Grouse Group Picnic Site (recgovnpsdata)

For Idahoans who truly appreciate getting away from it all and immersing themselves in the state's spectacular natural landscapes, Grouse Group Picnic Site, nestled within the larger Grouse Campground area near New Meadows, offers an idyllic retreat. Located on the picturesque banks of Goose Lake, this U.S. Forest Service (USFS) managed area is more than just a picnic spot; it's a gateway to peaceful camping, excellent recreation, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. If you're a local seeking a serene forest experience with easy lake access and a chance to truly disconnect, Grouse Group Picnic Site and its surrounding campground provide a perfect setting.

Idaho is a treasure trove of outdoor wonders, from its rugged mountains to its pristine lakes, and the Goose Lake area within the Payette National Forest is a shining example of this natural bounty. While the "Grouse Group Picnic Site" specifically refers to a day-use area, it is intrinsically linked to the "Grouse Campground" which offers overnight camping. This area is known for its quiet ambiance, especially in the off-peak season, and its stunning natural beauty, as evidenced by observations of "beautiful" fall colors and even a "Black Bear along the road." We understand that local users value well-maintained facilities, direct access to recreational activities, and the chance to experience Idaho's wildlife firsthand. Grouse provides all this, making it an excellent choice for a genuine Idaho wilderness escape.

In the following sections, we will delve into the precise location and accessibility of Grouse Group Picnic Site and Grouse Campground, outlining how easily you can reach this tranquil spot from nearby towns like McCall and New Meadows. We’ll detail the services and features that contribute to its appeal, including its camping options, amenities, and the diverse recreational activities available on Goose Lake and in the surrounding forest. Finally, we’ll provide essential contact information and offer a comprehensive overview of why this area is not just another outdoor spot, but a truly suitable and highly recommended destination for Idaho locals eager to embrace the majestic beauty of the Payette National Forest.

Grouse Group Picnic Site and the associated Grouse Campground are located near New Meadows, ID 83654, USA, specifically on the shores of Goose Lake within the Payette National Forest. This location places it approximately 16 miles from the popular town of McCall, making it a relatively accessible mountain and lake retreat for Idaho locals.

To reach Grouse, travel 5 miles northwest on Highway 55 from McCall or New Meadows, then turn right onto Goose Lake Road/Brundage Mountain Resort Road/Forest Road 257. Continue for approximately 9 miles north on Goose Lake Road (which becomes a gravel surface after about 4 miles) until you see the Grouse Campground sign. Turn left onto Forest Road 273 and drive about a quarter mile to the campground entrance. The roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers, though caution should always be exercised on gravel forest roads, especially during varying weather conditions.

The site's setting on Goose Lake is a key aspect of its accessibility, providing direct access for water-based activities. While the lake's water level can vary, as one reviewer noted (lower in fall), its presence always enhances the natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area around Grouse is known for its picturesque drives, with "beautiful" scenery and "lush vegetation," making the journey itself part of the experience. This blend of natural seclusion and manageable access from nearby communities makes Grouse Group Picnic Site and Campground a convenient and appealing destination for Idahoans seeking to explore the state's central wilderness.

Grouse Group Picnic Site is a non-fee day-use area located within the larger Grouse Campground, both managed by the US Forest Service. This combined area offers a range of services and features designed for both day visitors and overnight campers.

Services Offered (for Grouse Campground, which includes the Picnic Site):

• Campsites: Grouse Campground offers 21 individual campsites, including single and double-family sites. These sites are accessible and can accommodate tents and RVs/trailers (typically up to 35-45 feet). Roads and parking spurs are gravel.

• First-Come, First-Serve / Reservable Sites: While some sites may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, many sites at Grouse Campground are reservable through Recreation.gov, especially during peak season. Campers should check availability in advance.

• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets (CXT restrooms) are available throughout the campground and at the picnic site for sanitation needs.

• Potable Drinking Water: Potable water is available at central spigots within the campground via hand pumps. It's advisable to bring extra water, especially if you have an RV, as hoses cannot typically be attached to the pumps.

• Picnic Tables: Every campsite and the group picnic site include a picnic table.

• Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite has a fire ring, often with a grill grate, for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).

• Horse Facilities: A horse-unloading ramp and hitching rail are provided in the campground near the boat ramp, catering to equestrian enthusiasts.

• Camp Host: There is typically a volunteer camp host on-site during the operational season (generally early July to mid-September) who assists campers and helps maintain the facilities.

• No Trash Services: It is important to note that this is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility for trash. Campers must bring garbage bags and take all trash with them upon departure.

• Fee: There is a nightly camping fee, typically $10 for a single site and $15 for a double site, payable via cash/check at a self-pay station or through the Recreation.gov app for first-come, first-serve sites.

Features / Highlights:

• Lakeside Location on Goose Lake: The most prominent feature is its beautiful setting directly on the shores of Goose Lake. The group picnic site is "located on the banks of Goose Lake next to the boat ramp."

• No-Wake Lake: Goose Lake is a "no-wake" lake, meaning motorized use is permitted but at slow speeds, creating a very peaceful environment ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and quiet relaxation.

• Excellent Fishing: Goose Lake is known for its good fishing, offering rainbow and brook trout, making it a popular spot for anglers.

