Best Campgrounds near Garden Valley, ID

Garden Valley draws many campers with its mix of natural areas and good facilities. Macks Creek Park, run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, has well-kept grounds and drinking water from an old-style hand pump. You'll need to book this campground ahead of time. If you need an RV spot, Boise Riverside RV Park in Garden City has full hookups and sits close to everything Boise has to offer. Just 7 miles from Garden Valley, Pine Flats Campground gives you access to nearby hot springs. It comes with basic restrooms and picnic areas that work well for families. Another good choice is Sugarloaf Campground at Lake Cascade State Park, where you can camp with views of the water. Be ready for wildlife in the area and store your food properly to keep animals away. Some sites have good tree cover while others are more open, so bringing your own shade might help. Privacy varies between campgrounds, with some spots more tucked away than others. Check the site sizes if you've got big tents or RVs. It gets hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Garden Valley's campgrounds work well for hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water.

Best Camping Sites Near Garden Valley, Idaho (212)

    1. Pine Flats Campground

    9 Reviews
    Garden Valley, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Nice campground with a short hike/walk to some hot springs."

    "You follow the same path to the better springs but it gets slightly difficult at the very end."

    2. Pine Flats (ID)

    14 Reviews
    Lowman, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    $15 - $30 / night

    "I annually visit Pine Flats with great hot springs just a quick walk away. The sites are not too close to each other so if you go on a weekend you get some space away from other campers."

    "this camp ground has a great location, downhill from the highway, there is virtually no noise from the road, and there are hotsprings located within a half a mile from your camp ground."

    3. River Pond Campground

    5 Reviews
    Crouch, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 462-8000

    $15 / night

    "Beautiful spot but while starlight mountain theatre is running you hear the play..that can be positive or negative depending on your plans. I enjoy it."

    4. Swinging Bridge

    7 Reviews
    Banks, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $18 / night

    "Right off the highway but feels a lot more isolated. Lots of greenery, clean bathroom, and sound of the river. It is off the highway so there is car noises but it’s not bad."

    "As mentioned it is close to the road."

    5. Hot Springs

    4 Reviews
    Garden Valley, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $106 - $300 / night

    6. South Fork Recreation Site

    3 Reviews
    Garden Valley, ID
    1 mile
    Website

    "You’ll hear echos of gunfire, the occasional semi blasting up the highway or the rumble of tons of bikes making their way up the highway... and if its fire season, there will be helicopters coming in and"

    "Very big mountains around, plenty for hiking. As well as some bathrooms that were closed when we were there, however the sign did say they were open normally."

    7. Deadwood Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lowman, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    "One of my favorite campgrounds in all of Idaho. The road out to Deadwood is only open a few months of the year. While the road out can be a little rough, the campground is well worth it."

    "Just 6 sites here (try and get #6, it’s really close to the river) on a traditional and ancient campsite that Native Americans used for a long time."

    8. Kirkham Campground -- Temporarily CLOSED (Day Use Only)

    12 Reviews
    Lowman, ID
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 259-3361

    $5 - $30 / night

    "The gate entrance closes during the winter but you can still walk in and access the natural hot springs. If you’re visiting Idaho, this is a must see!"

    "I ended up going on something of a hot spring tour throughout Idaho and Montana and it is so cool to see these geothermal wonders."

    9. Big Eddy Campground

    3 Reviews
    Ola, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 365-7000

    $15 / night

    "the sites are first come first serve. the one we got was right in the middle, next to the bathroom, easy walk to the river. sites are a decent size for tent or rv, just not so much for both."

    "If you can’t find a spot here there are several other places along the highway, but this is definitely the nicest."

    10. Cold Springs Campground - Boise Nf (ID)

    2 Reviews
    Banks, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 351-1182

    $120 / night

    "This is a small campground right off Highway 55 and across from the Payette River.  There are 4 small campgrounds right in a row near here.  There is plenty of shade and pretty good privacy.  "

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Recent Reviews near Garden Valley, ID

578 Reviews of 212 Garden Valley Campgrounds


  • Lustley The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    center point rv park

    Great place

    I'm very polite up front. Nice individuals bend over backwards to help you. Even though they didn't have any spots available, they're more helpful, very kind

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Frontier Motel and RV Park

    Right in Town, Easy Access to Hells Canyon and Other Destinations

    Frontier Motel and RV Park is more of a motel than an RV park, with only ten spaces behind the motel and in between a public, local road. The motel was fronting Hwy 95 and the RV spaces were one block behind. They have a pool (nice!), laundry and easy town access, since the motel was right in town. The pool wasn’t warm, maybe 75F, but it sufficed for the cool-off need. The town, Cambridge, ID, was a nice, small town, maybe 200 residents. It appears that most of the 10-or-so RV spaces were used by monthly renters, but they had a spot for me and during a holiday weekend. Nice staff. For some reason I couldn't make friends with the black lab (the owner's dog). She's old, doesn't walk that well, but was wary of new people. I did not have any, any negative interactions with her, she just wouldn't let me give her a pet. The three-star rating is that the site location, noise from the highway and the street, and the marginal sewer connection (water/power were fine).

