Glamping options close to Council, Idaho offer rustic to luxurious overnight experiences within 30-45 minutes of town. The Long Valley region sits at approximately 4,800 feet elevation, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Winter glamping requires preparation for temperatures frequently below freezing with significant snowfall accumulations between November and March.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Rainbow Point Campground provides direct lake access for water activities. "The sites are spaced far apart and very spacious. Campground host is great and the campground is clean... The beach at the lake is lovely. Site #7 backs up to a large beach area," notes Heidi C., who particularly appreciated the convenience to nearby attractions.
Winter recreation: Snowed Inn Yurt offers winter glamping opportunities with snowmobile and ski access. Located about 35 minutes from Council, this accommodation allows visitors to take advantage of winter sports without long drives back to town.
Mountain biking: Several glamping locations provide convenient access to trail networks. "Good camping close to Town, mountain biking, restaurants, and lake," explains Amanda C. about Rainbow Point Campground, though she cautions visitors about checking lake conditions before swimming.
Fishing excursions: The North Fork Payette River offers productive fishing spots accessible from multiple glamping locations. "The best part, great fishing under the bridge!" shares C.W. about Waters Edge RV Resort, highlighting the convenience of fishing without traveling far from your accommodation.
What campers like
River proximity: Waters Edge RV Resort receives consistent praise for its riverside setting. "We returned here after staying a few years ago. Staff very friendly and accommodating. Sites are pretty level. Campground within walking distance to town, good river front area," reports Phillip C.
Spacious settings: Campers frequently mention the comfortable spacing between sites at certain locations. According to Cindy N., Northwest Passage Campground offers "beautiful and woodsy" sites where "most of the sites are pretty private with woods separating them."
Wildlife viewing: Several glamping spots near Council provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "The wild life there is abundant. We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks," reports a camper about Ponderosa State Park's Northwest Passage Campground, located about 40 minutes from Council.
Fall colors: October visits offer spectacular autumn viewing. "What a beautiful place, and location to spend a week in October. With all the fall colors in full display, brisk evening air perfect for a fall fire to warm yourself," shares Campfiresandcoffee94 about their stay at Waters Edge RV Resort.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential during summer months. Cindy N. warns about Northwest Passage Campground: "One downfall here is the amount of mosquitoes. They are large and thirsty. We came prepared this year with lots of mosquito spray and some thermoscell mosquito deterrent."
Limited amenities: Some glamping options near Council offer very basic facilities. Lance C. describes Buck Park Cabin: "As stated in description it's rustic. Not much to it but it did offer a sheltered place to build a fire/get warm and weather a bad storm. In the summer, the long rough road into it is not for everyone."
Seasonal availability: Most glamping operations near Council run from May through October. "Open and grassy campsites" with "not a lot of shade but cools down nice at night" is how Erin M. describes Rainbow Point Campground, highlighting the seasonal temperature variations.
Reservation requirements: Some locations require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. "Group Campground, Reservation Only. Great spot for groups! Limited spaces and not super close together -- which we love," notes Jessica O. about Eastside Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Arrowhead RV Park offers dedicated children's recreational facilities. "Fun REC for kids, playground, and party fire pit area," reports Isabel, though noting individual spots were tight.
Swimming areas: Several locations feature beach access appropriate for children. "There is a beach area for the campers that is perfect for kids to play and to relax and watch for floaters," notes Cindy N. about Northwest Passage Campground.
Shelter options: For families concerned about weather changes, cabins provide reliable shelter. "The long rough road into it is not for everyone. Scenery is good and very quiet," explains Lance C. about Buck Park Cabin's remote setting.
Wildlife education: Bring wildlife identification guides to enhance children's experience. "We saw bald eagles, moose, deer and chipmunks," shares a camper, highlighting the educational opportunities available at glamping locations near Council.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Arrowhead RV Park on the River receives mixed reviews regarding site configurations. Isabel notes: "Individual spots were extremely tight. Employee had to help us park (even though we didn't feel like we needed it)."
Utility connections: Waters Edge Resort offers full hookups for RVers seeking amenities. "Clean, leveled, friendly, only 1/4 mile to their downtown. Friendly and helpful staff, showers, toilets," notes C.W., emphasizing the convenience of this glamping option close to Council, Idaho.
Winter precautions: Cold weather can affect RV systems at higher elevation sites. "Though it was chili at night, and our pipes froze the last night, it was the best October birthday week we have had in a long time," reports Campfiresandcoffee94 about their Waters Edge stay.
Wind considerations: When selecting sites, consider local wind patterns. "The spots are pretty close together, A and C loops are very open with no privacy. The B loop has some trees and bushes between the sites which makes it a little more inviting," advises Caitlyn R. about choosing more sheltered locations.
