Best Tent Camping near Donnelly, ID

Payette National Forest offers numerous primitive tent campsites within 30 minutes of Donnelly, Idaho. Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area features vault toilets and picnic tables in a forest setting, while Paddy Flat Campground provides access to mountain terrain and nearby lakes. Brundage Reservoir Camping Area attracts tent campers seeking lakeside sites with multiple access options including hike-in and boat-in opportunities.

Tent sites throughout the area typically feature simple dirt or pine needle surfaces with minimal development. Most locations lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filter from nearby creeks and lakes. Fire rings are available at established sites like Rapid Creek, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry months. Vault toilets are present at some locations but completely absent at others such as Brundage Reservoir. High elevation sites experience significant temperature drops at night, even in summer months, with reviewers noting temperatures in the upper 30s during August stays. Mosquitoes can be abundant in early summer, particularly in areas near water.

The tent camping experience near Donnelly offers considerable seclusion and quiet compared to developed campgrounds. Sites along Rapid Creek provide audible stream sounds that create natural white noise without direct water views. Tent-only areas in higher elevations deliver cooler temperatures and darker night skies, beneficial for stargazing. For lake access, Brundage Reservoir provides tent sites near the water's edge, allowing for morning coffee by the shoreline. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region's campgrounds. As one visitor described Rapid Creek, "It's really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful."

Best Tent Sites Near Donnelly, Idaho (58)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Donnelly, ID

403 Reviews of 58 Donnelly Campgrounds



Guide to Donnelly

Donnelly, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, adventurers can enjoy stunning views and outdoor activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Donnelly, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Donnelly, ID is Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Donnelly, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 58 tent camping locations near Donnelly, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.