

McDonald Flat Campground sits at 5,400 feet along Panther Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering six primitive sites for tents and RVs up to 20 feet. The small size keeps the place quiet, especially midweek outside of July and early August. Vault toilets and picnic tables are the only amenities. Fees are not listed.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Ebenezer Campground, Forest Rt. 030, North Fork, ID

Ebenezer Campground sits along the Salmon River in Salmon-Challis National Forest at 3,400 feet elevation. Its 11 sites split into two sections: a northern area near a creek and apricot trees suited for tents, and a southern section that fits both tents and RVs. Sites cost $5 per night. Access requires navigating a single-lane dirt road, though reviews note it's in good condition.

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(11)

Deep Creek Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Deep Creek Campground sits at 4,800 feet on Deep Creek Ridge in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering three primitive sites for visitors who want solitude. A short trail leads to Leacock Point, where the views extend across valleys and neighboring peaks. No fees are listed, and amenities are nonexistent.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

3.4

(8)

Iron Lake Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Iron Lake Campground sits at high elevation in Salmon-Challis National Forest near Salmon, Idaho, offering alpine lake access for fishing and hiking. This Forest Service campground has fewer than ten sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings and picnic tables. The remote location requires a long drive on rough roads, but rewards visitors with shaded sites and clear mountain lake views.

Corn Creek Boat Ramp & Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Corn Creek sits at 2,900 feet along the Salmon River in Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering 18 tent sites for $10 per night. The campground is a boat launch for Class III-IV whitewater and provides access to fishing and trails leading to Butt Creek Point. Reviews praise the remote location and river scenery, though some note that interpretive signs have become illegible.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Less Visited

3.9

(10)

Cougar Point Campground

Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho

Cougar Point sits at 6,600 feet in the Salmon River Mountains, offering 18 primitive tent sites wrapped in dense conifer forest. Free camping with zero amenities (no water, no restrooms), it's a true wilderness setup for campers who come prepared. Remote location, exceptional privacy, and consistent 4.9-star reviews from visitors who value solitude over facilities.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

0.0

(5)

Elk Summit Campground

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Elk Summit Campground sits at mid-elevation in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, serving as a base camp for the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and Hoodoo Lake. This small Forest Service site attracts hikers, anglers, and wildlife watchers drawn to pristine alpine terrain. Fall brings peak conditions with vibrant foliage, dry trails, and fewer visitors.

Glacier View Campground

SAWTOOTH, STANLEY, ID, USA

Glacier View Campground sits in Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, Idaho, with direct access to Redfish Lake and alpine scenery. Operated by Recreation Resource Management of America, this mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Visitors come for lake swimming, boating, fishing, and trailhead access to wildflower meadows and mountain views.

$26.00 - $52.00 / night

Campgrounds

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Yellowjacket Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Yellowjacket Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>8000-foot elevation. 7 campsites on Yellowjacket Lake, near the border of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Sugarloaf Rock provides a fascinating and stunning backdrop for the lake. Trails from the campground go throughout the Yellowjacket Mountains and into the wilderness. Nearby trailside attractions are Hoodoo Meadows, McEleny Peak, and Yellowjacket Creek. Most area trails, except those in the wilderness, are open to multiple use. Fishing in the lake or in Yellowjacket Creek. Carry-down access for non-motorized boats to the lake. FR 113 is narrow with few turnouts. Not recommended for long RVs or cars with trailers. Travel is slow, passing can be difficult, and backing may be necessary.</p><p>The nearby Yellowjacket Guard Station is accessed from FR 112 and is a reservable rental cabin. There is a corral for horses, a group fire ring, the Beagle Creek Trail, a woodstove for heat, and a gas cook stove. For more information or to reserve the Guard Station please visit Recreation.gov and search Yellowjacket Guard Station.</p>

Open Season: 7/1