The Dubois area sits at approximately 5,150 feet elevation where the Upper Snake River Plain meets the Centennial Mountains, creating varied terrain for camping options. Winter temperatures often drop well below freezing, limiting off-season access to many sites. Several campgrounds near Dubois remain accessible via Interstate 15, which connects Idaho to Montana through this region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Warm Slough offers excellent access to Henry's Fork for anglers. "Great place to fish, kayak, or float the river. Some campsites will have a picnic table," notes a Warm Slough visitor.
OHV recreation: The St. Anthony Sand Dunes provide extensive riding terrain for ATVs and UTVs. A camper at Egin Lakes Campground shared, "This is a beautiful place to ride side-by-sides and it's a great place to explore. But don't be surprised by the close quarters and hot afternoons."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer river access for floating and kayaking. "My kids love tubing down the Warm Slough River and my son likes fishing along the banks," reports a Warm Slough camper.
Disc golf: Available at Beaver Dick Park for campers seeking additional recreation. "Disk golf! Excellent short course. Water access from a ramp about 400' from camping," mentions a reviewer.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Stoddard Creek Campground provides separation between campsites. "Level, clean sites - didn't even have to adjust the camper. Exceptionally clean pit toilet complete with mat, clean smelling(and close by)," writes a Stoddard Creek Campground reviewer.
Convenient access to trails: Many campgrounds connect to multi-use trails. A visitor to Stoddard Creek noted, "Walking up road we had access to a number of trails some of which are for UTVs but were not busy while we were there."
River proximity: Beaver Dick Park Campground sits directly on the Snake River. "It's right along the snake river, while swimming isn't encouraged you can wade in the water where the boats load. It has gorgeous views with a camp BBQ and small camp sites," explains a camper.
Off-season solitude: Several campgrounds offer quieter experiences outside peak seasons. "This campground is technically closed in the winter. We arrived late April and most of the snow had melted. There was one pit toilet left unlocked (bring TP) and no locked gate. We had the place to ourselves," states a Stoddard Creek visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Some campgrounds limit overnight stays to specific months. "Great to go float river or fishing. Camping only allowed Oct 1 to Jan 31. 10 days max," warns a Warm Slough camper.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites can be challenging. A West Dubois Pulloff visitor cautions, "The turn off to the south is difficult to see at night, it's just two wheel tracks. The one we took was about two blocks in, the road was a little rutted but the camp area was flat, and very quiet."
Water availability: Bring your own water for dispersed camping locations. "Well maintained gravel road giving easy access to great camping," notes a Stoddard Creek Dispersed Camping visitor, but no amenities like water are mentioned.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. One camper at Stoddard Creek reported, "It was beautiful there but the weather was nasty. It snowed and we actually had frost on the windows the next morning."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Some of the best places to camp near Dubois, Idaho include family-friendly amenities. "It includes a playground and picnic areas that I'm sure would be great for families! I love this little park!" mentions a Beaver Dick Park visitor.
Lake swimming: Egin Lakes provides shallow water for cooling off. A visitor notes, "The beach area is nice and can get pretty busy on the weekends. Be careful though, if you swim in the water, there are leaches. But if you stay on the shore edge they won't bother you."
Protected picnic areas: Wakeside Lake RV Park offers shaded sites with picnic areas. "Our site was large and shaded by beautiful mature trees. Very helpful and friendly staff/owners," reports a camper.
Proximity to services: Beaver Dick Park remains close to town. "Great place to camp, especially with little kids because you are still close to civilization!" states a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Level parking: Most camping options near Dubois provide relatively flat spots for RVs. "It's all gravel and that of fine by us. It has a lake view that is beautiful. Very clean restrooms," notes a Wakeside Lake RV Park visitor about their experience.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "The sites are level gravel and full hookups, 30 Amp. Most sites are shaded," explains a camper at Wakeside Lake.
Pull-through access: Some campgrounds offer easy-entry sites. "Easy getting in and out with a 40ft tow behind. Very level open spaces," reports an RVer at Wakeside Lake.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide waste disposal facilities. "Dump station on site. Water hookups on site. (Not in individual sites)," notes a visitor to Egin Lakes Campground.
