Best Campgrounds near Boise, ID

Campgrounds near Boise, Idaho range from established RV parks to more primitive dispersed camping areas. Boise Riverside RV Park and Mountain View RV Park offer full hookups for RVs and accommodate tent camping within city limits, while dispersed options like Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed Camping provide more rustic experiences approximately 25 miles east of downtown. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that support multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts at Idaho City Yurts in the nearby mountains.

Seasonal availability varies across the area's camping facilities, with some sites like Shafer Butte operating only from June through September, while others such as Hi-Valley RV Park remain open year-round. Most developed campgrounds within city limits offer amenities like showers, restrooms, and electric hookups, though highway and airport noise can impact the camping experience. A visitor at Mountain View RV Park mentioned, "Great spot right in Boise city limits, but right next to the airport and highway. Facilities are very nice and staff is very friendly. Only issue was the road noise."

The Boise area presents a distinct mix of urban-adjacent and more remote camping experiences. Several campgrounds provide convenient access to the Boise River Greenbelt, a popular pathway for walking and cycling. According to one camper, "Really love camping here because of the Boise Green Belt bike and walking path." Sites at Arrowrock Reservoir offer more seclusion for those seeking nature immersion, though with fewer amenities. Travelers should note that many RV parks require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months, while dispersed camping areas typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The proximity to both outdoor recreation and urban conveniences makes camping near Boise appealing for various camping styles and preferences.

Best Camping Sites Near Boise, Idaho (151)

    1. Boise Riverside RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Garden City, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 995-4864

    $53 - $95 / night

    "There is a lower rate for "back-ins" to the Boise River Greenbelt. They also have a higher rate for Pull Through Sites for RVs. There is so much to do in the area."

    "Easy access to central Boise in a park-like setting along the greenbelt path."

    2. Mountain View RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 345-4141

    "Great spot right in Boise city limits, but right next to the airport and highway. Facilities are very nice and staff is very friendly. Only issue was the road noise."

    "Minutes to downtown Boise. Super cheap and easy to Uber or Bike into town and back.

    The bathrooms are so well maintained. They look brand new and almost untouched. Showers are the same."

    3. KOA Boise Meridian RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Meridian, ID
    8 miles
    +1 (208) 888-7003

    "This KOA is located close to everything you need in the Meridian Boise area. The sites are pretty close, and the wifi is not great. Those are my only reasons for the 4 star."

    "This KOA is pretty centrally located to all your needs in the Boise-Meridian area. The campground is well maintained and staffed."

    4. Hi-Valley RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Eagle, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 939-8080

    "Very well kept park, close to Boise and other surrounding towns. Close to each other is the only downfall if you like privacy."

    "Pros: super clean, good pull through spots, good Boise water, wonderful saline pool, close to a good Winco

    Con: barely made the cut to stay at the “resort.”"

    5. Military Park Idaho NG Gowen Field

    5 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 272-4451

    $42 / night

    "The sites are a bit narrow, with sites A, B, and C having trees placed immediately behind the RV. Sites A and B are setup such that you have good parking right in front of the rig/trailer."

    "I do not fall in this category so I could not go in but it is near my house so I drove around the base to see if it was visible from the road.  "

    6. Boise-Meridian KOA

    6 Reviews
    Meridian, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 888-7003

    "Sites felt pretty tight next to the “neighbors”."

    8. Macks Creek Park

    11 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 343-0671

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Our weekly camping spot during the summer months when we lived in Boise. After moving away three years ago, we thought it was time to visit once more."

    "And it is very very close to Boise within 20 miles from Airport, so you can virtually forgot all the camping equipment b/c you can buy / rent them quickly as it is so close to big city"

    9. Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Idaho City, ID
    20 miles
    Website

    "It’s only about 1.5 hours from Boise. It can get very crowded on holidays and weekends though so try to arrive early. Most people just camp out on the beach wherever you can find space."

    "Honestly one of the best places close to the city. Far enough away that you still get out of service, a good view of the stars, a swim, and some magnificent overall views."

    10. Shafer Butte

    4 Reviews
    Horseshoe Bend, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961

    $10 - $75 / night

    "Less than an hour from downtown Boise. Beautiful, scenic views, off the main road so it's mostly quiet. Tent only, but nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables."

