Herd Lake Campground

Signs and Info

Campsites

Facilities

Recreation

Name: Herd Lake Campground

Herd Lake Campground is on Herd Creek about a quarter mile downstream from Herd Lake. The lake was formed when a lava flow blocked Herd Creek's valley. I don't believe many people come here as the trout limit is 25 fish per day. The campground is 9.4 miles east of East Fork Road and is pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. The lake is at an elevation of 7,200 feet. There is a trail from the campground up the stream to the lake.

Campsites: Herd Lake Campground has only one campsite. It has a picnic table and fire ring set on a grassy patch along Herd Creek. This is a small place and I would not recommend a large RV trying to get in here. The viewpoint above the lake would be better for a larger RV.

Host on Site: There is no host anywhere near.

Water: There is no potable water.

Garbage Services: No, pack it out with you.

Electricity Available: No.

Restroom: There are two vault style outhouses, one at the campsite and one at the viewpoint.

Handicap Accessible: The outhouses are handicap accessible but this campground isn't handicap friendly.

Firewood: There is none available here so bring what you will want with you.

Pets: We saw nothing about pets, however most often pets must be on a leash.

Picnic Area: One could certainly picnic at the view point or hike into the lake, but there is no picnic area.

Recreation: The recreation here is fishing, hiking and photography. I talked to a man later that indicated many people ride their horses up the old road above the lake.

Fishing: Check the fishing regulations. For 2010, the trout limit for Herd Lake was 25 daily.

Boating: Not here. One could take a raft to the lake and fish the lake.

Swimming: There is no swimming area at Herd Lake but it is a lake and one could swim in it.

Wildlife: Deer and elk are common in these hills. Wolves have surely moved into this area.

Additional Camping Opportunities: Check out our reviews on these nearby campgrounds; Holman Creek Campground, East Fork Recreation Site and Bayhorse Recreation Site. I did not see any free primitive camping sites on my way into the campground.

Phone service: There is no phone service here, but there is a pay phone at the Sawmill Station back on Hwy 75 and your cell phone has service in spots along Hwy 75.

Nearby Services: The Sawmill Station on Hwy 75 to the west a few miles is your nearest location for the food, gas, ice, propane and pop.

RV Dumping Site: There is a RV dumping station at the Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center along the north edge of the parking lot. It is located at the junction of Hwy 93 and Hwy 75 and there is no fee for its use.

Location/Driving instructions: From Challis, Idaho, take Hwy 93 south 2.3 miles to the junction with Hwy 75. Turn right onto Hwy 75 toward Stanley, Idaho. Follow Hwy 75 south for 17.4 miles to East Fork Road and turn left. Take East Fork Road 9 miles to Herd Lake Road which will be a left hand turn. It is an 8.4 mile ride to the sign in our pictures. It is only one mile from the sign to the campground.

Coordinates: 44.094932,-114.181763

Elevation: 6969 Feet

Reviewed Date: July 2010

Fees And Reservations: No, first come first serve. Free

This information is accurate as of the date of the review.