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Best Campgrounds in Idaho

4,627 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Idaho's camping landscape ranges from established campgrounds in state parks to dispersed sites on public lands. Ponderosa State Park near McCall features a peninsula campground with electric hookups and cabin options, while Craters of the Moon National Monument offers the Lava Flow Campground with tent and RV sites. Developed facilities like Camp Coeur D'Alene provide glamping accommodations, while Cauldron Linn offers free dispersed camping on BLM land. Several state parks including Henrys Lake, Bruneau Dunes, and Massacre Rocks maintain campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation requirements.

Many Idaho campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from late May through September. Henrys Lake State Park opens from May to mid-October, while others like Three Island Crossing and Bruneau Dunes remain accessible year-round. Primitive sites generally lack potable water and other amenities during winter months. High-elevation locations may experience snow and freezing temperatures well into spring, limiting accessibility. Campgrounds near water features tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. "Dirt roads with loose gravel but my AWD SUV had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge," noted one camper about Mackay Reservoir.

Waterfront camping spots receive consistently positive reviews, with locations along rivers and lakes being particularly popular. Several dispersed camping areas near creeks provide more privacy than developed riverfront sites, which tend to fill quickly. As one visitor to North Fork Coeur D'Alene River noted, "The river spots fill up pretty fast, and the creek spots have more privacy." Campgrounds with mountain views also attract attention, with one camper describing "beautiful unobstructed views to the East, South and West" at Redtail Campground in McCroskey State Park. Proximity to attractions like hot springs and hiking trails enhances appeal, though campers should be prepared for variable conditions including mosquitoes and occasional noise from highways or trains at some locations.

Best Camping Sites in Idaho (1,469)

    1. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    69 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-1335

    "This is what you would expect in the wilderness of Idaho! A unique location, and an experience worth having!"

    "All facilities are closed so it’s just camping and exploring the park which is all within walking distance of the campground. Very friendly ranger working the front! Level sites on pavement."

    2. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    44 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "One moment you are driving through farmland. The next moment a canyon appears out of nowhere. There is a beach there are waterfalls and the views are absolutely amazing."

    "Serene camping away from most road noise and good spacing from other campers. We visited in early August and the river was low enough that we camped out on the beach."

    3. Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-7606

    $35 - $120 / night

    "I enjoy all the amenities, the only thing I wish it had was a sewer at the individual sites, but it’s ok because they have a couple within the park located towards the exits."

    "9/6/19 Conveniently located, 6 miles from west entrance of park. We had a pull thru site, 45,. Level gravel site."

    4. Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park

    38 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-2164

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."

    "Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner."

    5. Massacre Rocks State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Rockland, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 548-2672

    "This beautiful state park is located right off of the freeway about 7 miles outside of American Falls, Idaho."

    "You definitely want a lower loop site to get away from the freeway noise, plus you will have more shade during peak summer heat."

    6. Three Island Crossing State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Glenns Ferry, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-2394

    "There is a picnic table and fire ring for having an enjoyable outdoor experience. there is a huge grass open area adjacent to the site which is nice for outdoor sports."

    "Long paved with water and electric on one side and the pick-nik table behind us. It has 1 fire ring/grill in a box area. As crowded as the park seems, it’s very quite."

    7. Henrys Lake State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 558-7532

    $60 - $70 / night

    "This campground is situation on Henrys Lake and provides amazing views from the campground. There are trails to explore without going too far."

    "Save money with the Idaho State Parks Pass. RV and tent camping fishing and boating. I have stayed here numerous times. Cell service spotty but can be achieved."

    8. Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-7919

    $29 - $39 / night

    "Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise."

    "If you don't want to leave Idaho but you want to feel like you're in the dessert, this is an awesome place to camp!"

    9. Mountain Home RV Park

    31 Reviews
    Mountain Home, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 580-1211

    "Walking distance to Walmart."

    "This RV park is a little close to the highway, but was actually very quiet and is close to plenty of recreation. It was super clean, had great showers, and a really lovely staff."

    10. Targhee Creek

    30 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website

    "This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser."

    "We originally wanted to stay farther south in Idaho after leaving Jackson but we weren’t happy with the location."

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Recent Camping Photos in Idaho

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Recent Reviews in Idaho

4627 Reviews of 1469 Idaho Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 13, 2026

    City of Rocks

    Lots of mice! Beware!!

