About RATTLESNAKE
Overview Rattlesnake Campground is located 13 miles north of Crouch, Idaho along the Middle Fork Payette River at an elevation of 3621 feet. The Middle Fork drainage offers a variety of excellent trails. Fishing and hunting are popular activities as well. Recreation The Middle Fork Payette River offers good to excellent fishing most of the year. Anglers cast for whitefish and rainbow trout. Many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV riding can be found in the area. The One Spoon Trail, Rattlesnake Trail, and 465 ATV Trail are all in the vicinity of the campground. In-season big game hunting for deer, elk and bear is a popular activity in the surrounding mountains.Facilities The campground can be reserved as one large, accessible group site, which consists of nine single sites and one double site. This group site can accommodate up to 100 people. A two night minimum stay is required on weekends. A three night minimum stay is required on holiday weekends. Picnic and utility tables, campfire rings and a picnic shelter are provided. Two accessible vault toilets are also provided. Ten parking spurs are available, each 50-75' in length. Additional camping is available at nearby Hardscrabble and Trail Creek Campgrounds. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of the Middle Fork Payette River among Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees, which offer partial shade. A few sites offer river views through the dense vegetation on the banks. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the Middle Fork drainage, including deer, elk, and red-tailed hawks.
How to Get There
From Crouch, travel north on Forest Road 698 approximately 14 miles to the campground, which is located on the left-hand side of the road.
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 RATTLESNAKE
Heading to RATTLESNAKE? 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 RATTLESNAKE?
No central reservation system listed for RATTLESNAKE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233943) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RATTLESNAKE?
From Crouch, travel north on Forest Road 698 approximately 14 miles to the campground, which is located on the left-hand side of the road.
How do I contact RATTLESNAKE?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-351-1182.
References & Official Resources
