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Top-Rated Camping in Idaho

4,850 Reviews

Idaho's camping landscape ranges from state park campgrounds with electric hookups and cabin options to free dispersed sites on public lands. Ponderosa State Park near McCall features a peninsula campground with electric hookups and cabin options, while Craters of the Moon National Monument offers the Lava Flow Campground with tent and RV sites. Developed facilities like Camp Coeur D'Alene provide glamping accommodations, while Cauldron Linn offers free dispersed camping on BLM land. Several state parks including Henrys Lake, Bruneau Dunes, and Massacre Rocks maintain campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation requirements.

Many Idaho campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from late May through September. Henrys Lake State Park opens from May to mid-October, while others like Three Island Crossing and Bruneau Dunes remain accessible year-round. Primitive sites generally lack potable water and other amenities during winter months. High-elevation locations may experience snow and freezing temperatures well into spring, limiting accessibility. Campgrounds near water features tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. "Dirt roads with loose gravel but my AWD SUV had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge," noted one camper about Mackay Reservoir.

Waterfront camping spots receive consistently positive reviews, with locations along rivers and lakes being particularly popular. Several dispersed camping areas near creeks provide more privacy than developed riverfront sites, which tend to fill quickly. As one visitor to North Fork Coeur D'Alene River noted, "The river spots fill up pretty fast, and the creek spots have more privacy." Campgrounds with mountain views also attract attention, with one camper describing "beautiful unobstructed views to the East, South and West" at Redtail Campground in McCroskey State Park. Proximity to attractions like hot springs and hiking trails adds appeal, though campers should be prepared for variable conditions including mosquitoes and occasional noise from highways or trains at some locations.

Best Campgrounds in Idaho (1,486)

    1. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    75 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-1335

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

    "All facilities are closed so it’s just camping and exploring the park which is all within walking distance of the campground. Very friendly ranger working the front! Level sites on pavement."

    2. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    45 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "One moment you are driving through farmland. The next moment a canyon appears out of nowhere. There is a beach there are waterfalls and the views are absolutely amazing."

    "I haven't explored all the spots around the water since I got here at sunset but it's really cool and super close to the water."

    3. Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-7606

    $35 - $120 / night

    "I enjoy all the amenities, the only thing I wish it had was a sewer at the individual sites, but it’s ok because they have a couple within the park located towards the exits."

    "9/6/19 Conveniently located, 6 miles from west entrance of park. We had a pull thru site, 45,. Level gravel site."

    4. Massacre Rocks State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Rockland, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 548-2672

    "This beautiful state park is located right off of the freeway about 7 miles outside of American Falls, Idaho."

    "You definitely want a lower loop site to get away from the freeway noise, plus you will have more shade during peak summer heat."

    5. Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park

    38 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-2164

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."

    "Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner."

    6. Three Island Crossing State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Glenns Ferry, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-2394

    "There is a picnic table and fire ring for having an enjoyable outdoor experience. there is a huge grass open area adjacent to the site which is nice for outdoor sports."

    "Long paved with water and electric on one side and the pick-nik table behind us. It has 1 fire ring/grill in a box area. As crowded as the park seems, it’s very quite."

    7. Henrys Lake State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 558-7532

    $60 - $70 / night

    "This campground is situation on Henrys Lake and provides amazing views from the campground. There are trails to explore without going too far."

    "Save money with the Idaho State Parks Pass. RV and tent camping fishing and boating. I have stayed here numerous times. Cell service spotty but can be achieved."

    8. Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-7919

    $29 - $39 / night

    "Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise."

    "If you don't want to leave Idaho but you want to feel like you're in the dessert, this is an awesome place to camp!"

    9. Targhee Creek

    31 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website

    "This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser."

    "We originally wanted to stay farther south in Idaho after leaving Jackson but we weren’t happy with the location."

    10. Mountain Home RV Park

    31 Reviews
    Mountain Home, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 580-1211

    "Walking distance to Walmart."

    "This RV park is a little close to the highway, but was actually very quiet and is close to plenty of recreation. It was super clean, had great showers, and a really lovely staff."

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Recent Camping Photos in Idaho

919 Photos of 1486 Idaho Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Recent Reviews in Idaho

4850 Reviews of 1486 Idaho Campgrounds

  • Katherine T.
    Nov. 8, 2026

    Henrys Lake Boat Access

    New changes to this site

    I've stayed at this site every year since 2016, for fishing and bird watching. My first years there, it was a true BLM dispersed camping site. People camped wherever they wanted, many right on the lake shore. The place got loved to death though, starting in 2020 when COVID refugees moved in. In 2023, the BLM started making changes. The lake shore was completely blocked off, which reduced the area where people could camp and the size of the rigs they could drive in, because there wasn't a good place to turn a big rig around. Then in 2025 a new camping area had been constructed with designated sites, well off the lake. These sites have fire rings and picnic tables. They're level, many are pull through, and they're arranged in a loop so it's not a problem to turn around. But you can't camp along the road that goes from the boat ramp to Hope Creek, as before. I was fine camped in the new area in 2026, but of course it wasn't the same. There are still dispersed sites at the top of The Cliffs and all along Red Rock Road though.

  • Laurie B.
    Nov. 7, 2026

    Henrys Lake State Park Campground

    This campground is in a great location, about 15 miles SW of Yellowstone. Nestled on the shore of Henry's Lake in several loops, all but the tent area have various combinations of electric, water, and sewer hookups. We had site 23 in the Blue Dun loop, which had water, electric, and a great view of Henry's Lake and the nearby mountains. A nice walking path along the shoreline of the lake and marsh offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. Only downfall here was the lack of a dump station, though some sites in the Caddis loop have full hookups with sewer. Good ATT cell signal. Not much privacy between campsites, but who looks at them when you can be looking at the scenery?

