Best Tent Camping near May, ID

Recent Tent Reviews near May, Idaho

116 Reviews of 49 May Campgrounds

• J

  Joshua P.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 13, 2020

  Round Valley RV Park

  Quiet & Clean

  On a motorcycle trip through Idaho and this place met my needs. It is close to town but no noise from the highway. It was walking distance to grocery store and gas station. Check in was fast and rates are reasonable for tent site. I had a site with power and water. It was close to the bath house. Overall, a great place for a nights stay on the road.

• 

  Eric D.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 10, 2022

  Cottonwood Recreation Site

  Very nice place!

  Probably 15-20 camper spots all paved. 5 or so tent sites. Very nice. Water and dumpsters!

  My recommendation: stay on the river side, the highway side can get a little loud.

• 

  Phil M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 31, 2021

  Challis Hot Springs

  Superb campground!

  We stayed the night in a tent site, the place was beautiful! All the grass is nice and green, volleyball court, playground, two different hot pools from Hot springs. Beautiful flowers, right on the river! There's also hiking trails behind the campground.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 9, 2021

  Challis Hot Springs

  Everything but the kitchen sink

  This place has it ALLLLL. Tent sites, RV sites w/electric and water, dry sites; boat ramp; playground, volleyball net, clothes lines, hot springs pools(2!); showers; camp store with ice; WiFi; wildlife(two mountain goats lead me in on the road); walking trail; shade trees(no hammocks allowed). And it is next to the Snake river. Seriously?? Ok, so the tent sites are really close to the RV sites, but with electric there aren’t any generators running. And the pools close at 9pm, which seems kinda early when the sun doesn’t set until almost 9:30. But I get it. And you are close to the town of Challis with two grocery stores and two gas stations and a Family Dollar. If you can’t find what you need, you probably don’t need it. Besides, you are going to spend all of your time in the water or playing land games. The bathrooms and showers are open 24hrs a day so you don’t even have to use the porta potties scattered around the property if you don’t want to.

• 

  Always C.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 20, 2021

  Mackay Reservoir Access Area - IFG

  Breath taking BLM Campground!

  This BLM campground has 26 paved sites with water and electric and trash bins throughout, dump site up the hill. First come first serve with a $14 nightly fee $7 with senior pass. Tent camping in a separate area. Boat launch and covered picnic day use area. 2 camping areas, one offers some shade the other has beautiful views. We picked the views! Can be a bit windy I'm told by the host. Would rate this a 10 if I could!

• 

  Megan K.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 31, 2020

  Pine Creek Flat Campsite

  Close by hot springs.

  I camped here with my parents in 2018, to hike the trails and go to their “secret” soaking spot.

  There are closer spots to get some hot spring action than where we went. If you don’t find a private spot there are plenty more if you are adventurous.

  We stayed in an RV, but tent camping is also available at this location.

  My parents made the reservation in advance to make sure we could spend some quality time.

  You will catch some sulfur smells here and there but that’s expected with the type of geological activity in the area.

  There’s seemingly endless places to lounge in the river with plenty of shallow areas.

• 

  ShayLee C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 10, 2023

  Meadow Lake Campground

  Amazing views!

  It’s a long uphill drive on a narrow road to get there but it’s worth it! Each camp site is nice with plenty of space, fire pit and tent site. We took our chances on a Wednesday night in mid August and got lucky. Two sites were still open. With the drive and location we were surprised how many people were there but it was still very quiet and peaceful. The lake is beautiful and would be fun to kayak or paddle board on. We did some hiking up the trails to look over the campsite and the lake but did not take the full trail. Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked.

• 

  Rebecca L.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 15, 2020

  Shoup Bridge Campground — Salmon Field Office (Blm)

  Convenient but at a price

  Stayed two nights at this campground in August. There was a camp host setup, but we didn’t see him at all while we stayed. He did not seem to be staying here. The toilets ran out of tp and many people could not get their questions answered. It’s also only about 20 feet from the highway, so expect a lot of traffic noise at all hours. There is a boat loading dock located here as well, so many people were driving in and out all day. Cell service was good if we needed it but there are several more remote areas only about 20 minutes in to the forest that actually feel like camping (Cougar Point and William’s Lake). Overall it’s decent but I recommend it more as a pit stop if you need to crash for a night. The tent sites are well maintained and running water was a plus.

