Tent campsites around Fish Haven, Idaho offer a mix of established campgrounds and primitive options with scenic lake and mountain views. Bear Lake State Park Campground provides tent sites with access to the turquoise waters of Bear Lake, while North Fork Campground in St. Charles Canyon offers a more secluded tent camping experience approximately 15 miles west of Fish Haven. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite provides primitive tent camping options for those seeking a more rustic experience in the surrounding mountains.
Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Bear Lake State Park includes picnic tables, fire rings, and access to vault toilets, while dispersed camping areas like Smithfield typically lack facilities beyond primitive fire rings. Campers should bring their own water or filtration systems, as drinking water is limited at most primitive tent sites. The camping season generally runs from May through September, with higher elevation areas sometimes inaccessible until late spring due to snowmelt. According to one visitor, "After you've passed the Smithfield campground there are plenty of spots on both sides of the road where you can pull off and have dispersed camping. Most of the spots are pretty small and would only work for one or two tents."
Walk-in tent locations offer a more secluded experience than drive-in sites. Areas farther from Bear Lake provide deeper forest cover and cooler temperatures during summer months. Tent campers at North Fork Overflow enjoy relative solitude compared to the more popular lakeside campgrounds. A recent review noted that North Fork is "back in the mountains a couple hours from civilization. Makes you thankful for the Idaho wilderness." Primitive tent camping areas typically have less crowding than established campgrounds, especially on weekdays. Bear Lake State Park tent sites, while more developed, offer the advantage of immediate beach access with fine sand and gradual water entry, making them popular for families with tents seeking water recreation opportunities.
"There are no showers. But they vault toilets. The water is perfect and so blue. Really earns the title of the Caribbean of the Rockies."
"This RV park is along side Bear Lake. A short stroll across the large beach and you can set up shade, have a relaxing day on the beach."
"Located in Garden City, Utah on the beautiful Bear Lake Conestoga Ranch offers luxury tents and a chance to stay in a covered wagon."
"Good views of Bear Lake. Prices range from $209-$399 per night."
"The beach is spectacular and lots of other things to do around the lake."
"back in the mountains a couple hours from civilization. makes you thankful for the idaho wilderness"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $75 / night
"Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."
"I first visited this area in the spring, and have since been there around 4-5 times. It’s very beautiful with lots of greenery and a river through the whole canyon."
"We'd like to welcome this property to our platform. Ken is a great host and will guide you in. This private oasis in the woods feels secluded, but you are 6 min away from local amenities."
from $30 / night
"It is groomed for cross-country skiing with the designated track on one side. You can also Snowshoe, or ride your bike with fat tires up if your adventurous!"
"They have tent sites, van sites and a selection of shelters to choose from. Camping gets you access to the hot springs from check in until 4pm the next day."
GuideThis is one of the best campgrounds around. The owners are amazing and the location with large trees for shade. Deck with BBQs. Big hangout area in grass. We hold a fishing tourney here every year and we all love hanging out at the campground after!
TravelerIt was kinda crazy, it is in between two small towns. It cost $10, there are only three campsights, one big one and two small ones. I am sure it is just a quick stop camp to your next destination. There are tables, fire pits, walking distance to river. The river it less then a block away. You have tk haul your own trash and bring your own water. Other than that it is a nice place to stop. There are stores that are close to the camp area.
TravelerNice place
RangerVery easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area. Clean and well kept. No cell service. Free range cows.
ScoutThis is a nice camp ground where you can walk right to the beach. We went with our in laws and were lucky to get spots closest to the beach as well. The only thing that was a bummer was that there were so many stickers and weeds within our site that it was poky to walk with sandals on around our actual site but other than that it has been a great camp ground and a great beach. Our dog and daughter both had a blast. This is our second year going the same weekend and will be doing it again! We’ve tried another campground in Bear lake and we prefer this one over the other.
ScoutBlue water, close beach, dog friendly, clean grounds, quiet hours, gorgeous scenery.
ScoutWhile there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain. We continued up and finally found a nice camp site just on the south side of Utah border but it turned out to be on private property. There’s a small stretch of a private property near the state line marked by a sign posted cattle grate. The property owner stopped by, he was super polite, but explained the boundaries and asked us to move along.
In many spots on the road on the way up there were wide open areas where a single camper had claimed a large area, even sites that could comfortably accommodate several rigs, so just a few things to watch out for.
ScoutLoved this spot. Only recommendation would be to make each spot to the parking a little more clear.
