Tent campgrounds near Arco, Idaho include several primitive options for backcountry campers, ranging from high-elevation tent campsites to creek-side spots with partial shade. 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.
Tent camping in this region offers exceptional solitude, especially at more remote locations like Uncle Johns Gulch. These tent campsites near Arco 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 campsites near Arco, offering a true disconnect from daily routines.
"There are ample trails that are available kicking off straight from the campground into the wilderness, for hiking, walking, snowmobiling, mountain biking, etc."
"Got a nice spot, “lake” side views. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Not sure about any other amenities as we didn’t use them. But it’s a really cool spot and worth at least a nights visit!"
"Well cared for, easy access, fishing, green grass for day use and tent camping, private dock, wonderful folks!"
"First off it does not have water at this location. So you’ll need to bring your own. the next campground over (Star hope) has an old fashioned water pump where we always fill up our water coolers."
"Absolutely the best spot to set up camp if you're looking at doing an alpine attempt on the roof of Idaho, Mt. Borah! "
"NOTE: No water available at the site. We stopped in Mackay on our way there to get water, food and fuel."
from $5 / night
"Large campsites next to stream nestled in a beautiful valley. Hiking/mtb trail next to campsites."
"Met several wonderful people along the trail, at the site, and during the summit. Great place all around. If going in fall, prepare for some ice in the evening and light fog. Great experience."
GuideCamped in the grassy area by the river south of the main camp spots. Quiet and peaceful hearing the water next to us. In the morning spotted approximately 12 horses across the river. Not sure if they're wild or belong to a nearby rancher. Would stay here again.
GuideDefinitely a unique campground. Sites are FCFS and this campground was very busy for this time of year, even with bathrooms closed (pit toilets only) and water shut off for the season. Sites are very close together but everyone was very respectful and relatively quiet. Lots of cool hikes in the nearby lava fields. International Dark Sky Park so great for stargazing too!
GuideWe pulled in early afternoon and grabbed a pull through with Southern shade. You have to pay daily at an automated kiosk. Wifi at visitor center. Nice loop to drive with multiple hikes. Good info. Provided.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are looking for one of the most surreal, otherworldly camping experiences in North America, Lava Flow Campground inside Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is an absolute gem. Tucked directly into a young volcanic landscape, this park lets you pitch camp surrounded by jagged, pitch-black basalt rock formations that feel more like the surface of the moon than south-central Idaho.
Rig Size Advisory: Tents & Small Campers Only
First and foremost, know what to expect before towing into the monument:
An Educational Masterpiece for Families
If you have school-aged kids or grandkids who are currently learning about earth science, geology, or volcanoes, camping here is an absolute must.
World-Class Dark Sky Stargazing
Because Craters of the Moon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, the night experience is just as spectacular as the daytime geology:
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Lava Flow Campground is a rare national park treasure that puts you right in the center of the action. While it lacks hookups and won't accommodate large RVs, its unique volcanic setting, incredible educational value for children, and world-class dark skies make it one of the coolest dry-camping stops in the West.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the Hitched4fun.com crew!
TravelerWe didn’t get to stay here, but drove thru on our way through the monument. Really unique campsites in the middle of the lava flows. Would have comfortably stayed had the timing worked to do so…
TravelerWe opted for the slightly more expensive on paper RV park in this town as this appeared quite run down and lacking maintenance. Was not at all inviting to stay. And quite expensive considering the conditions.
LegendMost are pretty exposed and they close most services up early in the fall. I am in a spot close to the visitor center side of the park and get the wifi from the office. Otherwise with Verizon you have no services.
RangerThis campground is very clean but the sites are tight and would be impossible for larger rigs. The little roads to the sites are narrow too, with lots of rocks so you really have to be careful. But it is very convenient.
GuideGreat spot right off the highway. Beautiful views, several spots to choose from. The road in is a little rough, just take it slow.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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