Warm Lake
3.8523 reviewsP.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID, 83611, USA
Warm Lake
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Peak season standard non-electric sites cost between $15 and $30 per night. Fees are subject to discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine eastern shores of Warm Lake, this mountain retreat beckons adventurers to experience the best of Idaho's wilderness at 5,300 feet. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, paddling across the lake's glassy surface, or exploring scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, Warm Lake Campground serves as your basecamp for unforgettable outdoor experiences in the heart of nature's playground.
Warm Lake Campground primarily offers tent and small trailer camping, with a total of 12 sites. It is located in a serene forested area and provides a rustic camping experience.
Historical SignificanceFor generations, families have returned to these cherished grounds, creating lasting memories beneath towering pines and alongside the shimmering lake. This timeless destination has witnessed countless campfire stories, children's first caught fish, and quiet moments of wildlife observation, establishing itself as a beloved tradition where nature enthusiasts gather to celebrate the great outdoors.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives with gentle warmth and brilliant blue skies, creating perfect conditions for lakeside adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air carries hints of the coming season, painting the landscape in golden hues. Winter transforms this alpine sanctuary into a snow-draped wonderland, where temperatures drop and snowstorms dust the towering pines with pristine powder.
ElevationPerched at 5,300 feet in Idaho's mountainous terrain, the campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat while providing front-row seats to nature's high-altitude spectacle. Here, wildflowers burst with vibrant colors adapted to mountain life, while cool evening breezes carry the crisp scent of pine and the distant calls of mountain wildlife thriving in this elevated ecosystem.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic old-growth ponderosa pines stand as ancient sentinels, their vanilla-scented bark and towering canopies creating a cathedral-like atmosphere throughout the campground. In summer, meadows explode with colorful wildflowers while Chipmunk Creek babbles alongside campsites, providing a natural soundtrack. This diverse ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife—from black bears foraging for berries to bald eagles soaring overhead, while deer, elk, and playful otters make regular appearances, delighting visitors with authentic wilderness encounters.
Geological RegionCradled within the expansive Boise National Forest at 5,300 feet elevation, the campground showcases the region's dramatic geological heritage through its setting among ancient ponderosa pine forests. Chipmunk Creek, carved by centuries of snowmelt and rainfall, meanders alongside the camping area, its gentle waters reflecting the surrounding peaks while providing a vital lifeline for the forest's diverse ecosystem and creating a serene natural boundary for this mountain sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described for the campground. Some user reviews mention elevation changes between sites.
Sites SizeCampsites are standard-sized, capable of accommodating tents and small trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as having limited privacy, with sites close together in some areas. For example, one review noted, 'The sites are very close together,' specifically referencing site #3.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid double occupancy sites due to limited space and privacy. Choose sites with shade coverage, such as site 2, and avoid generators near site 10.
Best CampsitesSites 8, 9, and 10 are recommended for privacy and proximity to facilities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a single loop with 12 sites, some positioned on slopes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 17, 2025 to September 15, 2025. Reservable starting June 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly provided; likely limited due to high popularity during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees apply: $10 cancellation fee plus first night's fee for late cancellations. No refund for cancellations after check-in date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
This campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Nearby trails and beaches further enhance the experience.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible from nearby campgrounds. The WeWuKiye Trail No. 252, popular for hiking and mountain biking, and the 20-mile Telephone Ridge Trail No. 112 for off-road enthusiasts are close by.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include cutthroat, rainbow, lake, and bull trout. Warm Lake is highlighted as a prime fishing destination.Swimming
Swimming is available at Billy Rice Swim Beach, located just over a mile from the campground. A developed swim beach is also less than a quarter-mile away at Warm Lake Lodge.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, particularly on the WeWuKiye Trail No. 252, which is accessible from Shoreline Campground.Boating
Boating and canoeing are popular activities on Warm Lake. A boat ramp is available at the nearby Shoreline Campground.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, deer, elk, foxes, eagles, osprey, and whooping cranes. Visitors are encouraged to be bear-aware.Beach activities
Beach activities are centered around the swimming beaches at Billy Rice and Warm Lake Lodge, featuring sandy areas for sunbathing or recreational use.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed, as the campground is primarily operational during the summer season.Water Sports
Non-motorized water activities like canoeing and paddleboarding are popular. Kayak rentals are available at Warm Lake Lodge.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within fire rings but must be extinguished after use. Firewood should be sourced locally.
- Quiet hours are not strictly enforced but should generally be observed after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area; campers are advised to keep a clean camp. Gravel roads may pose challenges for vehicles without off-road capabilities.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 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
Cascade Medical Center (25 miles away in Cascade); Boise hospitals for major emergencies (85 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but no specific details about recycling facilities are included.
Proximity to water featuresWarm Lake is within walking or driving distance, offering swimming beaches, fishing spots, and boating facilities.
Common complaintsNoise from generators and nearby highway traffic; some campsites lack adequate shade. Complaints about camp host behavior and lack of enforcement of quiet hours.
HostCamp hosts are onsite but reviews are mixed, ranging from very friendly to unhelpful or intrusive.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 696, CASCADE, ID, 83611, USA
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel 85 miles north on Highway 55 to Cascade. Turn east on Warm Lake Highway and travel 25 miles to Forest Road 579KA. Turn south and travel a short distance to the campground.
Roads and parking spurs within the facility are gravel. The lake is not visible from the campground.Nearby places
Cascade (25 miles, approx. 35 minutes)
Boise (85 miles, approx. 2 hours)
Nearby supplies
Warm Lake Lodge (across the road) provides a small store for camping and fishing essentials
additional supplies in Cascade (25 miles away).
Camper Reviews
3.9
23 reviews
Warm Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews paint a mixed picture of Warm Lake Campground. While many campers appreciate its scenic beauty and close proximity to Warm Lake, others mention issues with upkeep, crowding, and noise.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the natural beauty of the location, proximity to Warm Lake Lodge, abundant wildlife, and a quiet atmosphere in less crowded weeks. 'Beautiful, small campground perfect for a...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints highlight maintenance issues such as unclean vault toilets, noise from generators, and unhelpful or rude camp hosts. Several reviews criticize the double sites, which are described as...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend avoiding the double sites (#6 specifically) and suggest staying in sites 8, 9, or 10 for a better experience. Billy Rice Beach is praised as a must-visit for families with children.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the busiest season, with some reviews noting noise and crowding issues during peak times. However, others find the campground quieter and enjoyable during less busy weeks.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Warm Lake never disappoints.' (Jeff D, 5/5 rating)
- 'The outhouses were not very clean and the camp host did not enforce quiet hours.' (Beth I, 3/5 rating)
- 'Vault toilets and a campground host....
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 003: Far from the restroom and close to a noisy highway; gravel roads and limited shade (rating: 2/5).
- Site 006: The double site has received criticism for lack of privacy and being poorly...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No direct reviews specifically addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities were noted.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there were no specific reviews addressing pet-related policies or amenities.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025