LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Camel Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Camel Falls
Camel Falls is a remote, scenic waterfall in Idaho set on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Bruneau Field Office. Tucked away from development, the falls reward visitors who are looking for a quieter, more solitary outdoor experience—ideal for hikers and photographers who appreciate rugged natural scenery on BLM-managed public (PUB) land. Access is straightforward but not heavily developed: the approach follows a short out-and-back route and visitors should plan accordingly, follow Leave No Trace principles, and observe any posted BLM regulations while on the Bruneau Field Office lands.
The Setting
Camel Falls sits at 5,449 feet within Bruneau Field Office, fed by the Deep Creek, in the high mountains of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
This is a roughly 2.0-mile out-and-back hike with about 300 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. The route is intended for foot traffic and provides a relatively short, moderately strenuous approach to the falls; surface, grade, and official trail class data are not provided by the managing agency. Hikers should be prepared for a moderate uphill return and carry water and basic navigation gear.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Camel Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Camel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Camel Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter access may be challenging due to snow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.
Safety Information
Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry appropriate gear. The trail may be slippery after rain, and there is limited cell service in the area. Always let someone know your plans before heading out.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 19.1 miles away
1 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DEEP CREEK ABOVE MOUTH NR RIDDLE, ID (31 km away).
Today
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
1 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Murphy hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 136 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,466 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 40 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 77 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,466 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 136 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Camel Falls is located in the Payette National Forest, near the town of McCall, Idaho. Access typically requires driving on forest service roads, which may be rough and unpaved. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at a small trailhead near the falls, but space may be limited. Visitors should ensure they park in designated areas to avoid blocking access.
Elevation
5,449 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.544998° N, -116.622958° W
Land Management
Managed by BLM
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become difficult to navigate in wet or snowy conditions. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
This trail sits at 5,449 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 2.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
North Fork Campground
18.6 miles away · 0 sites
A small popular semi-developed site offers camping and picnicking in the scenic beauty of the North Fork of the Owyhee River Canyon, much of which was designated Wilderness in March 2009. There is no potable water at this site.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Camel Falls, Idaho
Unnamed Spring Owyhee County 4
Three Forks Hot Spring flows at 95°F on BLM land at 3,992 feet in the North Fork Owyhee River Canyon, creating a 42.5°F tempera...
Lower Birch Spring
Lower Birch Spring barely qualifies as thermal at 77 degrees Fahrenheit -- just 26 degrees above the ambient air in Owyhee Coun...
Canters Hot Spring
Canters Hot Spring produces 120-degree water that flows 70.2 degrees above ambient temperature near Delamar Way in Owyhee Count...
Thomas Flats Warm Spring
Thomas Flats Warm Spring emerges at just 75°F, only 18.5 degrees above the ambient air temperature, making it a warm rather tha...
Indian Bathtub Hot Springs
Indian Bathtub Hot Springs holds at a body-temperature 99 degrees Fahrenheit on BLM land near Mountain Home Air Force Base, sit...
Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs
Lower Indian Bathtub Hot Springs flows at 108 degrees Fahrenheit with a discharge of 1.0 cubic feet per second -- a substantial...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Camel Falls, Idaho on SoakingSprings.
Explore Idaho springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the Payette National Forest include Loon Lake, Burgdorf Hot Springs, and the Secesh River.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds. Visitors should be cautious of bears and carry bear spray if hiking in remote areas.
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