The Owyhee Mountains and Snake River Valley surround Homedale, Idaho at an elevation of around 2,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 90-95°F while winters drop to 20-30°F. The region sits at the border of Idaho and Oregon, creating diverse camping opportunities with both desert landscapes and riverside sites that remain accessible most of the year.
What to do
Kayaking the Snake River: Launch directly from Rivers Edge RV Park where the water access allows paddlers to cross state lines. "I enjoyed the fact that you can kayak from the camp area on the Snake River, and within just a couple miles, you officially kayaked to Oregon," notes Matt S.
Fishing for multiple species: The Snake River offers consistent fishing conditions year-round. "When the weather warms up in the spring this is a great place to catch channel catfish in the shallows," reports Fishin' R. at Snake River RV Resort, adding "I caught 10 small mouth Bass, couple were keepers! There's plenty of catfish, trout and, if you get lucky, Salmon."
Rock hunting: The desert canyons provide opportunities for collecting interesting rocks. At Succor Creek State Natural Area, one visitor mentioned it's "Great for star gazing and searching for thunder eggs," though noting it can be "Very hot with little shade."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Sites along the Snake River offer direct water views and access. "The sites are wide open with little privacy though there are some larger trees with the park," explains Ashley M. about Farewell Bend State Recreation Area. "You can walk down the long grass to the river and down steps to the water. Or just sit around camp and squirrel watch!"
Wineries within driving distance: Local vineyards provide day-trip options for campers. "We found a local vineyard that is a pleasure to visit. Good food, good wine and a great view of the vineyard while eating," shares Matt S. about experiences while staying at Rivers Edge RV Park.
Well-maintained grass: Many campgrounds prioritize lawn care. "The grounds are well kept and the grass is GREEN! They water just about, if not, every day!" notes Lawrence P. about Snake River RV Resort, indicating the effort to maintain green spaces despite the arid climate.
What you should know
Weather conditions: The region experiences significant temperature variations and wind. "It was so windy when we got there the site was not very comfortable. The camp host graciously let us move up to B loop, since it wasn't very busy mid-week. Thank goodness we did, it was the windiest night I've ever experienced camping," reports Caitlyn R. from Farewell Bend.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms... horror movie material! Showers, I'm pretty sure have never been cleaned. There was large mice or rat feces every where. Spiders in the showers," warns Geneva B. about Rivers Edge RV Park.
Driving conditions: Access roads to some sites require caution. Getting to Succor Creek State Natural Area requires driving "a 20 mile dirt and gravel road from the freeway and it's pretty well maintained," according to Alex B., who found the journey worthwhile for the "stunning location with plenty of spots to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: The water temperature varies by location. At Rivers Edge RV Park, one camper discovered unexpectedly comfortable water: "The water was so warm I swam at midnight! That's 5 stars," reports Mary D., though noting "It's farm land so a breeze would bring in the faintest scent of cow manure from time to time."
Recreation paths: The Greenbelt in Boise offers car-free cycling opportunities. "We rode bikes along the path, enjoyed the river, toured Boise state and downtown, and even ate dinner without ever getting in our car," shares a visitor at Boise Riverside RV Park, noting the convenience of "central Boise in a park-like setting along the greenbelt path."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking shelter without hauling tents, Idaho City Yurts offers a popular yurt camping experience near Homedale. "You need to bring everything but a bed and stove, which are in the yurt. Lots of hiking or cross-country skiing in the area," advises Amy S., who rates the yurt camping experience highly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request river-facing spots when possible. At Boise Riverside RV Park, Jenny W. advises, "Try to get a back in site to the green belt if you can," for better views and access to recreational paths.
Leveling considerations: Most sites are designed for easy setup. At Snake River RV Resort, Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure found, "Our site was flat and level and a snap to set up our fifth wheel."
Hookup quality: Check electrical connections before settling in. "When we hooked up I found the 30 amp outlet melted & broken and the 110 outlet blackened from spark damage," shares Dave S. about an experience at Boise Riverside RV Park, suggesting RVers verify utility connections before completing setup.
