Rainbow Point Campground

For those of us in Idaho who treasure serene lakeside camping and easy access to water adventures, Rainbow Point Campground near Donnelly is a perfect find. Tucked away in the expansive Boise National Forest, this small and intimate campground offers a tranquil escape from the everyday hustle. As one local shared, "The campground is small, so there aren't too many people," which is a huge plus for those seeking peace and quiet. The immediate proximity to Lake Cascade, described as "beautiful," makes it an idyllic spot for a classic Idaho outdoor experience.

Rainbow Point Campground is particularly well-suited for families with small children, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for a "good family weekend in the woods." While some communal facilities might occasionally require a little attention, visitors consistently highlight the responsive management and the overall value of this pay-to-camp spot. It's a place where the shimmering waters of Lake Cascade and the surrounding conifer forest create a picturesque backdrop for fishing, boating, swimming, and simply relaxing under the Idaho sky. For Idahoans who love their lakes and forests, Rainbow Point provides a beautiful and accessible base for creating lasting memories.

Rainbow Point Campground is beautifully situated on the west shore of scenic Lake Cascade, within the Boise National Forest, near Donnelly, ID 83615, USA. This prime location places it in west central Idaho at an elevation of approximately 4,850 feet, offering refreshing summer temperatures and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mixed-growth conifer forest.

Accessing Rainbow Point Campground is relatively straightforward from major routes. From Boise, Idaho, you would travel north on Highway 55 for approximately 95 miles to reach the town of Donnelly. From Donnelly, turn west onto West Roseberry Road and continue for about 1.5 miles. Then, turn south onto Norwood Road and go for approximately 1 mile to Tamarack Falls Road. Turn west again and go just over a mile to West Mountain Road. Finally, turn south and travel about a mile to reach the campground entrance. While the main roads are paved, the roads and parking spurs within the campground itself are gravel or dirt. The campground is noted for being "close to the entrance" of Donnelly, providing convenient access to the nearby town for supplies and services. The seasonal opening typically runs from mid-May through mid-September, depending on weather conditions and snowmelt, ensuring pleasant camping during Idaho's warmer months.

Rainbow Point Campground provides a traditional national forest camping experience with essential amenities for comfort. It is a smaller campground, offering typically 10 to 12 designated campsites suitable for both tent camping and RVs, though large RVs (over 25 feet) might find some sites challenging due to gravel spurs and turns. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted for most sites (though some limited reservation options might exist via Recreation.gov for certain sites). This allows for spontaneous trips, but arriving earlier in the day, especially during peak summer weekends, is advisable to secure a spot.

Each campsite at Rainbow Point is equipped with basic, but crucial, amenities: a picnic table for outdoor dining and a campfire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking over an open flame (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire). For sanitation, the campground provides vault toilets, which, despite some initial feedback, are noted to be "cleaned pretty quickly" after reports are submitted, and are generally found to be clean and well-maintained by the camp host. Potable drinking water is available through a pressurized water system with spigots located within the campground, a significant convenience for campers. However, it's important to note that drinking water may not be available after September 30th due to seasonal closures. There is no dump station at the campground, so RVers will need to utilize nearby facilities in Donnelly or further south on Lake Cascade. Garbage service is available via bear-resistant cans, requiring campers to properly dispose of their waste to deter wildlife. Pets are welcome at Rainbow Point but must be kept on a leash to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and the local wildlife.

Services Offered:

• 10-12 designated campsites for tents and RVs (up to approximately 25 feet).
• First-come, first-served site availability (check Recreation.gov for potential reservable sites).
• Picnic tables at each site.
• Campfire rings with grills at each site.
• Vault toilets (including ADA-accessible options).
• Potable drinking water available (seasonal availability).
• Bear-resistant garbage cans on-site.
• Pets allowed (must be on leash).
• Boat ramp located within the campground.
• Fee campground (cash or check for non-reservable sites).
• Host on site during peak season.

Rainbow Point Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Idaho outdoor enthusiasts. Its most prominent feature is its direct access to Lake Cascade, a sprawling body of water renowned for its recreational opportunities. A key highlight is that "The dock is right next to the campground for launching boats," providing unparalleled convenience for motorized and non-motorized boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing. Anglers will rejoice in the excellent fishing opportunities, with Lake Cascade teeming with rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass, and perch.

The campground itself is nestled among mixed-growth conifer trees, offering a pleasant shaded environment, though some sites may have more open, grassy areas. Despite its small size, the underbrush between sites often provides a decent level of privacy, making it feel less crowded. The natural beauty of the area is further enhanced by abundant summer wildflowers and a diverse array of wildlife, including waterfowl, songbirds, pelicans, and even bald eagles. Beyond water activities, the surrounding Boise National Forest offers numerous hiking and biking trails, providing opportunities for exploration and scenic views. For those who appreciate a quiet camping experience, Rainbow Point generally delivers, as its small size naturally limits the number of people. While some find the idea of paying to camp goes against the "native Idahoan" free camping ethos, the amenities and access provided often justify the modest fee, especially for families looking for a convenient and managed experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Direct access to Lake Cascade with an on-site boat ramp.
• Excellent fishing for various trout, salmon, bass, and perch.
• Ideal for a wide range of water sports, including boating, water skiing, canoeing, and swimming.
• Small, less crowded campground offering a quiet atmosphere.
• Forested setting with mixed conifers, providing shade.
• Beautiful lake views from many sites.
• Proximity to hiking and biking trails in the Boise National Forest.
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Family-friendly environment.

Contact Information:

Address: Boise National Forest, Forest Rd 422R, Donnelly, ID 83615, USA

For campground inquiries, current conditions, and specific details, the best point of contact is the local U.S. Forest Service office for the Boise National Forest that manages this campground.

Phone: (208) 373-4100 (This number often connects to the Boise National Forest Supervisor's Office, which can direct you to the appropriate Ranger District, likely the Cascade Ranger District.)

Mobile Phone: +1 208-373-4100

Alternatively, the Cascade Ranger District office, closer to Donnelly, might be more helpful for localized information:

Cascade Ranger District Phone: (208) 382-7400

It is always recommended to call ahead for the most up-to-date information on site availability, seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and facility conditions.

Rainbow Point Campground is an excellent destination for Idaho locals, embodying much of what makes outdoor recreation in our state so special. Its location on the shores of Lake Cascade, a beloved local gem, offers convenient access to a wide array of water-based activities that are a cornerstone of Idaho summers. For families, the small and relatively quiet nature of the campground, combined with easy access to the lake for swimming and playing, makes it a stress-free and enjoyable retreat.

While some Idahoans prefer free dispersed camping, the nominal fee at Rainbow Point provides maintained facilities, including drinking water and accessible toilets, a trade-off many find worthwhile for the added convenience and peace of mind. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation, providing a genuine connection to our state's beautiful forests and waters without venturing too far off the beaten path. For those seeking a balance of natural beauty and practical amenities for a memorable camping trip, Rainbow Point Campground truly delivers the quintessential Idaho experience.

Rainbow Point Campground

Boise National Forest, Forest Rd 422R, Donnelly, ID 83615, USA