GuideThe first night of our two night reserved and prepaid campsite was in a different site for an rv. The camp host was drunk and gave our site away to another family that didn’t have a reservation. Since they were all set up, we were tossed into the only other available site left. That site was a no show so I guess we got “lucky.” I paid $8 extra just to reserve. Otherwise it’s $20 a night for a tent site. The host yelled at his son in front of us, too. He wasn’t a young child and was actually super nice and tried to help. It was so uncomfortable. The campground itself was not bad. A weird layout for a few sites. I would stay again if there was a new host. We were right next to the water. The second night we were able to move into our actual reservation. Then it rained and hailed. Funny how that seems to happen on the weekends. We survived. It definitely was an experience with the weather that time. lol there’s trails and a lot of trees surrounding. Really nice location.
Tent camping near Fish Haven, Idaho offers access to natural hot springs, secluded forest settings, and the turquoise waters of Bear Lake at elevations ranging from 5,900 to 6,200 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime with significant cooling at night, especially at higher elevations. The camping season typically runs late May through early October with peak visitation occurring on summer weekends.
Hot springs exploration: Maple Grove Hot Springs offers tent sites with complimentary access to natural mineral pools during your stay. One visitor shared, "This is one of my favorite places on earth. They have tent sites, van sites and a selection of shelters to choose from. Camping gets you access to the hot springs from check in until 4pm the next day."
Fishing opportunities: The North Fork area provides access to small mountain streams with native trout populations. According to campers at North Fork Campground - St. Charles Canyon, "This beautiful campground lies close to the end of St Charles Canyon near the Minnetonka Cave. It has 2 sections one of which is mainly for rvs and the 2nd which is for tents and camper Van's."
Winter activities: For winter camping enthusiasts, Green Canyon Yurt offers a unique experience accessible by snowshoe or cross-country skiing. "The trail is approximately 3.8 miles long with a steady incline most of the way. There are a few spots with decent little Hills," notes a winter visitor who enjoyed the heated yurt accommodations.
Shallow swimming areas: Bear Lake State Park Campground features gradually deepening shorelines ideal for wading and swimming. As one camper notes, "The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual - it'll take 50-60 yards to get waist deep. Crystal clear water."
Secluded camping spots: Many visitors prefer the privacy found at smaller sites away from main areas. At Secluded Maple Creek River Bottoms, campers appreciate that "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."
Mountain views: The higher elevation campsites offer cooler temperatures and scenic vistas. A visitor to the North Fork area commented that it's "back in the mountains a couple hours from civilization. makes you thankful for the idaho wilderness."
Limited site sizes: Many dispersed sites have space constraints. At Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, a camper observed, "Most of the spots are pretty small and would only work for one or two tents or maybe a couple of hammocks."
Road access challenges: Some camping areas have narrow, difficult access roads. One visitor warned, "No warning that the road narrows with no turn around about a mile into the campground, or the trees are overgrown which scratched up my sides."
Reservation requirements: The best tent camping near Fish Haven often requires advance planning. Popular sites at Bear Lake State Park fill quickly during summer weekends, with one camper advising, "It was 1st come 1st serve and I would suggest you get there as early as you can."
Gradual beach entry: Families with small children appreciate the shallow water access at Bear Lake. A parent noted, "The water is very shallow so if you have kids not to worry so much. Water is a turquoise color very cool like your in the Caribbean."
Group site amenities: For larger family gatherings, consider the group sites at Bear Lake State Park Campground. A visitor explained, "The group site has full hookups with a pit toilet and a dump station. The group site also has a pavilion, grass, and trees."
Pack water shoes: The fine sand beaches can get hot during summer days, and some shoreline areas have rocks. Bring water shoes for comfortable lake access, especially when camping with children.
Limited big rig access: Many forest roads near Fish Haven aren't suitable for larger RVs. One RVer at Smithfield reported, "The only spaces large enough for my 23 ft RV were occupied, and all of the car-sized spots were also taken."
East side advantages: Consider the Idaho side of Bear Lake for better RV camping. A camper recommended, "If coming from Idaho Falls stay on 30 Hwy till Montpelier then take 89 hwy to St Charles. If ya need Groc stop at the store in Montpelier. Google will take you the shorter way which you will be traveling on a very dusty dirt road for 6 miles or more."
Dump station location: RV campers staying at tent sites should note that Bear Lake State Park provides a dump station, though individual sites lack sewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fish Haven, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fish Haven, ID is Bear Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Fish Haven, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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