Best Tent Camping near Garden Valley, ID
Searching for a tent campsite near Garden Valley? Find the best tent camping sites near Garden Valley. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Idaho tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Garden Valley, ID (51)
1. South Fork Recreation Site
Garden Valley, Idaho3 Reviews•17 Photos•36 SavesALERT - The Swirly Canyon segment of the South Fork Payette River stretch offers opportunities for camping and fishing in a scenic mountain area. The BLM's South Fork Recreation Site is an undeveloped camping spot along the river.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Showers
2. Shafer Butte
Horseshoe Bend, Idaho4 Reviews•17 Photos•178 SavesOverview
Shafer Butte is located atop the scenic Boise Ridge Mountains, near Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking on various trails in the surrounding area, and simply relaxing and taking in the area's beautiful views.
Recreation
Popular activities in the area include hiking and mountain biking, the Mores Mountain Trail begins in the campground. This 2-mile interpretive nature trail is family friendly.
Natural Features
Shafer Butte offers scenic views of Deer Point, Mores Mountain and Shafer Butte summits, as well as the expansive valley below. The campground is situated among Douglas fir and aspen trees, which offer partial shade in most sites. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is close by and offers more hiking and biking trails, as well as other summer activities, check out this link for more information http://bogusbasin.org. The Ridge to River trail system is near by as well, check out this link for more information http://www.ridgetorivers.org
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$50 / night
3. Boise National Forest Whoop-em-up Equestrian Campground
Boise National Forest, Idaho2 Reviews•9 Photos•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
5. Edna Creek
Boise National Forest, Idaho2 Reviews•9 Photos•24 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
6. Bad Bear Picnic Area
Idaho City, Idaho1 Review•6 Photos•8 SavesOverview: Bad Bear Picnic Area and Campground are located 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in a scenic Ponderosa pine forest along Highway 21 at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant. Historic Idaho City is just 11 miles south. Mores Creek runs adjacent to the site, offering whitefish and rainbow trout fishing. The Picnic area is just across Highway 21 from the Campground. There are picnic tables and a vault toilet. The site is in an open area with shade. Parking spurs are paved. Due to its proximity to the highway, some noise from passing traffic is to be expected. Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, snakes along Mores Creek to Mores Creek Summit, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Numerous trail opportunities are in the area, offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, and ATVing. In winter, the area becomes a playground for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
7. Bald Mountain Campground
Idaho City, Idaho1 Review•25 SavesOverview: Bald Mountain Campground is near Idaho City, Idaho. The Campground has 4 campsites in a secluded, forested area. A trail from campground goes east to the Middle Fork of the Boise River. A second trail goes from the Thorn Creek Butte Lookout south of the campground and follows Cottonwood Creek south.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
9. Idaho City Yurts — Idaho Parks and Recreation State Headquaters
Boise, Idaho4 Reviews•16 Photos•49 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Yurts
10. Cottonwood Campground
Idaho City, Idaho1 Review•22 SavesOverview: A stay at Cottonwood Campground enables guests to enjoy all the beauty and recreation offered around the Middle Fork Boise River and Arrowrock Reservoir. The tiny campground hosts 3 campsites. Weather is usually good from mid-May through late September and is easily accessible by car in good weather, although the road is sometimes rough and the drive can be seemingly long. Checking with the Mountain Ranger District (208-587-7961) on road conditions before heading out is recommended. Natural Features: The campground is situated just north of the reservoir along Cottonwood Creek. There is at a switchback of Forest Service (FS) roads 268 and 377. It is located less than a mile along FS road 377. Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Waterfowl, eagles and osprey are attracted to the river. Recreation: Cottonwood Trail begins nearby, leading to Bald Mountain. Check the Idaho City Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for trails in the area that are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. Arrowrock Reservoir is a premier fishing destination in southwest Idaho. It offers excellent trout fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout. There are also good swimming holes. Big game hunting is a popular activity in season. The Middle Fork Boise River is just north of the campground and also offers great fishing.
- Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 51 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews in Garden Valley
466 Reviews of 51 Garden Valley Campgrounds
- J
Jason L.
