p
paula W.
Scout
ScoutEarp & James Hitching Post
Nice stop for the night
Everything was great. It’s hard while traveling to find a dog friendly spot. Our cattle dogs don’t do leashes and they don’t do anything wrong. Hook up was easy.
Camping near Preston, ID
149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Preston, Idaho offers a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the scenic Bear River Valley and surrounding mountains. Riverdale Resort provides RV sites with full hookups along with tent camping and cabin rentals, while Cub River Lodge and RV Park offers camping near a creek with access to mountain trails. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides free sites in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Mountain Top Getaways features secluded sites with spectacular views and accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping setups.
Camping in the Preston area follows seasonal patterns with most sites accessible from May through September. Willow Flat Campground and Albert Moser Campground typically operate during these summer months due to snowfall at higher elevations during winter. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends, while dispersed areas like Green Canyon and Franklin Basin require forest service permits but offer more flexibility. Facilities range from full-hookup RV sites with showers and utilities at Riverdale Resort to primitive locations with vault toilets or no facilities. According to one visitor, "The drive up to the lodge and RV park is amazing. Great hosts and a wonderful spot."
The region's camping areas offer diverse experiences based on proximity to water features. Campers have rated Willow Flat Campground highly for its creek access and natural setting. One camper noted, "The creek was 10 ft from our tent. Trail for hiking right there and the cleanest bathrooms!" Sites with water access tend to fill quickly during peak season. Mountain Top Getaways receives positive reviews for its seclusion and scenery, with visitors appreciating the "little to no noise" and "no light pollution." Most established campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Visitors seeking privacy might prefer the dispersed camping options, while those wanting amenities like showers and electricity should consider the established RV parks closer to town.
Best Campgrounds near Preston (149)
1. Cub River Lodge & RV Park, LLC
"The drive up to the lodge and rv park is amazing. Great hosts and a wonderful spot."
"Located up beautiful Cub River Canyon. Views are spectacular and a warm, friendly staff!"
from $15 - $849 / night
Check Availability2. Mountain Top Getaways
"Flat, level, primitive sites, this is the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. Check them out and leave them some love."
from $12 - $161 / night
Check Availability3. Riverdale Resort
4. Willow Flat Campground
"Fairly good access to this campground. Gravel road for several miles but it's wide and graded. Campground roads are gravel."
"The creek also runs nearby which makes it nice and cool. There's vault toilets plenty of spigots, and tent pads at most spots."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability5. Secluded Maple Creek River Bottoms
"This private oasis in the woods feels secluded, but you are 6 min away from local amenities. Lots of trees and perfect place to relax around your fire-pit. Check them out and leave a review here!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability6. Albert Moser
"Edry spot has complete shade throughout the entire day and even if that's not enough it's right next to the stream."
"We got to the campground around 5:00 PM. The gates were open, but the billboard/signs were covered up."
from $17 - $32 / night
Check Availability7. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping
"You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing."
"Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing."
8. Redpoint Campground
"I love the area cause your close to a river and a lake. You can float the river or take your boat out. And close enough to bear lake to make the stop worth it."
9. Smithfield Campground — Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest
"Next to a beautiful creek. No cell service."
"It was close to home, yet in the secluded woods."
from $24 - $75 / night
10. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground
"About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn’t have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately!"
"Well loved trail starts a short distance up the road. Looks like a beloved student hang out in the area with picnic tables so you may want drive further in if visit in summer."
Drive Time
- 30 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 4 min from Pocatello, ID
- 1 hr 14 min from Ogden, UT
- 1 hr 41 min from Salt Lake City, UT
Recent Camping Photos near Preston, ID
141 Photos of 149 Preston Campgrounds
Derrik P.
Mountain Top Getaways
Kassidy S.
Willow Flat Campground
Brendan J.
Smithfield Dispersed Campsite
Erika M.
Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping
Madison G.
Beaver Creek
Veronica H.
Davis Canyon Campground
Carrie C.
Paris Springs Campground
Kate L.
Red Banks Campground
Maggie C.
Devils Creek RV Park
Wendy W.
Belmont Hot Springs RV Park
Glen B.
Downata Hot Springs
Steven E.
Green Canyon Yurt
Recent Reviews near Preston, ID
624 Reviews of 149 Preston Campgrounds
- IIrma H.Scout
Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah
Too many spots
This location is good. Has grass at most spots and was clean. There are too many spots per sq ft. so everyone is really close together. Many amenities and in good repair.
