Boise National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Idaho camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$15 / night
"Nice paved drive on our site, a big groomed flat spot for a tent, a nice fire pit with cooking grate, and sturdy picnic table. "
"Bathrooms and potable water. Hot springs nearby."
$12 - $24 / night
"The river is nearby but there is no real access here. Go down the road a bit and you will have some nice water access."
"the summer of 2017. it didn’t look like much as we pulled up, because there were a lot of trees that had been burned in a recent fire. however, we had a lot of fun. we discovered the river that ran behind"
$35 / night
"This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City. Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing. "
$15 - $75 / night
"Spend 6 nights here while exploring Stanley, the sawtooths, and Boise National Forest. Big sites, beautiful lake, and very private. Really enjoyed our stay here."
"We were originally booking in an equestrian site but we don't own horses the camp host left us a little sticky note (there is not cell service) on the fence when we arrived to let us know that our campsite"
$12 / night
"Camping in walking a short distance to float the river"
"This place is such a fun weekend getaway, it's far enough to get some peace and quiet, yet it is also close enough to where you can be in the mountains with a short drive"
$24 - $48 / night
"Alturas Lake Inlet campground is tucked into the lovely, shady forest around it. We saw plenty of birds, chipmunks and tiny wildflowers were all over our site in early July."
"This is one of the most gorgeous locations for camping. The campground is right on the lake which is perfect for those of us who like to bring our canoes and kayaks. It is well cared for and clean."
"The river side is nice with campsites close to the river while the other side is just a street crossing away. Both are very similar otherwise. "
"Primitive campsite near the river. Vault toilets were kept clean. Fire pits."
$53 - $95 / night
"Feels like a little oasis tucked in behind the fairground and baseball stadium. The green belt and river run right by it. Super friendly staff. Variety of site types."
"The campground all the way to Lucky Peak Reservoir, a distance of 19 miles."
LegendSpend 6 nights here while exploring Stanley, the sawtooths, and Boise National Forest. Big sites, beautiful lake, and very private. Really enjoyed our stay here.
LegendUp near the top of the pass is Bench Creek campground. There are only 6 sites on this lollipop loop, all on the non-highway side. But you can hear the highway from everywhere in the campground. Sites 2, 3, and 4 back up nicely to the creek. Vault toilet but no water or trash, so pack in pack out. Across the highway are some OHV trails, so you will also get some of that noise in the day. Every site has the standard picnic table and fire pit, but fire season is real, so maybe skip the fire.
LegendClean, leveled, friendly, only 1/4 mile to their downtown. Friendly and helpful staff, showers, toilets, beach area for swimming WITH lounge chairs, swimming right in front, volleyball court, dog walking trails, fire pits, horse shoe play area, etc! Only wish I was able to do laundry but coming back again! Oh and the best part, great fishing under the bridge!
GuideAlturas Lake Inlet campground is tucked into the lovely, shady forest around it. We saw plenty of birds, chipmunks and tiny wildflowers were all over our site in early July. The lake is a short walk but some campers drove over just to make it easier to tote their chairs and water gear. Bring layers - it can is cool in the evenings and at night (40s F) even in July but warm in the day, especially if you are out by the lake. We tent camped at site 17 and although it was near one of the many vault toilets, smaller trash dumpsters, and water spigots, our site was bigger and we set up a decent distance from it. Most sites seemed to have a good distance between each other and enough privacy courtesy of trees and various plant life. We didn’t have any issues, but there plenty of signs reminding campers to be bear aware. (We are pretty careful to keep our food, cooking supplies, toiletries and whatnot in our car when not in use anyway). We did not have cell service (Verizon) and it was a bit of a drive before we got it again. Overall, it’s a beautiful retreat well suited to escaping the heat of summer if you have a tent or small trailer/pull behind.
LegendRight off of Hwy 75 you’ll find this first come first serve campground that has camping on either side of the road. The river side is currently closed for revegetation, erosion control, and habitat restoration. The other side is open. The river side is nice with campsites close to the river while the other side is just a street crossing away. Both are very similar otherwise.
