Upper Payette Lake Campground

Payette National Forest, Idaho

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As of October 2026, Upper Payette Lake Campground is a campground in Payette National Forest, Idaho with 10 campsites. Upper Payette Lake Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

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Upper Payette Lake Campground is located at 45.1225° N, 116.0289° W.

people allowed on 6 of 10 sites: 8
people allowed on the largest site: 30

Upper Payette Lake Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Upper Payette Lake Campground

910111213141516GA1GA2

Standard 8
Group 2
Accessible 2

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain · Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, photography.

All sites at Upper Payette Lake Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Access
009	Standard	8	-
010	Standard	8	-
011	Standard	8	-
012	Standard	8	-
013	Standard	8	-
014	Standard	8	-
015	Standard	10	-
016	Standard	10	-
GA1	Group	20	Accessible
GA2	Group	30	Accessible

About Upper Payette Lake Campground

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.

Rules and notices at Upper Payette Lake Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Upper Payette Lake Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Idaho Off-road Vehicle Safety Message

Opening day is dependent upon snow levels; call ahead to check on early season reservations

No electric, water or sewer site hookups at this campground

Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility

Sites may be available on a first come, first served basis outside the reservation season

If reserving the group sites for more than 75 people, please contact the McCall Ranger District at 208-634-0440

Lake is drawn down annually on or about September 1 (depending on annual conditions) and it may be difficult to launch a boat after that date

Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Upper Payette Lake Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Upper Payette Lake Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Upper Payette Lake Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Upper Payette Lake Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Upper Payette Lake Campground have?

Upper Payette Lake Campground has 10 campsites.