Boise National Forest encompasses over 2.6 million acres of forested mountains, river valleys, and alpine terrain in central Idaho. The area features a mix of established campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and specialized sites including equestrian facilities. Popular locations include Pine Flats Campground along the South Fork of the Payette River, Kirkham Campground with its natural hot springs, and Edna Creek Campground at higher elevations. Most developed sites are concentrated along Highway 21 between Boise and Idaho City, with additional options extending north toward Lowman.
Most campgrounds in Boise National Forest operate seasonally from mid-May through September, with limited year-round options. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during the day, dropping to 40-50°F at night, especially at higher elevations where some campgrounds sit at 5,000 feet. Cell service is spotty throughout the forest, with better coverage near Idaho City. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly in July and August. Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially for accessing dispersed camping areas. Vault toilets and drinking water are available at most developed sites, though water systems may close during shoulder seasons.
Camping experiences vary significantly across the forest. Developed campgrounds like Bonneville and Mountain View offer amenities including drinking water and vault toilets, while dispersed camping areas provide more primitive experiences. As one camper noted, "Edna Creek is just over Mores Creek Summit at about 5,000 feet, so it can get cool at night even in summer." Several campgrounds feature proximity to natural hot springs, particularly along the Payette River corridor. Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground provides specialized facilities for horse camping with access to extensive trail systems. RV camping is available at several locations, though larger rigs may have difficulty navigating the winding mountain roads and tight campground loops, particularly beyond Idaho City where roads become steeper and narrower.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$20 - $40 / night
"I annually visit Pine Flats with great hot springs just a quick walk away. The sites are not too close to each other so if you go on a weekend you get some space away from other campers."
"this camp ground has a great location, downhill from the highway, there is virtually no noise from the road, and there are hotsprings located within a half a mile from your camp ground."
$5 - $30 / night
"The gate entrance closes during the winter but you can still walk in and access the natural hot springs. If you’re visiting Idaho, this is a must see!"
"I ended up going on something of a hot spring tour throughout Idaho and Montana and it is so cool to see these geothermal wonders."
$20 - $40 / night
"Our site was close to the highway, but not much traffic in the evening. The campground was very clean and well kept. The sites were not very far apart, but fine for a couple nights."
"Nice wooded campground with some sites adjacent to Payette river. One paved lane in/out with loop at end. Fairly level gravelled pads with picnic tables, tent pads and fire pits."
"One of my favorite campgrounds in all of Idaho. The road out to Deadwood is only open a few months of the year. While the road out can be a little rough, the campground is well worth it."
"Just 6 sites here (try and get #6, it’s really close to the river) on a traditional and ancient campsite that Native Americans used for a long time."
"We had a great spot near the river!"
$20 - $40 / night
"The campground itself is tucked into a valley of sorts so you are surrounded by trees everywhere. The biggest attraction here is the creek."
"We loved the sound of the water as we went to bed, and the hot springs were gorgeous (although sporadically visited by people outside the campground too)."
$20 / night
"The entrance is a narrow road down a hill. But still very accessible for a travel trailer. Keep in mind, Black Rock is 20 miles of dirt road. It does get bumpy in some spots."
"We love going here because it is usually clean and has fishing and swimming close by and the water is shallow enough for all of us to enjoy."
$20 - $40 / night
"Bad Bear is a nice little campsite outside of Idaho City. The sites are good size with adequate privacy."
"Great little Campground right off the main road between Idaho city and Lohman."
"This campground is near Highway 21 but far enough off the road for a quiet camping experience. Lots of room for all kinds of vehicles and choices of camping styles here. "
$15 - $30 / night
"Nice campground with hot springs within a short walk. Is close to main road, but not much traffic. No hookups, but pit toilet in campground."
"Nice campground with a short hike/walk to some hot springs."
TravelerThe highlight is the hot springs which are a short hike from the campground. Hot water plunges down the cliffs to the river and people have piled up rocks on flatter parts of the cliffs to create pools. A very unique experience!