• 

  Amy C.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 3, 2016

  Blind Creek Campground

  Hidden gem

  If you've ever gone up to Stanley and don't believe in having to reserve a campsite on line (it's against my religion) this is your spot. About 20 minutes away from the "hussle and bustle" of tiny mountain town, Stanley, Blind Creek is situated in the Yankee fork of the Salmon River. If you're looking for amenities, don't come here--there's a out toilet, but that's it, no water or trash service. But with the river running right by camp you can easily filter your own water and there's a large dumpster at the Sunbeam pullout right before turning off the highway. Blind Creek only has 5 spots but I've never not been able to camp there, and at $5 a night you can afford to drive a little further to get into the Sawtooths or make the drive over to Challis. Beat for tent camping, though they do have two good sights you could back a trailer into, just do us all a favor, if you're going to run your generator, camp somewhere else. Keep this place quiet!

• 

  Angela C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 18, 2022

  Elk Bend RV Park

  Peaceful and Idyllic

  We set up our daughter in our Super C here for 2 months while she worked in nearby Salmon during the busy season. We were so happy with the beautiful scenery, quiet grounds, and excellent service from the owner. If she ever needed anything, they were happy to help. There is a clean laundry room, showers, and bathrooms onsite, and more than enough space for a 40 foot RV. There are shade trees, some grass sites, some landscape rock sites, picnic tables, a gas firepit, and an onsite mini-store if you need. The owner waited for us until we arrived, helped us get our bearings, and then grew to be a friend. If you are needing to camp(even in a tent!) anywhere near Salmon, Idaho, you need to go and see Stewart at Elk Bend RV Park. Say hi to the deer that roam the area, too, or walk across the street and listen to the Salmon River. Just a beautiful area! Sites with full hookups and not. Would not hesitate to recommend Elk Bend RV Park.

  Pet Friendly!

• 

  Wagner F.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2020

  Williams Lake Campground

  Great place!

  We went there with two tents. The sites are large and there are enough space for more than 2 or 3 tents easily. The sites are well organized and clean, the bathrooms are well maintained and the camping is pretty close to the lake, you can reach the lake with a 3 - 5 minutes walk. We had a really good experience. Just be aware to check your car breaks because the back travel is downhill the mountains.

• S

  Sarah

  Guide

  

  Jun. 22, 2021

  Tower Rock Recreation Site

  Not bad for a quick stop

  Very clean. Highway noise is not bad at night. I slept well in a tent. Three other people there including one who slept in her car. If you want privacy or shade, go to the end of the day use area and put your tent by the picnic tables around the rock. It is closer to the road tho, and the river.

• C

  Csrol F.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 20, 2020

  Round Valley RV Park

  Clean

  Stopped here on my road trip around Idaho. Very clean very open great views of the mountains around the valley. Clean restrooms nice showers.

• 

  Kim R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 20, 2021

  Challis Hot Springs

  Beautiful park on the river

  This Park is beautiful with spots on the river the rest of the park is green and lush with hot springs and showers that are very clean. $30 a night for a camp spot and we had rooftop tent♥️

• 

  Dexter I.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 16, 2021

  Shoup Bridge Campground — Salmon Field Office (Blm)

  Small campgound on Salmon river and highway

  Shoup Bridge  Campground is a small Campground surrounding cottonwood trees along the banks of the Salmon River. It is also right along the Highway.  We found this a pleasant campground to stay in, plenty of flat ground for our tents and only $5 a night.  A few sites are quite small, but still room for a tent. This was our Scouts jumping off point for a backpacking trip the next day.  While next to the highway we expected a lot of noise during the night, but that was not our experience, the only real road noise we had was in the early morning with worked out as it helped wake us up.  Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring.  Water is available and the area has a vault toilet and trash cans.  Campground has a boat launch.

• K

  Karla B.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2018

  Challis Hot Springs

  A relaxing soak and a spacious site

  This private Hotsprings has two pools - ine about 97 degrees ( large and inviting), the second is smaller and hotter at 107!

  located about 7 miles from Challis it has great lawn areas for tents, and shaded RV sites along the Salmon River. Playground. Showers.

  bring your mountain bike or running shoes for a relaxing ride or run on the country access roads.

• 

  Juliana H.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 10, 2020

  Meadow Lake Campground

  Stunning view and remote feel

  This campground is located at the base of sheep mountain, with a gorgeous view of the steep walls and a beautiful lake. We went when the campground was not officially open yet - still tons of snow - but I slept in my truck tent and the dogs had a fantastic time!

• 

  Greg B.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 15, 2023

  Challis Hot Springs

  What a GORGEOUS place!!

  After riding ID75, it was time to find camp. Sure there are a bazillion to choose from along the highway, but I wanted to soak in the highly reviewed waters. I was NOT disappointed!!! Beautiful lawn, one of the freshest hot springs I’ve visited, and great campers. Side not: this place was recently purchased/handed over to the Idaho State Parks system.

