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

Pettit Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Pettit Lake Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Pettit Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pettit 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 Pettit Lake Campground?

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

Pettit Lake Campground

4.12

25 reviews

Top 19% in IDSummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping

Quick Facts

7,021 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

7,021 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Pettit Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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N/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Pettit Lake Campground

43.9845, -114.8693

Weather at Pettit Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pettit Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and warmest weather at Pettit Lake, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F. Lake paddling, fishing, and the full trail network (hiking and mountain biking) are at their peak after snowmelt, and July is the busiest month for camping and recreation. Expect more visitors on weekends and plan for afternoon thunderstorms; bring layers for cool evenings and be prepared for first-come, first-served campsite lines. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Overview: 'Best season: summer'; many positive July reviews and reliable paddling/hiking weather.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Pettit Lake Campground

Pettit Lake Campground sits at high elevation in Sawtooth National Forest, offering alpine lake access for paddling and fishing with trailheads for wilderness hiking and mountain biking. The campground provides a quieter alternative to busier Sawtooth destinations, with dark skies and mountain views. Sites include picnic tables and tent camping, though the layout is compact and beach space is limited.

Pettit Lake Campground caters to first-come, first-serve campers and offers standard nonelectric sites. User reviews suggest suitability for tent camping and some RV use, but with limitations in space and amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and warmest weather at Pettit Lake, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 30s–50s°F. Lake paddling, fishing, and the full trail network (hiking and mountain biking) are at their peak after snowmelt, and July is the busiest month for camping and recreation. Expect more visitors on weekends and plan for afternoon thunderstorms; bring layers for cool evenings and be prepared for first-come, first-served campsite lines. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7021 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryPettit Lake stretches out from the campground, backed by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooths. Mountain streams run through the area, and the elevation keeps temperatures comfortable even in summer. The dark skies here are excellent for night photography. Eagles occasionally soar overhead, and the lake reflects the surrounding mountains in early morning before the wind picks up.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information available regarding lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information provided regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Site SizeUser reviews described campsites as small, with Craig Walker calling it a 'small campground,' and Bb noting that the sites are 'really tight spots.

PrivacyMixed reviews about privacy. Craig Walker praised a lack of crowding, saying it was 'perfect lake and camp ground without the crowds,' while Bb complained about tight spacing, noting, 'Your neighbor is literally a couple feet away.

Recommended SitesDuring busy periods like Labor Day, the campground gets overcrowded; recommended to arrive early and avoid holidays.

Best CampsitesHost-managed sites tend to be well-maintained. Arrive early in the day for better selection, and consider visiting midweek to avoid holiday crowds. If the campground is full, dispersed camping is available about half a mile away.

Need help booking Pettit Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Pettit Lake Campground offers basic amenities suitable for campers looking for a natural experience. User reviews indicate mixed sentiments about the quality and adequacy of amenities. For example, Santosh Johnson pointed out that there is 'an inadequate number of toilets,' with only one in the camp area. In contrast, other reviewers like Tina Esparza and Michael Parker praised the cleanliness and organization of the grounds by the host.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Pettit Lake Campground

Pettit Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Reviewers highlight hiking, mountain biking, and water-based activities. For example, Chris Kastner emphasized 'good mountain biking right out of the campground and amazing wilderness hiking.'

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities1.0/5

High elevation and best-season summer; winter access/activities not described and likely limited.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsKatie Roberts highlighted clean bathrooms during her stay in July 2023. However, Santosh Johnson described issues with adjoining trailhead parking lot facilities, including stalls without locks and doors that wouldn't latch.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

25 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews for Pettit Lake Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment of 4.2 for campground-specific experiences. Highlights include excellent hosting, natural beauty, and proximity to outdoor activities. However, concerns about space, privacy, and toilet facilities were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

1. 'Perfect lake and camp ground without the crowds' - Craig Walker. 2. 'Amazing wilderness hiking' - Chris Kastner. 3. 'Fantastic dark skies for photos, hiking, beautiful views' - Santosh...

Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

1. 'Inadequate number of toilets' - Santosh Johnson. 2. 'Place is jam-packed, really tight spots' - Bb. 3. 'Little shade in some areas' - Bb. 4. 'Picnic tables in poor condition' - Santosh Johnson.

Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Visit midweek and avoid holidays for more space and less crowding - Chris Kastner. 2. Arrive early in the day for better site selection - Chris Kastner. 3. Consider alternative dispersed camping...

Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer seems to be the most popular season for camping at Pettit Lake Campground, with numerous reviews praising July stays. However, Labor Day weekend is noted for extreme crowding and chaos.

Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Never in all of my camping experiences have I ever had a host that is not only 100% invested in his grounds but as well as his guests.' - Tina Esparza. 2. 'Absolutely gorgeous campground nestled...

Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.

Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.

Based on 25 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Pettit Lake Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite 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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/A

Go if

You want Sawtooth lake access with fewer crowds and don't mind compact sites or limited facilities.

Skip if

You need spacious sites, ample beach space, or extensive restroom facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.5

(27)

Smokey Bear Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Smokey Bear Campground sits at over 7,000 feet in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping for tents and RVs. Reviewers praise the scenic beauty, crystal-clear lake access, and helpful campground host. Summer brings the most reliable access and comfortable weather, with cool nights and warm days ideal for wildlife viewing in early mornings and evenings.

Pettit Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Pettit Lake Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Pettit Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pettit Lake Campground

Planning Tips

About Pettit Lake Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pettit Lake Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Pettit Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Pettit Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pettit Lake Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Pettit Lake Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Pettit Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns