Pettit Lake Campground

Star4.40
10 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$15 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

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Pettit Lake Campground
$15.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee varies between $15-18 according to user reviews.
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$18.00

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 10 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikinglake

Some mention

small

"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."

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Fees & Passes at Pettit Lake Campground

$15 - $18/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$18/night

Cancellation: Cancellations can be done prior to the check-in date but incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night...

Prices verified November 27, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.


Best Time to Camp at Pettit Lake Campground

Summer transforms Pettit Lake into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with July emerging as the crown jewel of camping months according to seasoned visitors. While winter blankets the area in dramatic snowfall, creating a wonderland for the hardy few, the warm season brings reliably dry conditions perfect for stargazing and campfire gatherings. The mountain climate delivers refreshingly cool nights even in midsummer, making it an ideal escape from valley heat.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Pettit Lake Campground

    Escape to Pettit Lake Campground, where adventure seekers find their mountain paradise on a first-come, first-served basis. This hidden gem beckons with crystal-clear waters perfect for morning paddles and an extensive network of trails that wind through pristine wilderness. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or setting off on a backcountry trek, this natural playground offers endless possibilities for those ready to embrace the wild beauty of Idaho's high country.
    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 SeasonsSummer transforms Pettit Lake into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with July emerging as the crown jewel of camping months according to seasoned visitors. While winter blankets the area in dramatic snowfall, creating a wonderland for the hardy few, the warm season brings reliably dry conditions perfect for stargazing and campfire gatherings. The mountain climate delivers refreshingly cool nights even in midsummer, making it an ideal escape from valley heat.
    Natural Features and SceneryCradled in the heart of the Sawtooth National Forest, Pettit Lake Campground offers a front-row seat to nature's grandest theater. The namesake lake stretches before you like a sapphire mirror, reflecting jagged peaks that pierce the sky. Mountain streams tumble through the landscape, their melodic rushing providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. From your campsite, watch as morning mist dances across the water while eagles soar overhead, and discover why visitors describe this place as where streams, rivers, and mountains converge in perfect harmony.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityNo specific information available regarding accessibility features.
    Sites SizeUser reviews described campsites as small, with Craig Walker calling it a 'small campground,' and Bb noting that the sites are 'really tight spots.'
    Sites 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.'
    Total Campsites0 campsites
    Recommended CampsitesDuring busy periods like Labor Day, the campground gets overcrowded; recommended to arrive early and avoid holidays.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    No specific information available regarding group site details.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Site layoutSite layout described as tight and cramped by some users, but others appreciate privacy at select spots.
    Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app.
    Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a Scan & Pay feature available via Recreation.gov mobile app.
    Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be done prior to the check-in date but incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fees for late cancellations.

    Amenities available

    Picnic tables

    Activities you can enjoy

    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.'
    Hiking
    Chris Kastner described 'amazing wilderness hiking' accessible directly from the campground. Michael Parker stated that the campground is 'nestled between the picturesque lake and main trailhead to the mountains,' indicating excellent hiking opportunities.
    Biking
    Chris Kastner highlighted 'good mountain biking right out of the campground,' showcasing biking as a popular activity.
    Winter Activities
    No details available for winter-specific activities.
    Water Sports
    No details available for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsUser reviews raised concerns about poorly maintained restrooms and picnic tables, and proximity to wildlife in bear country.

    Weather at Pettit Lake Campground

    20
    °F
    Dec 7
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%

    Moderate wind, may affect light items

    Humidity: 74%

    High humidity, may feel muggy

    Wind: 4.3 mph

    Moderate wind, may affect light items

    Overcast

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
    Powered by AI weather analysis
    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingNo direct information in the source materials regarding trash and recycling facilities.
    Proximity to water featuresCampground is located adjacent to Pettit Lake, offering easy access for water activities.
    Common complaintsComplaints include small and cramped sites, limited beach space, and inadequate toilet facilities.
    HostMultiple user reviews praise hosts like Kelley and Keith for their friendliness and dedication. 'The host made our trip amazing and memorable,' says one reviewer.

    Campground Map


    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.4
    10 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Pettit Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 10 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...
    Show more
    Based on 10 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 10 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...
    Show more
    Based on 10 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 10 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...
    Show more
    Based on 10 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific site reviews with numbers or detailed preferences noted.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

    0
    0 review
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    Last updated November 27, 2025
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