- IIrma H.Scout
Sun Outdoors Garden City Utah
4th July Weekend
Location is great to be close to the lake with full hook ups. The resort uses EVERY square inch so it feels very crowded. Our site was okay, but we were right next to the dumpster and shower/bathroom facility so everyone wanted to walk thru our site instead of walking around. It was surprisingly quiet for the amount of people there. The private "beach" was not too crowded compared to Roundevous Park. Their beach does have a lot of rocks, so bring water shoes and dogs aren't allowed. But if you walk towards the left side of their private "beach" there is less rocks and you can take your dogs to that side of the beach. Place was good for the 4th and the site was good (next time I would block off the shortcut trail to keep people from walking thru).
Vahste (.
GuideIndian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
Noisy but decent
Stayed here for four nights and other than highway noise it wasn't bad. Its a long gravel road to the sites but there are plenty to choose from once you get towards the end.
Boldt E.GuideCloverleaf Campground
Decent Privacy with amenities
Cloverleaf Campground was an unplanned stop on our road trip from Utah to Wyoming, and we’re so glad we decided to stay here.
The campsites are fairly private, and we were pleasantly surprised to find a site even though we arrived late on a Saturday night. The restrooms aren’t the newest, but they were clean, had running water, and that’s all we really needed. There were also several water hydrants throughout the campground, making it easy to refill our water.
One of our favorite things about this campground was the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway, it’s easy to sit back and enjoy the peace and calm. If you’re traveling with kids like we were, they’ll likely make new friends and have fun walking the campground loops together.
The nearby North Fork Trail is beautiful, and the Minnetonka cave was a highlight of our trip. While the cave tour was a little more expensive than we expected, it was hands down the best cave tour we’ve ever experienced. We visited on a Sunday afternoon and had the entire tour to ourselves! The staff mentioned that Sundays tend to be their slowest day, so if you’re hoping for a more personal experience, that’s a great time to go.
We would definitely stay at Cloverleaf Campground again and recommend it to anyone exploring this part of Idaho
Shawn S.ScoutGoodenough Creek Campground
Beautiful area
Pulled in about 11 pm as a quick layover on our trip. Just needed a place to sleep for the night. No tent. We were just sleeping in the back of the truck on an air mattress under the night sky. All the camping spots were full so we just drove to the last parking lot and backed into a corner to sleep. Very peaceful until about 6 am when the dirt bikes started showing up to ride the trails. That leave from this parking lot.
Aaron S.
RangerBear Lake/Marina Side KOA Holiday
Bear Lake / Marina Side KOA Holiday Review: The Perfect Hub for a Family Re
Reviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are searching for a destination park that can easily accommodate a large group, the Bear Lake/ Marina Side KOA Holiday in Garden City, Utah, is a standout choice. For our crew, this campground was an absolute highlight of our recent travels, serving as the perfect central hub for a fantastic, week-long family reunion.
Accommodations for Every Camper
One of the hardest parts of planning a multi-generational family trip is finding a park that suits everyone's unique comfort levels and camping styles. This park solves that problem effortlessly.
Site Variety: They offer a massive selection of spaces, including full-hookup RV sites, cozy cabins, and traditional tent sites. It was a huge relief knowing that everyone in our traveling party could find exactly the accommodations they needed while still staying together in one park.
Unbeatable On-Site Entertainment
Keeping a large family entertained for almost a week can be a tall order, but this KOA knocks it out of the park.
Mini Golf: Hands down, our grandkids(and the adults!) found the 9-hole mini-golf course to be the most fun thing going in camp. It was such a hit that our group played every single day we were there for 6 days straight!
The KOA Train: Another major highlight was the fun and fast train rides around the park. The grandkids rode it several times during the week. As a fantastic bonus for parents and grandparents, the train rides are completely free.
Exploring the"Caribbean of the Rockies"
While the campground itself is packed with fun, the surrounding area is just as spectacular.
Lake Activities: We spent plenty of time swimming in the stunning, turquoise waters of nearby Bear Lake. The area is also known for a steady, frequent wind coming off the water, which made for perfect kite-flying weather. Don't let wind ruin your fun. Bring a kite! We did.
Local Eats: You simply cannot stay in Garden City without visiting the iconic LaBeau's Drive-In. Grabbing their "Famous" Raspberry Shakes was an absolute must-do for our group, and they completely lived up to the hype!
The Hitched4fun Verdict
The Bear Lake/ Marina Side KOA Holiday perfectly blends family-focused amenities, versatile lodging, and prime access to one of Utah's most beautiful lakes. It is rare to find a park that caters so effectively to both energetic kids and relaxing adults for an extended stay. If you are planning a family reunion or a group getaway, this location is a guaranteed win.
Rating: Highly Recommended by the entire Hitched4fun.com crew!
