Camping at Brownlee Campground

Location and Access

Brownlee Campground is situated within the Payette National Forest, Idaho. To pinpoint its location, it's near the town of McCall and closely associated with the Hells Canyon area—a popular recreational destination along the Idaho-Oregon border.

To access Brownlee Campground, you would typically drive from McCall, ID, taking State Highway 55 to turn onto US-95N, and then follow signs for the campground near Brownlee Reservoir. However, exact access routes can change due to road work or other reasons, so it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories or with the Payette National Forest ranger district before setting out.

Campground Features

Natural Setting: Brownlee Campground is nestled beside Brownlee Reservoir, providing camping spots in a scenic natural setting. This location is great for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

Facilities: The campground typically offers basic amenities such as:

• Picnic tables
• Fire pits
• Potable water
• Vault toilets
• Garbage collection services

However, services such as electrical hookups or showers are usually not available.

Campsites: Camping spots are generally well-spaced, and while some might be available for advanced reservation, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to verify the reservation policies and availability before you plan your trip.

Activities and Recreation

Being situated beside a large reservoir, Brownlee Campground is perfectly located for a range of water-based activities such as:

• Fishing: Brownlee Reservoir is known for its catfish, crappie, bass, and trout.
• Boating: There may be boat launch facilities providing access to the reservoir.
• Wildlife Viewing: The Payette National Forest is home to a wide array of wildlife, making this a prime spot for enthusiasts.
• Hiking: There are trails in the area for those looking to explore on foot.
• Bird Watching: The reservoir and surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for birding.

Fees and Reservations

Fees for camping typically vary depending on the facilities and time of year. It's crucial to check the latest fee structure either through the Payette National Forest website or by contacting the forest ranger's office directly. As for reservations, they may be managed through a central reservation system like Recreation.gov or another service. Fees and rules can change, so always check for the most current information.

Rules and Regulations

Like any public recreation area, the Brownlee Campground will have its set of rules to ensure both visitor safety and environmental protection. This can include:

• Fire safety regulations, possibly restricting fires during dry periods.
• Quiet hours to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.
• Pet policies, which may require pets to be leashed.
• Wildlife guidelines, such as prohibitions on feeding wildlife.

Seasonal Considerations

Payette National Forest, and consequently Brownlee Campground, may have seasonal closures or access limitations due to weather such as snow or fire danger during dry seasons. It's also possible for certain services to be reduced or unavailable during off-peak seasons.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you can contact the Payette National Forest ranger district. They can provide details on campground status, reservations, rules, and any alerts or safety information.

Remember that while enjoying the great outdoors, it's important to practice Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all garbage and respecting wildlife.