Scout
Caldwell Campground and RV Park
Getting better
Has come a long ways in the last 10 years. Could still be part of the solution that part of the problem.
- JJohn E. M.Scout
Tie Creek Campground
Tie creek
Just off the asphalt on a gravel road. Very dusty and noisy on the weekends. Can be busy because a lot people park in there to float the river.
Elise S.
Guide
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
So pretty
Loved this spot! Parked our tow behind camper right on the beach. It is very muddy so don’t get too close to the shore, we had to help two vehicles get out of the mud. Also very buggy which is why is lost a star
Marley F.
Traveler
Iron Creek Campground
Peaceful
My husband and I came to this spot with our 28ft trailer, luckily we were able to squeeze in. Lots of spots to choose from too. The campsites were clean and very peaceful place to camp for a few nights.
William P.Guide
River Pond Campground
River Front
Site 10 is right on the river.
Kiwi S.Scout
Grayback Gulch Campground
Fantastic campground
Sites are well spaces apart. A quit spot.
- MMayre J.Guide
Grayback Campground and Group Sites - Reserve
The few of Free camping near Boise
Nice spot, got to drive up the road past the usa fee area campground. Its a bit up a hill and not on the valley floor so phone service is there like one bar. No tables but some make shift fire pits at free spots. Kinda a rocky road but not a bunch of holes. Supposedly there have been mountain lion sightings in this area. Some intense utah/idaho drivers so just be cool. A less dry quiet spot, beautiful sounds of bugs at night prob crickets and no biter bugs like mosquitoes. Could give it 4 stars but I got to sneak in in the usa fee area to use toilet. Usually most hosts are not paying attention or are cool about it if you aint a crazy. Hey just realized Im not one of those lol.
- RRachel B.Scout
Country Corners Campground & RV Park
Clean, quiet and good for an overnight stop
We arrived late, but it was no problem. Everything was great - quiet, but near the highway. Showers and bathrooms were super clean. We walked to the little cafe down the street and had a nice country breakfast before going on our way to Idaho.
- KKyle J.Guide
Dog Creek Campground - Idaho
It's ok as a fall-back option
My wife and I were forced to make last minute changes to our camping trip this year(thanks to the Wapiti 2024 fire in Stanley) and Dog Creek was the only campground available on the dates we had set aside. We had been up to Pine once before but had never explored past the town.
The campground itself is quiet and away from the main road but it is directly parallel to the South Fork of the Boise River. There are a TON of ponderosa pines and other various pine trees so the campground looks small because of the dense tree cover. From the main road, the main drive is a fairly narrow paved dirt/gravel road and not bumpy at all so most vehicles shouldn’t have an issue with it.
The camp sites themselves are a little close to each other but you’re not shoulder to shoulder or directly on top of each other. The camp host greeted us upon our arrival, filled us in on the fire restrictions and said to let him know if we needed anything.
We had reserved sites 10 and 11 but in reality, they might as well call it a group site because there is no separation between the two, you even share a"driveway”. There were fire rings, tent pads(at some sites) and picnic tables, along with shepherds hooks for hanging trash off of the ground. There were also metal tables at every site that we think are intended for camp stoves.(The picnic tables are wood)The fire rings were well cared for(none damaged that we saw and they all had adjustable grills)….but our fire ring was very close to the bushes which was a little sketchy.
This campground is nice and quiet and full of trees. But unfortunately, for us, that’s where the appeal ends. In order to get to the actual Dog Creek from the campground, you have to hope that sites 2 and 5 are not occupied and even then, the creek isn’t super exciting. It’s pretty but it’s a climb down into a ravine of sorts and it’s not deep enough to lay in and there aren’t any places to setup chairs to just enjoy it. The water flowing through the creek is clean and it is pretty to look at, but that’s about all it’s good for.
As for other things to do at the campground, there isn’t much. There are no hiking trails as far as we could tell, but if you go across the street to the river, you can actually enjoy your stay, assuming the banks of the river aren’t packed with dispersed campers and their ATV’s.
