Lake Cleveland Campground - East Side


Area Status: Open

Lake Cleveland Campground is a very popular summer recreational facility. Located next to its namesake, the campground is divided into the East Side and West Side loops. Very popular with residents of local communities, the campground is often full every weekend from early July to Labor Day.


Natural Features:
At an elevation of 8,300 feet, the campground facility is located in an alpine lake basin below Mt. Harrison which has an elevation of 9,240 feet. Late season snowdrifts often block access to the campground until early to mid-July. The campground is near the timberline and alpine wildflower meadows. Expansive views north across the Snake River Plain and south into Utah and Nevada can be found near the campground.
 

Recreation:
Fishing, hiking and swimming are all popular activities within the Lake Cleveland area during the summer months. Non-motorized boating and floating is allowed on Lake Cleveland. Motorized recreation is limited to system roads and trails; no cross-country motorized travel is allowed.


Facilities:
Seventeen camping sites are located in the East campground loop, seven of which are reservable, the remaining ten are first-come, first-served. The East side of the lake is best suited for large RVs and trailers. Nine campsites are available on the West side of the lake on a first-come, first-served basis. Trailers are not advised on the West side of the lake because the turn-around is very tight (limited space due to steep terrain).


Nearby Attractions:
Two miles from Lake Cleveland, Mt. Harrison has a fully functional fire lookout tower which is open to visitors on most weekends. Nearby Pomerelle ski area offers lift-served access to mountain bike and hiking trails. Two miles away, Twin Lakes Campground offers equestrian facilities and access to the Skyline Trail which is open for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and motorcycle riding.
 

At a Glance

Operational Hours:
Reservations: Sites #2 - #8 are reservable through www.recreation.gov and reserveamerica.com    Reservations open for this campground 6 months in advance of the reservation date.
Fees: Sites are $10.00 per night.
Open Season: Second week in July
Best Season: July-September
Busiest Season: July-August
Restrictions: No motorized boats on Lake Cleveland. Occupancy: The following act is prohibited within the Minidoka Ranger District: Pursuant to 36 CFR 262.58 (a), camping in any area including a developed recreation site or an undeveloped/dispersed recreation site for more than 14 (fourteen) days in a 28 (twenty-eight) day period. A camper or a group of persons camping together must move off of National Forest lands within the Minidoka Ranger District for a minimum of 14 days after camping for 14 days. Campers who remain longer than 14 consecutive days and/or camp more than 14 days within a 28 day period may receive violation notices and fines under the authority described under Special Order Number: 0414-01-028. For more information contact the Minidoka Ranger District Office in Burley, ID—208-678-0430. No Horses are allowed in the campground Limit 2 vehicles (autos) per site. Vehicles must be parked on gravel spurs provided. Do not park on the road; do not block traffic.
Closest Towns: Albion, ID
Water: No Drinking Water
Restroom: Vault Toilet
Operated By: Minidoka Ranger District, Sawtooth National Forest

General Information

Directions:

 From Interstate 84, take exit 216 and follow State Highway 77 south approximately 18 miles, through the towns of Declo and Albion, to Howell Canyon Road. Turn west at the Pomerelle Ski Area sign and drive up the canyon on Howell Canyon Road another 7 miles. The road is steep and winding. Look for an entrance sign on your right. Use caution with travel trailers and RVs, as not all campground loops are suitable for trailer turnarounds.


Directions:

 From Interstate 84, take exit 216 and follow State Highway 77 south approximately 18 miles, through the towns of Declo and Albion, to Howell Canyon Road. Turn west at the Pomerelle Ski Area sign and drive up the canyon on Howell Canyon Road another 7 miles. The road is steep and winding. Look for an entrance sign on your right. Use caution with travel trailers and RVs, as not all campground loops are suitable for trailer turnarounds.


Parking:

Designated day use parking is available across from the Host site on the east side of the lake.


General Notes:

Know Before You Go
 

• The summer camping season is short and winter weather can occur at any time of the year. Come prepared for mountain weather and mountain driving conditions.
• No drinking water or trailer hookups are available in the campground.
• There is no electricity.
 


Parking:

Activities

Campground Camping

RV Camping

Group Camping

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Picnicking

Scenic Driving

Boating - Non-Motorized

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Elevation : 
8200 ft.