How much does camping cost at Rattlesnake?

Camping fees at Rattlesnake range from $150/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rattlesnake first-come first-served or reservation?

Rattlesnake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rattlesnake before I book?

Yes! Rattlesnake has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rattlesnake?

Rattlesnake is open May 23 - September 1. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rattlesnake?

Rattlesnake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Rattlesnake?

Fire policies at Rattlesnake: Campfire rings provided. Firewood regulations encourage use of local firewood to prevent spread of pests.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Rattlesnake have?

Rattlesnake has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rattlesnake?

Pets are not allowed at Rattlesnake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Rattlesnake?

Rattlesnake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rattlesnake?

Popular activities at Rattlesnake include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rattlesnake

4.61

17 reviews

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Featured in:Group Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,621 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 23 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

3,621 ft

Price

$150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 23 through ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT Official Website

Get Directions

Rattlesnake

$150.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group site fee is $150 per night during peak season. No individual site reservations are available.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$150.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadelocationwater

"User reviews often highlight the campground's cleanliness, friendly staff, and suitability for group activities. Wildlife encounters, like bears and skunks, are mentioned as both thrilling and challenging."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Rattlesnake

EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA

Nearby places

Crouch, ID - 14 miles (approximately 25 minutes driving)

Nearby supplies

Supplies and amenities available in Crouch, ID, including groceries and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Rattlesnake

Summer brings daytime highs in the low 70s to mid-80s°F with nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. The river runs at peak clarity and flow, trails are snow-free, and access is most reliable. Holiday weekends and mid-summer Saturdays see higher use. Occasional rain showers pass through but don't define the season. Autumn delivers crisp mornings and golden afternoons. Winter drops temperatures significantly and blankets the area in snow, limiting access but rewarding those who make the trip with solitude.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 23–Sept; comfortable summer temps, prime season for hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 - September 1. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 through September 6 during peak season. Closed from September 1 through May 22.

About Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake Campground sits 13 miles north of Crouch along the Middle Fork Payette River at 3,621 feet elevation. The group-oriented facility has 10 sites (nine single, one double) with fees at $150 per night. Douglas fir and lodgepole pine provide partial shade, and the riverside location puts fishing, hiking, and water access within steps of camp.

Rattlesnake Campground is primarily a group camping facility with reserved group sites. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, provided the group site is not reserved.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the low 70s to mid-80s°F with nights cooling to the 40s and 50s. The river runs at peak clarity and flow, trails are snow-free, and access is most reliable. Holiday weekends and mid-summer Saturdays see higher use. Occasional rain showers pass through but don't define the season. Autumn delivers crisp mornings and golden afternoons. Winter drops temperatures significantly and blankets the area in snow, limiting access but rewarding those who make the trip with solitude.

ElevationPerched at 3,621 feet where mountain air meets river mist, Rattlesnake Campground occupies a sweet spot in Idaho's vertical landscape. This elevation creates the perfect balance—high enough to escape summer's heat yet accessible enough for comfortable camping, where the Middle Fork Payette River flows steadily past, providing both a soothing soundtrack and a natural air conditioning system for your wilderness retreat.

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas fir and lodgepole pine forests shade the campground where the Middle Fork Payette River cuts through Idaho bedrock. The river runs clear enough for visibility to the bottom, moving over rocks and riffles along the camp's edge. Soils here accumulated from centuries of snowmelt runoff, supporting dense vegetation that offers some privacy between sites. Sites closer to the river trade seclusion for immediate water access. Wildlife is active: reviews mention bear and skunk encounters regularly enough that bear-proof storage is necessary, not optional.

Geological RegionAt 3,621 feet elevation, Rattlesnake Campground occupies a geological sweet spot where the Middle Fork Payette River has carved its course through millennia of Idaho bedrock. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient story written in stone and water, where Douglas fir and lodgepole pine forests have taken root in the rich soils deposited by countless seasons of snowmelt and river flow. This dynamic environment showcases the powerful forces that have shaped Idaho's central mountains into the outdoor paradise visitors experience today.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out required by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group site accommodates up to 100 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 100 people and includes nine single sites and one double site. Reservation requires a two-night minimum stay on weekends and three nights on holidays.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe layout consists of nine single sites and one double site arranged in a group configuration. Each of the 10 parking spurs handles vehicles 50 to 75 feet long. Partial shade and vegetation create some separation, though density varies across the sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual sites are first-come, first-served when no group reservation exists.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the scheduled arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.

AccessibilityThe campground is described as accessible for groups, but specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities beyond vault toilets are not detailed.

Site SizeThe group site consists of nine single sites and one double site. Parking spurs accommodate vehicles between 50-75 feet long.

PrivacyPartial shade and dense vegetation offer some privacy, although sites near the river may have less seclusion due to proximity.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site G01 is recommended for larger groups and access to amenities.

Need help booking Rattlesnake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Rattlesnake Campground's proximity to the Middle Fork Payette River and surrounding trails makes it a hub for outdoor activities. Anglers can fish for whitefish and rainbow trout, and hunting enthusiasts find opportunities for deer, elk, and bear in-season. "Had a bear come through camp the 1st night," recalled Jennifer K., highlighting the area's active wildlife. The campground is near the One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail, and 465 ATV Trail, all popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV use.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and skunks have been reported by users. Review by Jennifer Kennedy mentions a bear and skunk visiting the campsite.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings provided. Firewood regulations encourage use of local firewood to prevent spread of pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly specified in official sources.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services located in Crouch, ID, approximately 14 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities at Rattlesnake Campground is provided in the source materials.

Water FeaturesLocated directly alongside the Middle Fork Payette River, offering fishing opportunities.

Camp HostUser Jim Vogelpohl praised the camp host for cleanliness and friendliness.

Weather at Rattlesnake

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

17 reviews

Top-Rated

Rattlesnake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews often highlight the campground's cleanliness, friendly staff, and suitability for group activities. Wildlife encounters, like bears and skunks, are mentioned as both thrilling and challenging.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, a pavilion for group use, potable water, and ample shade are frequently praised. A user noted, "Great location and access to water," emphasizing its convenience for group camping.

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant issues are reported in the reviews provided, though wildlife interactions like bears and skunks could be concerning for some campers.

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bear-proof containers and plan group activities around the pavilion and shaded areas. "Kids had a great time trying to figure out how to work the water faucet," noted Jennifer K., suggesting...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not detail variations by season, though the campground's peak operational period aligns with its seasonal availability, from May to September.

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Had a bear come through camp the 1st night, then a skunk the 2nd night," shared Jennifer K. "It was awesome with great friends and a very friendly camp host," praised Jim V.

Based on 17 reviews