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Independence Lakes Campground
Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between July through October. Sites are handicapped accessible. Campground amenities include 9 tables and grills, toilets, and livestock facilities. No drinking water or trash service is available. Nearby Independence Lakes Trail (NFS Trail 7035) is 3.1 miles to the Lake. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin.
Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait;
At a Glance
| Restrictions: | 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 roadway; do not block traffic. |
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| Operated By: | Minidoka Ranger District. This campground is not part of NRRS. Call 1-208-678-0439 for more informa |
General Information
Accessibility:Sites are accessible.
Activities
Campground Camping
Campsites are limited in the lakes basin due to terrain, rock and timber so the majority of visitors camp at the trailhead and day-hike into the lakes.Group Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Independence lake is the only alpine lake that is accessible by vehicle in Southern Idaho. It averages from 10 ft. to 60 ft. in depth and it is stocked with trout yearly. The best fishing is in the lower two lakes. Visitors will find Montana grayling, California golden trout and cutthroat trout.
River and Stream Fishing
Independence lake is the only alpine lake that is accessible by vehicle in Southern Idaho. It averages from 10 ft. to 60 ft. in depth and it is stocked with trout yearly.
Day Hiking
The Independence Lakes Trail (NFS Trail 7035) is 3.1 miles in length. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin. The Ranger Trail (NFS Trail 7012) measures 11.1 miles. The portion from the Pot Holes to the Almo Park Road is open to motorized traffic, however it is too narrow for ATVs. The remaining segment of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The trail from the trailhead to the east is the same as the trail to Independence Lakes. As the trail to the lakes divides, the Ranger Trail bears to the south, toward Green Creeks. From Green Creek, the path is a series of switchbacks to the saddle between Green and Grape Creeks. There is a miners cabin long the trail at the highest point. From the old cabin to the south and west, one must be on the lookout for rock cairns marking the trail.
Backpacking
The Independence Lakes Trail (NFS Trail 7035) is 3.1 miles in length. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin. The Ranger Trail (NFS Trail 7012) measures 11.1 miles. The portion from the Pot Holes to the Almo Park Road is open to motorized traffic, however it is too narrow for ATVs. The remaining segment of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The trail from the trailhead to the east is the same as the trail to Independence Lakes. As the trail to the lakes divides, the Ranger Trail bears to the south, toward Green Creeks. From Green Creek, the path is a series of switchbacks to the saddle between Green and Grape Creeks. There is a miners cabin long the trail at the highest point. From the old cabin to the south and west, one must be on the lookout for rock cairns marking the trail.
Horse Riding
The Independence Lakes Trail (Trail No ?) is 3.1 miles in length. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin. (#) horse corrals are located at the trailhead.
OHV Trail Riding
The Ranger Trail (NFS Trail 7012) measures 11.1 miles. The portion from the Pot Holes to the Almo Park Road is open to motorized traffic, however it is too narrow for ATVs. The remaining segment of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The trail from the trailhead to the east is the same as the trail to Independence Lakes. As the trail to the lakes divides, the Ranger Trail bears to the south, toward Green Creeks. From Green Creek, the path is a series of switchbacks to the saddle between Green and Grape Creeks. There is a miners cabin long the trail at the highest point. From the old cabin to the south and west, one must be on the lookout for rock cairns marking the trail.