US Ranger District

For those of us in Idaho who live for the scent of pine, the quiet rustle of leaves, and the panoramic views of untouched wilderness, the US Ranger District in New Meadows serves as a gateway to countless outdoor adventures. While the Ranger District itself isn't a campground, it is the administrative hub for the Payette National Forest in this region, managing and overseeing a variety of incredible camping opportunities that are truly perfect for locals seeking an authentic Idaho experience. It's the starting point for understanding and accessing some of the most beautiful and serene natural areas our state has to offer.

The New Meadows Ranger District is responsible for maintaining the health and accessibility of our public lands, which includes a range of camping options to suit every preference, from developed campgrounds with basic amenities to remote dispersed sites where you can truly get away from it all. For us Idahoans, this means having invaluable resources and information at our fingertips, enabling us to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the Payette National Forest. Whether you're planning a fishing trip to a high-mountain lake, a hiking expedition through dense forests, or simply a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, the camping managed by this Ranger District provides the ideal setting for making lasting memories right here in our own backyard.

The New Meadows Ranger District office is located at 3674 US-95, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA. This strategic location places it directly on a major highway, US-95, making it highly accessible for locals traveling from various parts of Idaho. New Meadows itself is a small, welcoming community nestled in Valley County, known for its picturesque surroundings and its role as a hub for outdoor recreation in the central Idaho mountains. The Ranger District office serves as a crucial point of contact for obtaining maps, permits (if required for certain activities or dispersed camping), and up-to-date information on road conditions, fire restrictions, and campground availability.

From this central point, campers can branch out to various campgrounds and dispersed camping areas managed by the Payette National Forest. These sites are generally accessible via well-maintained forest roads, though some more remote dispersed areas might require a high-clearance vehicle. For instance, popular areas like Goose Lake and Brundage Reservoir, which offer camping, are within a reasonable drive from New Meadows. The accessibility to these diverse natural areas directly from a main highway like US-95 means that Idaho residents can easily plan their trips, knowing that support and information are readily available through the Ranger District.

• Information and guidance on various campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the Payette National Forest.
• Issuance of permits, such as campfire permits (when required) or wilderness permits for specific areas.
• Maps and recreational guides for hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding national forest.
• Updates on current conditions, including road closures, trail status, and fire restrictions, which are crucial for safe outdoor planning.
• Information on amenities available at specific campgrounds (e.g., vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, potable water at some sites).
• Assistance with general inquiries related to forest use, regulations, and responsible recreation.

• Diverse Camping Options: The New Meadows Ranger District oversees a wide array of camping experiences. This includes developed campgrounds like Cold Springs (which offers both first-come, first-served and reservable sites, including group sites with amenities like potable water and vault toilets) and more primitive, dispersed camping opportunities along lakes like Brundage Reservoir and Goose Lake. This variety caters to different preferences, from RV camping to tent camping.
• Access to Stunning Natural Landscapes: Campers can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Payette National Forest, characterized by dense Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forests, open meadows, and pristine waterways. The area is known for its incredible scenery and fresh mountain air.
• Abundant Recreational Opportunities: The managed areas offer a plethora of activities. This includes excellent fishing in reservoirs and creeks (like Lost Valley Reservoir and Brundage Reservoir), extensive hiking and mountain biking trails (such as the Goose Creek Trail leading to Goose Creek Falls), and opportunities for wildlife viewing, huckleberry picking (in late summer), and even snow sports in winter months for those interested in backcountry experiences.
• Quiet and Secluded Environments: Many of the campgrounds and dispersed sites managed by the Ranger District offer a peaceful and relatively uncrowded atmosphere, especially compared to more heavily trafficked areas. This allows for a true escape and a deeper connection with nature.
• Proximity to Scenic Lakes and Rivers: Campers can enjoy easy access to various bodies of water, including Lost Valley Reservoir, Brundage Reservoir, and the Payette River, providing opportunities for boating (motorized and non-motorized), swimming, and riverside relaxation.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping opportunities, regulations, and conditions within the New Meadows Ranger District of the Payette National Forest, it is best to contact the District Office directly.

Address: 3674 US-95, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA

Phone: (208) 347-0300

Mobile Phone: +1 208-347-0300 (This number is the same as the main office line, directing to the general information for the district.)

It is highly recommended for locals planning a trip to call ahead or check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Payette National Forest before departing, as conditions (especially fire restrictions and road closures) can change rapidly.

For us Idahoans, the camping opportunities managed by the US Ranger District in New Meadows are an invaluable resource, perfectly suited for experiencing the best of our state's outdoors. We appreciate the variety—from the convenience of developed campgrounds with basic amenities to the serene solitude of dispersed camping, ensuring there’s a perfect spot for every kind of adventurer. The Payette National Forest, overseen by this district, offers a stunning backdrop for all our favorite activities, whether it's fishing in a quiet mountain reservoir, embarking on a challenging hike to a waterfall, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening around a campfire under a blanket of stars. The ability to easily access vital information and permits from the New Meadows Ranger District office ensures that our outdoor adventures are both safe and enjoyable. For any local seeking to truly immerse themselves in the pristine beauty and abundant recreational opportunities that define our great state, the camping options available through the New Meadows Ranger District provide an authentic and unforgettable Idaho wilderness experience right at our doorstep.

US Ranger District

3674 US-95, New Meadows, ID 83654, USA