Last Chance Campground

For Idaho locals seeking a peaceful escape into the heart of their state's natural beauty, Last Chance Campground offers an inviting and serene retreat. Tucked away in the majestic Payette National Forest, just a short drive from New Meadows, this Forest Service campground is a hidden gem for those who appreciate quietude, pristine surroundings, and direct access to some of Idaho's most beautiful trails. It's a place where the sounds of the forest replace the daily hustle, and the refreshing waters of Goose Creek offer a perfect respite.

Last Chance Campground is designed for campers who value a more rustic, yet comfortable, experience. With well-spaced sites nestled among mature Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir trees, it provides ample shade and privacy, even during warmer summer months. While it maintains a peaceful atmosphere, it doesn't skimp on essential amenities like clean vault toilets and potable water, ensuring a pleasant stay for tents and smaller camping trailers alike. The presence of a friendly camp host often enhances the welcoming environment, offering local insights and assistance.

This campground serves as an excellent base for outdoor adventures, particularly hiking. It provides direct access to the popular Goose Creek Trail, leading to the picturesque Goose Creek Falls and extending towards Brundage Reservoir. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature photographer, or simply looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the Idaho wilderness, Last Chance Campground offers a genuine connection to the natural world. It’s a favorite for those in Idaho who seek an authentic, uncrowded outdoor experience.

Last Chance Campground is located on Last Chance Road, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA, within the expansive Payette National Forest. To reach the campground, you'll travel north of McCall on Highway 55 for approximately seven miles, then turn right onto Road #453 (also known as Last Chance Road). From the highway, the campground is about 2 to 2.2 miles down this gravel road.

While the road is gravel, it is generally navigable for small camping trailers and vehicles, though parts of Last Chance Road can be narrow with few pull-outs, requiring caution. The campground's slightly off-highway location contributes significantly to its quiet and secluded ambiance, making it feel wonderfully removed from "city life and supplies," which are still conveniently located about 12 miles away in McCall.

Situated along Goose Creek at an approximate elevation of 4,653 feet, the campground benefits from a charming forested setting. This provides natural shade and a refreshing environment, particularly enjoyable during the warmer summer months. It is important for potential visitors to note that due to bridge construction on Highway 55 (specifically the Little Goose Creek Bridge), Last Chance Road and the campground were previously closed for the entire 2024 season and are expected to remain closed until late 2025. This critical update means planning ahead and checking with the Payette National Forest for the most current reopening status is essential before planning a visit.

Last Chance Campground offers a good balance of rustic charm and essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 20 single sites and 3 double sites, totaling around 23 units. These sites are well-spaced, providing ample room and privacy amidst a mature Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with an attached grate, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Toilets: Newer and clean concrete vault toilets are available, providing a fundamental convenience for campers. Some descriptions note two such outhouses, one in the lower middle part and another near the upper end.
• Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground. Reviewers mention a hand pump and an artesian well, ensuring access to fresh water during your stay (typically available from May to September).
• Camp Host: A friendly camp host is typically present from May to September, providing assistance, maintaining the facilities, and offering a welcoming presence.
• Fee-Based: Camping at Last Chance Campground has a fee, typically around $10 per night for single sites and $15 for double sites. Payment may involve scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app via their Scan and Pay feature, or through a traditional fee station.
• Day Use Area: A day use area is available, which includes a horseshoe pit and picnic tables, providing options for recreation even for non-campers.
• No Electrical Hookups: As a standard Forest Service campground, there are no electrical hookups available at any of the campsites.
• No Garbage Service: Visitors are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their trash and waste.
• RV Suitability: While smaller camping trailers are welcome, the access road and site layouts may make it challenging for larger RVs. Reviewers suggest caution when pulling larger RVs due to a narrow section of Last Chance Road.

Last Chance Campground is highly valued for several unique features and highlights that enhance the outdoor experience for Idaho locals:

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Located 2+ miles off the main highway on a gravel road, the campground offers exceptional peace and quiet. This makes it an ideal spot to truly unwind, enjoy nature, and escape the noise of more crowded areas.
• Access to Goose Creek Trail #533: A major highlight is the direct access to the popular Goose Creek Trail #533, which departs right from the campground. This trail leads to the beautiful Goose Creek Falls, offering a family-friendly hike. The trail involves crossing the creek multiple times, which can be refreshing and adventurous, especially in late summer or early fall.
• Refreshing Goose Creek: Goose Creek runs alongside the campground, providing a refreshing natural water source. Visitors enjoy washing off trail dust in its cool waters and potentially trying their luck fishing for trout in the creek.
• Beautiful Forest Setting: The campground is situated in a mature Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forest, providing ample shade, a pleasant natural aroma, and a picturesque backdrop for camping. The area is particularly lovely when wildflowers are in bloom.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The natural forest environment means a chance to spot various wildlife, including many species of birds, small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks, and potentially larger animals such as deer, elk, moose, black bear, and even wolves.
• Huckleberry Picking: In late summer, the trails in the area, particularly along Goose Creek Trail, offer opportunities for huckleberry picking, a special treat for campers.
• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of a friendly and helpful camp host from May to September adds to the positive experience, providing assistance and maintaining the campground.
• Proximity to Goose Lake: Goose Lake is a short distance away and features a picnic area, restrooms, and fishing piers, offering additional recreational options.
• Affordable Camping: At $10 per night, Last Chance Campground offers an economical way to enjoy the beauty of the Payette National Forest.

For inquiries and information regarding Last Chance Campground, it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Payette National Forest. You can contact the relevant Ranger District.

Address: Last Chance Rd, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA

Phone: (208) 347-0300 (This is the phone number for the New Meadows Ranger District, which oversees the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-347-0300 (This is the same primary contact number for the Ranger District.)

For the most current and essential information, especially regarding the 2024-2025 closure due to bridge construction on Highway 55 and the associated Last Chance Road closure, it is highly recommended to contact the New Meadows Ranger District directly or visit the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Payette National Forest (fs.usda.gov/payette). Look for alerts or notices, particularly regarding "Goose Creek Road Closure" or "Little Goose Creek Bridge Replacement." This will confirm the campground's reopening status, operating seasons, and any other vital information that might affect your trip.

Since Last Chance Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are not possible. Therefore, checking current conditions is even more crucial before planning your visit.

For Idaho locals, Last Chance Campground represents an ideal and cherished opportunity to experience the authentic wilderness that defines their home state. Its slightly off-the-beaten-path location on a gravel road, just a short drive from New Meadows, offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, allowing residents to truly escape the everyday. This campground caters to the Idaho spirit of outdoor adventure and appreciation for tranquility, providing a quiet base for exploration without the overwhelming crowds often found in more heavily developed areas.

The clear, potable water, well-maintained vault toilets, and friendly presence of a camp host ensure a comfortable, yet still rustic, camping experience. The direct access to the Goose Creek Trail, leading to the refreshing Goose Creek Falls, is a significant draw for hikers and families looking for memorable outdoor activities right from their campsite. Furthermore, the chance to pick huckleberries in late summer adds a delightful, seasonal touch that resonates with local traditions. Despite the current closure for bridge construction, its fundamental appeal as an affordable, peaceful, and amenity-rich (for a primitive site) campground makes Last Chance a highly anticipated destination for Idahoans eager to reconnect with their state's breathtaking natural landscapes.

Last Chance Campground

Last Chance Rd, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA