Garden Valley, Idaho offers camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 3,100 to 4,500 feet throughout the Boise National Forest. The camping season typically extends from late April through October, with July temperatures averaging 85°F during day and dropping to 45°F at night. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all waste and provide their own water.
What to do
Fishing access points: Pine Flats Campground provides multiple river access points for anglers. According to Sabrina B., it's "a really awesome place for family camping. Great hike to many beautiful hotspring pools. Different times of the year, hotspring pools are easier accessible when the river is lower."
Beach activities: River Pond Campground features sandy beaches ideal for children. "The river was shallow enough for kids. Good place to practice gold panning if you are into that," notes reviewer Spence L., though he cautions about the "long walk" to reach the river from some campsites.
Trail exploration: Deadwood Campground serves as a trailhead for multiple hiking routes. "There is also a trail head right in camp as well as another trailhead on the other side of the Deadwood River. Across the road is a nice little interpreter site with info about the wildlife as well as river running info," explains Annie C.
What campers like
Hot spring variety: Pine Flats (ID) features multiple natural hot pools. Reviewer Eden T. describes the experience: "There are only 3 pools and two are located on the mountainside overlooking the river and the third is located down on the river (when the river is high, it washes out). It is a bit of a dangerous hike down to the last pool so not a great destination for kids."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the site configuration at Pine Flats. "We stayed on a Sunday night and the sites on either side of us were empty. Very calm. Beautiful location. I can see where it could be slightly cramped if the campground is full, but it was perfect for us," shares Sean F.
Waterfront access: River Pond Campground offers direct river frontage. William P. specifically recommends "Site 10 is right on the river," making it ideal for those who prioritize water access over other amenities.
What you should know
Campsite selection strategy: At Swinging Bridge, campers should weigh the tradeoffs between river sounds and road noise. "This small loop of camp spots has one pit toilet and running water. The proximity to the road is close so you will get some road noise but the rushing river all but drowns it out most of the time," notes Tom K.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Pine Flats, Amy M. warns: "There were hundreds of flies in the two vault toilets at the campground!!" while at Swinging Bridge, Jeffrey H. found "clean restrooms" and a "really friendly" camp host.
Unexpected features: Some campgrounds offer surprising amenities. According to Kurt Z., Swinging Bridge has "potable water, a single working hand pump" despite contrary information on the Forest Service website. He also notes "some TMO cell coverage at north entrance but generally not usable."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Hot Springs Campground provides built-in activities for children. "The best part about this campground is it is right across the highway from an awesome little Hot Springs pool overlooking the river," states Katie F., though she cautions about highway noise and crowds.
Safety considerations: When accessing hot springs with children, select appropriate locations. Danielle R. recommends Pine Flats where "depending on how high the river is there are anywhere from 2 to 10 hot pools to soak in and it is the most beautiful views."
Dispersed options: South Fork Recreation Site offers more seclusion for families seeking quiet. Shariah T. describes it as having a "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."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many Garden Valley campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Big Eddy Campground, Christopher S. notes, "sites are a decent size for tent or rv, just not so much for both. The only issue i had was tight area for a tent and then parking of my vehicle by my tent trailer."
Turn clearance: Some sites require careful maneuvering. Phillip C. warns about Pine Flats: "I must say they are true to length. So true I'm sure I would not fit, but after trying 3 times to make the turn backing in we left for better camping. Site 22 is a tough get."
Site selection for larger rigs: Pine Flats offers options for big rigs but requires advance planning. Mike W. describes it as "paved and easily navigated. There is drinking water via spigot at a few locations and a restroom."