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Beautiful Boise National Forest

    River front property

    I love this area so very much. It’s next to the river, with little beaches. We are near 4 natural hot springs!! Yes there is a road next to the campsite, but we are down a little slope. If you want to be away from that move up higher. Maybe 10/15 cars a day. It’s gravel. The dust from the road doesn’t hit us. Rangers are so nice. Don’t over stay your 14days. This is a perfect group spot with 4 different fire pits and sites

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Chalet RV Park

    Tent camping

    Monica at the check in was great. Used this campground on cross country motorcycle trip. Tent camp is great with trees and grass, level site. Showers and restroom on site. Plenty of good looking pull thru gravel sites for RVs. Price was also good. Definitely will stay here again!

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    French Creek Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This was the first time my girlfriend and I go camping! We stayed for a total of 4 days! We stayed in site 6! The place is very well maintained! The bathrooms are very clean! And the most helpful feature is that the campsite has clean running water! Super helpful to clean dishes and wash our hands!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Barney’s Campground

    Barney’s Lakeside Camping

    Camping on the Deadwood Reservoir along the Idaho Back country trail. Absolutely stunning. A lake with a beach and views from every campsite . Very clean vault bathrooms.

  • Rachele B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Caldwell Campground and RV Park

    Very Nice location

    The bathrooms and showers are excellent! Clean, secure. The lakeside location and walking trails are beautiful. Feels like living outside of town but still close to everything town offers.

  • Mark H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    River Point RV Park

    👍

    Checked in at 4:45 and met at the door with invite to movie, popcorn in the evening. Free breakfast in the mornibg.. Friendly staff, clean sites and great for one night stay 👌

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Boise National Forest Antelope Campground

    Antelope camping - Cowabunga!

    Sage hen Reservoir takes a bit to get to- nice but narrow dirt roads for about 12 miles. Lots of camping spots available both in campgrounds and dispersed. Lots of momma cows with calf. Drive up on the gorgeous Payette River with lots of camping on the river as well.


Guide to Garden Valley

Camping near Garden Valley, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Horsethief Reservoir Campground, provide great access to fishing and boating. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake offers great fishing and kayaking."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, especially near Pine Flats Campground. A visitor noted, "There are lots of different pools to soak in," referring to the nearby hot springs accessible via a short hike.
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Sugarloaf Campground — Lake Cascade State Park are known for their birdwatching opportunities. One camper shared, "Hundreds of bird houses along the in road and a nice backwater Bay that is a bird sanctuary."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at places like Boise Riverside RV Park. A reviewer stated, "The campground is clean. No hookups but has water spickets around the campground."
  • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. One visitor at Bonneville said, "Beautiful location on a hill with views all around."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of spots like Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed. A review mentioned, "Nice lil spot to relax."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Sugarloaf Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No hookups but has water spickets around the campground."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One visitor at Kirkham Campground mentioned, "This is probably one of the most known hot springs in Idaho."
  • Road Conditions: Access roads can be rough, especially for dispersed camping. A reviewer at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed warned, "The road is severely pot-holed."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Macks Creek Park, which is noted for being kid-friendly. A visitor said, "The camping was pleasant and kid friendly."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Pine Flats Campground mentioned, "There is a nice hiking trail that leads to the hot springs."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A review from Horsethief Reservoir Campground reminded, "The river is pretty fast at the campground, so swimming isn't advisable."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pine Flats Campground cautioned, "I must say they are true to length."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with hookups if needed. One camper at Boise Riverside RV Park appreciated, "Electric hookups and drinking water."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can get busy. A visitor at Kirkham Campground noted, "It can be crowded."

Camping near Garden Valley, Idaho, has something for everyone. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks available in Garden Valley, Idaho?

Yes, Garden Valley, Idaho offers several RV park options for visitors. River Pond Campground is conveniently located in Garden Valley with full RV accommodations including water hookups and big-rig-friendly sites. Another option in the region is Caldwell Campground and RV Park, which features excellent facilities including clean bathrooms and showers, with a beautiful lakeside location and walking trails. These parks provide a comfortable base for exploring Garden Valley's scenic surroundings while maintaining access to essential amenities.

Where are the campgrounds in Garden Valley, Idaho?

Garden Valley, Idaho features several campgrounds scattered throughout the area. South Fork Recreation Site is directly in Garden Valley with river access and basic toilets. Just outside Garden Valley, you'll find Boise National Forest Bad Bear Campground, which offers good-sized sites with adequate privacy, plenty of shade trees, and a babbling brook at the back of the campground. Additional camping options can be found along Highway 21 heading toward Idaho City and in the surrounding Boise National Forest, making Garden Valley an excellent hub for exploring multiple camping opportunities in the region.

Can I find hot springs camping near Garden Valley, Idaho?

Yes, the Garden Valley area offers excellent hot springs camping opportunities. Pine Flats Campground near Lowman (a short drive from Garden Valley) is a popular destination featuring natural hot springs along the Payette River. Another option is to camp at Grayback Gulch Campground, which while not directly on hot springs, is conveniently located near The Springs at Idaho City resort. The campground offers well-spaced, shady sites with good Verizon signal, making it an ideal base for hot springs day trips. The Garden Valley region is known for numerous natural hot springs throughout the surrounding mountains, with many accessible via short hikes from established campgrounds.