Williams Lake Campground

Star0
1 review
Williams Lake Campground, Salmon Field Office, 1206 South Challis Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Williams Lake Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Recreation Use fees vary by location and activities, ranging from $3 to $8. Reservation service fees are $8 for online bookings, $9 for contact...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-756-5400BLM_ID_SalmonOffice@blm.gov

About this campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Williams Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem attracts those seeking solitude and authentic outdoor experiences, where the gentle lapping of lake waters mingles with the whisper of wind through towering pines. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters of Williams Lake, exploring endless hiking trails that weave through the forest, or saddling up for backcountry horseback adventures, this peaceful retreat serves as your gateway to Idaho's untamed beauty.
Williams Lake Campground provides basic camping accommodations with sites available for tents. It does not include advanced amenities or alternative lodging options.
Weather and SeasonsEarly season camping at Williams Lake rewards the adventurous with crisp mountain air and peaceful solitude. During week 8, expect invigorating temperatures that hover around 49°F during sun-warmed afternoons before dipping to a refreshing 32°F under star-filled nights. The weather typically delivers mostly clear skies with gentle cloud cover, though Mother Nature occasionally dusts the landscape with light snow (10.81% chance) or sprinkles it with rain (7.14% chance). These cool conditions create perfect weather for cozy campfires, hot morning coffee, and the kind of deep sleep only mountain air can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryWilliams Lake Campground immerses visitors in a stunning tapestry of Idaho's natural splendor. The jewel-like waters of Williams Lake reflect the surrounding forest canopy, creating a mirror world of emerald greens and sky blues. Ancient conifers stand sentinel around the campground, their branches creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The peaceful creek that feeds the lake provides a soothing soundtrack, while the encompassing wilderness of the Salmon-Challis National Forest stretches endlessly in every direction, promising adventure and discovery.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Williams Lake Campground sits in a remarkable geological wonderland where ancient mountains tell stories written in stone. This rugged landscape, sculpted by millennia of natural forces, features dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and pristine alpine lakes. The surrounding mountainous terrain creates a diverse ecosystem where dense coniferous forests give way to meadows and rocky outcroppings, all centered around the serene waters of Williams Lake—a testament to the powerful geological forces that shaped this corner of Idaho.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described for Williams Lake Campground.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo details regarding campsite privacy (secluded or clustered) are available.
Total Campsites11 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Groups
No information regarding group site size or capacity is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 11 individual sites, but no specific layout or loop information is provided.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations allowed; walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available for this campground. General cancellation policies for other facilities include a $10 fee for modifications and cancellations, with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations.

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Williams Lake Campground include hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. The nearby lake and creek provide ample opportunities for anglers.
Hiking
Williams Lake Campground offers hiking opportunities into the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Specific trail details, lengths, or difficulty levels are not provided.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby lake and creek. No specific details about fish species or fishing quality are mentioned.
Boating
The lake at Williams Lake Campground can be accessed at the Forest Service boat ramp. No further details about boat types or docking facilities are provided.
Winter Activities
No information about winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing is provided.
Water Sports
No specific information about non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather forecast

31
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 45%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 9.3 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Nearest emergency services are located in Salmon, Idaho, approximately 13 miles away. Emergency facilities likely include hospitals, police stations, and fire services.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNear Williams Lake, accessible via a Forest Service boat ramp and day-use area.
Common complaintsOne user review noted: "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

Williams Lake Campground, Salmon Field Office, 1206 South Challis Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Driving directionsApproximately 13 miles from Salmon, Idaho. From Salmon, travel five miles south on Highway 93, turn right at the Shoup Bridge and then eight miles to the lake. Follow the signs.
The campground is accessible via a mix of highway (Highway 93) and local roads. Roads may not be paved entirely, and navigation relies on following signs. No specific seasonal closures or challenges mentioned.
Nearby places
Salmon, ID (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive time)
Nearby supplies
The closest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are situated in Salmon, Idaho, approximately 13 miles away.

Camper Reviews

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Williams Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Williams Lake Campground highlight mixed experiences. Some users appreciate the natural surroundings and fishing opportunities, while others express disappointment regarding the lack of direct lake access from campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments include the natural beauty of Williams Lake and the opportunities for fishing and hiking in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

One review mentions a peculiar lack of direct lake access from the campsites despite the campground's proximity to Williams Lake.
Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific user-provided tips or recommendations are noted.
Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends in user reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviews

Camper 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." - Samuel DeGrey
Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to campsite numbers or locations within the campground are provided.
Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences are available.
Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews concerning pet-friendly policies or features are included.
Based on 1 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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