The campground does have water spigots and the water tasted fine. The restrooms(vault toilets) were impeccable in terms of cleanliness. Some of the nicest Forest Service campground restrooms we’ve used and the camp host does an awesome job of keeping them clean and bug free.
Speaking of bugs, we didn’t see many mosquitoes but we did see a good amount of bees, wasps and yellow jackets and there were traps setup throughout the campground so bring an epi pen if you’re allergic to any of them.
We lost cell service just after the reservoir (T-Mobile) but my satellite communicator worked fairly well at the campground.
There are dumpsters to take your trash just inside the entrance to the campground, which is a little annoying as you have to walk quite a ways to dump it, but there were also no critters hanging around the sites.
Dog Creek campground is the type of campground where you setup your camper or RV and leave for the day to do other things. Whether it’s boating at Anderson Ranch, taking the ATV’s up into the mountains or try to find hiking trails. The campground itself is very pretty BUT it doesn’t offer much in terms of things to do while there. However, if you are looking for some peace and quiet, with very little noise from the outside world, it’s great.
Bradley B.GuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Chill
Nice lil spot to relax . Really rough road is the only bad part
- SSarah S.Traveler
Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
Beautiful spot, but difficult to get to
About an hour off the highway, 7 miles of which are washboard-bumpy gravel roads along the lake cliffside (Had to drive under 10mph those last 7 miles). We were in an AWD sprinter van, and the road conditions definitely put a damper on the night. Site is right on the water gorgeous once you’re there. The stars were incredible. Toilet on site but the flies were swarming.
- JJohn N.Scout
Riverlife RVing
Needs some tlc
This campground has potential that is not being exploited. Lovely spot beside the Payette River but that’s about it. Water and 30/50 hookups but too few trees, ery little to do without driving a distance. Close to white water rafting outfitters.
Jessie C.TravelerIron Creek Campground
Absolutely Beautiful!
We stayed at this campground initially because it was right at the trailhead for the hike to Goat Lake. We got there around 5 and there were still plenty of sites available. It was pretty buggy, but it’s right next to a creek, so that’s what you expect. It was quiet and the sound of the creek made it easy to sleep after a long day.
Scott B.
Ranger
Bull Trout Lake Campground
Great Campground
Spend 6 nights here while exploring Stanley, the sawtooths, and Boise National Forest. Big sites, beautiful lake, and very private. Really enjoyed our stay here.
- BBeverly M.Guide
Chalet RV Park
Beautiful campground, very helpful owners. Wil help you with any questions about the area, things to do, and see. Clean bathrooms . Internet reception is good. Laundry room. We wilk definitely be stopping by again.
Owners were very helpful about the activities in the area.
- pphyliss G.Traveler
Big Eddy Campground
Great little spot!
Great spot to escape 55 traffic jams! It has great fishing, and river beach access. Has a bathroom. Picnic tables. Only draw back would be road noise but if that doesn't bother you then 5 stars for a dispersed site!
- kkristen C.Scout
Cordero Pines
Tight fit
We were excited about this find, the location was perfect for riding sxs right outside of round valley.
We unfortunately, could not fit our rig in the gate. It was tight and could not make the turn with a long box truck and 30ft camper.
I did not like that the spots were so close together and not very private.
Greg was very nice though and willing to give us a refund. Still haven’t seen the refund come through yet.
- SSara E.Scout
City of Donnelly Campground
Campground with a nice view
Campsite is just outside of town next to the lake. Good little spot to pull up. We stayed one night and paid $15. Lots of campsites were full on the other side, this was good being so close to the tamarack resort.
