227 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping options surround Idaho City, Idaho, with several established campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the Boise National Forest. Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed camping provides tent and RV sites without hookups or amenities, while Grayback Gulch Campground offers more developed facilities including drinking water, picnic tables, and trash service. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch provides free dispersed camping with rock fire rings near a shallow creek, just minutes from town. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, though larger rigs may find limited suitable sites at certain locations.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved highways while others require travel on steep, winding forest roads. Grayback Gulch sits above Highway 21, providing larger campsites and reduced road noise compared to roadside alternatives. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through September, with closures during winter months due to snow and cold temperatures. Elevations range from around 3,000 feet near Idaho City to over 5,000 feet at higher campgrounds like Edna Creek, where temperatures remain cooler even in summer. "This is a great little campground just north east of Idaho City by 20 minutes or so. Steep winding drive the last 10 miles. This campground is near the summit and about 5,000 ft so it can get cool at night even in summer."
Campers frequently mention the proximity to Idaho City as a key advantage, allowing easy access to town amenities while enjoying forest camping. Several campgrounds feature creek or reservoir access, providing opportunities for water activities during summer months. The area attracts both overnight campers and ATV enthusiasts using the extensive forest road network. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campsites with more distance from Highway 21 receive higher ratings for privacy and reduced traffic noise. Visitors appreciate the well-spaced sites at Grayback Gulch, noting that "sites are spaced out" and there is "space between the campsites for privacy." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity near Idaho City and on higher peaks, while many forest campgrounds have limited or no service. Most established campgrounds provide vault toilets, while dispersed sites require visitors to pack out all waste.
"Close to the road but not noisy. Close to Idaho City, which has awesome little spots. Shady, no morning sun. The real treasure is the nearby hot springs resort, The Springs at Idaho City."
"This is a great campground between Boise and Idaho City. "
from $8 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Town ( Idaho City)is expensive, so come prepared. I did find a deal there for firewood. The gas station great price per stick."
"Town ( Idaho City)is expensive, so come prepared. I did find a deal there for firewood. The gas station great price per stick."
"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."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The view of the River is nice, but the noise and outside distractions are not my cup of tea. But it's close to town, so there's that...."
"And it is very very close to Boise within 20 miles from Airport, so you can virtually forgot all the camping equipment b/c you can buy / rent them quickly as it is so close to big city"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"UPDATE: Grayback Gulch is OPEN and a wonderful little campground a short drive from Boise. No hookups, but the toilets are clean and there are two fresh water pumps. "
"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"
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Nice campground with hot springs within a short walk. Is close to main road, but not much traffic. No hookups, but pit toilet in campground."
"Nice campground with a short hike/walk to some hot springs."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Pros: I like this little CG; good spacing between sites, clean toilets, potable water and plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities nearby. I can leave Boise and be on-site in about an hour."
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Bad Bear is a nice little campsite outside of Idaho City. The sites are good size with adequate privacy."
"Great little Campground right off the main road between Idaho city and Lohman."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We love going here because it is usually clean and has fishing and swimming close by and the water is shallow enough for all of us to enjoy."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Ten Mile is a clean camp ground in a nice wooded area just off highway 21. The sites are large with good space between them for decent privacy."
"We stopped here after a long day of driving, and thought it was perfect. Would have given it 5 stars if it was a bit more off the main road - overall at night it was quiet."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
TravelerSockeye has some of the best views of the sawtooths and of the lake, finding a site on the water early Friday was no problem at all. Even with no services provided due to the season ending it was one of the best sites we’ve stayed.
GuideSnagged a site on the river,#22! Of course, being here off season helped. Absolutely gorgeous. There is no fee October to May, but they close the gate when the first snow comes. (According to the camp host,whose last day was Oct 4, 2026)
TravelerThe highlight is the hot springs which are a short hike from the campground. Hot water plunges down the cliffs to the river and people have piled up rocks on flatter parts of the cliffs to create pools. A very unique experience!
The camp sites are decent and some can accommodate longer trailers. There are also a few tent only sites. There is hand pump for fresh water. Cost was $20 per night.
TravelerStayed 4 nights. Our site was double booked when we arrived. They didn't hesitate in upgrading us to a "super site." We were originally booked for a back in. Clean showers and laundry facility. The back in sites were very tight and I would not recommend them. Pay the extra money for the pull thru. You won't regret it. I would most definitely stay here again.
ScoutNot that bad but not great for a pay campground. Small but quiet.
GuideWhat a wonderful campground! Small yet don’t feel on top of your neighbor. Views of the lake are phenomenal and the beach/shoreline was awesome! We loved every minute and give it a 10/10.
GuideCamping was $25. with a 10 day limit. They have a dump station for $3.00
GuideEarly September. Dust, dust, dust. The lake has a strip of green grass down the middle. There's not much more than a puddle of actual water. Big area so people can have their own space. Everything I own is covered in dust. Has a pit toilet. Lots of stars
GuideIt’s a fairly good spot with toilets and water but not a ton of shade
Dispersed camping near Idaho City, Idaho occurs predominantly within the Boise National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The region experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and warm summers with temperatures frequently reaching the 80s. Access to many camping areas requires travel on forest roads that vary from well-maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Water activities at Arrowrock Reservoir: The reservoir provides swimming and boating opportunities during summer months. "The water is clean and there is tons of beach area! Bring the kayaks and get paddling!" notes Brett P. about Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed camping areas.
