Upper Payette Lake Campground

Show on map208-634-0400
102 LAKE ST P.O. BOX 1026
MCCALL, ID 83638

Overview

Upper Payette Lake Campground is located 16 miles from McCall, Idaho, on the shores of beautiful Upper Payette Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing, canoeing and exploring local trails.

Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Recreation

Upper Payette Lake is a no-wake lake that offers great fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. 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.

Facilities

The campground offers two group sites that can accommodate up to 20 and 30 guests. Several additional single and double-family sites are available as well. All sites are accessible; some have lake views and some have lake access.

Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A boat ramp, day-use site and several paved pathways are located in the campground. Roads and parking spurs are gravel.

Natural Features

The lake is situated at the foot of the Salmon River Mountains at an approximate elevation of 5,900 feet. Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine forest the site, providing partial shade. Summer wildflowers are abundant. Summer days are typically warm and nights are cool.

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 21 sites
  • Picnic table: all 21 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 21 sites
  • ADA accessible: 2 of 21 sites
  • Group sites: 2 of 21 sites
  • Largest party: 30 people

Directions

From McCall, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21. Turn right and continue for 16 miles to gravel Forest Road 495 and follow for a mile into the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

44 reviews
5 stars
31
4 stars
7
3 stars
2
1 stars
4
Mary C
Loop:Upper Payette Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
This is a beautiful campground. We were at a site 10, which backed to the lake. It was great to be able to walk out to the lake and sit there watching the golden eagles, ospreys and other birds. The campground was quiet and secluded from town. The vault toilets were clean. The water here was a little rusty, but we did drink it with no issues. We took a road trip to Secesh to eat at Secesh Stage Stop, which we highly recommend. We also drove up to Warren, which was a little scary, but scenic. We did not see the hosts, but the campground was well cared-for.
Tyler P
Loop:Upper Payette Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
The camp host at this site keep the facilities and campground very clean.
Mike R
Loop:Upper Payette Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Restrooms exceptionally clean. Camp host very helpful.
Jen K
Loop:Upper Payette Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Our stay at Upper Payette Lake was great! Quiet campground, well maintained bathroom, beautiful view of the lake. Only thing I’d keep in mind is that the drinking water tasted very rusty. I would definitely recommend bringing your own drinking water.
Kenneth B
Loop:Upper Payette Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
The only thing is there was a bunch of potholes on the road going in. It could’ve been a little smoother, but the campground was great.
Douglas J
Loop:Upper Payette Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Upper Payette Lake Campground is a very lovely place to camp for a quiet get-away. My only complaint is that it seems the extra large motor home type campers get all the spots right next to the lake - not leaving any of the best spots for mere campers (with small campers or tents). Their generators upset the stillness that old-time campers would like to enjoy more.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

Jul 1, 2027 – Sep 15, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jul 1, 2028 – Sep 15, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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