David E.Scout
Horsethief Reservoir Campground
Absolutely the worst place ive been in 25 years..
they have absolutely destroyed what we use to love..they put sand in every camping spot with railroad ties and huge spikes make sure you like sand in your shoes and in your tents and campers.. the placement of the fire pitts make it where you cant sit around the fire ..carry a flashlight at all times so you dont trip over the ties that they have placed …they took family sites big enough for 10 people and made them so close you can actually hear the next site breathing in their sleep..the camp host by the Name of Tod Had a nasty additude towards my wife when we had first woke up at 8:00 am hounding us about money..sorry we got there at 3:00 in the morning we were going to stay for 14 days and left in 3 they made nature into a aparment style camp ground i guess thats what happends when greed takes over..we have never had problems before ..camp hosts were great and now they need blue and red lights on top of their wheelers..now you look out your front window used to see the lake and mountains now you see the top of some ones tents…way to go IFAG..
Coach B.Scout
Clear Creek Station
No one around
I called (no one answered @4:45pm)... then we drove because it was on our way... and there was no one. The restaurant was closed... it is 6:15pm.. maybe they aren't open past 6?
Phillip C.Scout
Poison Creek Campground — Lake Cascade State Park
Always a good stay
We’ve been here twice now. First 2021 and again June 2024. Campground is well kept. Showers and facilities clean. Minutes from Donnelly Idaho for “the things you forgot”. Great views coming back again for sure.
- Traci B.Guide
Deadwood Campground
Nice 1 night stay
Quick 1 night stay. Nice river access. Pretty quiet.
Karen G.Scout
Boise Riverside RV Park
Terrible Experience
Well, guess the review below should have been posted after we checked out. Why? We went for a walk and upon our return at 9pm we were greeted by the management advising us we needed to immediately depart. If we didn't we were told we'd be trespassing and.... This is a first for us. A bit surprising as we are both retired health care professionals(surgeon and MPH). Plus, we have volunteered as camp hosts in both state parks and a KOA. Not a good experience. We are in a 38' Class A, and we're assigned site 17. The"guide' took us to our site. He had the people in the next site move their car so we could pull through and back in. Then he directed my husband pull through an area where there was a dead tree with the branches cut off, but still with the trunk and large limbs present. The top of our RV got caught under a protruding branch, scraping the top edge of the coach. The guide shared this was his first week and he didn't understand why they assigned us this site. He got his manager to come look at our coach and the site. The manager said he would have parked us differently, and they are not responsible for the damage. We asked for a different site, and the approach was better. Still very tight. Not a great way to start the visit and very disappointed in the management. Leaving early and likely won't be back or recommend this park to others. We camped at Boise Riverside RV Park in a Motorhome
ConnerGuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
If you want lake access this place is magical
There are many group sites and single sites. Many sites own a corner turn. Also your entire campsite will be visible to every car passing. There are other sites on the other side of the road that are more private. Be wary the road is very dangerous getting in. Take it slow.
Some people park their trailers at lake front but beware of the dune sand , you might get stuck.
I love being able to jump into the lake and ride my bike along the lake.
T
Travis M.Scout
Troutdale
Beautiful place
Great spot to relax
Cole W.ScoutCountry Corners Campground & RV Park
Country corner campground
Traveling across the state and we looked for a place to roll into later in the evening. Called this campground to see if there were any spots available and talked to a very nice woman on the phone who was able to get us in a tent spot immediately. We got there at about 10:30 and she met us out front and showed us our spot. Only a few tent spots but they were offset a little from the campers. Nice showers and had 24h bathroom access. Free WiFi all the way in our tent which was pretty awesome! Right off the highway which was convenient but could be a minus if the noise bothers you. Overall great experience!
Josh D.Traveler
Boise National Forest Black Rock Campground
Beautiful sites on the River
This is a great campground. Sites are spaced out, 1 loop makes it easy to maneuver. Would recommend NOT using sites 3, 4, or 5 if you have an RV. All other sites are great! The entrance is a narrow road down a hill. But still very accessible for a travel trailer.
Keep in mind, Black Rock is 20 miles of dirt road. It does get bumpy in some spots. I was able to drive 15-20mph with a trailer most of the time.
No trash service, pack in pack out. Vault toilets, hand crank water pump. Recommend RVs fill up on water in Idaho City.
No cell service on T Mobile
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Garden Valley, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Garden Valley, ID is South Fork Recreation Site with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Garden Valley, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Garden Valley, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.