Mountain View offers glamping accommodations along the pristine Payette River in Boise National Forest, with several sites positioned directly on the waterfront. These upscale canvas accommodations combine natural immersion with modern comforts, including comfortable queen beds, private decks overlooking the river, and climate-controlled interiors. Bull Trout Lake Campground provides additional glamping options with lakefront eco-friendly yurts that feature fully-furnished interiors, bedding, and private access to the water. Each glamping unit includes sustainable amenities while maintaining a connection to the surrounding wilderness. One guest highlighted, "We LOVED our campsite at Bull Trout Lake. We had a lakefront spot, tons of trees around, and enough space to have privacy from other campsites."
Visitors to these glamping destinations enjoy direct access to outdoor recreation without sacrificing comfort. The Payette River provides opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing, with one visitor noting, "We had a great weekend - the site was roughly 20 yards from the river so it was perfect." Nearby hot springs offer relaxing soaks after hiking the surrounding forest trails. In winter months, the glamping cabins provide cozy accommodations for those exploring nearby ski areas. Most locations operate seasonally from late May through early September, with reservations strongly recommended during peak summer months. The proximity to Stanley and Idaho City makes these glamping sites ideal basecamps for exploring the greater Sawtooth region while enjoying comfortable overnight accommodations.
"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."
"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. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $40 / 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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 - $24 / night
"This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City. Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing. "
from $35 / 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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $75 / 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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $12 / night
"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."
"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."
from $53 - $95 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
GuideSnagged a site on the river,#22! Of course, being here off season helped. Absolutely gorgeous. There is no fee October to May, but they close the gate when the first snow comes. (According to the camp host,whose last day was Oct 4, 2026)
TravelerI’d give 4.5 stars if possible. Great location to break up the trip between Boise and Lewiston.
Lots of fun stuff to do: good swimming beach with the ability to check out canoes and kayaks (life jackets available for loan was a big deal since our 7&9 year olds forgot to pack theirs), sand volleyball, big bonfire ring near the beach, benches and picnic tables along the water access, lots of access to fishing within walking distance. Big rocks along the water that our daughter really enjoyed scrambling along, and we laid across them to watch the meteor shower.
Sites are big and easy to park our 36’ camper, easy check in, cute little store with firewood for sale. Staff were courteous and helpful.
Bathroom was clean, we didn’t use the shower.
The only thing I could complain about is that our picnic table was not in the best shape, but we swapped out for our neighbor’s since the site showed as available for the only night we were going to stay.
GuideWe stopped at Salmon River Campground for one night and found it to be a decent place to rest while traveling through the area. A note for fellow campers: although some websites mention this campground as being free, it is not. We paid$22 per night for our stay. The campground listing says sites are first come, first served, but we heard from other campers that some of the riverfront sites can actually be reserved online, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re hoping for a spot along the water. We arrived around 3:00 p.m. and managed to get the very last available site—Site 24. It wasn’t on the river, but rather in the overflow area across the road. While it wasn’t the most scenic location(more roadside than we usually prefer), it was surprisingly quiet overnight and worked perfectly fine for a quick stay.
We never met the campground host, but we did see him driving around regularly and checking on the sites, which was a nice touch. The bathrooms could have used a little more attention, but overall the campground was perfectly adequate for a one-night stop. Not our favorite campground of the trip, but it served its purpose and would be a reasonable option if you need a place to stay while exploring the Salmon River area. Next time we would try to get a spot on the river.
ScoutNo fee area! 5 sites. Nice shady campsites, right next to Baker Creek, improved fire pits, picnic tables, and a single vault toilet. Very few bugs (in july). Nobody else here on weekdays. Campsites are close together so might feel a little cramped on weekends. 50 yards off Baker Creek Rd so occasional traffic noise.
ScoutWe had spoken to the management about hosting 11 months before we arrived for the summer. Sent the paperwork and called to make sure everything was good to go several times. Upon arrival we are told we were never told we would be hired and that we would have to pay the monthly rate. The manager kept saying “I didn’t make a mistake! You would have gotten a packet”. None of this was ever mentioned and we drove our gas sucking Motorhome from Florida to Boise 2800 miles to find that there was no hosting opportunity. I was shocked and surprised. She said she didn’t like my attitude and asked us to leave. Her husband, a miserable man whose face has never known a smile was very confrontational and called my husband names. This all devolved into an ugly argument and left us with no place to call home for the summer. I had read that these people were not very nice but thought it may have just been sour grapes. It was not. It is all true. All of it. They have an F for a BBB rating and that’s before my complaint was made. This ruined my summer it my grandchildren as we had to go home after scrounging a day here and there at other campgrounds and paying premium prices. This I will never forgive. Don’t mess with my time with my grandchildren. Do not trust them with you vacation memories or family visits. Huge mistake. Don’t be next! Look on all the review sites you can find. They have bad reviews. They speak for themselves
GuideI stayed in the tent camping area which is also basically the dog run. You park in the lot then walk across a short bridge to a small lawn area with picnic tables to set up your tent. The RV area is really just a giant parking lot with RVs lined up side by side, nothing special. The bathrooms were being renovated, might be nicer in a few months.
