Arrowrock Reservoir sits at 3,200 feet elevation northeast of Garden City, forming a popular recreation corridor with Lucky Peak Reservoir. The area features a mix of sagebrush desert terrain and pine-covered slopes with substantial temperature fluctuations between seasons. Most pet-friendly camping options near Garden City provide direct water access with varying levels of amenities, from full-hookup resorts to dispersed sites requiring self-sufficiency.
What to do
Water recreation access: Macks Creek Park offers water-accessible hiking trails along Arrowrock Reservoir. "This is one of the few overnight camp spots on the reservoir. Great day access for boats," writes reviewer Amy S. The park includes tent and RV camping with potable water via hand pump.
City exploration: Boise Riverside RV Park provides direct access to urban amenities without needing transportation. "We rode bikes along the path, enjoyed the river, toured Boise state and downtown, and even ate dinner without ever getting in our car," notes reviewer Todd.
Winter sports: Idaho City Yurts offers pet-friendly accommodations with cross-country skiing opportunities during winter months. "You need to bring everything but a bed and stove, which are in the yurt. Lots of hiking or cross-country skiing in the area," explains Amy S.
What campers like
Greenbelt access: The Boise River Greenbelt provides miles of paved pathways for walking dogs or cycling. "Easy access to the greenbelt. Fantastic walking to anything you need," shares Cable A. about Boise Riverside RV Park, though he notes shower facilities need improvement.
Dog-friendly reservoirs: Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed camping offers beach access for pets without formal restrictions. "I love being able to jump into the lake and ride my bike along the lake," writes Conner, who appreciates the lakefront camping but warns about potentially hazardous access roads.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards for pet comfort. "This RV park is clean and very well maintained. The facilities were clean, operational, and quiet," writes Todd about his stay at Boise Riverside RV Park.
What you should know
Limited shade coverage: Most area campgrounds lack substantial shade, particularly challenging during summer months. "Like most campgrounds, this place is badly in need of maintenance. When it rains, the 'roads' are mud puddles. Your site is too, unfortunately," reports Robert R. about conditions at Boise Riverside RV Park.
Tight spacing: RV sites throughout the Garden City area typically offer minimal separation between neighbors. "The sites are packed in very tightly so they can squeeze in as many people as possible," explains Joel R. about Boise-Meridian KOA.
Traffic noise: Urban campgrounds experience consistent noise from nearby roads and airports. "The freeway and airport are so close that is all your hear. Other than that it's great!" notes Sarina about Mountain View RV Park, despite giving the facility a positive rating.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Hi-Valley RV Park provides full family amenities including swimming options. "The park is clean. Professional staff. Sites felt pretty tight next to the 'neighbors'," notes Jennifer P., who stayed for a month.
Wildlife interactions: Multiple campgrounds report consistent wildlife encounters requiring pet supervision. "Many of these hobos take pleasure in putting dog food bowls of duck food out, so you can count on duck crap all over the place," warns Robert R. about duck issues at Boise Riverside RV Park.
Reservation planning: Most Garden City area campgrounds require advance bookings, particularly during summer months. "There must have been some special event for the weekend, so we were very fortunate to find this RV park. They only had a few spaces available," writes Bill B. about his experience at Mountain View RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds maintain specific RV age or size restrictions. "I was asked to first email pictures of all 4 sides of my RV so that management could approve the vehicle for the one-night stay, as they needed to 'keep out the $10,000 RVs,'" reports Hanaa about policies at Hi-Valley RV Park.
Electrical issues: Verify electrical connections before setting up at older facilities. "When we hooked up I found the 30 amp outlet melted & broken and the 110 outlet blackened from spark damage," reports Dave S. about his experience at Boise Riverside RV Park.
Pet amenities: Ambassador RV Resort in Caldwell provides dedicated pet areas with superior maintenance. "The resort also has the nicest gated dog run area we have ever seen," notes Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure, who praised the park's overall cleanliness and services.
