Best Tent Camping near Arco, ID

Tent campgrounds in the vicinity of Arco, Idaho include several primitive options for backcountry enthusiasts. Mount Borah Trailhead and Camping Area offers tent sites at approximately 7,200 feet elevation, while Iron Bog Campground provides access to the Challis National Forest with sites suitable for tent camping. Both locations serve as gateways to wilderness trails and alpine terrain in central Idaho.

Most tent sites near Arco feature basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds such as Mt. Borah, Iron Bog, and Broad Canyon, but running water is notably absent at most sites. Campers should bring all necessary water supplies, as a visitor to Mt. Borah noted, "No water available at the site." The access roads to these campgrounds are typically gravel and may require careful navigation, particularly after wet weather. Sites range from open areas with mountain views to creek-side locations with partial shade from juniper and pine trees.

The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional solitude, especially at more remote locations like Uncle Johns Gulch. Sites typically provide direct access to hiking trails, making them ideal base camps for summit attempts, day hikes, or fishing excursions. Summer temperatures can be significantly cooler at higher elevations compared to the valley floor. The campgrounds remain relatively uncrowded even during peak season, with Iron Bog described by one camper as "peace and tranquility even in the summer." Fall brings cooler temperatures, with evening frost possible at higher elevations. Cell service is non-existent at most tent camping areas, offering a true disconnect from daily routines.

Best Tent Sites Near Arco, Idaho (14)

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Guide to Arco

Tent camping opportunities near Arco, Idaho range from high-elevation sites at 7,200 feet to lower valley locations with creek access. Central Idaho's Lost River Range offers campers a significant temperature differential between day and night, with frost possible even in late summer at higher elevations. Most sites require visitors to travel unpaved roads that can become challenging after precipitation.

What to do

Hiking alpine trails: Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area provides direct access to Idaho's highest peak with 5,200 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles. "It is a brutal hike if you're not prepared. The trail ascends 5200' of elevation in just over 3.5 miles. Your legs will probably burn, bring hiking poles for the descent," notes Alan B.

Stream fishing: Little Wood River campground offers "easy fishing access and remote camping," according to Ryan V. The campground includes a private dock and green grass areas suitable for day use and tent setup.

Mountain biking: The terrain around Uncle Johns Gulch provides immediate trail access from campsites. Daniel B. confirms there is "hiking right by camp site," while another visitor notes "hiking/mtb trail next to campsites."

What campers like

Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation campsites provide relief from summer valley heat. At Mt. Borah Trailhead, Alan B. reports "The campground sits right around 7200' which is a decent bit cooler than the Big Lost River Valley to the west."

Geological features: The area showcases significant geological formations, including earthquake evidence. Alan B. mentions "great spots to check out the scarp of the 1980's Mt. Borah earthquake, which you drive across on the way to the campground/trailhead."

Solitude and space: Even during peak season, many campgrounds maintain low occupancy. At Iron Bog Campground, Fred S. experienced a "very quiet, peaceful evening; only one other site was occupied during my visit." Sites typically offer adequate separation, as Sam C. notes about Little Wood River: "camp spots are spaced out nicely so that people are not stacked right on top of each other."

What you should know

Water availability: Most sites have limited or no water sources. Fred S. found at Iron Bog Campground that "the hand water pump did not pump water; water was probably turned off for the season." Heather P. emphasizes for Mt. Borah: "No water available at the site. We stopped in Mackay on our way there to get water, food and fuel."

Site maintenance varies: Some campgrounds show signs of irregular upkeep. Fred S. observed at Iron Bog that "some of the sites have not been maintained in a while; overgrown with weeds, grass and sagebrush."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity is virtually nonexistent throughout the camping areas. Fred S. confirms "No T-Mobile and AT&T cell service" at Iron Bog, while at Fish Creek Reservoir, Allison W. cautions "No cell service whatsoever, so be aware of that."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Arco, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Arco, ID is Iron Bog Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Arco, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Arco, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.