Upper Payette Lake Campground

Campground · Idaho · 21 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Payette National Forest (NF) · Open Access

21
Bookable sites
up to 30
People per site
2
Accessible sites
5,573 ft
Elevation
Upper Payette Lake from the Campground Site 7 with lake in the background
Photo: FS · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • 21 bookable sites
  • 23 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Up to 30 people per site
  • Loops: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

Site types

  • 19 Standard Nonelectric
  • 2 Group Standard Nonelectric
  • 2 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

23 campsites at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
002UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
003UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
004UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
005UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack In——8 🐾
006UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack In——8 🐾
007UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
008UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
009UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
010UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
011UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
012UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
013UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
014UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—8 🐾
015UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—10 🐾
016UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack InGravel—10 🐾
017UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack In——8 🐾
018UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack In——8 🐾
019UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack In——8 🐾
020UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDStandard NonelectricBack In——8 🐾
GA1UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel—20♿ 🐾
GA2UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel—30♿ 🐾
Scan and Pay DoubleUPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDManagementBack InGravel—10 🐾
Scan and Pay SingleUPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUNDManagementBack InGravel—10 🐾

Getting there

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.

45.12250, -116.02889 · 45°7'21.0"N 116°1'44.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in5.54.85.04.03.22.60.60.81.43.05.26.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Upper Payette Lake Campground Site 6
Photo: FS · Recreation.gov
UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND Campsite (4) with view of lake in the background.
Photo: FS · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Upper Payette Lake Campground

Can you reserve a site at Upper Payette Lake Campground?
Yes, Upper Payette Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Upper Payette Lake Campground have?
23 sites in total, of which 21 can be booked.
Are pets allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Upper Payette Lake Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Upper Payette Lake Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Upper Payette Lake Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $10/night single unit, $15/night double unit Upper Payette Lake Group Campground

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Upper Payette Lake Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

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