The camp sites are decent and some can accommodate longer trailers. There are also a few tent only sites. There is hand pump for fresh water. Cost was $20 per night.
GuideThere are many great campsites within a 1/4 mile of this spot. Views are wonderful & the cows are wandering by. The 4 miles on the dirt road coming in had some potholes & a few washboards but nothing going slow wasn't easy to manage with our 31' TT. Here at end of September days in 60s and nights in low 30s.
TravelerStayed 4 nights. Our site was double booked when we arrived. They didn't hesitate in upgrading us to a "super site." We were originally booked for a back in. Clean showers and laundry facility. The back in sites were very tight and I would not recommend them. Pay the extra money for the pull thru. You won't regret it. I would most definitely stay here again.
ScoutNot that bad but not great for a pay campground. Small but quiet.
GuideWhat a wonderful campground! Small yet don’t feel on top of your neighbor. Views of the lake are phenomenal and the beach/shoreline was awesome! We loved every minute and give it a 10/10.
GuideCamping was $25. with a 10 day limit. They have a dump station for $3.00
GuideEarly September. Dust, dust, dust. The lake has a strip of green grass down the middle. There's not much more than a puddle of actual water. Big area so people can have their own space. Everything I own is covered in dust. Has a pit toilet. Lots of stars
GuideIt’s a fairly good spot with toilets and water but not a ton of shade
ScoutGreat spot outside Redfish Lake near Stanley. Sites in the back are away from road noise and can hear the river.
Boise National Forest camping spans multiple elevations and ecosystems, with some campgrounds situated at higher altitudes around 5,000 feet where temperatures drop significantly after sunset. Most forest roads leading to dispersed camping areas remain snow-covered until late May, with higher elevation roads sometimes impassable until mid-June. Access routes vary significantly in quality, from paved highways to rough forest service roads requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Hot spring soaking: Pine Flats Campground features natural hot springs accessed via a short trail. "The hot springs are a short hike down to the river," notes Carson, while another visitor mentions "Different times of the year, hotspring pools are easier accessed when the river is lower but still plenty to go around."
Horseback riding: Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground provides specialized facilities for equestrian campers with access to extensive trail systems. "Lots of trails due to horses and heard running water in the distance," reports a camper who found "plenty of firewood laying around."
Fishing: Black Rock Campground offers fishing opportunities along the river. "We love going here because it is usually clean and has fishing and swimming close by and the water is shallow enough for all of us to enjoy," notes Darlan B. The campground requires navigating "20 miles of dirt road" that "does get bumpy in some spots."
Riverside camping: Mountain View Campground features campsites directly adjacent to the Payette River. "Nice sites lined up along the South Fork of the Payette River, pristine waters!" reports Cece H. Another camper notes, "Our site was right on the Payette River, and we enjoyed watching some inflatable boats go by."
Privacy at less-known sites: Willow Creek Campground offers a more secluded experience. "This is a very small campsite far enough off Hwy 21 to be remote and rustic but also close enough to be fairly easy to get to. There are only 3-4 campsites," explains Amy S., who appreciated the "beautiful and well accommodated" setting.
Winter accessibility: Some hot springs remain accessible year-round even when campgrounds close. "The gate entrance closes during the winter but you can still walk in and access the natural hot springs," reports a visitor about Kirkham Hot Springs, while another camper mentions "We stayed here during the off season so we had the hot spring to ourselves."
Seasonal challenges: Many campgrounds close water systems before the official season end. "All the websites say this place has potable water but the pump was chained up!" reports a visitor to Willow Creek Campground.
Road conditions: Forest roads vary dramatically in quality. "Black Rock is 20 miles of dirt road. It does get bumpy in some spots. I was able to drive 15-20mph with a trailer most of the time," notes Josh D.
