Rattlesnake
04 reviewsEMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA
Rattlesnake
$150.00 - $150.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Group site fee is $150 per night during peak season. No individual site reservations are available.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Rattlesnake Campground beckons adventurers to discover its riverside sanctuary 13 miles north of the charming mountain town of Crouch. Here, where the Middle Fork Payette River carves its ancient path through towering forests, campers find themselves immersed in a natural playground perfect for group gatherings under starlit skies. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring winding trails that reveal hidden forest treasures, or pursuing the time-honored traditions of the hunt, this riverside retreat offers an authentic Idaho backcountry experience that calls visitors back season after season.
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 days at Rattlesnake bring comfortable temperatures that invite long afternoons of exploration, though mountain weather keeps things interesting with occasional refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy perfume. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons perfect for hiking. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-draped wonderland, where temperatures drop and the landscape takes on a pristine, peaceful beauty that rewards the hardy souls who venture here in the colder months.
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 SceneryTowering Douglas firs and stately lodgepole pines create a living cathedral above Rattlesnake Campground, their branches filtering sunlight into a gentle, dappled pattern across the forest floor. These ancient sentinels provide welcome shade on warm afternoons while framing spectacular glimpses of the Middle Fork Payette River as it dances over rocks and through riffles below. The interplay of forest and river creates a dynamic landscape where every campsite offers its own unique perspective on Idaho's raw natural beauty.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is described as accessible for groups, but specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities beyond vault toilets are not detailed.
Sites SizeThe group site consists of nine single sites and one double site. Parking spurs accommodate vehicles between 50-75 feet long.
Sites PrivacyPartial shade and dense vegetation offer some privacy, although sites near the river may have less seclusion due to proximity.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup site G01 is recommended for larger groups and access to amenities.
Best CampsitesGroup site G01 was highlighted for its shade, clean bathrooms, potable water, and a pavilion by user John T.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup site consists of nine single sites and one double site, with ten parking spurs each 50-75' in length.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 through September 6 during peak season. Closed from September 1 through May 22.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
Visitors can explore hiking trails such as the One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail, and 465 ATV Trail. These trails accommodate various activities, from hiking to ATV riding.Fishing
Fishing in the Middle Fork Payette River is reported as "good to excellent most of the year," with anglers catching whitefish and rainbow trout.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible near the campground, including the One Spoon Trail and others.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, elk, and red-tailed hawks in the surrounding Middle Fork drainage. "Had a bear come through camp," noted user Jennifer K.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
No references to water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are provided in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings provided. Firewood regulations encourage use of local firewood to prevent spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly specified in official sources.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bears and skunks have been reported by users. Review by Jennifer Kennedy mentions a bear and skunk visiting the campsite.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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 located in Crouch, ID, approximately 14 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 1
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities at Rattlesnake Campground is provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly alongside the Middle Fork Payette River, offering fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome users noted wildlife activity such as bears and skunks.
HostUser Jim Vogelpohl praised the camp host for cleanliness and friendliness.
Campground Map
EMMETT RANGER DISTRICT, 1805 HIGHWAY 16, #5, EMMETT, ID, 83617, USA
Driving directionsFrom Crouch, travel north on Forest Road 698 approximately 14 miles to the campground, which is located on the left-hand side of the road.
The campground is accessed via Forest Road 698, which is a well-maintained road but subject to seasonal weather conditions.Nearby places
Crouch, ID - 14 miles (approximately 25 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and amenities available in Crouch, ID, including groceries and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Rattlesnake has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 reviewsCommon 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 4 reviewsPro 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 4 reviewsShow more
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 4 reviewsCamper 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 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
User John T highlighted campsite G01 in Loop Rattlesnake as ideal for groups, praising its clean bathrooms, pavilion, and potable water.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features beyond general cleanliness and usability.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025