Best Campgrounds near Preston, ID
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.