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Recent Reviews near Boise, ID

526 Reviews of 151 Boise Campgrounds


  • J S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain View

    Great early fall camping

    Had a great weekend - the site was roughly 20 yards from the river so it was perfect. All the sites are kept clean (gravel) and have vault toilets throughout. First impression when you pull in? It looks bare and small but, the farther you drive in, the more appealing it becomes.

    Only glitch in the weekend was an impromptu concert put on by a lady next to us. High pitched with what sounded like singing in tongues. But I guess each to their own…

  • Kay The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Cow Hollow Park

    Looks like a ghost camping spot

    The scenery is gorgeous, but getting a hold of the camp host, good luck. I tried two different numbers and nothing. We even sat around for an hour just waiting for someone. There were like 4 or 5 rv's, but not a single person in site. It has a huge grass area, that when you walk through it you can tell it was a field at one point. There are also good size kind of deep whole all through the grass. There is also two softball fields that are pretty small. It also has a play ground by each field. A bunch of picnic tables. I seen two brick like BBQ station, a horse shoe set up, one fire pit spot. It does have a bathroom, men's acme women's. When you walk in it seems to be decent. The first stall door does not latch closed, the second stall doors but you have to kind of mess with it a little bit. Then you have the shower stall. It's not very wide at all. Pretty dark so it could use better lighting. The first Sexton of it has a wooden table that you can set your stuff down on. After you wipe off all of the spider webs. Then the shower part is a small square that has a curtain. It you ever decide to use the show make sure to wear sandles. Who knows what's bn on the floor. I know that concrete can't rust, but it looks really brown and black. The water pressure isn't all that great. The website says that it's $5 a night, but when you get there it says way different. So it is misleading. It is pretty quite until the farmers and semi drivers are out driving around and working. It says they are supposed to have wifi, not sure about that.

  • Kay The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Given’s Hot Springs

    Very nice place

    There is a large grassy area for tents, it also has an inside heated swimming pool with personal hot tubs that are also in private rooms. The staff is friendly and the scenery is gorgeous. You got to come check it out

  • Kay The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    River Haven RV Park

    Beautiful, but to expensive

    This is a beautiful place to camp, extended stay, or even live. It use to be way cheaper. The bathrooms have showers and are well kept, it also a building to do your laundry.

  • Kay The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Old Fort Boise RV Park

    Nice spot

    Great spot to stop for a night or two. The town people are friendly. Great place for kids with the play ground. It has automatic sprinklers in the grass so it's best to put up your tent in the gravel. It has bathrooms with showers. I would recommend to where sandles. While taking a shower

  • Lustley The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    center point rv park

    Great place

    I'm very polite up front. Nice individuals bend over backwards to help you. Even though they didn't have any spots available, they're more helpful, very kind

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Beautiful Boise National Forest

    River front property

    I love this area so very much. It’s next to the river, with little beaches. We are near 4 natural hot springs!! Yes there is a road next to the campsite, but we are down a little slope. If you want to be away from that move up higher. Maybe 10/15 cars a day. It’s gravel. The dust from the road doesn’t hit us. Rangers are so nice. Don’t over stay your 14days. This is a perfect group spot with 4 different fire pits and sites

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Snake River RV Resort

    Nice, Relaxing

    I really can't add much more about this place except that I felt relaxed, enjoyed the grass, shade, views and staff friendliness. The other reviews provide all the plusses I would have stated. I added some pictures that hadn't been shared yet.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Riverside RV Park

    Small, Open, City-Owned

    While staying at another Homedale-local RV park, I found this park while exploring the town. There weren't any reviews, so I thought I'd help out and at least provide some basic information. There are about 10 pull-through sites and a couple back-in sites. All of them have water and 30/50 service. There's a dump station on site for a donation of $5. The site fee is signed as $25/night; it seems that self-registering is the only way, as it also appears to be on a first-come basis. There is a single building with restroom/shower for men & women. Not especially clean though. No laundry, but I saw a laundromat in town. The entire park is gravel, no shade. There's a public road along the river, between the river and Park. It also appears that the riverfront and boat launch are public, and not under any control of the park itself. The City park next door is a gem! Not much shade, but the grass is green and inviting. While I was there, I saw someone throwing Frisbee into baskets mounted on posts throughout the park. Next to the park is the (presumably) high school football/track stadium. I imagine the entire area, from the riverfront, the RV park, stadium and parking lots are all City-owned. I didn't see any camp host, manager or maintenance person, but there were two rigs on site that hadn't moved in a while. If it's City owned, a possibility for questions and issues might be City Hall, in town (3-minute drive from park).


