Upper Payette Lake
A serene Idaho gem offering crystal-clear waters, private dry camping, and breathtaking natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and mosquitoes
Upper Payette Lake
Best Time
Beat the heat and mosquitoes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Idaho gem offering crystal-clear waters, private dry camping, and breathtaking natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful escape.
"This lake is very nice. Only one travel trailer there. Lots of room to camp and load your kayak in the lake."
Bring Your Own Water 💧
The hand-pumped water isn't always clean. Pack plenty of drinking water for your stay.
Pack Out All Trash ♻️
There's no garbage service. Be a good steward and pack out everything you pack in.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 47 reviews
Type
Campground
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Lake Waters
Upper Payette Lake
Experience the stunning clarity of the lake's water, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the serene natural beauty.
Secluded & Serene Campsites
Campgrounds around Upper Payette Lake
Enjoy private and quiet camping spots surrounded by breathtaking scenery, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Vibrant Fall Colors
Surrounding hillsides
Witness the spectacular autumn foliage painting the landscape in brilliant hues during the fall season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Dry Camping & Pack It Out
Navigate the Narrow Access Road
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Spontaneous (Dispersed) Weekend Camping?
Hello all, Apologies if this has been asked before, I took a look around and didn't see it anywhere. I'm wondering if there are any places I could just drive a few hours to any given weekend, find a campground (doesn't have to have amenities) to car camp from for a night or two…
Bring Your Own Water 💧
The hand-pumped water isn't always clean. Pack plenty of drinking water for your stay.
Pack Out All Trash ♻️
There's no garbage service. Be a good steward and pack out everything you pack in.
Week long road trip through Idaho. Recommendations?!
My husband and I plan to spend about a week in ID in August exploring the state and trying to get a good feel for it (or as best we can in a week). What are your recommendations for places to go to see? We love hiking, breweries, history, and want to see both bigger cities and…
Prepare for Mosquitoes 🦟
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially during certain times of the year. Bring insect repellent.
Drive Carefully on Access Road 🚗
The road is narrow; be mindful of oncoming traffic and pull over when needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Water 💧
The hand-pumped water isn't always clean. Pack plenty of drinking water for your stay.
Pack Out All Trash ♻️
There's no garbage service. Be a good steward and pack out everything you pack in.
Prepare for Mosquitoes 🦟
Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially during certain times of the year. Bring insect repellent.
Drive Carefully on Access Road 🚗
The road is narrow; be mindful of oncoming traffic and pull over when needed.
Kayak & Boat Friendly 🛶
The lake is perfect for launching kayaks or small boats from the shore or boat ramp.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Upper Payette Lake for its stunningly clear water, serene and private campsites, and beautiful natural surroundings, especially during the fall. However, be prepared for limited amenities, including the need to bring all your own water and pack out trash, as well as navigating a narrow access road.
"This campground is nice. Mainly for dry camping. The road in and out is very narrow. You may have to pull over to let others go by. The lake is nice. The water is so clear. There are vault toilets available. There’s also a boat ramp."
Nelida Safrit
"This is one of my favorites from my 2 week road trip. Private & quiet camp sites with beauty all around. The lake is so beautiful and serene! Vault toilets, fyi. I hope to come back here again."
Christiane Wray
"Stopped here on the way back down from Josephine Lake. This lake is very nice. Only one travel trailer there. Lots of room to camp and load your kayak in the lake. Fall Colors were beautiful. Fishing is good based on reports I read. Beautiful!!!"
M “MO” Morrison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upper Payette Lake is accessible by car. The road leading to the lake is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. It's located a few hours from major towns like McCall, making it a good destination for a spontaneous camping trip.
The road is generally unpaved and can be narrow, requiring careful navigation. Be prepared to pull over for other vehicles.
The drive from McCall to Upper Payette Lake typically takes around 1-1.5 hours, depending on road conditions and your starting point.
While some travel trailers have been seen, the narrow road might be challenging for larger RVs. Dispersed camping spots offer more space once you're there.
Follow signs towards Upper Payette Lake from the nearest main road. The final approach is known for its narrowness and requires attentive driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access Upper Payette Lake. It's a natural area open for public enjoyment.
Typically, there are no entrance fees for the lake itself. However, if you plan to use designated campgrounds, there might be a small fee for dry camping.
Upper Payette Lake is generally accessible year-round, though winter access may be limited by snow. There are no set operating hours for the natural area.
Upper Payette Lake is primarily for dispersed and dry camping, meaning sites are usually first-come, first-served. Reservations are generally not available.
Facilities are basic, including vault toilets. There are no hookups for RVs, and you'll need to bring your own water and pack out all trash.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, and simply relaxing by the clear waters. The surrounding area is also great for enjoying nature and fall colors.
Yes, fishing reports suggest it's good. Anglers can cast lines into the clear waters for a chance to catch local fish species.
The water is noted for being very clear and beautiful, making it inviting for various water activities.
It can vary, but it's often described as private and quiet, especially outside of peak summer weekends. You might find yourself with plenty of space.
It's mostly dry camping with vault toilets. Remember to bring all your supplies, including water, and pack out all your trash.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food services directly at Upper Payette Lake. You'll need to bring all your own food and drinks.
Campfire regulations can vary based on fire restrictions. Always check local guidelines before planning a campfire.
The nearest town with grocery stores is McCall, which is a short drive away. It's best to stock up before heading to the lake.
Focus on non-perishable items or use a cooler with ice. Easy-to-prepare meals are ideal for dry camping.
While there may not be designated picnic tables, the scenic shores offer plenty of spots for a picnic lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crystal-clear lake waters, serene campsites, and the vibrant fall colors. Sunrises and sunsets over the lake are particularly stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing beautiful colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
The entire shoreline offers picturesque views. Explore different angles from your campsite or along the water's edge.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check with local authorities or park services regarding drone operation policies before flying.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit