Tent camping areas near Crouch, Idaho sit within the Boise National Forest between 4,500 and 6,000 feet elevation, providing cooler summer camping options compared to lower-elevation sites. Camping season typically runs from May through September, with most facilities closing after the first significant snowfall. Most campsites near Crouch require visitors to travel forest roads that become impassable when wet or snow-covered.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: From Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground, campers can access several hiking paths without driving elsewhere. As reviewer Michelle P. notes, there are "plenty of trails due to horses and [I] heard running water in the distance."
Fishing opportunities: The South Fork Recreation Area provides access to fishing spots along the Payette River. One camper described it as having "huge fish in the river below and the water is unbelievably clear, albeit 40ft down from the camp sites in most areas."
Mountain activities: Shafer Butte offers access to Bogus Basin Mountain Resort where summer activities abound. "During the Summer Season they have scenic chairlift rides; inter tubing, mountain coaster, climbing wall, live music on weekends, food and beverage, mountain biking with lift service, mountain bike rentals, and hiking," according to reviewer Thomas K.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds in the area provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at Whoop-em-up mentioned, "Lots of firewood laying around. No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... chipmunks like to tease dogs."
What campers like
Peaceful water sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural soundtrack at South Fork Recreation Site. One visitor noted, "Right along the river, all we heard was the sound of running water. Very big mountains around, plenty for hiking."
High elevation cooling: Edna Creek sits at approximately 5,000 feet, providing relief from summer heat. A reviewer mentioned, "Edna creek is just over Mores Creek Summit and it's about five thousand feet. It's a great place to cool off."
Tent-focused layouts: Several campsites specifically cater to tent camping rather than RVs. One camper praised Edna Creek stating, "I like this campground because it is more geared toward tent camping. There is limited space for larger RVs."
Natural settings: Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground offers a serene forest environment. A visitor described it as "Quiet with restroom and clean water. Lots of firewood laying around."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary: Fire policies differ between locations and change seasonally. At Herrick Reservoir, one camper found "No fire ring" at their site, while at South Fork Recreation Site, a visitor commented, "We had a fire, didn't see any signs that said we couldn't so kind of unclear."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in this region lack reliable cellular coverage. A camper at Whoop-em-up noted, "No cell service, except Mores Peak and Idaho City... No service in Lowman (only 1 mercantile with 2 pumps)."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. A visitor to Edna Creek warned, "The last 20 or 30 minutes Beyond Idaho City going east is a pretty steep Winding Road and a little bit narrow. The longer your trailer and rig the more skill you will need to climb this route."
Varying water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. While Whoop-em-up has "clean water," many dispersed sites require bringing your own supply.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Shafer Butte works well for introducing children to camping. One visitor recommended it as the "Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes."
Kid-appropriate hikes: Look for shorter trails around camp. A Shafer Butte camper mentioned "a great hike right off the campground suitable for kids or adults."
Off-season awareness: Early or late season camping means preparing for colder conditions. One family noted, "We came here the first weekend of the summer it was open, so it was definitely cold. Our campsite hadn't been used since fall, so it was pretty overgrown."
Toilet availability: Some sites like Herrick Reservoir have minimal facilities with "only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir," while others offer more comfortable options.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: The best tent camping near Crouch, Idaho often limits RV access. For Edna Creek, a reviewer cautioned, "Definitely not for a large or long rigs" and noted the campground "is a small cluster of sights on a loop road and again you'll need to maneuver tightly in a few of the corners."
Limited hookups: None of the campgrounds near Crouch provide electric, water, or sewer connections. Most tent-oriented sites offer vault toilets at most.
Dispersed options: For those seeking more space, dispersed camping exists along forest roads. Near the South Fork Recreation Area, "if you follow the South Fork road down a ways, you will see a few turn outs, likely with several filled. This is US Forestry or BLM or both land."
