Best Tent Camping near Glenns Ferry, ID
Tent camping opportunities near Glenns Ferry, Idaho primarily cluster around reservoir access points and in the foothills north of the area. Anderson Ranch Reservoir offers several basic tent sites at locations like Elk Creek Boat Ramp and Little Wilson Creek Campground, though many are better suited as day-use areas. C.J. Strike Reservoir provides dispersed tent camping options along its northern shore, with walk-in access to waterfront sites and boat-in opportunities for more secluded tent camping experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the Glenns Ferry region feature minimal amenities and primitive conditions. Several sites like Castle Creek and Little Wilson Creek lack restroom facilities entirely, while others such as Elk Creek Boat Ramp provide vault toilets but no drinking water. The terrain is generally exposed with limited shade, particularly at lower elevations near the reservoirs. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, as services are sparse throughout the area. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, and bugs are prevalent near water sources during warmer months.
The tent camping experience varies significantly across the region depending on elevation and water proximity. Sites farther north in the Sawtooth National Forest, such as Five Points and Little Smoky campgrounds, offer cooler temperatures and more forested settings. A visitor described Five Points as having "tons to do around—there's even a nice little hot spring off the side of the road not too far away from the campground." North side camping at C.J. Strike tends to be more exposed and primitive, with one camper noting it is "mostly BLM and dispersed camping is permitted" though it can be "very hot and buggy in the summer." Most areas provide good fishing access, with reservoirs being the primary recreational focus rather than hiking trails.