Hiking mountain trails: Several trails originate near campgrounds, ranging from easy creek-side walks to challenging summit climbs. Laura C. shares about camping near Arrowrock: "There is hiking right across the street. Mt Heinen which is a very strenuous hike. Its over 9 miles(up and back) and over a 3,000 ft gain so be prepared if you try to tackle this summit."
Hot springs soaking: Natural hot springs provide relaxation after hiking or exploring. At Pine Flats Campground, "A short hike for the smaller hot springs. You follow the same path to the better springs but it gets slightly difficult at the very end," according to Easton S.
Historic gold mining exploration: Visit preserved mining structures and learn about the area's gold rush history. Idaho City itself contains numerous historical buildings and an interpretive center documenting the 1860s gold rush that once made it the largest city in the Northwest.
Creek access for cooling off: Many campgrounds offer direct access to streams for wading and fishing. At Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch, campers appreciate "A variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek," according to Lee.
Privacy between sites: Grayback Gulch Campground offers well-spaced campsites away from highway noise. Kiwi S. notes, "Sites are well spaces apart. A quit spot."
Proximity to Idaho City amenities: Campers value the ability to quickly reach town for supplies or meals. Josh D. recommends RVers "fill up on water in Idaho City" when staying at Black Rock Campground, highlighting the convenience of town access.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and grounds enhance the camping experience. At Grayback Gulch, Jeff M. reports, "No hookups, but the toilets are clean and there are two fresh water pumps. Fishing is available in nearby Moores Creek."
Road conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds require travel on rough forest roads. When visiting Edna Creek Campground, Mike E. notes there's a "Steep winding drive the last 10 miles. This campground is near the summit and about 5,000 ft so it can get cool at night even in summer."
Seasonal access limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through September, closing during winter months. According to Keith H., Macks Creek Park has an "Open Season 15 May to 15 September. Advance reservations are requires and cannot be made on site."
Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from good to nonexistent depending on location. Josh D. reports "No cell service on T Mobile" at Black Rock Campground, while Cam T. found "2 bars of Verizon good enough to stream on" at Grayback Gulch.
Fire restrictions: Check current fire regulations before your trip. During high fire danger periods, restrictions may prohibit open flames entirely. Some campgrounds have shallow fire rings due to past fire activity.
Look for shallow creek access: Younger children enjoy safe wading opportunities. At Black Rock Campground, Darlan B. says, "We love going here because it is usually clean and has fishing and swimming close by and the water is shallow enough for all of us to enjoy."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience ATV traffic or highway noise that might affect light sleepers. Jeff M. notes about Grayback Campground, "There may be ATV traffic as it's a popular location for families."
Pack for temperature changes: Even summer nights can be cold at higher elevations. Mike E. reminds campers that Edna Creek Campground "is near the summit and about 5,000 ft so it can get cool at night even in summer."
Plan for amenities: Many dispersed sites lack toilets and potable water, while established campgrounds typically provide vault toilets. Will M. appreciated that at Grayback Gulch, "Clean bathrooms. We visited Idaho City, Placerville, Centerville, and Pioneerville."
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger trailers or motorhomes. At Pine Flats, Phillip C. warns, "Made the reservation for 2 nights off the government site. I must say they are true to length. So true I'm sure I would not fit, but after trying 3 times to make the turn backing in we left for better camping. Site 22 is a tough get."
Water availability planning: Most campgrounds lack hookups, requiring self-containment. Rick G. shares about Macks Creek Park: "Stayed 3 nights to run errands and visit the Boise area. Out of town, but nice and secluded. We enjoyed the clear skies at night for some great star gazing."
Road access considerations: Some forest roads present challenges for towed RVs. Aaron B. notes about Pine Flats, "Awesome place to get away for a few nights. Campsites in the middle have plenty of space, outer circle spots might have a bit less room, especially if by the river."
Consider generator restrictions: Check campground rules regarding generator use. Lynn R. observed at Black Rock Campground, "This is a nice campground, our last visit I think everyone had a generator running."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Idaho City?
Grayback Gulch Campground is highly rated for its well-spaced sites, mature trees providing shade, and relative quiet despite proximity to the road. Located between Boise and Idaho City, it offers privacy and serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like The Springs at Idaho City hot springs resort. Another excellent option is Boise National Forest Black Rock Campground, which features nicely spaced sites in a single loop that makes navigation easy. While Black Rock is about 20 minutes from Idaho City, campers appreciate its accessibility for travel trailers, though sites 3-5 may not be ideal for RVs.
Do I need reservations for camping in Idaho City?
Reservation requirements vary by campground around Idaho City. Edna Creek Campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making weekday arrivals advisable during peak summer months. For dispersed camping areas like Herrick Reservoir Access, no reservations are needed, but there's a 10-day camping limit. Some more developed campgrounds in the area, including Grayback Gulch, do accept or require reservations, especially for weekend stays during the busy summer season. For the most reliable camping experience during peak times (Memorial Day through Labor Day), securing reservations when available is recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday nights.
What are the popular camping spots around Idaho City?
Idaho City is surrounded by excellent camping options in the Boise National Forest. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch offers free dispersed camping with campfire rings near a shallow creek, just minutes from town. For those seeking more amenities, Bad Bear Campground features good-sized sites with adequate privacy, picnic tables, fire rings, and a water well, all under shady tree cover with a babbling brook nearby. Many campers also enjoy Edna Creek Campground for its cooler temperatures and access to forest roads, while Cowboy Campground provides convenient access to Idaho City's amenities and miles of forest for hiking and fishing.
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