The Boise National Forest surrounds Atlanta, Idaho, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but drop to 40-50°F at night, even in July. This remote mountain area offers primitive cabin camping with limited services, requiring most visitors to pack in supplies.
What to do
Hiking alpine trails: Several miles of hiking trails extend from Atlanta Cabin, with routes varying from beginner to expert. "There are beautiful small lakes and streams along the way with plenty of fish! The terrain goes from thick forest to desert then back again with steep inclines," notes Stephanie L.
Soak in hot springs: Natural hot springs are accessible near town. "Town is about 10 min from camp. The town is very small and the people are very friendly," explains Kay, who stayed at Atlanta Cabin.
Fishing mountain lakes: Multiple fishing spots are available in the surrounding lakes. According to Miles G. who visited Mount Heyburn Campground, "Water will be just as cold unless its August but it's refreshing and extremely clear."
Night sky viewing: The area falls within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Jeremy A. from Glacier View Campground explains, "This area is a top pick to do some star gazing or meteor watching" thanks to minimal light pollution.
What campers like
Private cabin options: Graham Cabin allows pets and permits fires, offering more privacy than campgrounds closer to Stanley.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding forests provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. One visitor to the Sawtooth region noted, "Fauna is abundant in the surrounding area. Deer, elk, bear, marten, moose, and pronghorn antelope all made appearances during my last trip to the area."
Natural water features: Charles M. from Mount Heyburn Campground shared, "There are several trailheads that are an easy walk through woods to find in Sockeye and trails that go around the lake with beautiful views."
Unique accommodation styles: Options range from basic tent sites to rustic cabins. At Glacier View Campground, "Each campsite has a dedicated level pad for tents, a picnic table, a bear box, and fire ring," according to Anna W.
What you should know
Limited supplies: Grocery options are minimal in Atlanta. "I would recommend getting groceries before you arrive bc local store is pitiful," advises Jeannie P. from Elk Mountain RV Resort.
Campground reservations: Most cabin sites require advance booking. Cody E. from Mountain Village Resort notes, "Normally we wouldn't stay in place like this since its just an open field, but it turned out to be a great experience on our multi-destination camping trip."
Temperature fluctuations: Be prepared for cold nights even in summer. Miles G. advises, "Come prepared for cold nights even in the summer," based on his experience at Mount Heyburn Campground.
Water conditions: Natural water sources remain cold through most of the season. According to Norma Y., "Many people walked down to the lake to fish or to paddle on inflatables, and a few braved the cold lake temperature to swim."
Tips for camping with families
Tent-only camping areas: Some campgrounds offer car-free zones. Anna W. explains that at Glacier View Campground, "This campground is great when camping with children, especially with the bathrooms & lack of car traffic on the tent-only side."
Activity options: Smiley Creek Lodge offers family-friendly amenities. "They had horseshoes and bean bags in a common area," Ben H. mentioned, providing entertainment options beyond hiking.
Water activities: Lakes provide recreational opportunities. Carrie B. shared, "The water in the lake is the cleanest you'll ever see," making swimming a popular activity despite cold temperatures.
Campground facilities: Look for campgrounds with reliable facilities for kids. "The campsites are large, with paved and relatively level driveways for campers and RVs, and flat cleared areas to set up a tent. Bathrooms are clean, with flush toilets," notes Norma Y.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Some sites offer electric and sewer connections. At Stanley RV + Camp, "Excellent and clean bathrooms; hot water was plentiful and they are free. Great base camp for family week of hiking, rafting, and visiting the Sunbeam hot springs," according to Jeannie P.
Site selection: Choose sites based on size requirements. Mike W. notes about his experience, "This campground has paved roadways, paved parking, and pretty good separation between campsites. Most sites have good shade from pine trees."
Services available: Laundry facilities can be found at certain locations. Samantha S. reports, "Bathrooms, showers and laundry room are pristine for a campground! Hot water was no issue and they have a great little store if you're out of anything."
