Rattlesnake Campground

For Idaho locals seeking a refreshing and well-maintained escape into the heart of the Boise National Forest, Rattlesnake Campground near Cascade offers an ideal setting. Nestled along the banks of the Middle Fork Payette River, this charming campground provides a serene environment perfect for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. It’s a place where the sounds of the river and the whispering pines replace the everyday hustle, inviting campers to truly relax and reconnect with nature.

Rattlesnake Campground has recently undergone renovations, enhancing the camping experience for its visitors. Campers will appreciate the updated facilities, including new cook stands, firepits with convenient swing-out grates, and repaired or replaced picnic tables. These thoughtful improvements contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable stay, reflecting the commitment to providing a quality outdoor experience within the national forest system. As one satisfied camper noted, these updates make a noticeable difference, while the presence of wildlife, like a bear and a skunk, adds to the authentic wilderness feel, creating memorable stories for the whole family.

With only nine sites, including two double-occupancy sites that can accommodate camp trailers, Rattlesnake Campground offers a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere compared to larger facilities. This smaller size fosters a sense of community among campers while still providing ample space for privacy. The clean, level, and designated tent areas, along with room for RVs, ensure that various camping preferences are well-catered for.

The campground's direct border with the Middle Fork Payette River is a significant draw, offering excellent fishing opportunities and the soothing presence of flowing water. Whether you're an avid angler casting for whitefish and rainbow trout, or simply someone who enjoys the tranquility of a riverside setting, Rattlesnake Campground delivers. It stands as a testament to Idaho's commitment to providing accessible and well-maintained natural havens for its residents to enjoy.

Rattlesnake Campground is conveniently situated within the expansive Boise National Forest, offering excellent accessibility for Idaho locals seeking a natural retreat. Its address, Forest Road #698E, Cascade, ID 83611, USA, places it approximately 13 miles north of Crouch, Idaho, along the scenic Middle Fork Payette River. This location, at an elevation of 3621 feet, provides a refreshing escape from lower elevations during warmer months.

To reach Rattlesnake Campground from Boise, locals typically take State Highway 55 north for about 35 miles to Banks, Idaho. At Banks, you would turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway 17 and proceed to Crouch. From Crouch, the journey continues north on Forest Service Road 698 for approximately 14 miles, with the campground located on the left-hand (west) side of the road. While the final stretch is on a Forest Service road, it is generally well-maintained, ensuring relatively easy access for a variety of vehicles, including those towing small to medium-sized camp trailers, as indicated by reviews.

The campground's proximity to the Middle Fork Payette River means that fishing and river access are literally steps away from many campsites. While Cascade is listed in the address, the more direct access point and nearby community is Crouch, which offers limited services. For more extensive supplies, groceries, and gas, the larger towns of Cascade or even Emmett would be the next closest options. However, for most campers, preparing adequately before leaving Boise or the surrounding areas is advisable.

The drive itself is part of the Idaho experience, winding through beautiful forested landscapes that gradually transition into the more rugged terrain of the Payette River drainage. This manageable distance from major population centers like Boise (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes drive) makes Rattlesnake Campground an ideal destination for weekend getaways, offering a quick and immersive escape into the national forest's tranquil embrace.

Rattlesnake Campground, as a U.S. Forest Service site within the Boise National Forest, offers a focused set of services that prioritize essential comforts and recreational opportunities in a natural setting. The recent renovations have significantly enhanced these offerings.

• Campsites: The campground features a total of 9 individual campsites. Two of these are designated as double-occupancy sites, offering more space and potentially accommodating larger groups or trailers. These sites are described as clean, level, and well-defined, suitable for both tents and camp trailers.
• New Cook Stands & Firepits: Recent renovations include the installation of new cook stands and firepits at each site. A notable feature of the firepits is their swing-out grates, making cooking over an open fire more convenient and safer.
• Repaired/Replaced Picnic Tables: The picnic tables at each site have been repaired or replaced, ensuring functional and pleasant dining or gathering areas for campers.
• Covered Picnic Area: The campground also boasts a covered picnic area, providing a shaded or sheltered spot for gatherings, especially useful during sunny days or light rain.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at a hand pump within the campground, a crucial amenity for all campers. Reviewers noted that kids enjoyed figuring out how to work the faucet, adding a bit of rustic charm.
• Vault Toilets: Two pit bathrooms (vault toilets) are provided. While one review suggested they could be cleaned more often, the presence of these facilities is essential for basic sanitation in a primitive setting.
• River Access: The campground borders the Middle Fork Payette River, offering direct access for fishing and enjoyment of the riverside environment.
• Designated Tent Areas: Clean, level, and designated areas for tent camping ensure comfortable pitching spots.
• Room for Camp Trailers: The two double-occupancy sites specifically have ample room for camp trailers, providing options for RV users who do not require hookups.

