Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)
4.1536 reviewsCold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id)
$10.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground operates on a Scan and Pay system. Fees range from $10-$30 depending on site type. Group sites are $20-$30, while individual sites are $10-$15. "There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments."
About this campground
Nestled in Idaho's scenic backcountry, Cold Springs Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience near Lost Valley Reservoir. This rustic mountain retreat offers both intimate single-family sites and spacious group camping areas that can welcome gatherings of up to 75 people. Days here unfold with fishing lines cast into pristine waters, boats gliding across the reservoir, and wildlife encounters that remind you why you came to the woods. While you'll find essential amenities like vault toilets and fresh drinking water, the campground embraces its back-to-basics spirit—no RV hookups or trash services mean you'll pack out what you pack in. Gravel roads wind through the sites, leading to parking spurs that put you just steps from your wilderness home.
Cold Springs Campground caters to tent campers, RV campers, and groups. It offers both single-family sites and two large group sites.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Cold Springs into a sun-drenched paradise where daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 82°F before cooling to a crisp 54°F under star-filled skies. With crystal-clear conditions prevailing 94.4% of the time, the campground becomes a stargazer's dream—the Milky Way stretches overhead in all its glory, unobstructed by city lights. While July brings the warmth that makes swimming irresistible, the dry mountain air and dusty trails remind visitors to stay hydrated during their adventures.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet where the air grows thin and pure, Cold Springs offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat. This mile-high sanctuary stays noticeably cooler than the valleys below, creating perfect conditions for the spectacular wildflower displays that paint the meadows in vibrant summer colors.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking up in an expansive mountain meadow where towering ponderosa pines and stately fir trees stand sentinel at the forest's edge. During summer months, the open landscape explodes with wildflowers—splashes of purple lupine, golden balsamroot, and delicate pink paintbrush create nature's own impressionist masterpiece. While most campsites bask in full sunshine (perfect for solar charging and morning coffee), they offer unobstructed views of the surrounding forest tapestry, where each sunrise and sunset paints the pines in ever-changing hues.
Geological RegionCold Springs rests in a natural amphitheater—an open meadow cradled by ancient stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir at 5,000 feet elevation. This high-country ecosystem bursts to life each summer when snowmelt gives way to carpets of wildflowers, creating a living gallery that changes weekly as different species take their turn in the spotlight.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible pit toilets. Gravel roads allow for easier navigation by vehicles and trailers.
Sites SizeThe campground offers single-family, double-family, and group sites ranging from accommodating 75 to 50 guests. Tent pads and picnic areas are separate from parking spurs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies widely, with some sites offering seclusion while others are closely grouped and lack shade.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 26 offers proximity to other sites but lacks shade, according to reviews. "Lots of other sites that could offer more shade/more seclusion."
Best CampsitesGroup sites are highly praised for their spaciousness and privacy. "We got the group area campground for a family reunion. It was plenty large enough to accommodate our large family."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Stay limits are undefined in official materials.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The campground accommodates up to 75 and 50 guests in its group sites, and various additional single-family sites.
Groups
Two group sites are available, accommodating up to 75 and 50 people, respectively. These sites are spacious and secluded, making them ideal for large gatherings such as family reunions.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutRoads and parking spurs are gravel. Sites are arranged in an open meadow with limited shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOperates from June 1 to September 15, with reservations available starting June 25.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov through their website or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are only available for walk-up using the Scan and Pay feature. These sites may not be reserved in advance and must be paid on-site.
Cancellation Policy"There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments."
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cold Springs Campground offers a mix of water-based and land-based activities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hunting. Many amenities are centered around Lost Valley Reservoir, which is a short drive from the campground.
Hiking
Although specific trails are not listed, users have mentioned hiking opportunities around the area. Hiking trails to observe wildlife and explore nature are available.Fishing
Lost Valley Reservoir supports fishing activities. Some users noted good fishing experiences despite occasional overcrowding at the reservoir.Swimming
Swimming in Lost Valley Reservoir is available, although reviews have mentioned that the reservoir is not always accessible.Biking
User reviews suggest opportunities for biking near the campground, although trails are not detailed.Boating
Boating and canoeing are featured activities at Lost Valley Reservoir, with a boat launch located on the southeast shore.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching and observing wildlife are popular activities near the Lost Creek Interpretive Site at the north end of the reservoir.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the provided materials.Water Sports
Canoeing and paddleboarding are supported at Lost Valley Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must use locally sourced firewood to prevent pest spread.
- Quiet hours are "Very quiet after 10."
Hazards
General hazardsDusty conditions and limited water locations are noted as inconveniences. "It can be dusty. There are only 2 water locations." Wildlife presence, such as cows, adds a rural experience.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 - September 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are not provided; campers must pack out their trash as part of the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresLost Valley Reservoir is less than a mile away, offering boating, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. A boat ramp is located on the southeast shore, and Slaughter Gulch Day Use Site is on the west shore.
Common complaints"Bathrooms were not attended to" and "Vault toilets were disgusting" are recurring issues highlighted in the reviews. Noise from generators and 4-wheelers also detracts from the experience.
Host"The camp hosts are so kind and helpful." However, some reviews mention the lack of a visible host during their stay.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom New Meadows, Idaho, take Highway 95 west for 8 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 089, located at the Pine Ridge Store junction. Take the gravel road approximately 2 miles to a fork. Turn left and follow the signs to the campground.
The roads to the campground are gravel and can include washboard sections. "The gravel road in to the campground has a little washboard to it." Some reviews mention deteriorating road conditions ("Gravel road into the campground was fair but deteriorating rapidly"), while others found it manageable ("Getting in the place was pretty easy."). Seasonal accessibility is indicated, and road conditions may vary.Camper Reviews
4.2
36 reviews
Cold Springs Campground - Payette Nf (Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Cold Springs Campground reveal mixed opinions. While users appreciate the rustic feel, wildlife, and proximity to Lost Valley Reservoir, criticisms include poorly maintained bathrooms, close campsite spacing, and lack of shade. Users frequently note it as ideal for large groups but less accommodating for smaller gatherings due to crowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include wildlife viewing, opportunities for boating and fishing, the scenic environment, and spacious group sites. Camp hosts were praised in some reviews for their helpfulness.
Based on 36 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include dirty and poorly maintained vault toilets, lack of shade at campsites, noise from generators, and overcrowding. Some users also criticized the lack of cell service and...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend visiting for a rustic experience and bringing supplies such as garbage bags due to the pack-in/pack-out policy. Selecting shaded sites can improve comfort during hot weather.
Based on 36 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate higher satisfaction during cooler months compared to hot summer periods, when dust and heat can be problematic. Noise complaints were more frequent during peak seasons.
Based on 36 reviewsCamper Quotes
"No cell service up there was a big bummer." - Dry Ice
"Bathrooms were not attended to." - Suzanne S
"Loved being able to see so many stars." - Nikki Johnson
"Great place to stay. You must understand...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #26 offers limited shade and privacy. Group site GA1 is noted for its spaciousness and privacy. Site #27 experienced issues with reservation mishandling.
Based on 36 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible pit toilets are available, but their cleanliness has been criticized. Gravel roads facilitate access for vehicles and trailers.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, as noted in reviews mentioning the presence of dogs throughout the campground.
Based on 36 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025