Black Lee Camping Area

Star0
1 review
Black Lee Camping Area
$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 fees are charged for camping at this dispersed site.
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About this campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Payette National Forest, Black Lee Camping Area offers an authentic backcountry experience just 15 miles from McCall along the scenic Lick Creek Road. This dispersed camping gem within the McCall Ranger District provides a peaceful retreat with space for approximately 10 campsites, perfect for those seeking solitude and a genuine connection with Idaho's untamed landscape.
Black Lee Camping Area is a remote, dispersed camping site suitable for campers looking for minimal facilities and an off-the-grid experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile Black Lee may not boast historic landmarks or ancient cultural sites, its significance lies in the timeless appeal of unspoiled wilderness. This area represents the enduring spirit of dispersed camping in America's public lands, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have come to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Weather and SeasonsBlack Lee transforms with the seasons, offering year-round adventure for the prepared camper. Winter brings a blanket of snow that turns the area into a wonderland, though freezing temperatures demand proper cold-weather gear. Summer rewards visitors with gloriously dry conditions and crystal-clear skies that showcase spectacular stargazing opportunities. The comfortable summer weather creates ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and simply soaking in the tranquility of the forest.
ElevationNestled within the varied topography of the Payette National Forest, Black Lee sits at an elevation that provides a refreshing mountain atmosphere. While specific elevation details await your discovery, the site's mountain location ensures cooler temperatures and that crisp, pine-scented air that makes Idaho's high country so memorable.
Natural Features and SceneryBlack Lee's expansive open meadow creates a natural amphitheater surrounded by the embrace of dense forest. The transition from sunny field to shaded woodland offers diverse ecosystems to explore, while nearby wet wooded areas hint at hidden springs and the possibility of wildlife encounters. This blend of open space and forest cover provides both sunny spots for afternoon relaxation and cool, shaded retreats when the day grows warm.
Geological RegionSituated within the vast Payette National Forest, Black Lee exemplifies the region's diverse geology where ancient volcanic activity and glacial forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling forests and hidden meadows. The area's wet zones suggest the presence of natural springs or seasonal streams, adding to the rich tapestry of this Idaho wilderness. This dispersed camping area showcases the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies ecosystem, where forest meets meadow in perfect harmony.

Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the available materials.
Sites SizeSpace for approximately three to ten campsites in close proximity to each other.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are in close proximity to each other, reducing the level of privacy. Additionally, the open field layout means there is limited natural screening between sites.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe review suggests that there are better dispersed camping options along Lick Creek Road.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers or locations are indicated as better than others.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDescribed as a big open field with wet wooded areas nearby.
Open and Closed SeasonNot specified.
Reservation PlatformsN/A
Walk-in AvailabilityThe site operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as it is dispersed camping.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as no reservations are required.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

As a dispersed camping area, Black Lee Camping Area doesn't offer organized activities or facilities, but the surrounding natural environment provides opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned in the source materials.
Water Sports
No mention of water sports is available in the source materials.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Not specified.
  • Quiet hours are Not specified.

Hazards

General hazardsUsers have described the surrounding woods as mosquito-infested and wet, which might pose a nuisance or hazard during certain times.
Active alertsNo active alerts were mentioned.

Weather forecast

74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 43%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 10.6 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Good to know

Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific proximity to water bodies is mentioned.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate dissatisfaction with the lack of shade, the mosquito-infested nature of the woods, and the overall lack of amenities.
HostNo host information is available.

Campground Map

Driving directionsApproximately 15 miles from McCall on Lick Creek Road, McCall Ranger District.
Access is via Lick Creek Road, which is implied to be unpaved based on the site's dispersed nature, but no specific road condition details are available.
Nearby places
McCall (~15 miles).

Camper Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Black Lee Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Black Lee Camping Area highlight its very basic and primitive nature. It is often referred to as an overflow area for Lick Creek Road camping spots. Users emphasize the lack of shade and the proximity to mosquito-prone wet woods.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

The area is appreciated for its vault toilet, which is a unique feature for dispersed camping. Campers looking for a minimalistic, remote experience might find this site suitable.
Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

Users expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of shade and the mosquito-infested woods. Additionally, several reviews noted that better camping spots are available along Lick Creek Road.
Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to check for other dispersed camping areas along Lick Creek Road that are marked with a tent symbol as they might offer better shade and amenities.
Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mosquito populations appear to be high during the warmer months, which adds to the challenges of camping in the open field or near the wooded areas.
Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I'd consider this the 'overflow camping' of Lick Creek Road. It's basically a big open field with a vault toilet. In order to get a tent into shade, you have to jam it back into mosquito-infested...
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Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or detailed reviews about individual sites were provided.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were available.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There were no reviews or comments regarding pet policies or pet experiences.
Based on 1 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Payette National Forest
Black Lee Camping Area