Golden Gate Campground
03 reviewsGolden Gate Campground, Boise National Forest, Idaho, USA
Golden Gate Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $20 to $35 depending on the site type and season.
About this campground
Escape to Golden Gate Campground, where time slows down and the whispers of pine trees replace the noise of modern life. Tucked away in the heart of mountain wilderness, this hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature's profound serenity. Here, beneath towering pines and endless skies, you'll discover the peaceful solitude that only remote mountain camping can provide.
The Golden Gate Campground accommodates tent camping and likely RV camping, considering its accessibility by most vehicles. Group camping and cabin lodging are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive away lies the historic town of Yellow Pine, a living piece of Idaho's frontier heritage dating back to 1902. This charming mountain community bursts to life each August during the renowned Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival, where folk melodies echo through the pines and visitors gather to celebrate the region's rich musical traditions and mountain culture.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a crystalline wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing and the forest takes on a magical silence. As spring melts into summer, the mountains come alive with warmth and sunshine, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the meadows lush and the air crisp. Clear summer skies reveal stunning starscapes that will leave you breathless.
ElevationNestled high in the mountain country, Golden Gate Campground offers that perfect high-altitude experience where the air feels lighter and the views stretch farther.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking up in a pristine mountain meadow where Johnson Creek babbles peacefully through wildflower-dotted grasslands. This enchanting campground is embraced by dense forests of towering pines that stretch up mountain slopes as far as the eye can see. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundant fauna – from graceful deer and majestic elk grazing at dawn to the occasional bear ambling through the forest. Lucky visitors might spot a moose near the creek or catch sight of a bald eagle soaring overhead against the backdrop of endless blue sky.
Geological RegionGolden Gate Campground rests in a picturesque mountain meadow carved by centuries of natural forces, where Johnson Creek winds its way toward its eventual meeting with the South Fork Salmon River. This pristine valley, cradled between forested mountain slopes, showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's rugged backcountry. The surrounding peaks, clothed in dense pine forests, create a natural amphitheater that shelters the campground while offering endless opportunities for exploration.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground accessibility features are not detailed in the available sources.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 9 campsites, but specific details about the sizes of these sites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are noted to be relatively remote, offering a sense of solitude. One user stated: 'Far enough away that you're alone.'
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further from Johnson Creek Road to avoid noise and dust during busy periods.
Best CampsitesSites near Johnson Creek offer the best views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites allow up to 8 guests.
Groups
Details about group camping sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 9 campsites arranged in a loop configuration near Johnson Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May to mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Boise National Forest website or by contacting the Cascade Ranger District.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground has limited walk-up availability, particularly during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyContact the Cascade Ranger District for cancellation details.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Golden Gate Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking. It is located near trailheads leading into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, providing opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized exploration. The nearby Johnson Creek and South Fork Salmon River are popular fishing spots. A user review mentioned: 'The campground is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. The South Fork Salmon River and Johnson Creek offer opportunities for fishing. Berry picking and hunting are popular pastimes in season.'
Hiking
The campground is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. Trails support both motorized and non-motorized hiking, though specific trail details like length and difficulty are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available at Johnson Creek and the South Fork Salmon River. The types of fish or the quality of fishing are not detailed.Biking
The area is popular for mountain biking, though exact trail details, such as terrain and skill level recommendations, are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity here, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are not described in the sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not addressed in the sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bears and moose), noise and dust from Johnson Creek Road during busy seasons, and rough terrain.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services in Yellow Pine include limited services like a bar and basic supplies. For more comprehensive services, Cascade offers a hospital and police station approximately 80 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesEarly June through late September.
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Johnson Creek, which is a tributary of the South Fork Salmon River.
Common complaintsNoise and dust from Johnson Creek Road during peak season are recurring complaints.
HostNo information available about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Golden Gate Campground, Boise National Forest, Idaho, USA
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 approximately 80 miles to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 only a short distance to the turnoff at the Warm Lake Road (Forest Highway 22). Proceed northeast approximately 25 miles along Forest Highway 22 to the Warm Lake area where it becomes Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east on FS Road 579 until it intersects FS Road 413, approximately 10 miles. Turn north on FS Road 413 and travel approximately 23 miles to Golden Gate Campground.
The campground can be accessed by most vehicles, although the road is narrow and may be rough in spots.Nearby places
Yellow Pine (approximately 5 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Yellow Pine community (basic supplies) and Cascade (full services) are the closest supply locations.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Golden Gate Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and peaceful location, proximity to Yellow Pine for supplies, and essential amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. Negative points include its close proximity to Johnson Creek road, which may result in noise and dust during busy seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
1. Peaceful and remote setting. 2. Proximity to Johnson Creek for scenic views and fishing. 3. Availability of vault toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire rings. 4. Wildlife viewing...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
1. Dust and noise due to proximity to Johnson Creek road during busy seasons.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid road noise and dust. Bring potable water since none is available on-site. Proximity to Yellow Pine offers convenience for supplies.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground's peak season is early June through late September, aligning with favorable camping conditions. Reviews suggest the area becomes busier during peak season, which may affect the serene...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Cute little campground located right on Johnson Creek. It has vault toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and metal fire rings.' 2. 'Far enough away that you're alone. Close to Yellowpine for any...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews discussing accessibility for campers with disabilities are not available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
One authoritative source mentions that dogs must be kept on a leash, but user reviews addressing pet experiences are not available.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025