Williams Lake Campground
01 reviewWilliams 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 fees vary by location. Reservation fees are typically $8 online or app, $9 contact center, $3 in person.
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About this campground
Perched at an impressive 4,500 feet above sea level, this mountain sanctuary offers adventurers a pristine escape where crystal-clear Williams Lake serves as your backyard. Cast your line into waters teeming with rainbow trout, or perfect your fly fishing technique in the gentle inlet streams. A thoughtfully designed picnic area invites families and friends to gather lakeside, creating memories against a backdrop of towering peaks and endless sky.
Williams Lake Campground features two walk-in or boat-in campsites. "Trailhead to 2 walk-in or boat-in campsites" is explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceStep into the footsteps of pioneers and explorers at the nearby Thunder Mountain National Historic Trail trailhead. This storied pathway connects modern adventurers to the rich tapestry of the American West, where Native peoples, fur traders, and gold seekers once traversed these rugged mountains. Your camping experience becomes part of a continuing legacy of wilderness exploration that has drawn people to these peaks for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of all four seasons in this high-altitude haven. When winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, Williams Lake becomes a premier ice fishing destination where patient anglers are rewarded beneath clear, crisp skies. The region's characteristically dry winters mean more sunny days on the ice, while moderate precipitation throughout the year keeps the landscape lush and the lake levels perfect. Light snowfall dusts the surrounding peaks, creating picture-perfect vistas without overwhelming access to this year-round outdoor playground.
ElevationAt 4,500 feet, this high-country campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine adventure. The elevation provides naturally cooler temperatures during summer months, making it an ideal retreat from valley heat. Positioned directly adjacent to Williams Lake, campers wake to mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of mountain waters against the shore.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where dramatic mountain peaks frame every view and Williams Lake sparkles like a sapphire set in emerald forest. The scenic vistas here are nothing short of breathtaking, with rugged ridgelines etching themselves against expansive skies. Morning mists dance across the water's surface while evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and gold, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this campground sits in one of the lower 48's most pristine and untouched landscapes. This protected forest encompasses millions of acres of diverse ecosystems, from dense coniferous forests to alpine meadows, creating a haven for wildlife and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe picnic area and fishing area at the campground are fully accessible. Five picnic tables with connecting walkways provide accessibility-friendly options.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWalk-in/boat-in sites recommended for fishing enthusiasts.
Best CampsitesNo explicit campsites identified as best.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no mention of specific group camping facilities.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutPicnic area includes 5 accessible tables overlooking the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonNo explicit open/closed season details.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not applicable since the campground is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served; exact count of walk-up sites not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellation fees apply, typically $10 and forfeit first night's fees.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Williams Lake Campground offers several recreational activities. Fishing for rainbow trout in the lake is highly popular, and the inlet provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. In the winter, campers can engage in ice fishing. The Thunder Mountain National Historic Trail is accessible from a trailhead at the end of FR 028. "Fantastic fly fishing in the inlet" and "ice fishing in the winter" are highlighted activities.
Hiking
The Thunder Mountain National Historic Trail begins at the campground, providing opportunities for hiking. However, no specific details about trail length or difficulty are provided.Fishing
Fishing at Williams Lake is a standout activity, with rainbow trout being the main attraction. The inlet is noted for its "fantastic fly fishing."Winter Activities
Ice fishing is available during the winter months.Water Sports
No information about water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- null
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal snow accumulation can occur; no additional hazards mentioned.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThere is no information about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Williams Lake but no direct lake access from campsites.
Common complaintsUser review noted lack of direct lake access: 'Kind of weird that it's a campsite on a lake that (as far as I have seen) has no direct access to the lake.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Salmon, go 15 miles south on US 93 and Forest Road 028. Go past the Williams Lake Resort to north side of the lake.
No explicit notes on road accessibility quality; null.Nearby places
Salmon: ~15 miles, but other nearby cities not mentioned.
Nearby supplies
The full-service resort on the south shore includes a tackle shop and a restaurant
other details about supply locations are missing but are possibly on-site.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Williams Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground generally receives a mixed reception. Despite its overall popularity being labeled as 'less visited,' its average sentiment score is 4.63 for general recreation, but notably lower at 3.0 for camping experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
None provided in the authoritative content.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One review highlighted, 'Kind of weird that it's a campsite on a lake that (as far as I have seen) has no direct access to the lake.'
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific tips or recommendations were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific trends in user reviews for different seasons were noted.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Kind of weird that it's a campsite on a lake that (as far as I have seen) has no direct access to the lake."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews were provided for individual campsites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews directly addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specific to pet policies or pet-related experiences were mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025