About RAINBOW POINT
Overview Rainbow Point Campground is located next to scenic Lake Cascade in west central Idaho. It is near the town of Donnelly, at an elevation of 4,850 feet. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are popular activities in this scenic region. Note: During the 2022 season, thinning work will be conducted in neighboring Amanita campground to reduce the risk associated with root rot and subsequent hazard trees. Recreation Lake Cascade offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Anglers enjoy casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass and perch. A boat ramp is located within the campground. Many hiking and biking trails are in the area as well.Facilities This small campground offers single-family campsites. Each is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and grill. Some sites have lake views and shoreline access. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided, but electricity is not available at the campground. Roads and parking spurs within the facility are gravel.Natural Features The campground is situated on the west shore of the lake, among a mixed-growth conifer forest that towers over the campground. Summer wildflowers are abundant. A wide variety of wildlife makes its home around the lake. Waterfowl and songbirds can also be seen in the area, as well as pelicans and bald eagles.
How to Get There
From Boise, Idaho, travel north on Highway 55 for 95 miles to Donnelly. Turn west on West Roseberry Road and go 1.5 miles to Norwood Road. Turn south and continue a mile to Tamarack Falls Road. Turn west and go just over a mile to West Mountain Road. Turn south and go a mile to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to RAINBOW POINT
Heading to RAINBOW POINT? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for RAINBOW POINT?
No central reservation system listed for RAINBOW POINT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232087) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RAINBOW POINT?
From Boise, Idaho, travel north on Highway 55 for 95 miles to Donnelly. Turn west on West Roseberry Road and go 1.5 miles to Norwood Road. Turn south and continue a mile to Tamarack Falls Road. Turn west and go just over a mile to West Mountain Road. Turn south and go a mile to the campground.
How do I contact RAINBOW POINT?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-382-7400.
References & Official Resources
