Best Tent Camping near Caldwell, ID

Tent camping near Caldwell, Idaho provides access to both established campgrounds and primitive backcountry sites within an hour's drive of the city. Caldwell Campground and RV Park offers grassy tent sites situated along a small 6-acre lake with shade trees, though sites are positioned close together with some highway noise from I-84. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Swan Falls - Idaho Power provides free tent sites along the Snake River canyon, approximately 30 miles south of Caldwell. Shafer Butte, located less than an hour from Boise in the Boise National Forest, features tent-only camping with maintained tent pads and picnic tables at higher elevations.

Most tent campgrounds in the Caldwell area are seasonal, with Shafer Butte open from June 15 to September 30, while Caldwell Campground operates year-round. Swan Falls offers both established and dispersed camping options with varying amenities. Tent campers should note that summer temperatures can reach over 100°F in the lower elevations, with limited shade at many sites. Primitive tent camping areas like Succor Creek Reservoir and Morley Nelson Snake River dispersed sites require campers to bring their own water. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, particularly at higher fire risk sites like Silver City Campground, where fires are prohibited.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Caldwell varies dramatically with elevation and proximity to water. According to reviews, Shafer Butte provides "beautiful, scenic views, off the main road so it's mostly quiet" with "nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables." The tent sites at Swan Falls offer waterfront camping with minimal light pollution. One camper noted, "There is very little light pollution so the stars were out in almost full effect!" Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping provides walk-in tent sites for those seeking solitude, with one visitor describing it as "very private - you will most likely have the place to yourself." Tent campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including rattlesnakes in desert areas during warmer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Caldwell, Idaho (17)

    1. Caldwell Campground and RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Caldwell, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 454-0279

    $28 - $43 / night

    "Approx, 10-12 Grassy Tent sites, with shady trees, on a small 6 acre lake with entertaining ducks that do not beg for food. Lol. Lots of RV sites with full hook ups, including, 105 long term users."

    "Clean facilities.. , need a code to use them, Roads are dusty, if people would drive slow it would e nicer, Busy place, this is a flat rate place."

    2. Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    16 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    32 miles
    Website

    "It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table. Fishing was awesome."

    "There’s a little trail system you can wonder above that gives great views too. The sites are well maintained with fire rings and picnic table and there’s a pit toilet as well."

    3. Idaho City Yurts — Idaho Parks and Recreation State Headquaters

    4 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    28 miles
    Website

    "I have only been to there in the winter but I imagine that hiking in is just a beautiful!   You need to bring everything but a bed and stove, which are in the yurt.  "

    "Firewood included in purchase of renting. One time I went I miss read the reservation date and got kicked out by another group. So we had to hike down in a snow storm. It was still fun."

    5. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    4 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    30 miles

    "Just follow Owyhee Lake Rd along the river and you will find spaces to set up your tent or RV. It is a bit deserty, so beware of snakes. You will find quite a few places before the tunnel."

    "If you want the site in the pictures, which was fairly quiet other than a few people checking if it was open, take the first right after the bridge and follow the trail down."

    6. Shafer Butte

    4 Reviews
    Horseshoe Bend, ID
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961

    $10 - $75 / night

    "Tent only, but nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables. Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes."

    "It was a no frills place and we were dirtier than usual since there was no running water. it also had no firewood for sale, so we hauled ours up. We knew all this going in, so it didn’t matter."

    7. Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Jordan Valley, ID
    36 miles

    "Turn on the dirt road left just as you are nearing the Oregon State Line. If you crossed over the line, turn around."

    8. Silver City Campground

    3 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 896-5912

    "Getting there is interesting down a winding dirt road, but worth the trip to find all the trees in the middle of a desert."

    "Free campsites right on the edge of town next to creek. The ride up is worth it!"

    9. Cottonwood Campground

    1 Review
    Idaho City, ID
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961

    10. Banks

    2 Reviews
    Banks, ID
    40 miles
    Website
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Caldwell, ID

6 Photos of 17 Caldwell Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Caldwell, ID

307 Reviews of 17 Caldwell Campgrounds



Guide to Caldwell

Caldwell, Idaho, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beauty of the region. From serene lakeside spots to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy the scenic views and fishing opportunities at Caldwell Campground and RV Park, where you can set up your tent near the peaceful stream and lake.
  • Experience the rugged beauty of the Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites, perfect for those who appreciate a more remote setting without the need for reservations.
  • Visit the stunning Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park, where you can find numerous spots along the river ideal for tent camping and fishing.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • At Shafer Butte, enjoy hiking trails suitable for all ages, making it a great spot for family camping adventures.
  • The Idaho City Yurts offer a unique glamping experience with easy access to hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy quiet nights under the stars and explore the surrounding desert landscape.

Features That Enhance Your Camping Experience

  • Caldwell Campground and RV Park provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • The Malheur County Fairgrounds offers affordable camping with access to water hookups and toilets, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
  • At Swan Falls - Idaho Power, enjoy well-maintained sites with fire rings and picnic tables, ideal for a relaxing camping experience by the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Caldwell, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Caldwell, ID is Caldwell Campground and RV Park with a 3.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Caldwell, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Caldwell, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.