Best Campgrounds near Deary, ID

Campgrounds near Deary, Idaho range from established recreational areas to more primitive sites across the Palouse region. Little Boulder Campground offers a quiet escape with both RV and tent options just south of Deary, while Moose Creek Reservoir provides waterfront camping with fishing access. Most sites in the area feature a mix of amenities, with several campgrounds offering drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. The region includes both forest service and local recreational sites, with several locations providing paved camping pads suitable for smaller to mid-sized RVs and separate tent areas.

Road conditions and campground accessibility vary significantly by season, with many sites operating from May through September or October. "This campground is not open year round but I'm not exactly sure when it closes. I came here to do some late fall camping and it was closed," noted one camper about Little Boulder Campground. Winter conditions can make access difficult, while spring brings potential for high water levels at reservoir campgrounds. Several campgrounds lock gates at night for security purposes, requiring coordination with hosts for late arrivals. Cell service is limited throughout the area, especially at more remote sites away from towns. Visitors should check current conditions before traveling, as seasonal closures affect availability.

Developed campgrounds in the area receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and privacy. Many campers appreciate the balance of amenities with natural settings, particularly at Little Boulder Campground where sites are described as having good spacing with "plenty of trees and foliage in between for privacy." Fishing opportunities are highlighted at both Moose Creek Reservoir and Spring Valley Reservoir, with multiple docks and water access points available. Wildlife viewing is common throughout the area, with birds including herons and eagles frequently spotted near water features. Several campgrounds feature short hiking trails that circle the facilities or connect to longer routes. Local attractions include nearby small towns, with multiple reviewers recommending visits to The Pie Safe in Deary as a complement to camping trips in the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Deary, Idaho (129)

    1. Little Boulder Campground

    6 Reviews
    Deary, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "This campground is off the beaten track down of forest development road near Deary Idaho. A great little hidden gem."

    "Located just south of Deary, ID this campground is usually quiet and has lots of camping sites. RVs can fit into most spots and there are designated areas for tents at each site."

    2. Spring Valley Reservoir

    9 Reviews
    Troy, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 799-5010

    $10 / night

    "This campground is located conveniently near Troy, and is about a 25 minute drive to Moscow. There is also a large Pavilion which is perfect for a large get together."

    "Close to the town of Troy and simple setup. You can camp up by the reservoir parking lot, or further in, closer to the wooded area. There are bathrooms interspersed and great for fishing."

    3. Moose Creek Reservoir Access

    5 Reviews
    Deary, ID
    8 miles
    Website

    "It’s my favorite close by paid camping ground.

    There are some trails at the end of the campground that trail up and around and connect to trails that lead back to campground areas."

    "This is a campground surrounding a reservoir. This campground is pretty remote, but only 2 miles from Boville. There is easy access to the water were many people fish, swim, and canoe/kayak."

    4. Laird Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    11 miles
    Website

    "The campground is about 3.3 miles away from Harvard, and there is a lot of nearby places to access the Palouse river.

    There is good fishing areas nearby."

    "Very quiet, cozy location. Stayed here twice; both times was an overnight stay while waiting to pick my Scouts up from summer camp."

    5. Dent Acres

    11 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 476-9029

    $25 - $150 / night

    "And, your route would very likely be from south to north because the southerly route begins in Elk City, Idaho and is 85% gravel and at times pretty broken up."

    "Lits of stuff to do next to the lake take your boat and go fishing skiing and much more"

    6. Pines RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-0831

    "You are right next to a highway, but you can barely hear it. Robin and Dennis are extremely nice! They will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and safe!"

    7. Giant White Pine Campground

    5 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-1131

    "Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"

    "I found a really nice hiking trail near the campsite and spent most of the day exploring the surrounding areas.

    Our site did have a fire ring and a bench with dirt and moss cover."

    8. City of Bovill RV Park

    1 Review
    Deary, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 826-3603

    9. Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ahsahka, ID
    20 miles
    Website

    "There is also access to the reservoir for boating, fishing or to mini-camp sites all along the reservoir. Kokanee fishing is great from March to about late July."

    • Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through. 
    • Easy lake access is only in the park/play area."

    10. Robinson County Park

    5 Reviews
    Moscow, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 883-5709

    "This is a great place to take your dog for a walk. The trail is a nice loop through the woods, and there is a nice picnic area, swings, and volleyball court."

    "Easy drive and family friendly"

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Recent Reviews near Deary, ID

345 Reviews of 129 Deary Campgrounds


  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Elk River

    ELK RIVER IDAHO

    Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well. There is a small local store nearby. Dump site on edge of town with trash available. Many recreational activities too.

  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests

    Great Campground

    The Shadowy St. Joe Campground is a great place to stay. It has 14 sites total. With one taken by the camp hosts, all are paved, with space for 2 vehicles each, have fire pits, and a picnic bench, and electricity. 7 sites to reserve ahead of time on the meadow side that has grass and is spacious. There are 6 first come first serve sites, 2 on the meadow side, and 4 along the river. If looking to reserve a site, the numbers start with #1 closest to the entrance on the meadow side and grow larger in counter clockwise fashion. There is a day use area you can also reserve, with charcoal grills, and multiple picnic benches. There are several vault toilets and all are kept very clean by the 2 wonderful park hosts. There is a boat launch area for day use, with a small fee, but if camping there is no extra charge. There is 2 docks and if staying multiple days you can leave your boat on the dock overnight. It is supposed to be a no wake zone, but the signs have warn down, so we lost a bumper to our boat from crashing into the dock, from passing boat wakes. There is a couple of potable water stations available, with small hose spouts, but no water hookups at the sites. The sites are electric with 50amp, 30amp, and 110 plugs available. No sewer hookup at the sites, but there is a dump station at the fairgrounds in the town of St. Maries about 10 miles away. Phone service is spotty, texting easier and lots of dropped calls, but we like to unplug when camping. Dogs are allowed with no limits, just to stay on leashes at all times. The Lazy St. Joe River is boat passable up to St. Joe City, and all the way to Lake Coeur d'Alene if you want to adventure for a full day in the boat. Great for fishing too. Make sure to have Idaho invasive species tag for the boat if you are from out of state. The Sheriff and Park Rangers patrol daily and check. St. Maries has 2 grocery stores, and sports shop where you can get supplies, and fishing licenses. The town also has great shops, a swimming pool, parks, restaurants, and ATM/banks. This is a great little gem in the Gem State.

