Summit Lake Campground
00 reviewSummit Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No specific fees are stated for this campground, so the site may be free or have unmentioned costs.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of a whispering pine forest, Summit Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just three peaceful campsites where solitude meets adventure. This hidden gem sits within easy reach of the crystalline waters of Warm Lake, where days unfold with the gentle rhythm of casting lines, refreshing swims, and trails that wind through wildflower meadows. Whether you're seeking the thrill of mountain biking through forest paths or the quiet joy of spotting deer at dawn, this small sanctuary delivers big on natural wonder.
Summit Lake Campground offers basic camping options with a focus on tent and potentially RV camping, as there are no details provided about additional accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsFrom early June through mid-September, Summit Lake Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome adventurers. Mountain weather here plays by its own rules—pack layers for those crisp mornings when temperatures can dip below freezing, especially during early June or as September winds down. Snow occasionally dusts the pines during unexpected cold snaps, reminding visitors they're truly in the wild heart of Idaho's high country.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering pines creates a natural canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. In summer, wildflowers paint the understory in splashes of purple lupine, golden arnica, and delicate white yarrow. The melodic babble of Lunch Creek provides a constant soundtrack as it meanders alongside the campground, while Summit Lake's mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding peaks just a short walk away. This is where mountain magic happens—where morning mist rises from the water and evening brings a symphony of forest sounds.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Boise National Forest, Summit Lake Campground sits in a landscape sculpted by ancient volcanic activity and carved by glaciers. This rugged terrain showcases Idaho's geological diversity, where granite peaks give way to gentle meadows bursting with summer wildflowers. The forest's network of pristine lakes and tumbling creeks tells the story of snowmelt and rain carving their paths through millennia, creating the perfect playground for today's outdoor enthusiasts.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has no specific information provided regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 3 campsites, but no specific information on their sizes is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo specific description of the privacy level of the campsites is provided.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDue to its small size, the campground has only three sites. Early arrival is recommended to secure a spot.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group camping options are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three individual campsites, each equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table.
Open and Closed SeasonBeginning of June - Mid-September
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Summit Lake Campground caters to a variety of outdoor activities set against beautiful natural surroundings. Official sources highlight options like picnicking, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing. Nearby Warm Lake adds to the appeal, offering recreational activities such as swimming at Billy Rice Swim Beach and opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-roading. The recently built WeWuKiye Trail No. 252 is a point of interest for hikers and mountain bikers.
Hiking
The campground offers access to 'great hiking' opportunities, including the WeWuKiye Trail No. 252, described as 'popular for hiking and mountain biking.' Specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing near Johnson Creek and Warm Lake is a significant activity, with opportunities to catch 'cutthroat, rainbow, lake, and bull trout.'Swimming
Billy Rice Swim Beach, located on the north side of Warm Lake and a short drive from the campground, is a notable spot for swimming and picnicking.Biking
Mountain biking is available, with the WeWuKiye Trail No. 252 being a popular choice. The details on terrain and difficulty are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The site is noted for its abundance of summer wildflowers and proximity to Lunch Creek, offering opportunities for observing nature.Beach activities
Billy Rice Swim Beach provides an area for beach-related activities such as swimming and picnicking.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the seasonal use of the campground is limited to early June through mid-September, implying no winter accessibility.Water Sports
No specific mention of water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are provided for campfires.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards are mentioned, but campers should be aware of general wildlife and terrain concerns in forested areas.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services information is not specified in the source material.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lunch Creek and near Summit Lake. Warm Lake is also a short drive away.
Campground Map
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 along Forest Highway 22 northeast approximately 25 miles. When you arrive at the Warm Lake area, Forest Highway 22 will become Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east along FS Road 579, approximately 8 miles to Summit Lake Campground.
The campground is accessible via Forest Service (FS) Road 579, which is an unpaved road. Specific road conditions and ease of access are not detailed in the sources.Nearby places
Cascade, Idaho is approximately 33 miles and about 45 minutes away from Summit Lake Campground.
Nearby supplies
The closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel would likely be in Cascade, Idaho, approximately 33 miles away.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Summit Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are explicitly provided in the source material.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user reviews are available to provide tips and recommendations.
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from the beginning of June to mid-September. Weather data suggests wide temperature ranges and substantial precipitation variability; summers seem most suitable for...
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
No user-generated reviews are available that mention specific campsites.
Accessibility Features
There are no user reviews available to assess accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews available to provide insights on pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025