Lake Cleveland - East Side

Campground · Idaho · 7 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Sawtooth National Forest (NF) · Open Access

7
Bookable sites
60 ft
Max rig length
up to 16
People per site
8,265 ft
Elevation
LAKE CLEVELAND
Photo: Minidoka Ranger District · Recreation.gov

Overview

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.

Recreation

Fishing, kayaking, 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).

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 on the county road and in the campground often block access 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.

Nearby Attractions

Two miles from Lake Cleveland, Mt. Harrison has a fully functional fire lookout tower. 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 dirt bikes.

The facts

  • 7 bookable sites
  • 8 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 60 ft
  • Up to 16 people per site
  • Loops: LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDE, S&P

Site types

  • 7 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

8 campsites at Lake Cleveland - East Side

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
2LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSevere20 ft8 🐾
3LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSevere20 ft8 🐾
4LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSevere20 ft8 🐾
5LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelModerate40 ft8 🐾
6LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight60 ft8 🐾
7LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight40 ft8 🐾
8LAKE CLEVELAND - EAST SIDEStandard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight48 ft16 🐾
Single S&PS&PManagementBack InGravelSevere20 ft8 🐾

Getting there

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.

42.32333, -113.64694 · 42°19'24.0"N 113°38'49.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in5.94.44.24.23.61.90.81.31.52.54.16.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Lake Cleveland - East Side

Can you reserve a site at Lake Cleveland - East Side?
Yes, Lake Cleveland - East Side is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Lake Cleveland - East Side have?
8 sites in total, of which 7 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Lake Cleveland - East Side?
60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Lake Cleveland - East Side?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Cleveland - East Side.
Are campfires allowed at Lake Cleveland - East Side?
Campfires are allowed at Lake Cleveland - East Side. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Lake Cleveland - East Side

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.