Tent camping near Garden City, Idaho offers sites with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,800 feet, providing diverse climates and seasonal accessibility. Most campgrounds in the area open from May through October, with higher elevation sites like Bald Mountain having shorter seasons due to snow conditions. Summer temperatures can range from 45°F at night to 95°F during daytime peaks.
What to do
Fishing access: Idaho City Yurts provides excellent access to fishing spots during warmer months. According to one camper, "These Yurts are Awesome! I have only been to there in the winter but I imagine that hiking in is just a beautiful! You need to bring everything but a bed and stove, which are in the yurt."
Hiking trails: The trails around Payette River South Fork offer spectacular mountain scenery with direct river access. A camper noted, "Long runway, above a big field for camping and plenty of trees to set up a hammock. Right along the river, all we heard was the sound of running water. Very big mountains around, plenty for hiking."
Birding opportunities: The Snake River corridor provides excellent bird watching locations, especially for birds of prey. At Swan Falls, one camper mentioned, "The best part of this place is watching the birds of prey and the scenic canyon views."
What campers like
Riverside locations: Campers appreciate sites directly on the water at Willow Creek Campground for the ambiance and fishing access. A visitor shared, "Beautiful location right on the river! With great fishing! Good amount of shade in the campgrounds with sturdy picnic tables, fire pit and steal table for hot pans, food prep or cleaning your fish."
Primitive camping experience: Many tent campers value the more remote sites for their tranquility. A camper at Bald Mountain Campground shared, "Nice primitive USFS site. It's about 30 min above the highway so a bit far. Close to the bald mtn lookout."
Small, uncrowded sites: The tent sites at Cottonwood Campground offer an intimate camping experience with only three sites available. A visitor noted, "This is a super small campground with only three sites. It's a favorite for fishing, and I felt almost guilty that I don't care for fishing and I was hogging one of the spots."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many tent camping sites require careful driving. About Willow Creek, a camper warned, "Many people have died driving back in this dirt road on the edge of the reservoir. So be very careful. Once you make it though you have a very nice spot only 45 minutes away from town on the river!"
Seasonal insect activity: Mosquitoes can be overwhelming at some riverside locations, particularly in early summer. One Willow Creek camper noted, "We must have gone when the misquitos were bad because holy cow were they bad, and no amount of anything repelled them. From 8am to about 10 pm, they swarmed us all!"
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds near roadways or recreational areas experience noise disturbances. At Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites, a camper mentioned, "We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous. However, I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Caldwell Campground offers tent sites with basic amenities ideal for families new to camping. A visitor commented, "Approx, 10-12 Grassy Tent sites, with shady trees, on a small 6 acre lake with entertaining ducks that do not beg for food. Lol."
Entertainment for children: Several campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities that children enjoy. A camper at Swan Falls shared, "And if you are into watching Birds of Prey, hearing coyotes yipping at night and having rabbits running around, as well as some deer cruising the area, this is a nice place for a weekend getaway."
Weekend planning: Campgrounds fill quickly on weekends, especially sites with water access. Arrive by Thursday for best availability at popular spots like Idaho City Yurts, where one camper noted, "Nice and clean. Easy to warm up. Some games lots of beds. Firewood included in purchase of renting."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Swan Falls, a camper advised, "RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream."
Power considerations: Tent camping sites near Garden City rarely offer hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. A camper at Swan Falls explained, "It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis."
Road clearance: Access roads to more remote tent camping areas can challenge RVs with limited clearance. One camper warned about Swan Falls, "The drive down from the top is pretty steep. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to pull your rig back up the grade."
