Camping near Boise National Forest
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.
