USDA Forest Service · Idaho
Independence Lakes Campground
USDA Forest Service · Idaho, United States
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,789 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T good · T-Mobile none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- INDEPENDENCE LAKE (NFSR 70728) · native material · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Sawtooth National Forest
- Address
- ID
- Activities
- Campsites are limited in the lakes basin due to terrain, rock and timber so the majority of visitors camp at the trailhead and day-hike into the lakes., Independence lake is the only alpine lake that is accessable by vehicle in Southern Idaho. It averages from 10 ft. to 60 ft. in depth and it is stocked with trout yearly. The best fishing is in the lower two lakes. Visitors will find Montana greyling, California golden trout and cutthroat trout., Picnicking, The Independence Lakes Trail (#?) is 3.1 miles in length. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonble grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin. The Ranger Trail (# ?) measures 11.1 miles. The portion from the Pot Holes to the Almo Park Road is open to motorized traffic, however it is too narrow for ATVs. The remaining segment of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The trail from the trailhead to the east is the same as the trail to Indendence Lakes. As the trail to the lakes divides, the Ranger Trail bears to the south, toward Green Creeks. From Green Creek, the path is a series of switchbacks to the saddle between Green and Grape Creeks. There is a miners cabin long the trail at the highest point. From the old cabin to the south and west, one must be on the lookout for rock cairns marking the trail. , The Independence Lakes Trail (Trail No ?) is 3.1 miles in length. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonble grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin. (#) horse corrals are located at the trailhead., The Ranger Trail (#?) measures 11.1 miles. The portion from the Pot Holes to the Almo Park Road is open to motorized traffic, however it is too narrow for ATVs. The remaining segment of the trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The trail from the trailhead to the east is the same as the trail to Indendence Lakes. As the trail to the lakes divides, the Ranger Trail bears to the south, toward Green Creeks. From Green Creek, the path is a series of switchbacks to the saddle between Green and Grape Creeks. There is a miners cabin long the trail at the highest point. From the old cabin to the south and west, one must be on the lookout for rock cairns marking the trail.
About
Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between July through October. Sites are handicapped accessible. Campground amenities include 9 tables and grills, toilets, and livestock facilities. No drinking water or trash service is available. Nearby Independence Lakes Trail (#35) is 3.1 miles to the Lake. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin.
Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait;
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24° | 10° | -10° | 37° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 27° | 12° | -19° | 42° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 33° | 18° | 1° | 64° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 42° | 22° | 8° | 61° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 56° | 33° | 20° | 68° | 10 of 11 |
| June | 66° | 43° | 25° | 85° | 3 of 11 |
| July | 81° | 54° | 37° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 78° | 53° | 42° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 68° | 43° | 33° | 79° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 52° | 31° | 13° | 68° | 8 of 10 |
| November | 42° | 23° | -4° | 55° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 26° | 14° | -9° | 47° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Lake Cleveland Campground - West Side · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi
- Twin Lakes Campground (Sawtooth) · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 4 sites
- Lake Cleveland - East Side · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 8 sites
- Lake Cleveland Campground - West Side · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 4 sites
- Thompson Flat · USDA Forest Service · 8 mi · 13 sites
All public campgrounds in Idaho · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.