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Best Tent Camping near Arco, ID

175 Reviews

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.

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Best Tent Sites Near Arco, Idaho (14)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Arco, ID

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Tent Camping Reviews near Arco, ID

175 Reviews of 14 Arco Campgrounds

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Camping on the moon

    Holy Cow! It really was like camping on the moon(except the wind) or on a volcano. This is a barren place due to the volcanic nature of the land, but it was very pretty and the campground was set up in an almost ingenious way to provide privacy for most sites. There were essentially two loops, but the loops had lots of twists and turns and ups and downs in order to squeeze in the most number of sites with the most privacy. I ended up with a deep site where I could set my tent up between some lava rocks to get some semblance of a wind break. From inside my tent I could not see any other sites(which was really nice), but I could see my neighbors from my picnic table. No fires are allowed(which I found interesting since we were camped on a lava flow), and there are no showers(someone told me that maybe I could get a shower at the KOA in Arco, but I didn’t bother). In fact, water is somewhat restricted- there were signs stating RV’s could not fill up, but all were welcome to fill personal water jugs. Even the dish washing station was closed at the restrooms. Speaking of which, the restrooms had flush toilets and sinks with cold water and were fairly clean if a bit outdated. Definitely get some hiking in while you are here. There is a nice trail from the campground that connects to the North Crater Flow trail, and if you have some stamina climb the Inferno Cone for great views(watch the ground for cinders that look like glass!). Get a permit at the visitors center to go into the lava tube caves(its free but required). I only hiked in Indian Cave as I wasn’t comfortable with the pitch black dark of Boy Scout and Beauty Caves by myself. Definitely check out the town of Arco, the first in the nation to be powered by nuclear energy. Not far from Arco is the nuclear power plant, decommissioned, where you can take a free tour. Back at the campground there is one last important note- you have to pay the electronic ranger for your campsite, and NO cash is accepted. Only credit cards.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area

    Wonderful Views @ a Semi-Primitive CG

    Wow!  Absolutely the best spot to set up camp if you're looking at doing an alpine attempt on the roof of Idaho, Mt. Borah!  The campground sits right around 7200'  which is a decent bit cooler than the Big Lost River Valley to the west.  There is also a good bit of shade despite there being few large trees.  Its kind of a transition between the sage brush and juniper climate zones.  There are picnic tables and metal fire rings @ each site but there is absolutely no running water so be sure to fill your water bottles and camelbaks in Mackey which is the closest town.  There are vault toilets but no other amenities.  The perk of being fairly primitive is that the sites are only $5 a night!

    If you're planning on summiting Borah it's a good idea to get an alpine start <6 AM so you don't get baked by the sun as there's no shade the last 2 miles and sparse shade the first 1.5.  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!  If you don't feel like hiking there are plenty of rivers nearby in which to fish and 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.

  • Jake G.
    May. 28, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    The Earthside of the Moon

    This is what you would expect in the wilderness of Idaho! A unique location, and an experience worth having!

    Please obey posted fire safety warnings as Idaho is plagued by enough man made wildfires each year!

    Have fun and leave no trace!

  • Stephanie V.
    Oct. 30, 2020

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Nestled in the lava landscape

    Prepare to have your mind blown as you roll in to Lava Flow Campground. It is nestled in the uniquely lunar landscape caused by, well, lava flow. The grounds sit at the entrance of the scenic 7-mile loop that provides access to trails that take you over, under, and around various volcanic features.

    We went during COVID times, so there was no access to the caves. Still, it was a memorable experience driving the loop and hiking around. In late October, the water was shut off due to frozen pipes, restrooms were closed except for the vault toilets. We found the vaults to be remarkably clean and unstinky. 

    The sites varied drastically in quality and size- probably because they were built around existing landscape that begged to be preserved. Because it was a weekday and off-season, we had the grounds to ourselves and took our time selecting the best site, and made sure to mark our favorites for the next trip. Site 27 was our favorite for sweeping views and size, but we ended up staying in 29, which is nestled on its own in some lava rocks that provide wind protection.

  • C
    Oct. 22, 2020

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Stunning Spot

    An absolutely beautiful place to camp. Black lava rock everywhere. No cell service. No hookups but if you have a generator it’s all good to run it during normal non quiet hours. Vault toilets open in winter. Lots of fun hikes within the park. Sites have grills and can be used for RVs or tents. 15 or 7.50 if you are NPS pass holder or senior

  • j
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Quaint and convenient

    Really cute private campground right off I30 near Lava Springs, Idaho

    Some highway noise. Very clean sites. Vault toilets, clean and decorated nicely. Really wish they had a bathhouse and place to wash dishes. Firepit. Picnic table with flower pot was really a nice touch. Level, gravel, back in sites. Prices a bit high for just water and electric $40 to $55 They also rent tiny trailers, $55 a night. Lots of tent sites as well. Grass playground. Creek nearby. No camp store but they do sell firewood. Owner Annie, super friendly and accommodating. Refunded two nights since we wanted a shower. Only charged $5. 9/5/19

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in a Canyon

    Coordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Cool campground located among the lava flow

    Located right by the entrance station, this campground has 42 sites, with only a select number suitable for large RVs or 5th wheels(although we encountered a large RV coming toward us that necessitated us backing into an empty site)! It was very windy the day we were here but don’t know if that is typical. Flush toilets but no showers; typical of national park campgrounds. No hookups or dump station. Sites are surrounded by lava rocks; some were very nice but others not as much (sites 1-5 are right by (and I mean RIGHT BY) the entrance station). Sites 34, 35, 42, and 3 are fully accessible and site 34 has an electrical outlet for use by those with medical needs. Open April-November, weather dependent but water only available in peak months. Limited to no cell service (Verizon). $15 during peak season (half price for senior pass holders and when there is no water). No fee during April and November if open.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Craters of the Moon Wilderness — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Sleep in a volcano crater

    What could be more cool than sleeping in the bottom of a volcano.  That is what you can do on the Crater of the Moon National Monument's Wilderness Trail.  Sleep in the bottom of Echo Crater.  To backpack and camp in the wilderness area requires a free backcountry permit.  It is a little more than 3 miles of  backpacking to the crater,  the last bit is off trail so you will need the map provided for the area.  Access to the crater is from the east side of the crater, access the crater from any of the other sides is faster but it will be your last as it is a several hundred foot vertical drop to the bottom.  No water sources so you will need to pack at least a gallon of water per person per day.  Make sure you use the vault toilet at the trailhead before heading out, if you need to due #2 you will need to back all of it out, and that's more than just the paper.  No digging a hole and burying it here.  Plenty of flat ground to pitch your tent in the bottom of the crater.

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.

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