High elevation effects: Edna Creek Campground sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, creating cooler conditions. "Edna creek is just over Mores Creek Summit and it's about five thousand feet. It's a great place to cool off," explains a camper who notes the "last 20 or 30 minutes Beyond Idaho City going east is a pretty steep Winding Road and a little bit narrow."
Weekday visits: For those seeking quieter experiences, weekday camping offers advantages. "We camped here to be near white water rafting... Weekday camping does not have a lot of other campers so you can get the place to yourself," notes one camper.
Hot spring etiquette: Some campgrounds with hot springs develop unique social environments. At Kirkham Campground, campers report varied experiences: "We stayed over night and it became a little rowdy and a bit of nudity in one of the hot springs... my sons will always remember this place! All in all it is really a good place to visit and stay over night, just be ready for it."
Family-friendly options: Some campgrounds better suit families with children. "Pine flats is a less traveled to hotsprings destination. There are only 3 pools and two are located on the mountainside overlooking the river and the third is located down on the river... It is a bit of a dangerous hike down to the last pool so not a great destination for kids."
Site specifications: Carefully check site dimensions before booking. "Made the reservation for 2 nights off the government site. I must say they are true to length. So true I'm sure I would not fit, but after trying 3 times to make the turn backing in we left for better camping. Site 22 is a tough get."
Water supply: RVers should fill tanks before arrival. "Vault toilets, hand crank water pump. Recommend RVs fill up on water in Idaho City," advises a camper at Black Rock Campground.
Size limitations: Numerous campgrounds have tight access roads. "Edna creek is just over Mores Creek Summit... Definitely not for large or long rigs," cautions a reviewer, while Bonneville Campground visitors note its location "on a bluff over a creek" with easy access to "hot springs a mere 1/4 mi away."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Boise National Forest?
Boise National Forest offers diverse camping options across its expansive landscape. Edna Creek Campground provides a serene mountain experience with great access to forest roads, rivers, and hiking trails about 20 minutes from Idaho City. Warm Lake Campground offers scenic dry camping with level sites for RVs up to 27 feet, picnic tables, firepits, and nearby hiking trails. Other notable options include Sunny Gulch near Stanley with spectacular views and two loops suitable for different rig sizes, Stanley Lake with its gorgeous lake views, and Trinity View Resort for those seeking amenities like a pool. Most campgrounds provide basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with many offering nearby recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and ATV trails.
When is the best season for camping in Boise National Forest?
Summer to early fall (June through September) offers the best camping conditions in Boise National Forest. Higher elevation areas like Bull Trout Lake Campground have a shorter season, typically July through early September, with cool nights even in summer. Lower elevations near Grayback Gulch Campground can be comfortable from May through October. Elevation plays a significant role in temperatures - campsites at 5,000+ feet can get cool at night even in summer. Spring brings snowmelt and potential access issues, while October brings beautiful fall colors but increasingly cold nights. Always check road conditions and campground closures before heading out, as many forest roads and campgrounds close seasonally.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Boise National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Boise National Forest with a 10-day stay limit. Herrick Reservoir Access offers free dispersed camping but requires careful navigation as it's surrounded by private land with some aggressive signage. Not all roads around dispersed areas are public, so be prepared for potential dead ends. North of Sunny Gulch Campground, campers have found suitable dispersed sites that can accommodate multiple smaller vehicles (under 21' recommended), though 4-wheel drive may be needed to access some areas. When dispersed camping, remember to camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Always check current forest regulations as they can change seasonally.
What camping facilities are available near Lowman in Boise National Forest?
Pine Flats Campground near Lowman offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and accommodations for larger RVs. This versatile campground provides multiple access options including drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping. Another excellent option is Mountain View, which features similar amenities including potable water and toilet facilities, with sites that can accommodate larger rigs. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Deadwood Campground provides basic facilities with water and toilets, while Willow Creek Campground offers a simpler setup with toilet facilities only. The Lowman area serves as an excellent base for exploring the scenic Payette River corridor and accessing numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and fishing spots throughout this section of Boise National Forest.
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