Lake Cascade State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located on the southern shore of Lake Cascade in Central Idaho, Lake Cascade State Park is a 500-acre park that boasts scenic views of the sparkling blue waters of Lake Cascade, tall ponderosa pines of Boise National Forest, and rugged terrain of the Idaho Mountains.
Since 1999, the park has drawn thousands of visitors looking for recreational activities year-round. Boaters, fishers, and swimmers will enjoy playing in the 27,000 acres that encompass Lake Cascade, Idaho’s fourth largest lake. Hikers and mountain bikers can traipse through miles of trails that wind through the park and beyond its borders into the surrounding forest. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife that live in the area including deer, elk, foxes, cranes, and eagles. During the winter, the snowy mountainous terrain is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while the frozen waters of Lake Cascade makes for excellent ice fishing.
No matter the season, there’s always something to do at Lake Cascade State Park, whether playing on the water, hiking among the coniferous trees, or relaxing by the water’s edge. Read further for where to stay and play if you plan to visit Lake Cascade State Park.
Spring 26-53 F
Summer 42-78 F
Fall 28-56 F
Winter 12-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Cascade State Park
Central Idaho is bustling with natural beauty just waiting to be explored. When considering where to stay, don’t rough it in a flimsy tent or stay in a hotel miles away. Instead, opt for an RV and stay near all the action. RVs are a convenient way to enjoy nature without giving up amenities like A/C and a comfortable bed — plus you can travel at your own pace!
RVshare makes it easy to rent an RV near your home or travel destination. Close to Lake Cascade State Park, you can rent an RV in Boise or McCall and stay in nearby campgrounds including:
Lake Cascade State Park Campground
Enjoy serene views of Lake Cascade by staying in any of the park’s 10 campgrounds. The Poison Creek and Ridgeview Campgrounds offer RV campsites, including many with full hookups, as well as easy access to the lake for swimming, boating, and other water sports. Rates are $20-$45 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wifi: Yes
- Pet friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, grills, boat launch, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, water sports, equipment rentals, dumping station
Arrowhead RV Park
A half mile from Lake Cascade State Park on the Payette River, this well-maintained RV park offers over 120 campsites with full hookups. When you’re not resting up, there’s plenty to do here. Go for a swim in the river, play horseshoes in the grass, or enjoy an ice cream from the park store — all for $34 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wifi: Yes
- Pet friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Showers, free cable, laundromat, playground, picnic tables, fire pits, convenience store, game room, yard games, boat launch, hiking, biking
What to Do at
Lake Cascade State Park
Inside Lake Cascade State Park
Lake Cascade is the crown jewel of this park with over 27,000 acres of water that are perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water sports. Plus, there are a number of trails open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Nature enthusiasts can learn about the area’s flora and fauna through the park’s summer workshops and adventure programs. During the winter, the snowy landscape is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Here are more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Water Sports - Spend your afternoon on the glistening waters of Lake Cascade! Prevailing winds make Lake Cascade well-suited for windsurfing, sailing, jet skiing, and other water sports. You can also go swimming, launch your own boat, or rent a kayak and stand-up paddleboard at the Van Wyck Boat Ramp. Fishers catch rainbow trout, Coho salmon, perch, and other fish year-round from the shoreline or a boat. Note: A valid Idaho fishing license is required.
Hiking and Biking - Hikers and mountain bikers can explore any of the trails that wind through the park and beyond its borders. The Crown Point Trail is a popular 2.7-mile, multi-use trail that runs along the edge of Lake Cascade. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy watching the many birds that call Lake Cascade home, including herons, osprey, eagles, cranes, and gulls.
Outside Lake Cascade State Park
Outside Lake Cascade State Park, the towns of Cascade, Donnelly, and McCall offer more opportunities for adventure — including white water rafting, natural hot springs, rock climbing, and golf courses — plus restaurants serving home-cooked meals and other delicacies. There are even more dining and entertainment options to the south in the capital city of Boise.
Restaurants
Remington’s
With unique, flavorful dishes, you’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy at this upscale restaurant. Order lemon pancakes for brunch, three amigos meatloaf with chipotle sauce for lunch, or cedar plank roasted Idaho trout for dinner and you won’t leave disappointed.
Type: New American
Location: Cascade, ID
Gramma’s Family Restaurant
This family-owned restaurant serves up homestyle cooking in a relaxed, no frills atmosphere. Friendly staff serve up large portions of diner favorites like French toast, daily homemade soups, biscuits and gravy, and cheeseburgers and fries.
Type: American, diner
Location: Cascade, ID
Reo’s Station
Come to this local joint for delicious pizza and salad bar options in a family friendly environment. Chicken bacon ranch and Canadian bacon pineapple are two of the many pizza options on the menu. There are also arcade games in back for the kids (and kids at heart) to play around!
Type: American, pizza
Location: Cascade, ID
Ragazza Di Bufalo
Tantalize your taste buds with authentic, hand-crafted Italian cuisine at this local restaurant. Enjoy creative twists on Italian favorites like bison risotto, elk bolognese, and lobster linguine. Dessert is a must with options like gelato, tiramisu, and Italian coconut cream cake. Make a reservation as restaurant fills up fast!
Type: Italian
Location: Donnelly, ID
Sightseeing
Kelly's Whitewater Park
Kelly’s is a premier whitewater park along the Payette River that offers surfing, rafting, tubing, and other activities. Have fun on the water, relax on the shore, or stroll along the river to enjoy views of the rushing waters, landscaped gardens, and Idaho Mountains. Admission is free.
Location: Cascade, ID
The Roxy Theatre
Step back in time by visiting this retro theatre. Recent renovations retain Roxy’s original 1930s charm while updated seating and sound systems give visitors a state-of-the-art cinematic experience. Check out the newest flick, catch a comedy show, or see a dramatic play.
Location: Cascade, ID
Gold Fork Hot Springs
Relax in the mineral-rich waters of these hot springs in full view of Idaho’s natural beauty. Six crystal-clear pools with differing temperatures allow you to find your perfect soak, plus there’s a shallow pool with a sandy bottom for the kids! Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child.
Location: Donnelly, ID
Boise River Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is a 25-mile pathway that runs along the Boise River through the heart of Boise. This scenic path is a favorite among pedestrians, runners, and cyclists looking to take a Sunday stroll, jog along the tree-lined path, or rent a bike from a bikeshare station. You can also go tubing down the river during the summer months!
Location: Boise, ID
How to Get to
Lake Cascade State Park
The park is located in Cascade on State Highway 55, also known as the Payette River Scenic Byway.
From Boise, head north on State Highway 55 for about 70 miles. After crossing the bridge south of downtown, the park’s entrance is on the right.
From McCall, drive south on State Highway 55 for 30 miles. Drive through downtown Cascade before reaching the park’s entrance on the left.
Address: 100 Kelly's Parkway, Cascade, ID 83611
Entering Lake Cascade State Park
Admission is $5 per vehicle.
Your lakeside retreat is waiting for you at Lake Cascade State Park! Take us along on your adventures by tagging us on social media or sending your photos to [email protected]. You might be featured on our blog or social media! Happy camping!