Skip to main content
Site Open

Upper Payette Lake Campground

This popular campground is situated along the shore of Upper Payette Lake. It offers convenient access to McCall, stunning mountain views, and an abundance of local recreational opportunities. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. There is typically a volunteer camp host and potable water available on site.   

The campground has no hookups or trash receptacles. Please pack out your trash. 

The Upper Payette Lake Group Campground and a number of dispersed camping opportunities are located adjacent to the campground along the lake shore. The Upper Payette Lake Interpretive Trail #111 is located 1/2 mile north of the campground and features an accessible, paved trail. The Upper Payette Lake Connector Trail #337 departs immediately from the campground and the Deep Creek Trail #336 originates less than one mile north. 

There is a boat ramp located next to the campground. Motorized use on Upper Payette Lake the lake is limited by a “no wake” restriction. The lake level is drawn down starting September 1st annually. It can be increasingly difficult to launch after this date. 

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

There are 12 first-come, first-serve sites available, and eight sites which may be reserved up to six months in advance. Reservations may be made at www.Recreation.gov

General Information

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
Double Site: $15 per night

Dogs are welcome in all campgrounds, picnic areas, and on trails. We recommend you keep your dog on a leash. Never leave them unattended. Dogs allowed to roam freely can frighten or injure wildlife, disturb other forest visitors, and create impacts to natural resources.

A white and green office building is pictured surrounded by trees and covered in snow.

Address: 102 West Lake Street McCall, ID 83638
Phone: 208-634-0400
Hours: Temporarily closed until further notice (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.124833

Longitude: -116.028713

Elevation

5,586 feet

Directions

Travel approximately 16 miles north of McCall on the paved Warren Wagon Road (21). Turn left (west) onto Forest Road #495 (sign for campground) at the outlet of Upper Payette Lake and continue for approximately one mile. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Potable water is typically available in the summer. It's always a good idea to travel with extra water for drinking and cooking. 

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Non-Motorized Info

The no-wake lake offers great fishing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities.

Boating - Motorized Info

There is a boat ramp located next to the campground. Motorized use on Upper Payette Lake the lake is limited by a “no wake” restriction. The lake level is drawn down starting September 1st annually. It can be increasingly difficult to launch after this date. 

Hiking Info

The paved, mile-long Shoreline Trail begins in the campground and several additional hiking and biking trails begin just across the road from the entrance. This area is also within easy driving distance of several other trailheads, including Twentymile Lakes, Victor Creek, and Cloochman Saddle.

Last updated July 1st, 2025