  • Laurie B.
    Nov. 5, 2026

    Wilderness Gateway

    This campground is in a beautiful location right along the Lochsa River. When we arrived, the iron ranger was damaged and covered up with a tarp. Made us question the safety of the campground. Never did see a host or a ranger. We were in loop B site 5, a generously long pull thru. We had surprisingly few neighbors for such a nice stretch of weather. Zero AT&T service.

  • Kaidan S.
    Nov. 4, 2026

    Jacks Creek Campground

    Good lake-side spot with metal fire rings with grills and bathroom access, no real amenities otherwise. Gravel road parking with some grass patches for tents. Cows nearby are rather loud, as is the highway at times in addition to planes flying overhead now and then. There are properties nearby, but each campsite is fairly private from the others. Previous campers left an unfortunate amount of litter, but it was relatively easy to clean up. Overall decent campsite considering the fact it's free.

  • R
    Nov. 3, 2026

    Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    Total rip-off.

    This campground has no water, no showers, no flush toilets and the only signage is on the bathroom doors themselves. There is no signage at the booth, no signage at the campground kiosk and nothing on the reservation site itself to alert you that there is no water at this park! Paid $52.53 ($34 site fee, $7 entrance fee, $10 transaction fee, $1.53 service fee, $2.89 tax.) Total rip-off! Why is this park even open???

  • Cathy H.The Dyrt Pro User
    Nov. 3, 2026

    Snake River Dispersed

    There is a private property sign and gate with a chain......

  • Lily H.
    Nov. 2, 2026

    Teton Valley Resort

    Excellent stay! Great, clean facilities. Yummy free breakfast. Awesome location!

Guide to Idaho

Camping in Idaho offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for hot springs, riverside spots, or mountain views, Idaho has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore Hot Springs: Many campgrounds, like Bonneville, are close to hot springs. One camper said, “The hottest pools are close to the cascades, coolest are near the river.”
  • Hiking and Biking: Campgrounds like Iron Creek provide access to popular trails. A visitor noted, “You are far away from the main road so no road noise but sometimes hikers will accidentally drive through the campground loop.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Stanley Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and other water activities. One reviewer mentioned, “Incredible views from about half of the sites.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One camper at Sockeye Campground said, “Clean quiet campground. Plenty of great spots to choose from.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like North Fork Campground, are known for their peaceful settings. A visitor shared, “It’s a quiet place. It is dusty. The camp host was awesome.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A review for Salmon River Campground noted, “Cleanest vault toilets ever. Asphalt roads and sites in good condition.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper at Pine Flats mentioned, “The site has no hookups, but is paved and easily navigated.”
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be bear aware, especially in areas like Iron Creek. One visitor cautioned, “Be bear aware. There was snow this visit.”
  • Reservation Recommendations: Some popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Sunny Gulch Campground advised, “Plan ahead. I came on a Monday afternoon in mid-July and got the last site available.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with nearby activities. At Stanley Lake Campground, a reviewer said, “The lake and mountains are so beautiful.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. A camper at Iron Creek noted, “Even in the summer, nights drop into the 30s.”
  • Engage in Outdoor Activities: Encourage kids to explore nature. One family at Sockeye Campground enjoyed, “Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Iron Creek mentioned, “The road to get back to the campsite is pretty rough, but if you have a higher clearance vehicle it would be okay.”
  • Plan for Limited Services: Be prepared for no cell service in many areas. A camper at North Fork Campground said, “Zero cell reception from ATT, Verizon or TMobile.”
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds do not have water hookups. A reviewer at Pine Flats noted, “There is drinking water via spigot at a few locations.”

Idaho camping is an adventure waiting to happen, with plenty of options for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for camping in Idaho's national forests?

Most Idaho national forests require a recreation pass for day use areas, but overnight camping typically requires separate permits. In the Targhee National Forest, campgrounds like Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) charge around $18/night with no additional permits needed. For dispersed camping on BLM land and many national forests, no permits are required, but there's typically a 14-day stay limit. Some areas like Swan Falls - Idaho Power have established spots on BLM land that don't require permits. Always check with the specific forest district office before your trip, as permit requirements can vary by location and season.

When is the best season for tent camping in Idaho?

Late spring through early fall (mid-May to mid-September) offers the best tent camping conditions in Idaho, with summer being peak season. Pettit Lake Campground in the Sawtooth area provides excellent summer camping with access to hiking trails and lake activities. At higher elevations like Henrys Lake State Park Campground, the prime season is shorter (June-August) due to cooler temperatures. Fall brings beautiful colors but cooler nights. Many campgrounds close for winter, though some remain open with limited facilities. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and potentially frosty nights in late spring and early fall.

What are the best campgrounds in Idaho for first-time visitors?

Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park near McCall is perfect for first-timers with its proximity to town, lake access, hiking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. While campsites are close together, the location and clean facilities make it an ideal starting point. Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park offers another excellent option with well-maintained facilities and proximity to both Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Preserve. For those seeking a quieter experience, Iron Mountain Campground in Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park provides beautiful views of the Palouse region with fewer crowds.

Where can I find free dispersed camping spots in Idaho?

Idaho offers abundant free dispersed camping opportunities on BLM and national forest lands. Herrick Reservoir Access provides free camping with a 10-day limit, though be careful to respect private property boundaries and watch for signage. The area around Swan Falls offers dispersed camping on BLM land, though it's more established than truly primitive. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed is another free option. When dispersed camping in Idaho, always follow Leave No Trace principles, camp in previously used sites at least 200 feet from water sources, and check local regulations as some areas may have fire restrictions or seasonal closures.

Keep Exploring

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