Best Campgrounds near Garden Valley, ID

Garden Valley, Idaho sits at the intersection of numerous public lands and riverside camping areas in central Idaho. The area features several established campgrounds including Pine Flats Campground and Hot Springs Campground along the Payette River, with additional sites at South Fork Recreation Site and River Pond Campground. These areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites offering amenities like drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. Most campgrounds in the region maintain a rustic character while providing basic facilities for campers, though few offer RV hookups or showers.

Access to Garden Valley campgrounds generally remains open from late spring through early fall, with most sites closing during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures. The camping season typically runs from May through September, though exact opening dates vary by elevation and annual conditions. Road access to most campgrounds consists of paved highways leading to maintained dirt roads, with some dispersed camping opportunities requiring higher-clearance vehicles. Fire restrictions commonly affect the region during summer months due to wildfire concerns. As noted in one review, "This is beyond the Payette River campground, if you follow the South Fork road down a ways, you will see a few turn outs, likely with several filled. This is US Forestry or BLM or both land."

Riverside camping represents a significant draw throughout the Garden Valley area, with several campgrounds positioned directly along the Payette River. Many sites provide direct access to hot springs, making them particularly popular destinations. South Fork Recreation Site receives praise for its scenic views and river access, though reviewers note occasional noise from nearby shooting ranges and aircraft. The proximity to natural hot springs makes Hot Springs Campground and Pine Flats Campground especially sought-after, with a reviewer mentioning that Pine Flats offers "a short hike down to the river and some hot springs. Quite a nice surprise." While sites along the highway experience some road noise, many campers report that the sound of the rushing river helps mask traffic sounds.

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

590 Reviews of 212 Garden Valley Campgrounds


  • J D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Terriland

    Great and friendly place!

    We had such a great experience here! Very welcoming and friendly people. We arrived late and Terri still came out to welcome us and help us get settled. She gave us great recommendations to do around the area.

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Boise Riverside RV Park

    Crowded and kinda gross

    Great access to the greenbelt. Fantastic walking to anything you need. Worst showers, laundry and bathrooms than anywhere I’ve been. They don’t take care of them for how much money the obviously bring in. Overpriced, cramped and gross. Does the job for a few days though.

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Horse Thief Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Nice place to camp, fish and relax. Very family friendly. Toilets, water and trash. No other amenitiesz

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Grayback Campground and Group Sites - Reserve

    Great family spot

    Easy to find, get to and quiet. Lots of spots to choose from. Kind of close together but lots of space in each individual spot. Plenty of room for my 12x16 tent and canopy to set up with lots of room left. Few little easy trails to walk. Perfect streaming level service with T-Mobile. Bathrooms are what you’d expect, nothing fancy but gets the jobs done

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Roystone Hot Springs RV and Camping

    Hot Springs

    Well maintained gravel campground. Only 10 RV spots. You must make a reservation. Grounds are well kept. 20 min drive to Emmett, ID. Reservations required to use the Hot Springs pool/tub.

  • D
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Riverlife RVing

    Clean, convenient and welcoming

    First, your hosts - just wonderful people engaged in making your stay comfortable and enjoyable.  Their kindness and consideration are enough reason to return.  Nice setting adjacent to the Payette River adds to the aesthetic with spots along the shore to drop a line and try your luck.  It is a smaller park and the maintenance is spectacular.  Check your Google maps for access alternatives or call host.  He'll guide you in.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Grayback Gulch Campground

    Great place!

    Really great place to take the family, bathrooms aren’t bad but not great, definitely useable. Creek is a short walk away. Nice clean area. Bugs aren’t bad. Coming back for sure.

    PS I have great 5G service here with T-Mobile. Able to call, use internet, and stream movies

  • Michelle G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Sage Bluff Campground — Lake Cascade State Park

    Great overnight spot

    I was stopping by on my way to Yellowstone. Got late at night so I did not get to enjoy the student but I saw the sunrise and it was awesome! Good spot, had service for the night and it was quiet


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.