    After we pulled in, we couldn’t believe how amazing the sites were. Everything was going great until it got dark and it was time to go to bed. Within a few minutes of hitting the sack, we heard scuffling around the engine area. I opened the hood and two little mice were sitting right on top of the engine. They ran right down to the bottom and just hung out even after a lot of banging on the engine. One of the mice ran all the way back to the tail pipe. These mice are well known to chew your car wiring because the wiring sleeve is made of soy based insulation which mice love to chew on. You might think nothing would happen but then the car wouldn’t start in the morning and you’re left stranded with potentially thousands of dollars of repairs. We tried all the internet’s recommendations: popping the hood open, spreading hot sauce around the car, spraying the engine area with Lysol spray, using dryer sheets…and these just suckers kept coming back.

    Needless to say, we scrammed out of there never to return!

  • Karen C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 13, 2026

    CDA River RV, Riverfront Campground

    On the Trail of the CdA

    Convenient access for big rigs, pretty level parking for my Class B van. The CdA river is directly beside the cg, as is the trail. The negative is that I-90 is also directly beside the cg, with the most of big trucks. Otherwise, good place to park.

  • AThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 13, 2026

    Son Mountain Ranch, Athol Idaho

    Peaceful with amazing host

    Son Mountain Ranch is a great place to stay. The host is incredibly kind and welcoming. We enjoyed seeing her horses, sheep, donkeys and chickens (even got fresh eggs for breakfast). We went to Silverwood Theme Park and it was such a better experience than if we had stayed at the park campground. Note there are no showers, but the portapotty is kept amazingly clean. I highly recommend this location for camping if you are visiting near Athol, ID.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 13, 2026

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Cool place to visit

    Spent one night here. The campground is first come first serve. I would say there are only two or three spots available for rigs that are over 30 feet long. Pretty tight quarters. Wouldn’t recommend anything over 35 feet coming in here. It is dry camping, but the sites were nice and level, and the bathrooms were very clean, although they did not have any paper towels or hand dryers. The drive around the park to look at al the lava flows was very cool. With our senior pass, it was only $7.50 to spend the night here.

  • rThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 12, 2026

    Boise National Forest Shoreline Campground

    Break from the valley heat

    We came up to escape the 105 temps in Boise. Shoreline was not at capacity. Quiet couple of days. Paved roads and sites. Plenty of space between sites. Friendly site hosts. Beautiful lake with a significant boat launch area

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 11, 2026

    Bruneau Dunes State Park

    Off the beaten path but very nice

    We were here in the middle of August so it was pretty warm. Daytime highs a little over 100 but did get down into the upper 60s at night. Several pull through spots and several back in spots. Nice showers with restrooms and a picnic area. There are two campgrounds here, Broken wheel, which looks like it would accommodate smaller rigs and tent camping and Eagle Cove, which was for larger rigs. Most of the sites at Eagle Cove had Little or no trees. The sites numbered,81,76,75, 93,78 would have the best shade. There are also two cabins for rent as well. There is an observatory that is open at night on Friday nights and Saturday nights, which we did not get to go since we were not there during the weekend. Also, if you go Monday night through Thursday night, there is a 50% off senior discount. You can also rent sand surfboards to go down the dunes. Nice lake in the area that you could go fishing at as well. There is a dump station, but it did cost $10 to use.

  • Janette K.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 11, 2026

    Blackfoot Reservoir Campground

    Great site stayed awhile

    The campground is nice and for the most part, quiet. People don't follow the 10 mph speed limit and yesterday someone running their dog down the road next to their vehicle hit their own dog!!! The bathrooms are clean. Like the cleanest vault bathrooms I have seen anywhere!The horseshoe pit with horseshoes is a nice touch. Although we have been cleaning up after our dogs 💩 most don't. Doesn't seem to be enforced. The moose visit the area regularly and they can be easy to find once someone points out where they are. One evening they came to us! Standing in the sandbox near the main information board and bathroom area. Would stay again for sure. The tables are covered with ramadas but the birds have taken over them all. I would bring my own table.

  • Erin G.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 11, 2026

    Slate Creek Recreation Site

    Beautiful River access

    Immaculate spots, we got the big one pull thru with concrete pad and covered pavilion. Vault toilets right there, very clean. Running drinking water! $8 a night. Huge Boat ramp and river access. Of course with all these nice things, there’s people and it filled up quick. Spots very close together. Right off the paved road. Easy to get to, worked for us as a halfway point to sleep for the night. We have a 50 foot total rig. Just the right amount of shade to cool off but still get solar.