  • #1 National R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Soaring Hawk RV Resort

    Soaring Hawk Rv Park

    We love the park, people are very friendly. Very close to Heyburn State Park

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Great Park especially for the Price

    Full hookups bathroom and showers. In a canyon on river. Number 8 has river view but not much shade. Other sites with much shade.

  • mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Easy to camp here

    This campground is just off Highway 12 in Western Idaho and very convenient. It’s a little close to the road but the traffic seems to be pretty quiet at 8:30 at night. It’s right by the river, which is very nice and it seems like there is good fishing in this river so that may be a plus. I do recommend this campground.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests

    Shadowy St Joe

    We parked next to the river. No trouble with red noise in the spot, but on the other side is closer to the road. The park was clean and appears well managed. Vault toilets spaced a appropriately throughout the small campground. They were clean and without odor. Is out about 8 to 10 miles from Saint Marie, which has two small grocery stores, laundromat, and car wash. If ever in the area would stay here again. Has Electric and drinking water at a nominal price.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chatcolet Campground — Heyburn State Park

    2025 Aug Review

    Campground is super clean, flushable toilets, metal picnic tables, fire rings all in good shape. Spots are fairly close so you can see your neighbors but there are trees and brush which helps. Frequented by young families so don’t be annoyed by kids having a good time on their bikes or playing. Camp spot 123 was right next to the Camp Host spot but that wasn’t a bad thing at all.

  • D
    Aug. 8, 2025

    McKay's Bend Recreation Site

    Norm is a great host

    Beautiful, well kept grounds. If you have a seniors America The Beautiful pass, $9 gets you full hookups, showers and toilets. Short drive to town. Norm (host) is awesome and full of knowledge. Nice fishing river on the Northern side of the camp. Will come back.


Guide to Deary

Camping near Deary, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Moose Creek Reservoir Access. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice bass fishing for a smaller reservoir. Campsites are well cared for. Beautiful location and a lot of scenery."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Emerald Creek Campground. A visitor shared, "There was only one other group at the site, but all the tent spots were well spaced apart. The creek was nice background noise."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a swim at Canyon Creek. A camper noted, "Swimming in the lake at the foot of a mountain was sublime."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Canyon Creek. One said, "My site was gorgeous, looking out over the lake! The Campground was very clean and quiet."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of Little Boulder Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "This campground is off the beaten track... A great little hidden gem."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms are a big plus at places like Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park. One visitor said, "The restrooms are very clean with only 2 showers!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Little Boulder Campground may not have all the amenities. A camper noted, "This site is not open year-round... I came here to do some late fall camping and it was closed."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, such as Freeman Creek Campground, have rough access roads. One reviewer warned, "Google maps wrecked us... narrow gravel road with an 11% incline!"
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Emerald Creek Campground mentioned, "The forest is very dense and filled with wolves, couple mountain lions, and a few bears."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with play areas, like Dent Acres. A reviewer said, "There is a play area with jungle gym equipment for kids."
  • Safety First: Choose sites with good visibility and space, as one family did at Freeman Creek Campground. They noted, "We moved our 5th wheel as far from the edge as possible which allowed for a decent platform."
  • Nature Trails: Explore easy nature trails that are suitable for younger kids, as mentioned by a visitor at Freeman Creek Campground: "Sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check for RV hookups at places like Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake. A camper shared, "Full hookups with lots of pull through spaces if needed."
  • Road Access: Be cautious of road conditions when towing. One RVer at Canyon Creek mentioned, "4 miles of rough gravel road with tight turns."
  • Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A visitor at Moose Creek Reservoir Access said, "This campground is pretty remote, but only 2 miles from Boville."

Camping near Deary, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV camping options in Deary, Idaho?

For RV camping near Deary, Little Boulder Campground is an excellent option just south of town. This hidden gem features paved roads and level camping spots that accommodate RVs, with designated tent areas at each site. Another option is McKay's Bend Recreation Site, which offers 15 RV sites with full hookups about 18 miles east of Lewiston on Highway 12. For additional RV camping, consider the City of Bovill RV Park near Deary, which offers water and toilet facilities.

Is there a campground similar to Big Bear RV Campground near Deary?

While there isn't an exact match to Big Bear RV Campground, Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake offers similar amenities with full hookups, pull-through spaces, and clean facilities maintained by friendly staff. For those seeking a more nature-focused experience, Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park provides RV/trailer sites with reservoir access for boating and fishing, plus small primitive cabins for non-RV visitors.

What are the seasonal camping options available in Deary, Idaho?

Seasonal camping options around Deary are limited by winter closures. Little Boulder Campground is not open year-round, typically closing in late fall, making it unavailable for winter camping. For more seasonal flexibility, consider Iron Mountain Campground — Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, which offers camping with views of the Palouse region. Also worth exploring is Deyo Reservoir, which provides accessible camping sites when other options might be closed.