Black Lee Campground

For those in Idaho seeking a no-frills, open-field camping experience within the beautiful Payette National Forest, Black Lee Campground offers a straightforward option near McCall. While it might not boast the extensive amenities of a developed campground, Black Lee provides a spacious and accessible area for setting up camp, particularly on busy weekends when other dispersed sites along Lick Creek Road might be occupied. It’s a spot that emphasizes simplicity and provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Black Lee Campground is essentially a large, open field, making it an ideal choice for larger groups or those with bigger setups that require more space. It’s a testament to Idaho’s commitment to providing diverse camping opportunities, from full-service RV parks to more primitive, dispersed sites. Here, you can enjoy the vastness of the landscape and the fresh mountain air, all while being a short drive from the recreational hub of McCall. It’s a perfect option for locals who appreciate the essence of camping without the need for excessive facilities, valuing open space and accessibility above all else.

Black Lee Campground is situated within the expansive Payette National Forest, just outside the popular resort town of McCall, Idaho. Its address, McCall, ID 83638, USA, places it conveniently close to town while still offering an immersive wilderness experience. The campground is located along the scenic Lick Creek Road, a route renowned for its access to various outdoor activities and dispersed camping opportunities.

Accessing Black Lee Campground typically involves traversing Lick Creek Road, which, while scenic, can be a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. Visitors should be prepared for varying road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons or after significant weather events. While generally accessible for most vehicles, those with low clearance might find some sections challenging. It’s always advisable to check local road conditions before heading out, particularly if traveling with a larger RV or trailer. The proximity to McCall means that supplies and services are never too far away, offering a good balance between a rustic camping experience and convenient access to town amenities. The campground’s setting within the Payette National Forest ensures a genuine Idaho mountain experience, surrounded by dense forests and the potential for incredible wildlife viewing.

Black Lee Campground offers a very basic set of services, aligning with its role as a more primitive, open-field camping area. Its primary focus is to provide essential facilities for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay.

• Open Field Camping: The campground is characterized by a large, open grassy area, offering ample space for various camping setups, including tents, trailers, and RVs. This open layout is particularly beneficial for those seeking more elbow room than traditional designated campsites.

• Vault Toilets: The most significant amenity provided at Black Lee Campground is the presence of a vault toilet. This essential facility ensures basic sanitation for campers, a crucial convenience in a more undeveloped setting.

• No Designated Sites: Unlike many developed campgrounds, Black Lee does not feature individual, clearly marked campsites. Campers are free to choose their spot within the open field, allowing for flexibility in setup.

• No Potable Water: Visitors should be aware that there is no potable water available at Black Lee Campground. Campers must bring their own drinking water for the duration of their stay.

• No Trash Services: In line with Leave No Trace principles, there are no trash receptacles provided. Campers are responsible for packing out all of their waste, including garbage and recycling, to help maintain the pristine natural environment.

• No Hookups: As a primitive camping area, Black Lee Campground does not offer any electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers.

• Creek Access: While not an explicit service, the campground’s proximity to a creek is a notable feature, offering access to natural water sources (for non-potable uses like washing or filtering for drinking) and the soothing sounds of flowing water.

While Black Lee Campground leans towards a more rustic experience, it offers several key features and highlights that make it a notable option for certain types of campers in Idaho.

• Spacious Open Field: The primary highlight of Black Lee is its large, expansive open field. This provides considerable room for campers, making it ideal for those who prefer not to be confined to small, individual sites. It's particularly useful for larger groups or if you have a sizable RV or trailer that needs plenty of maneuvering space.

• Overflow Camping Solution: Many locals consider Black Lee the go-to spot when other more popular dispersed camping areas along Lick Creek Road are full. Its capacity makes it a reliable backup, especially during peak seasons or busy weekends, ensuring you can still find a place to set up camp.

• Vault Toilet Availability: The presence of a vault toilet is a significant convenience for a primitive campground. It offers a cleaner and more accessible restroom option compared to truly undeveloped dispersed camping, enhancing the comfort of your stay.

• Proximity to Creek: The campground's location near a creek is a definite plus. This offers the soothing sounds of running water, potential opportunities for wading or exploring, and a natural water source (though not for drinking without proper filtration/treatment).

• Gateway to Lick Creek Road Adventures: Black Lee serves as an excellent base for exploring the myriad of recreational opportunities along Lick Creek Road. This area is known for its extensive network of hiking, biking, and off-roading trails, as well as access to various lakes and streams for fishing and other water activities.

• Simple, Unplugged Experience: For those seeking to truly disconnect from modern distractions, Black Lee provides a perfect environment. With minimal amenities and often limited to no cell service, it encourages a back-to-basics camping experience focused on nature.

• Natural Beauty: Despite its simplicity, the surrounding Payette National Forest offers stunning natural beauty, including dense forests, mountain views, and clean air, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure.

As Black Lee Campground is a more primitive and less developed site within the Payette National Forest, direct phone contact for the campground itself is typically not available. For general information about the area, road conditions, or other forest-related inquiries, it is best to contact the local Forest Service office.

Address: McCall, ID 83638, USA

For more specific details or current conditions, consider reaching out to the Payette National Forest Headquarters or the McCall Ranger District:

Payette National Forest Headquarters Phone: (208) 634-0400

Please note that this general forest service number may not provide specific, real-time information about Black Lee Campground's immediate status, but they can offer broader guidance on the area.

For Idaho locals, Black Lee Campground presents a unique and practical option, particularly for those familiar with the nuances of mountain camping and who appreciate a more self-reliant experience. It serves a crucial role as an "overflow camping" spot, as noted by local visitors, especially on bustling weekends when other, perhaps more popular, dispersed sites along Lick Creek Road are full. Its generous open-field layout is a major draw, providing ample space that many developed campgrounds lack, perfect for those with larger setups or who simply crave more personal space.

The presence of a vault toilet, while basic, is a significant amenity for a site of this nature, elevating it above true roadside dispersed camping and offering a necessary convenience. While a past review mentions potential issues with mosquitoes in shaded areas, this is a common challenge in many natural Idaho settings, particularly near water sources, and can be mitigated with proper preparation. The beauty of Black Lee lies in its simplicity and accessibility to the vast recreational opportunities of the Lick Creek area. It’s an ideal choice for locals who understand and appreciate primitive camping, offering a straightforward base camp for hiking, exploring, or simply enjoying the peaceful Idaho wilderness without the crowds. It’s a testament to the rugged, independent spirit of Idaho’s outdoor enthusiasts, providing exactly what’s needed for a genuine, unplugged escape.

Black Lee Campground

McCall, ID 83638, USA