- MMissy A.Guide
Hyrum State Park Campground
Small, hidden gem
This is a small state park campground located in a neighborhood. This lake was so popular while we were there over Father's Day weekend. As busy as it was, everyone followed the quiet hours and it was so peaceful at night. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would definitely return. We were in electric and water hookup site number 3 in the middle row. The sites along the water have great views, but little shade and do not have any hookups. The sites are close together ,but angled nicely so you still have privacy. The surrounding neighborhood is lovely with a mixture of farms and new construction. Felt completely safe biking and running through the surrounding area. The park is close to the town of Logan, Utah. We loaded up our bikes and took advantage of their extensive trail system only 15 minutes from the park. The town of Logan has everything you need to restock on supplies including Costco.
JW R.ScoutLost Trail Resort
Nice scenic spot by the river
While the scenery was nice, the price was expensive considering there are no showers, sewer connection, or dump station.
Guide to Preston
Dispersed camping sites near Preston, Idaho can be found along several forested canyons at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 7,000 feet. The area sits where the Bear River Range meets the Cache Valley, creating diverse terrain from river bottoms to alpine meadows. Most dispersed sites remain snow-covered until late May, with summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F during daytime and 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Fishing the Logan River: Access prime trout fishing spots along Franklin Basin where the river flows through meadows and forest. According to one visitor at Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, "I have grown up camping in the Franklin Basin area. It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more."
Hiking to limestone caves: Green Canyon features unique limestone formations and cave systems accessible via hiking trails. A camper at Green Canyon Dispersed Campground noted, "The canyon itself is cool and pretty. There is even a cave up on the left coming in and we saw some people bouldering up there."
Winter activities: For winter camping enthusiasts, some areas are maintained for seasonal recreation. As one reviewer explained, "In the winter months the road is closed, and is groomed by a local group named Nordic United. They groom it for cross country skiing several times a week and after every good storm. Trail is also used during the winter for snowshoeing, as well as Fat Tire snow biking."
What campers like
Creek access: Many campsites offer direct creek or river proximity, providing both recreation and natural cooling. At Willow Flat Campground, a camper shared, "My boys could have stayed two weeks fishing the creek! Lots of trout. Saw a moose! The water was freezing, but clean and refreshing. It was just the right altitude to provide relief from the summer heat."
Woodland seclusion: Forested camping areas provide natural shade and privacy. One visitor to Mountain Top Getaways wrote, "Easy to get to and the views are amazing. Little to no noise. No light pollution."
Clean facilities: Several established campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. A camper at Smithfield Campground commented, "This little spot has five or six campsites that are spaced nicely and are all very clean. First come first served, so you will see people driving in and out when they see everything reserved. Cleanest campsite restrooms I've ever seen."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Some dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. A camper at Franklin Basin warned, "2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way. Just make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, don't turn off."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no connectivity. A reviewer noted, "We did not have any road issues nor trouble finding a site like others had," while another mentioned, "If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever."
Permit requirements: Several dispersed camping areas require forest service permits. At Smithfield Campground, a visitor explained, "Permit fee is $10 for 3 days. We had a quiet (only a couple of other campers further up) and enjoyable overnight visit but road was quite icy."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Willow Flat offers family-friendly amenities with riverside sites. A reviewer shared, "The campsites are great. They are close together but it doesn't feel like it because there are so many trees and the creek that runs through the campground is loud enough to drown out other's noise."
Educational opportunities: Franklin Basin contains historical sites like the plane crash site that kids can explore. According to a camper, "If your looking for a place to just get out in the dirt and relax, this is the place."
Seasonal planning: For families with young children, early summer offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures and wildflower viewing. One camper advised, "We have camped here almost every year and it's amazing every time. The wildflowers are beautiful but once it hits late June they are usually gone."
Tips from RVers
RV-friendly options: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger rigs. At Cub River Lodge & RV Park, a reviewer advised, "This RV park would be good for a few RV friends to make reservations and stay as the sites are really close. From the pictures I saw, it appeared as if there was space between sites which was not the case."
Hookup availability: Know which sites offer utilities versus primitive camping. One RVer explained, "Great spot to unwind. Lots of space for people," while noting the amenities available at their site.
Seasonal limitations: Higher elevation RV sites close during winter months. A visitor to Albert Moser Campground reported, "We got to the campground around 5:00 PM. The gates were open, but the billboard/signs were covered up. We had zero cell service so we couldn't get online to check anything, but we assumed it was closed for the season."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Preston, ID?
What camping is available near Preston, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Preston, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Preston, ID and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Preston, ID?
Which is the most popular campground near Preston, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Preston, ID is Cub River Lodge & RV Park, LLC with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Preston, ID?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Preston, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Preston, ID.
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