• 

  Mondo Moto Media

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 14, 2022

  Big Lost River Dispersed

  Amazing views even worth the bit of washboard road you must go over

  Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief! Water /fishing access ,private spots , even one really nice paved spot close to entrance , don’t miss the turn it’s near a cattle gate on the gravel road

• 

  Julie W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 10, 2017

  Morgan Bar Campground

  Nice place to stop on road trip

  We stopped here to sleep on our way to Glacier NP. It was easy to find but off the main road and quiet. Very clean campsites with fire pits and trash cans. We drove around the campsite before we left, all the sites were camper trailer friendly and had grassy areas for tents. All for $5

• M

  Mike H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 3, 2018

  Blind Creek Campground

  Loved it!

  We visited the Stanley area last year just before the solar eclipse and everything in the area was booked or very busy. We came upon Blind Creek and found a nearly empty campground. It was fabulous. My wife wants to live there. Vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. Several good spots for RVs and lots of good tent spots. Can make reservations.

• 

  Mack T.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 10, 2021

  Bayhorse Recreation Site

  Good site when you need one.

  I would say there are plenty more options along 93 that are worth your time but if you’re like us and needed a place last minute, it’ll do. Maybe about 12-17 sites and only 3 were filled when we showed up at 9:30pm. All rvs. There is a bathroom and running water. Hosts are there and mind their own business. $10. It’s along the road so expect head lights every 20-30 minutes. It’s along the snake river but there is no noise from it at that location. Also there is a sprinkler system that randomly comes on all over the campground so be cautious of that. It scared the living crap out of us in the middle of the night and you could easily get wet if you put your tent in the wrong spot.

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 31, 2021

  Custer #1 Campground

  Quiet except for the OHVs

  This small campground is along the Adventure Road going up the pass between Custer and Challis, on the Custer side of the pass. Really cool massive boulders are in and around the campground, and even though it is along the pass and near a beautiful gorge, you really can’t see anything beyond the campground due to the terrain. Sites are on the larger side, but not necessarily level. There are picnic tables and fire rings and a clean vault toilet, but not much else. Shade trees are on the skinny side so it may be difficult to hang a hammock. During the day it can get dusty with OHVs going up and down the road. For a cool experience, check out the ghost town of Custer or go further along the Adventure Road to see the ruins of some of the stagecoach stops.

• 

  Kathryn N.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 30, 2020

  Blind Creek Campground

  Great for a night through the area

  We were hauling across Idaho and Stanley was BUSY! Campgrounds were loaded with people RV’s. Stanley looked like a great little town, but we had to get away from the crowds.

  We ended up going out 75N to check out some sites. There were quite a few nice places along the Salmon River. The river was gorgeous and a hotbed for fishing/rafting.

  We ended up going north along the Yankee Fork in Sunbeam. The campground had 4-5 sites all mostly along the river. Restrooms were in quite good shape and all but one site was taken. As per usual, we did FF on a busy weekend and still got a site around 5 or 6. We couldn’t believe it was open as the sites had fire rings, tables, and space between.

• 

  Alan B.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 23, 2019

  Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area

  Wonderful Views @ a Semi-Primitive CG

  Wow!  Absolutely the best spot to set up camp if you're looking at doing an alpine attempt on the roof of Idaho, Mt. Borah!  The campground sits right around 7200'  which is a decent bit cooler than the Big Lost River Valley to the west.  There is also a good bit of shade despite there being few large trees.  Its kind of a transition between the sage brush and juniper climate zones.  There are picnic tables and metal fire rings @ each site but there is absolutely no running water so be sure to fill your water bottles and camelbaks in Mackey which is the closest town.  There are vault toilets but no other amenities.  The perk of being fairly primitive is that the sites are only $5 a night!

  If you're planning on summiting Borah it's a good idea to get an alpine start <6 AM so you don't get baked by the sun as there's no shade the last 2 miles and sparse shade the first 1.5.  It is a brutal hike if you're not prepared.  The trail ascends 5200' of elevation in just over 3.5 miles.  Your legs will probably burn, bring hiking poles for the descent!  If you don't feel like hiking there are plenty of rivers nearby in which to fish and great spots to check out the scarp of the 1980's Mt. Borah earthquake, which you drive across on the way to the campground/trailhead.

• 

  Cia S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 27, 2020

  Cottonwood Recreation Site

  We only stopped

  For water and to unhitch so we could get a flat repaired. But host very nice and looked pretty

• 

  Mariana H.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 26, 2022

  Watts Bridge Campground

  Beautiful camping

  Landed the spot on the far right side of the campsite, right on the river. Absolutely beautiful with all the leaves changing. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the river. Minimal sound from the road.