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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