ScoutNice 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. We liked the steel campstove/griddle/bbq pedestals for cooking. Most sites are fairly well separated. We were able to get the last first come/first served site on a Saturday in late June. Ok for our 29’ fifth wheel, but over 32’ would be pretty tight to back in to some of the spots
RangerGreat access to the greenbelt. Fantastic walking to anything you need. Worst showers, laundry and bathrooms than anywhere I’ve been. They don’t take care of them for how much money the obviously bring in. Overpriced, cramped and gross. Does the job for a few days though.
GuideHad a great weekend - the site was roughly 20 yards from the river so it was perfect. All the sites are kept clean (gravel) and have vault toilets throughout. First impression when you pull in? It looks bare and small but, the farther you drive in, the more appealing it becomes.
Only glitch in the weekend was an impromptu concert put on by a lady next to us. High pitched with what sounded like singing in tongues. But I guess each to their own…
Glamping sites in Boise National Forest vary widely in size and setting. Located in central Idaho with elevations from 3,000 to 9,800 feet, the forest contains numerous lakes and rivers that shape the camping landscape. Many glamping accommodations remain open through early October, though weather becomes unpredictable after mid-September.
Fishing access points: Mountain View campground offers direct access to fishing on the Payette River. "Nice campground. Some sites next to beautiful Payette River. Not very crowded on a Monday evening. Bald eagle flying up and down river!" noted Janet K.
Hot springs exploration: Several natural hot springs are accessible within short drives from campgrounds. "Great sites lined up along the South Fork of the Payette River, pristine waters! Bathrooms and potable water. Hot springs nearby," reports Cece H. about her stay at Mountain View.
Hiking trail connections: Alturas Inlet Campground provides access to numerous forest trails. "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," explains Jeane L.
Paddling opportunities: The calm waters at several glamping locations are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. "The lake is shallow and perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. We saw one person fishing!" shares a visitor to Bull Trout Lake.
Spacious sites: Bull Trout Lake Campground offers roomier glamping accommodations than many other locations. "All of the campsite we've seen were very spacious. We had a camper van and other people had tents. The sites fit a 5-person tent plus a 2 person tent, hammocks, camping table plus camping stove," notes Vivi W.
Private lake access: Many campers appreciate the individual water access points at certain sites. "All of the lakefront sites on our side had individual access to the lake," explains a Bull Trout Lake visitor, highlighting a feature unavailable at other glamping locations.
Digital disconnection: Cell service is limited or non-existent at most glamping sites. "This campsite is remote, no cell phone signal and that's what we were looking for. We were able to disconnect, relax and reset!" reports a camper from Bull Trout Lake.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Guests frequently report wildlife sightings near luxury accommodations. "We saw plenty of birds, chipmunks and tiny wildflowers were all over our site in early July," shares a visitor to Alturas Inlet Campground.
Preparation requirements: Salmon River Campground and other remote glamping sites require advance planning. "The closest grocery store and gas station is about 45 minutes from the campground so make sure you have everything you need, unless you plan on driving around!" advises a Bull Trout Lake visitor.
Site variations: Glamping accommodations vary widely in size and amenities between locations. "First impression when you pull in? It looks bare and small but, the farther you drive in, the more appealing it becomes," explains J S. about Mountain View campground.
Temperature fluctuations: Pack appropriate clothing for significant daily temperature shifts. "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," recommends a visitor to Alturas Inlet.
Reservation windows: Most glamping sites require advance booking, often 6 months ahead for summer dates. "We were there in the middle of the week so it wasn't busy but it started getting crowded as we were leaving (on a Friday)," notes a Bull Trout Lake camper.
Biking routes: Kids can enjoy safe cycling areas at certain glamping spots. "There's a small area for kids to go biking around these campsites," mentions a Bull Trout Lake visitor, providing an activity option beyond water recreation.
Wildlife education opportunities: Helende Campground offers opportunities to observe forest recovery. "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 the campground there and spent quite a bit of time there just hanging out," explains Tara L.
Swimming spots: Identify safer swimming areas for children. "We could also wade right into the shallows of the river," notes Beth D. about her Mountain View stay, indicating good options for families with young children.
Noise considerations: Some glamping locations experience highway noise. "You could definitely hear the roar of cars since it was pretty close to the highway, but it wasn't overly distracting," reports Tara L. about Helende Campground.
Site selection strategy: Cowboy Campground provides strategic access to amenities. "This is a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City. Miles of forest for hiking, exploring and fishing. Right off Highway 21, it's easy to find with ample space between campsites," advises Amy S.
Length limitations: Many glamping sites have specific vehicle size restrictions. "We would fit in many of them in our 26' Class C but larger rigs may have a problem," notes Laura M. about Salmon River Campground.
Levelness assessment: Look for sites with level parking areas, especially for larger rigs. "Everything is very flat here so no worries about finding a level site," reports Annie C. about Helende Campground.
Electrical considerations: Most glamping accommodations have limited or no hookups. "No dedicated tent pads, but lots of cushy pine needles for under your tent. Lots of trees that are good for hammocks, just know that you might get a drop or two of pine sap dripping on you," advises Annie C.
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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