OutReserve

Upper Payette Lake Campground

Upper Payette Lake from the Campground Site 7 with lake in the background
Upper Payette Lake Campground Site 6
UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND Site
UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND with camper
UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND Campsite (4) with view of lake in the background.

Featured amenities

Picnic Table
Restrooms

About Upper Payette Lake Campground

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.

Number of accommodations: 10

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Canoeing

Fishing

Hiking

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Jul 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

10 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 009, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 011, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 014, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 GA1, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 GA2, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (60)

What Guests Are Saying

Upper Payette Lake Campground offers a beautiful, well-maintained environment with clean facilities and friendly camp hosts. The sites provide good privacy, easy access to the lake, and opportunities for fishing and hiking. While mosquitoes can be an issue, the overall atmosphere is quiet and enjoyable, making it a popular choice for families.

Review Summary

4.3
60 reviews
5
70.0%
42
4
13.3%
8
3
6.7%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
10.0%
6

Beverly T

Verified

September 20, 2022 Stayed at: 015, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

5

Nice quiet campground. We appreciated the easy drive up on Warren Wagon Road, which is paved. Only the last mile or so into the campground is gravel. In September the creek is and the lake is low, but it was relaxing to walk along the shore of the lake. We could tell that lots of fish were out there in the evening, so bring your fishing rod!

Beverly T

Verified

September 20, 2022 Stayed at: 015, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

5

Nice quiet campground. We appreciated the easy drive up on Warren Wagon Road, which is paved. Only the last mile or so into the campground is gravel. In September the creek is and the lake is low, but it was relaxing to walk along the shore of the lake. We could tell that lots of fish were out there in the evening, so bring your fishing rod!

Dianne K

Verified

September 17, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

5

We camp at this location often. Since most sites are not able to reserve, we usually go early Thursday to get a spot. Our activities include kayaking and we use them for fishing. Such easy access to water and the view around the lake is wonderful. Campground bathrooms are very clean. Bring your supplies, town is not close. No cell service.

Dianne K

Verified

September 17, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

5

We camp at this location often. Since most sites are not able to reserve, we usually go early Thursday to get a spot. Our activities include kayaking and we use them for fishing. Such easy access to water and the view around the lake is wonderful. Campground bathrooms are very clean. Bring your supplies, town is not close. No cell service.

Dan P

Verified

August 16, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

3

Very peaceful and quiet. Lake access was limited to the main boat ramp unless you have a lakeside camp spot. Those were really nice spots if you can get one. Water pump in our loop was out of commission so a bit of a walk to get water. Not a big deal but kind of indicative of some lack of maintenance. Door locks in toilets didn't function. Cleaning was acceptable but seemed pretty minimal.

Dan P

Verified

August 16, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

3

Very peaceful and quiet. Lake access was limited to the main boat ramp unless you have a lakeside camp spot. Those were really nice spots if you can get one. Water pump in our loop was out of commission so a bit of a walk to get water. Not a big deal but kind of indicative of some lack of maintenance. Door locks in toilets didn't function. Cleaning was acceptable but seemed pretty minimal.

Liz S

Verified

August 3, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

4

We love going here, and for the most part had a wonderful stay! Wish the 10pm quiet hours were enforced though, can be difficult to get to sleep in a tent when it's not.

Liz S

Verified

August 3, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: UPPER PAYETTE LAKE CAMPGROUND

4

We love going here, and for the most part had a wonderful stay! Wish the 10pm quiet hours were enforced though, can be difficult to get to sleep in a tent when it's not.

Michelle W

July 21, 2022

5

The check in process was simple. The park was very clean, and the restrooms were among the cleanest I've seen for vault toilets. I found the camp hosts to be engaging. I loved the little library tent they set up for the children. The is one of my new favorite places.

Michelle W

July 21, 2022

5

The check in process was simple. The park was very clean, and the restrooms were among the cleanest I've seen for vault toilets. I found the camp hosts to be engaging. I loved the little library tent they set up for the children. The is one of my new favorite places.

Location Upper Payette Lake Campground

Address:
102 Lake St P.O. Box 1026
McCall, ID, 83638
United States

Highway access

Upper Payette Lake Campground is accessible via Highway 55, which connects to McCall, Idaho. From Highway 55, take Warren Wagon Road/Forest Highway 21 for approximately 16 miles to reach the campground.

Latitude & Longitude: 45.1225 / -116.029

Elevation: 1705 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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