Josephus Lake Campground
02 reviewsJosephus 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 fees are charged for camping at this site. Note: The campground is not routinely maintained.
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About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where three intimate campsites rest along the pristine shores of Josephus Lake, offering an authentic wilderness escape. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for memorable evenings under the stars, while a convenient vault toilet ensures basic comfort in this remote paradise. Adventure beckons just steps from your tent, as a scenic hiking trail winds directly from the campground into the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, opening doors to some of Idaho's most untouched backcountry.
Josephus Lake Campground is categorized as a dispersed camping site in Salmon-Challis National Forest. It offers three designated campsites suitable for tent camping. User reviews also describe additional small camping spots accessible by crossing a shallow river.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late to this mountain sanctuary, with the campground welcoming visitors starting July 1st when the high country finally sheds its snowy blanket. Peak season brings the delightful unpredictability of mountain weather – brilliant blue skies and comfortable temperatures often reign, though wise campers pack layers for those crisp mornings and potential afternoon thundershowers. As autumn fades, winter transforms this landscape into a frozen wonderland, with deep snows and bone-chilling temperatures creating a dramatically different but equally stunning scene.
Natural Features and SceneryJosephus Lake captivates visitors with its crystalline waters reflecting the surrounding forest canopy, creating a mirror-like surface that invites quiet contemplation. Though modest in size, this jewel of a lake compensates with remarkable clarity and serenity that makes it perfect for peaceful paddleboard excursions – its intimate scale and protected setting mean motorboats would only disturb the tranquility. Towering conifers encircle the campground, their branches filtering sunlight into dappled patterns while providing natural privacy between sites and framing postcard-worthy views across the water.
Geological RegionPerched at the gateway to the legendary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, this campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of America's last truly wild frontiers. This rugged landscape represents the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states, where untamed rivers carve through ancient canyons and pristine forests stretch beyond the horizon. The remote character of this region promises genuine solitude and the kind of raw, unspoiled nature that has become increasingly rare in our modern world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in any sources.
Sites SizeUser reviews do not provide specific measurements or classifications of campsite sizes, but they suggest the sites are small and suitable for tent camping.
Sites PrivacyThe three main campsites appear to be clustered rather than secluded, as user reviews note their high occupancy during visits.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrival at earlier hours is recommended due to limited capacity. Bringing a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable for navigating the access road.
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in provided sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three dispersed campsites along Josephus Lake, each outfitted with a picnic table and fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins July 1.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly walk-up availability; there are no reservations for this site. User reviews mention that the limited number of campsites (3) can fill quickly, so an early arrival is recommended.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Josephus Lake Campground provides opportunities for dispersed camping and picnicking. The hiking trail from the campground leads west into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, offering scenic views and access to the Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. User reviews emphasize the beauty and peacefulness of the lake, which is suitable for paddleboarding.
Hiking
Official sources note the presence of a hiking trail heading west into the wilderness, branching through lake-filled regions to reach the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. User reviews highlight the scenic nature of these trails.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the provided sources.Water Sports
User reviews suggest paddleboarding as a potential water activity on the lake. Other water sports are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazards"The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky," posing a potential hazard for vehicles without good ground clearance. The remote and unmaintained nature of the campground might also necessitate careful planning.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingDetails about trash and recycling facilities are not provided in any sources.
Proximity to water featuresThe sites are directly on Josephus Lake, which is described as clear and peaceful, and suitable for non-motorized watercraft.
Common complaints"The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky & there's about 18 miles of it." Additionally, all three campsites were mentioned as being occupied during one reviewer's visit, highlighting limited availability.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Stanley, go north 17 miles on Highway 21 and turn on forest road 008. The campground is about 18 miles north on forest road 008.
"You will definitely want to take a vehicle with good ground clearance." User reviews also note: "The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky & there's about 18 miles of it. It took about an hour & a half to drive it."Nearby places
Stanley - 17 miles south (on Highway 21), plus 18 miles on unpaved Forest Road 008.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Josephus Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. They emphasize the need for vehicles with high ground clearance due to the challenging access road and note that the three campsites can be fully occupied during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the beautiful and peaceful lake and the availability of fire rings at campsites. One review states, 'The lake is small, but very pretty, clear & peaceful, good for paddleboards....
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Users frequently mention the poor condition of the access road as a significant drawback: 'The road is narrow, bumpy, incredibly rocky & there's about 18 miles of it. It took about an hour & a half...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest arriving early to secure one of the three campsites, especially during peak periods. They also recommend using a truck or vehicle with high ground clearance to navigate the access road.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews do not provide detailed insights into seasonal trends, but they emphasize challenges related to road conditions and campsite availability, which may vary throughout the year.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The lake is small, but very pretty, clear & peaceful, good for paddleboards. There were lots of trees.' 'This is a must-do destination. You will definitely want to take a vehicle with good ground...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users mention three main campsites that are often fully occupied. One review notes additional small camping spots across a shallow river, though these lack bathroom facilities.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews do not address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not mentioned in any user reviews or official sources.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025