• Abundant Wildlife: The surrounding forest is rich in wildlife. Reviewers have spotted "lots of wild visitors" and even "a Black Bear along the road," emphasizing the need for visitors to be "bear prepared" and properly store food/garbage.

• Horseback Riding Access: With the horse-unloading ramp and nearby trails, it's a great base for equestrian activities.

• Hiking Opportunities: Numerous hiking trails are in the vicinity, including access to Goose Creek Falls Trail and the Granite Mountain Lookout, providing scenic exploration opportunities.

• Beautiful Scenery and Fall Colors: The area boasts "beautiful" natural surroundings with "lush vegetation," and is particularly stunning in the "Fall time of year the colors are beautiful."

• Quiet and Calm Atmosphere: Many reviewers praise the campground for being "nice and quiet," even during busy periods, contributing to a truly relaxing experience.

• Friendly and Well-Maintained: Campers frequently commend the "super clean" vault toilets and the efforts of the camp host in keeping the place in "tip-top shape."

• Partial Shade: The forest of Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pines provides partial shade for campsites, offering comfort during warmer months.

Visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, especially given the lake proximity, and remember to pack out all trash to maintain the pristine environment.

For those planning a visit or seeking more specific information about Grouse Group Picnic Site and Grouse Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address:New Meadows, ID 83654, USA

(Note: The specific physical location is along Goose Lake Road, within the Payette National Forest, accessible from Highway 55.)

Phone:While there isn't a direct phone number listed specifically for the Grouse Group Picnic Site or the Grouse Campground, as they are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the best way to get information is by contacting the relevant Ranger District office:

• Payette National Forest - McCall Ranger District (or Forest Supervisor's Office):The main contact number for the Payette National Forest, which manages this area, is often the most comprehensive resource.

• McCall Ranger District: (208) 634-0400 (This number is frequently associated with general inquiries for campgrounds in the McCall/New Meadows area, including Grouse Campground).

This phone number connects to the managing authority for the Payette National Forest, which is the official source for up-to-date information regarding:

• Current operational status of Grouse Campground (opening and closing dates, typically early July to mid-September).

• Road conditions leading to the campground, especially important given the gravel sections.

• Availability of campsites (since some are first-come, first-serve, while others may be reservable via Recreation.gov).

• Current fire restrictions, which are crucial for planning campfires.

• Specific regulations for camping, fishing, boating, and food storage (due to bears in the area).

For making reservations for reservable sites at Grouse Campground, the primary method is through Recreation.gov:

• Recreation.gov: Visit www.recreation.gov and search for "Grouse Campground, ID." Here you can view site availability, check detailed information, and make online reservations typically up to six months in advance. The Recreation.gov mobile app also has a "Scan and Pay" feature for first-come, first-serve sites if available on-site.

It is highly recommended to check both the official Recreation.gov site for bookings and current conditions, and to call the Payette National Forest office for any specific questions not addressed online, especially before traveling to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

Grouse Group Picnic Site, along with its integrated campground, stands as an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Idaho, truly capturing the essence of our state's unparalleled outdoor appeal. Its unique attributes cater perfectly to the desires of Idahoans seeking an authentic, peaceful, and amenity-rich natural experience.

Firstly, its prime location on the tranquil shores of Goose Lake, nestled within the majestic Payette National Forest, offers an accessible yet wonderfully secluded escape. For many Idahoans, particularly those in the western and central regions, the drive to New Meadows and then to Goose Lake provides a scenic journey that culminates in a truly immersive wilderness setting. The "beautiful drive with lush vegetation" sets the tone for a relaxing retreat, allowing locals to quickly transition from their daily routines to the serenity of nature.

Secondly, the designation of Goose Lake as a "no-wake" lake is a significant draw for locals who cherish peaceful water activities. This restriction ensures a quiet environment ideal for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and especially fishing for rainbow and brook trout. Unlike busier, more crowded lakes, Goose Lake offers a calm surface perfect for beginners or those simply seeking a serene paddle. The presence of a boat ramp directly adjacent to the Grouse Group Picnic Site further enhances this appeal, providing effortless access for water enthusiasts.

Moreover, the camping facilities at Grouse Campground are designed to provide comfort within a natural setting. The "clean vault toilets" and readily available "potable drinking water" are crucial amenities that elevate the rustic camping experience. While it's a "pack it in, pack it out" facility for trash, this promotes a shared responsibility among campers to preserve the pristine environment, a value deeply held by many Idaho outdoor enthusiasts. The presence of a camp host, consistently praised as "super kind" and maintaining the place in "tip-top shape," ensures a welcoming and well-managed atmosphere that locals can trust.

Finally, the abundance of surrounding recreational opportunities, including extensive hiking and horseback riding trails, adds immense value. The chance to spot "lots of wild visitors" (including a black bear, reminding locals to be "bear prepared") enhances the authentic wilderness experience. Whether it's the vibrant "fall colors" or the cool shade of the Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pines, Grouse provides a beautiful backdrop for creating lasting memories. For Idahoans seeking a quiet, clean, and amenity-rich base camp for fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding amidst the stunning beauty of the Payette National Forest, Grouse Group Picnic Site and Campground are truly suitable and highly recommended destinations that embody the best of Idaho's outdoor heritage.

Grouse Group Picnic Site (recgovnpsdata)

New Meadows, ID 83654, USA