  • Emily E.The Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 10, 2026

    North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    Beautiful views!

    Very beautiful and secluded area. the roads are pretty rough though, you would need a pretty high off the ground car to drive through. The sound of the river and the views are very nice. The campsite itself is pretty open. No bathrooms are available at least from where we were.

Guide to Idaho

Camping in Idaho offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for hot springs, riverside spots, or mountain views, Idaho has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore Hot Springs: Many campgrounds, like Bonneville, are close to hot springs. One camper said, “The hottest pools are close to the cascades, coolest are near the river.”
  • Hiking and Biking: Campgrounds like Iron Creek provide access to popular trails. A visitor noted, “You are far away from the main road so no road noise but sometimes hikers will accidentally drive through the campground loop.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Stanley Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and other water activities. One reviewer mentioned, “Incredible views from about half of the sites.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One camper at Sockeye Campground said, “Clean quiet campground. Plenty of great spots to choose from.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like North Fork Campground, are known for their peaceful settings. A visitor shared, “It’s a quiet place. It is dusty. The camp host was awesome.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A review for Salmon River Campground noted, “Cleanest vault toilets ever. Asphalt roads and sites in good condition.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper at Pine Flats mentioned, “The site has no hookups, but is paved and easily navigated.”
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be bear aware, especially in areas like Iron Creek. One visitor cautioned, “Be bear aware. There was snow this visit.”
  • Reservation Recommendations: Some popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Sunny Gulch Campground advised, “Plan ahead. I came on a Monday afternoon in mid-July and got the last site available.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with nearby activities. At Stanley Lake Campground, a reviewer said, “The lake and mountains are so beautiful.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. A camper at Iron Creek noted, “Even in the summer, nights drop into the 30s.”
  • Engage in Outdoor Activities: Encourage kids to explore nature. One family at Sockeye Campground enjoyed, “Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Iron Creek mentioned, “The road to get back to the campsite is pretty rough, but if you have a higher clearance vehicle it would be okay.”
  • Plan for Limited Services: Be prepared for no cell service in many areas. A camper at North Fork Campground said, “Zero cell reception from ATT, Verizon or TMobile.”
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds do not have water hookups. A reviewer at Pine Flats noted, “There is drinking water via spigot at a few locations.”

Idaho camping is an adventure waiting to happen, with plenty of options for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for camping in Idaho's national forests?

Most Idaho national forests require a recreation pass for day use areas, but overnight camping typically requires separate permits. In the Targhee National Forest, campgrounds like Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) charge around $18/night with no additional permits needed. For dispersed camping on BLM land and many national forests, no permits are required, but there's typically a 14-day stay limit. Some areas like Swan Falls - Idaho Power have established spots on BLM land that don't require permits. Always check with the specific forest district office before your trip, as permit requirements can vary by location and season.

When is the best season for tent camping in Idaho?

Late spring through early fall (mid-May to mid-September) offers the best tent camping conditions in Idaho, with summer being peak season. Pettit Lake Campground in the Sawtooth area provides excellent summer camping with access to hiking trails and lake activities. At higher elevations like Henrys Lake State Park Campground, the prime season is shorter (June-August) due to cooler temperatures. Fall brings beautiful colors but cooler nights. Many campgrounds close for winter, though some remain open with limited facilities. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and potentially frosty nights in late spring and early fall.

What are the best campgrounds in Idaho for first-time visitors?

Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park near McCall is perfect for first-timers with its proximity to town, lake access, hiking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. While campsites are close together, the location and clean facilities make it an ideal starting point. Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park offers another excellent option with well-maintained facilities and proximity to both Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Preserve. For those seeking a quieter experience, Iron Mountain Campground in Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park provides beautiful views of the Palouse region with fewer crowds.

Where can I find free dispersed camping spots in Idaho?

Idaho offers abundant free dispersed camping opportunities on BLM and national forest lands. Herrick Reservoir Access provides free camping with a 10-day limit, though be careful to respect private property boundaries and watch for signage. The area around Swan Falls offers dispersed camping on BLM land, though it's more established than truly primitive. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed is another free option. When dispersed camping in Idaho, always follow Leave No Trace principles, camp in previously used sites at least 200 feet from water sources, and check local regulations as some areas may have fire restrictions or seasonal closures.

Keep Exploring

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