Rattlesnake Campground offers several appealing features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Idaho locals seeking a quality outdoor experience in the Boise National Forest.

• Recent Renovations: A major highlight is the recent renovation, which includes updated cook stands, firepits with swing-out grates, and new or repaired picnic tables. These improvements significantly enhance the comfort and functionality of the campsites.
• Riverside Location: The campground directly borders the Middle Fork Payette River, providing immediate access to excellent fishing opportunities for whitefish and rainbow trout, and the soothing ambiance of flowing water.
• Intimate Size: With only 9 sites (including two double-occupancy), Rattlesnake Campground offers a more intimate and less crowded camping experience compared to larger facilities, fostering a peaceful atmosphere.
• Wildlife Viewing: As noted by campers, the presence of local wildlife like deer, elk, red-tailed hawks, and even occasional bears or skunks, provides an authentic wilderness experience and memorable encounters (always observe wildlife safely and store food properly).
• Potable Water: The availability of potable water via a hand pump is a significant convenience, eliminating the need for campers to haul in all their water supply.
• Easy Access: The campground is easily accessible via Forest Road 698 from Crouch, making it a relatively quick and straightforward drive from Boise and surrounding areas.
• Designated and Level Sites: The clean, level, and clearly designated areas for tents and RVs simplify setup and ensure a comfortable stay.
• Covered Picnic Area: The presence of a covered picnic area is a thoughtful addition, offering shelter from sun or light rain, ideal for group gatherings or shared meals.
• Variety of Recreation Opportunities: Beyond fishing, the Middle Fork Payette River drainage offers numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding, catering to diverse outdoor interests.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The amenities and the natural setting make it a great spot for families, providing opportunities for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

For inquiries, reservations, and up-to-date information regarding Rattlesnake Campground within the Boise National Forest, please use the following contact details. It's recommended to contact the managing Forest Service district directly for the most current conditions.

Address: Boise National Forest, Forest Road #698E, Cascade, ID 83611, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the national Recreation.gov reservation line, often used for booking Forest Service campsites.)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (Same national reservation line.)

For specific campground inquiries that might not be answered by the national reservation system (such as current road conditions on Forest Road 698, fire restrictions, or specific site details), it's advisable to contact the local ranger district office. For Rattlesnake Campground, the relevant office is typically the Emmett Ranger District of the Boise National Forest:

Emmett Ranger District: (208) 373-4007 or a related local number listed on the Boise National Forest website.

Reservations for Rattlesnake Campground are available through Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season, as the campground has a limited number of sites and can fill up quickly.

For Idaho locals, Rattlesnake Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for their outdoor adventures. Its location within the Boise National Forest, directly on the Middle Fork Payette River, provides an immediate and immersive escape into the natural beauty that defines the Gem State. This means convenient access to excellent fishing, the soothing sounds of the river, and the chance to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat, all within a manageable drive from many population centers.

The recent renovations, including new cook stands, firepits with swing-out grates, and refreshed picnic tables, underscore a commitment to visitor comfort and enhance the overall camping experience. This level of maintenance, combined with the presence of potable water and clean vault toilets, ensures that basic needs are met, allowing campers to focus on relaxation and recreation rather than primitive hardships. The intimate size of the campground, with only nine sites, fosters a quieter and more private atmosphere, which is a significant draw for those seeking to truly disconnect.

Furthermore, Rattlesnake Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the wider Middle Fork Payette River drainage, offering trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even ATV riding. For families, the clean, level sites and the engaging natural environment provide a perfect setting for creating cherished memories. In essence, Rattlesnake Campground delivers an authentic, well-supported, and easily accessible Idaho camping experience, making it an ideal choice for locals looking to enjoy the stunning outdoor opportunities their state proudly offers.

Rattlesnake Campground

Boise National Forest, Forest Road #698E, Cascade, ID 83611, USA