Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area
00 review3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654
Lost Valley Reservoir 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
There are no fees associated with dispersed camping at Lost Valley Reservoir.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Lost Valley Reservoir, where primitive camping meets pristine wilderness in the heart of Idaho's backcountry. This dispersed camping haven invites adventurers to claim their own piece of paradise along the reservoir's edge, far from the crowds and constraints of developed campgrounds. Without the distractions of hookups or facilities, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of the Payette National Forest, where the only amenities are the ones nature provides—star-filled skies, fresh mountain air, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore.
The Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area is specifically designated for dispersed camping with no developed facilities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Lost Valley, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the camping area into a frozen wonderland. As temperatures plunge and snow accumulates, the reservoir becomes a serene ice-bound jewel, perfect for those seeking solitude and winter camping adventures. Come summer, the area awakens under warm sunshine and crystal-clear skies, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, and lazy afternoons by the water. The shoulder seasons bring their own magic, with spring wildflowers and autumn's golden display painting the surrounding forest in vibrant hues.
Natural Features and SceneryLost Valley Reservoir sits like a hidden gem amidst a sea of evergreen forest, where towering pines and firs create a natural amphitheater around the sparkling waters. The undeveloped shoreline offers countless secret coves and peaceful spots to pitch your tent, each with its own view of the reservoir's mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding peaks. Wildlife thrives in this undisturbed habitat, where early risers might spot deer coming to drink at dawn, while eagles soar overhead and the forest echoes with birdsong throughout the day.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged expanse of Payette National Forest, Lost Valley Reservoir occupies a natural basin carved by ancient geological forces. This remote corner of Idaho showcases the region's volcanic past, with the surrounding landscape bearing witness to millennia of natural sculpting. The dispersed camping environment allows visitors to experience the forest as it was meant to be—wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful. The reservoir itself serves as the centerpiece of this geological wonderland, its waters filling a valley that perfectly captures the essence of Idaho's untouched wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information available on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe dispersed camping locations do not provide specific site sizes.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are located adjacent to the reservoir, indicating limited privacy due to the open layout.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed sites surrounding Lost Valley Reservoir.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come-first-served as standard for dispersed camping.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The recreational opportunities at the Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area include fishing, motorized boating, and hunting. These activities are supported by the proximity to the reservoir and surrounding forest.
Fishing
Fishing is specifically mentioned as an activity at the reservoir, though details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.Boating
Motorized boating is explicitly mentioned as an activity at the reservoir. However, there are no details about docking facilities or boat rentals.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports are only represented by motorized boating; other activities like kayaking or paddleboarding are not discussed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be permitted but within general dispersed camping guidelines.
Hazards
General hazardsAccess to some campsites may be difficult for large RVs. No specific wildlife hazards are noted.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency services and ranger assistance can be found at the New Meadows Ranger District, though currently noted as temporarily closed.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo mention of trash or recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Lost Valley Reservoir.
Common complaintsLack of amenities and difficult access for larger vehicles.
Campground Map
3674 Highway 95 New Meadows, ID 83654
Driving directionsEight miles southwest of New Meadows on US hwy 95, east on Forest Road #89 to Lost Valley Reservoir. Sites are located adjacent to the reservoir in many locations.
Access to most sites is difficult with a large RV. Roads to the area are unpaved and lack amenities.Nearby places
New Meadows - 8 miles southwest
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are presumably available in New Meadows, 8 miles away, given its proximity as the nearest city.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Lost Valley Reservoir Camping Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no user reviews provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews to highlight positive aspects.
Common Concerns
No user reviews to highlight common complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends can be identified due to a lack of user reviews.
Camper Quotes
No direct user quotes are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews discussing pet policies or experiences with pets are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025