Guide to Boise

Camping near Boise, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, there’s something for everyone in this outdoor paradise.

What to do:

  • Explore the Greenbelt: This scenic pathway runs along the Boise River, perfect for walking or biking. One camper noted, "The Greenbelt is pretty, but VERY overcrowded. If you're looking for some peace walking by the river, forget it."
  • Visit Lucky Peak Lake: Great for swimming and kayaking, but be aware of the water levels. A visitor mentioned, "Last August I stayed at Mack's Creek. I was saddened by the drought and low water level."
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails around the area. One reviewer shared, "There’s a large area at the road's end for turning around, though the approach to the gated campsites is somewhat rough."

What campers like:

  • Convenient Locations: Many campgrounds are close to the city. A camper at Mountain View RV Park said, "Minutes to downtown Boise. Super cheap and easy to Uber or Bike into town and back."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Ambassador RV Resort stated, "The bathrooms are so well maintained. They look brand new and almost untouched."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Country Corners Campground & RV Park mentioned, "The owners were very welcoming."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports. A camper at Rivers Edge RV Park noted, "The bathrooms... horror movie material! Showers, I'm pretty sure have never been cleaned."
  • Crowded Areas: Popular spots can get busy, especially during weekends. One camper remarked, "The constant quacking makes you think you're on an island in the river."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Boise Riverside RV Park said, "Sewer connection isn’t threaded, instead they provide you with a rock to place on top of your line."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with clean facilities and activities for kids. A parent at KOA Boise Meridian RV Resort shared, "The park is clean and well cared for. Bathhouses are clean, new and adequate."
  • Plan for Noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider campgrounds away from highways. One camper at Macks Creek Park mentioned, "The campgrounds were lovely and well maintained."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed said, "Nice lil spot to relax."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Boise Riverside RV Park noted, "The approach was better. Still very tight."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have limited maneuvering room. A visitor at Rivers Edge RV Park mentioned, "The campground looks like a farm storage area overall."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full amenities, check for campgrounds that offer them. A camper at Ambassador RV Resort said, "The WiFi worked great and they have cable."

Camping near Boise, Idaho, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to camp near Boise, Idaho?

Boise offers excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Grayback Gulch Campground is a wonderful choice just a short drive from the city, featuring clean toilets and fresh water pumps with nearby fishing opportunities. For those seeking a quick weekend getaway, Swan Falls - Idaho Power provides numerous camping options along with great fishing at the dam. Other popular spots include Bad Bear Campground outside Idaho City with its shaded sites and babbling brook, and Hot Springs campground which offers easy highway access about 80 minutes from Boise. For RV campers, Boise Riverside RV Park provides full hookups with convenient city access.

Are there free camping options near Boise?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Boise. Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground offers primitive shoreline camping at Arrowrock Reservoir, though the gravel access road is steep with potholes (about 30 minutes beyond the dam). Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed provides beach camping about 1.5 hours from Boise, where you can camp directly on the beach and even put boats in the water nearby. These free sites typically lack amenities like running water or designated facilities. Areas around Swan Falls also offer dispersed camping options on BLM land beyond the established sites. For these free camping locations, arrive early on weekends as they fill quickly, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

When is the best season for camping around Boise?

The ideal camping season around Boise typically runs from late spring through early fall (May to October), when temperatures are most comfortable. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed, though it gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Early fall offers pleasant conditions with fewer crowds. Higher elevation sites like Edna Creek Campground can experience early snowfall and chilly conditions even during the camping season. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations but requires proper cold-weather gear. Spring brings variable conditions with potential for muddy roads at dispersed sites. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially for mountain campgrounds.

What amenities are available at campgrounds in the Boise area?

Amenities vary widely across Boise area campgrounds. For full-service options, Mountain Home RV Park offers spacious sites, propane, and access to nearby trails. Boise Riverside RV Park provides full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and even cabins. Many public campgrounds like Bad Bear and Grayback Gulch feature picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and fresh water pumps. Hot Springs campground offers the bonus of riverside hot springs access. Primitive dispersed camping areas like Arrowrock Reservoir and Irish Point have no facilities, requiring campers to bring everything they need and pack out all waste. Some campgrounds are reservable while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so check availability and reservation requirements before your trip.