Lake Cleveland is a mountain-lake getaway near Albion in Cassia County, with trout fishing, paddling, lakeside picnics and two small campgrounds below Mount Harrison. At roughly 8,300 feet, it offers a cool-weather outing in the Sawtooth National Forest, but families need to plan for a short access season and a steep, winding drive.
Plan your visit
Lake Cleveland, Howell Canyon Road, Albion, Idaho
- Admission
- Varies
- Hours
- Confirm current opening times
- Parking
- Limited
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Access
- Limited Accessibility
- Setting
- Outdoor · All Ages · Seasonal
Photos
12 photos · select to view the full image
Lake Cleveland rocky shoreline and forested hillside near Albion, Idaho
Open Lake Cleveland campsite below a rocky wooded slope
Lake Cleveland seen through pine treesShow all 12 photos
Rocks and tree reflections in Lake Cleveland
Lake Cleveland framed by evergreen branches
Lake Cleveland and reflected treeline under a partly cloudy sky
Rocky hillside with conifers near Lake Cleveland
Stone steps on a wooded slope at Lake Cleveland
Picnic table beneath conifers at Lake Cleveland campground
Stone steps descend through conifers toward Lake Cleveland
Lakeside picnic table overlooking Lake Cleveland
Lakeside campsite with picnic table and fire ring at Lake ClevelandThings to do at Lake Cleveland
Bring fishing gear, a picnic or a non-motorized boat for a day beside the water. Idaho Fish and Game lists rainbow and cutthroat trout among the lake's recommended game fish. Kayaking, floating, hiking and swimming are listed recreation activities, although mountain weather can change quickly. Check the current fishing rules before your trip.
East Side Campground
The East Side has 17 campsites: seven reservable sites and ten first-come, first-served sites. It is the better side to investigate for an RV or trailer, but each site's dimensions and permitted equipment matter. Some reservable sites are tent-only and have steep driveways. Use the individual site descriptions on Recreation.gov before booking.
West Side Campground
The West Side has nine first-come, first-served campsites. The Forest Service discourages trailers here because the turnaround is tight and the terrain is steep. Arrive with a backup plan rather than relying on an open campsite during a busy summer weekend.
Camping details and seasonal access
- Season and access
- Seasonal, weather-dependent access. Snow can block the road and campsites until early or mid-July; the East Side page lists the second week of July as its usual start. Confirm actual opening, closing and road conditions with the Minidoka Ranger District.
- Camping fees
- The Forest Service currently posts $10 per night for a single campsite on both sides. Confirm the rate and any booking charges before paying. A separate day-use fee was not established by the reviewed pages.
- Facilities
- Vault toilets and picnic tables are listed at both campgrounds. Bring your own drinking water. There are no electrical or trailer hookups.
- Parking and access
- Park in designated spaces. RV fit varies by site, and West Side turnaround space is limited. Idaho Fish and Game lists ADA access, but confirm the particular campsite, toilet and shoreline route that meets your family's needs; not every site has level access.
- Location
- Off Howell Canyon Road above Albion, Idaho. Follow the signed Lake Cleveland turnoff toward Mount Harrison. Use the signed campground entrance for lake access.
- Contact
- Minidoka Ranger District: 208-678-0430.
Good to know
Pack drinking water, food and warm layers, even for a summer visit. Non-motorized boating is allowed; motorboats are not. Check current Forest Service alerts and fire restrictions before leaving home. Camping availability, road access and weather should be checked for your chosen date.
Official information
- Forest Service: Lake Cleveland
- East Side Campground information
- West Side Campground information
- East Side reservations and individual campsite details
- Idaho Fish and Game: Lake Cleveland fishing information
- Sawtooth National Forest alerts
Listing review date: 2026-10-15. Unconfirmed details remain noted in this listing.