Dusty gravel roads will loop you through the campground. The sites themselves are dirt and gravel with mostly level parking areas and each site varies in length. We would fit in many of them in our 26' Class C but larger rigs may have a problem. Each site has fire pit and picnic table. There are pit toilets and hand pump water available as well. There is a dumpster for trash but no recycling. There are no bear boxes so store food appropriately as bears are common in this area.
Road noise is an issue during the day as the campgrounds sit very close to the highway, but it dies down at night. Only 2 other campers there when we went.
$18/night
Fire restrictions in effect at this time so NO FIRES
No cell reception ATT, Verizon or TMobile
TravelerThis area is just 10 minutes south of Galena Lodge and 25 minutes north of Ketchum. We arrived on a Friday morning and had no problem finding a shaded, private site. There seemed to be a ton of options as you drive down Baker Creek (dirt road). Many have established fire pits.
ScoutWe stayed here to be close to redfish lake to snatch a spot for camping there in the morning. For that it served its purpose but that is all that is positive about it. We had to pay 114 dollars for an rv site that was not level, did not have a picnic table or a fire ring, or even place to put a table and chairs. The bathroom is very far away, and there is only one, which does not have a door, but a shower curtain. The location is nice, but if possible I would keep driving to find a better place.
GuidePrimitive campsite near the river. Vault toilets were kept clean. Fire pits.
LegendFort Running Bear RV Park, Idaho
If you like the middle of nowhere, you will like Fort Running Bear RV Park. It is approximately 32 miles to the middle of nowhere, the last three are on a dirt road. You are driving through scrub country with no trees and hills in the distance. Then you see a copse of trees in the distance. That is where you end up. This is an older campground, private and family run. There is a shower house attached to the swimming pool and a laundry room. The sites have room around them for tents, bikes, etc; a covered picnic table , most have shade and fire rings. There are full hookup sites and basic sites. When we visited the wind was wiping through the area. The owners are personable and friendly, the campground is well maintained. The shower house ...clean and a little old. This would be a nice place to spend a quiet weekend or time with the family. It would not make sense to use this campground for a base camp due to the distance from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What luxury amenities are available at Boise National Forest glamping locations?
Glamping locations near Boise National Forest offer a range of luxury amenities to enhance your wilderness experience. Arrowhead RV Park on the River provides a dedicated recreation area for children, a playground, and a communal fire pit area perfect for evening gatherings. Trinity View Resort offers a secluded retreat experience away from the crowds. Many glamping sites in the region feature upgraded facilities like clean showers, flush toilets, groomed sites, and convenient access to recreational activities. Some locations provide extras such as on-site dining options, common areas with games, and proximity to natural attractions like lakes, rivers, and hiking trails.
What is the best time of year for glamping in Boise National Forest?
The optimal glamping season in Boise National Forest runs from late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer months offer warm days ideal for enjoying water activities at places like Bull Trout Lake Campground, where you'll find beautiful lakeside settings and private sites. Early July brings wildflowers at locations such as Alturas Inlet Campground, creating a picturesque backdrop for glamping adventures. Be prepared for temperature variations, especially at higher elevations—even summer nights can be cool. Early fall offers stunning foliage with fewer crowds, while late spring provides rushing waters and greenery. Winter glamping is possible at some heated accommodations but expect limited access due to snow-covered roads.
Where are the best glamping sites in Boise National Forest?
For upscale glamping experiences near Boise National Forest, Smiley Creek Lodge offers yurts and cabins in a picturesque setting between Ketchum and Stanley, making it an ideal base for exploring the Sawtooth Mountains. The lodge features a restaurant, gas station, and common areas with games. Another excellent option is Waters Edge RV Resort, located just a quarter mile from downtown, offering a beach area with lounge chairs, swimming access, volleyball courts, and walking trails for dogs. For those seeking glamping experiences within the forest itself, consider exploring the more developed campgrounds that offer a comfortable wilderness experience with amenities beyond basic camping.
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