Iron Lake Campground
01 reviewIron Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Camping reservation fees vary by reservation method: $8 if made online or through the app, $9 if made through the contact center, $3 if made in-person.
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About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of a sparkling alpine lake, Iron Lake Campground beckons adventurers with eight intimate campsites that promise tranquility and natural beauty. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table for lakeside dining and a fire ring for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. While you'll find the convenience of piped drinking water and well-maintained vault toilets, the campground embraces a pack-it-out philosophy with no garbage services, encouraging visitors to leave only footprints in this pristine wilderness setting.
Iron Lake Campground consists of eight campsites, primarily catering to tent camping and small RVs. The narrow and rough access road makes it unsuitable for larger RVs or trailers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Iron Lake, where winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who brave the frigid temperatures. As summer arrives, the campground awakens to gentle breezes and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking, fishing, and lounging by the water's edge. Be prepared for mountain weather's mercurial nature—even summer nights can bring a chill that makes that campfire especially welcoming.
ElevationPerched in the rarified air of the high alpine zone, Iron Lake Campground offers that breathtaking mountain experience where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and every breath reminds you that you've escaped to somewhere truly special.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like waters reflecting jagged peaks that pierce the morning sky, while ancient pines whisper secrets in the mountain breeze. Iron Lake serves as your basecamp for exploring a landscape carved by time and ice, where craggy summits stand sentinel over deep forests that shelter wildlife and wonder. For anglers seeking variety, the nearby Hat Lakes provide additional casting opportunities, each tucked like jewels into the mountain terrain.
Geological RegionSet within a dramatic amphitheater of craggy peaks, Iron Lake occupies a glacially-carved basin where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of raw beauty. Dense pine forests cascade down steep mountainsides to meet the lake's edge, creating a perfect harmony between water, stone, and timber that defines the high alpine experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground features eight campsites but provides no details on the size of these sites.
Sites PrivacyNo information about the privacy levels of the campsites is available.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo data available for individual site recommendations.
Best CampsitesNo data available for individual site ratings.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEight individual campsites located along the lakeshore.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable as this campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is entirely first-come, first-served; reservations are not available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations allowed prior to the check-in date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee and incur a $10 fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Iron Lake Campground provides access to various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing in the nearby lake and hiking trails leading to additional lakes to the south. The campground also offers a scenic drive with views of craggy peaks and pine forests.
Hiking
A trail from the campground leads to Hat Lakes to the south, offering opportunities for lake fishing and exploration.Fishing
Fishing is available in the lake at the campground, and additional opportunities exist at Hat Lakes, accessible via a nearby trail.Boating
Carry-down access for non-motorized boats is available, allowing visitors to explore the lake.Winter Activities
The weather data suggests that the area experiences frigid conditions with snowfall, potentially supporting limited winter recreation activities.Water Sports
The campground supports non-motorized water sports, such as canoeing and kayaking, through its carry-down boat access.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsRough mountain roads; potential wildlife encounters.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.4 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
Emergency services located in Salmon (~5 miles).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground does not offer garbage services, and visitors are expected to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Iron Lake. Hat Lakes nearby accessible via trails for additional fishing and water activities.
Common complaintsLong, difficult drive to reach the campground and rough roads. Limited amenities (no garbage services).
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Salmon, go 5 miles south on US 93, then west 20 miles on Forest Road 021, and 21 miles south on FR 020 (Salmon River Mountain Road). FR 020 is a narrow, rough mountain road requiring slow and careful driving.
FR 020 is a narrow, rough mountain road requiring slow and careful driving.Nearby places
Salmon (~5 Miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Salmon (~5 miles).
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Iron Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the scenic setting, proximity to fishing opportunities, and the shaded campsites in the high alpine environment. However, the rough access road is a common concern.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlighted the scenic beauty of the lake, shaded campsites, and availability of fishing opportunities. The campground's location along a scenic drive was also appreciated.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The main issue mentioned in user reviews is the difficulty of the narrow and rough access road, which requires careful driving and is unsuitable for larger vehicles like campers over 12 feet.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Potential visitors are advised to avoid bringing large campers due to the road conditions and to be prepared to pack out their garbage as no trash services are available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The high alpine location and weather data suggest that the campground is best suited for visits during warmer months, as frigid temperatures and potential snowfall occur during winter.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice place to take the family. Long drive and I don't recommend bringing a camper over 12 ft. Fishing is pretty good. Campground is nice and has shade." - Travis Shinderling
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews by site number are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025