Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Star4.14
86 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Operates from June 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)
$10.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground operates on a Scan and Pay system. Fees range from $10-$30 depending on site type. Group sites are $20-$30, while individual sites are...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
208-634-0400
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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 86 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"Reviews for Cold Springs Campground reveal mixed opinions. While users appreciate the rustic feel, wildlife, and proximity to Lost Valley Reservoir, criticisms include poorly maintained bathrooms, close campsite spacing, and lack of shade. Users frequently note it as ideal for large groups but less accommodating for smaller gatherings due to crowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

44.9489, -116.4400

Driving directionsFrom New Meadows, Idaho, take Highway 95 west for 8 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 089, located at the Pine Ridge Store junction. Take the gravel road approximately 2 miles to a fork. Turn left and follow the signs to the campground.
The roads to the campground are gravel and can include washboard sections. "The gravel road in to the campground has a little washboard to it." Some reviews mention deteriorating road conditions ("Gravel road into the campground was fair but deteriorating rapidly"), while others found it manageable ("Getting in the place was pretty easy."). Seasonal accessibility is indicated, and road conditions may vary.

Best Time to Camp at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Summer transforms Cold Springs into a sun-drenched paradise where daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 82°F before cooling to a crisp 54°F under star-filled skies. With crystal-clear conditions prevailing 94.4% of the time, the campground becomes a stargazer's dream—the Milky Way stretches overhead in all its glory, unobstructed by city lights. While July brings the warmth that makes swimming irresistible, the dry mountain air and dusty trails remind visitors to stay hydrated during their adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open and active in summer with boating and wildflowers, but heat, dust and peak-season noise can lower satisfaction.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Operates into mid-September; cooler conditions noted as more satisfying than hot summer months.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens June 1; spring camping not available on-site.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside June 1–Sept 15 season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 1 - September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Operates from June 1 to September 15, with reservations available starting June 25.

About Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Nestled in Idaho's scenic backcountry, Cold Springs Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience near Lost Valley Reservoir. This rustic mountain retreat offers both intimate single-family sites and spacious group camping areas that can welcome gatherings of up to 75 people. Days here unfold with fishing lines cast into pristine waters, boats gliding across the reservoir, and wildlife encounters that remind you why you came to the woods. While you'll find essential amenities like vault toilets and fresh drinking water, the campground embraces its back-to-basics spirit—no RV hookups or trash services mean you'll pack out what you pack in. Gravel roads wind through the sites, leading to parking spurs that put you just steps from your wilderness home.
Cold Springs Campground caters to tent campers, RV campers, and groups. It offers both single-family sites and two large group sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Stay limits are undefined in official materials.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Cold Springs Campground offers a mix of water-based and land-based activities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hunting. Many amenities are centered around Lost Valley Reservoir, which is a short drive from the campground.
HikingAlthough specific trails are not listed, users have mentioned hiking opportunities around the area. Hiking trails to observe wildlife and explore nature are available.
FishingLost Valley Reservoir supports fishing activities. Some users noted good fishing experiences despite occasional overcrowding at the reservoir.
SwimmingSwimming in Lost Valley Reservoir is available, although reviews have mentioned that the reservoir is not always accessible.
BikingUser reviews suggest opportunities for biking near the campground, although trails are not detailed.
BoatingBoating and canoeing are featured activities at Lost Valley Reservoir, with a boat launch located on the southeast shore.
Wildlife viewingBird watching and observing wildlife are popular activities near the Lost Creek Interpretive Site at the north end of the reservoir.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDusty conditions and limited water locations are noted as inconveniences. "It can be dusty. There are only 2 water locations." Wildlife presence, such as cows, adds a rural experience.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)

Reviews

4.1
86 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Cold Springs Campground reveal mixed opinions. While users appreciate the rustic feel, wildlife, and proximity to Lost Valley Reservoir, criticisms include poorly maintained bathrooms, close campsite spacing, and lack of shade. Users frequently note it as ideal for large groups but less accommodating for smaller gatherings due to crowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include wildlife viewing, opportunities for boating and fishing, the scenic environment, and spacious group sites. Camp hosts were praised in some reviews for their helpfulness.
Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dirty and poorly maintained vault toilets, lack of shade at campsites, noise from generators, and overcrowding. Some users also criticized the lack of cell service and...
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Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting for a rustic experience and bringing supplies such as garbage bags due to the pack-in/pack-out policy. Selecting shaded sites can improve comfort during hot weather.
Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate higher satisfaction during cooler months compared to hot summer periods, when dust and heat can be problematic. Noise complaints were more frequent during peak seasons.
Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

"No cell service up there was a big bummer." - Dry Ice "Bathrooms were not attended to." - Suzanne S "Loved being able to see so many stars." - Nikki Johnson "Great place to stay. You must understand...
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Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #26 offers limited shade and privacy. Group site GA1 is noted for its spaciousness and privacy. Site #27 experienced issues with reservation mishandling.
Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible pit toilets are available, but their cleanliness has been criticized. Gravel roads facilitate access for vehicles and trailers.
Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, as noted in reviews mentioning the presence of dogs throughout the campground.
Based on 86 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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