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Best Tent Camping near Melba, ID

341 Reviews

The Snake River region near Melba, Idaho offers several tent camping options with varying degrees of amenities and wilderness experiences. Swan Falls - Idaho Power provides free riverside tent camping with established sites along the Snake River, approximately 40 minutes from Boise. Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites offer more primitive tent camping experiences in the canyon landscape.

Campers heading to Swan Falls should expect dirt and gravel surfaces with some established fire rings and picnic tables at certain sites. Many locations provide direct river access, though the access road can be rough with washboard conditions. The area has some vault toilets available, particularly at the Idaho Power managed sites. Several reviews mention trash issues at some locations, suggesting campers should pack out all waste. Most tent sites lack shade, making summer camping potentially challenging during hot weather periods.

Tent camping along the Snake River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The canyon walls create dramatic views from most sites, with riverside locations offering the sounds of flowing water. Access to most tent sites requires some advance planning due to the remote nature of the area. A recent review noted, "We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous. However, I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough." During weekdays, campers may find greater solitude, while weekends see increased activity, particularly during fishing season. The area's minimal light pollution makes it excellent for stargazing, with clear views of the night sky from most tent sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Melba, Idaho (16)

    1. Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    17 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    13 miles
    Website

    "It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table. Fishing was awesome."

    "There’s a little trail system you can wonder above that gives great views too. The sites are well maintained with fire rings and picnic table and there’s a pit toilet as well."

    2. Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites

    1 Review
    Melba, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 384-3300

    3. Caldwell Campground and RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Caldwell, ID
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 454-0279

    $28 - $43 / night

    "Approx, 10-12 Grassy Tent sites, with shady trees, on a small 6 acre lake with entertaining ducks that do not beg for food. Lol. Lots of RV sites with full hook ups, including, 105 long term users."

    "Clean facilities.. , need a code to use them, Roads are dusty, if people would drive slow it would e nicer, Busy place, this is a flat rate place."

    4. Idaho City Yurts — Idaho Parks and Recreation State Headquaters

    4 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    25 miles
    Website

    "I have only been to there in the winter but I imagine that hiking in is just a beautiful!   You need to bring everything but a bed and stove, which are in the yurt.  "

    "Firewood included in purchase of renting. One time I went I miss read the reservation date and got kicked out by another group. So we had to hike down in a snow storm. It was still fun."

    5. Silver City Campground

    3 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 896-5912

    "Getting there is interesting down a winding dirt road, but worth the trip to find all the trees in the middle of a desert."

    "Free campsites right on the edge of town next to creek. The ride up is worth it!"

    6. Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Jordan Valley, OR
    26 miles

    "Turn on the dirt road left just as you are nearing the Oregon State Line. If you crossed over the line, turn around."

    7. Shafer Butte

    4 Reviews
    Horseshoe Bend, ID
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961

    $10 - $75 / night

    "Tent only, but nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables. Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes."

    "It was a no frills place and we were dirtier than usual since there was no running water. it also had no firewood for sale, so we hauled ours up. We knew all this going in, so it didn’t matter."

    8. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    4 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    41 miles

    "Just follow Owyhee Lake Rd along the river and you will find spaces to set up your tent or RV. It is a bit deserty, so beware of snakes. You will find quite a few places before the tunnel."

    "If you want the site in the pictures, which was fairly quiet other than a few people checking if it was open, take the first right after the bridge and follow the trail down."

    9. North - C. J. Strike Area

    3 Reviews
    Grand View, ID
    40 miles
    Website

    "A bit chilly when the wind picks up so dress warm and remember to pack extra layers and hand warmers. Fishing was great as we were the only people at the cabins. MHAFB rental cabins also rents boats."

    "Close to the road, you can hear all the traffic. Close to the boat launch ramps, you can hear all the boats racing to their fishing spot as the sun comes up."

    10. Cottonwood Campground

    1 Review
    Idaho City, ID
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Melba, ID

7 Photos of 16 Melba Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Melba, ID

341 Reviews of 16 Melba Campgrounds

  • Raphaela H.
    Jun. 29, 2020

    Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground

    Wonderful spot in the Owyhee Canyonlands

    The Slocum Creek campground is near the Owyhee Reservoir at the end of Leslie Gulch. It is a free campsite, fire rings with shelters (!) and tables. There are two drop toilets but no water or trash service. Closest gas is in Jordan Valley. The boat ramp to the reservoir is a half mile down the hill. The reservoir is very still and great for SUP and kayaking as well. The area is accessed by a good dirt road, but since it is in a gulch, a small amount of water could make this area tricky to drive to/from, so be sure to watch the weather. There are other camping spots in the Owyhee, but this is the most accessible with the best maintained road. Fires were allowed in late June, but I suspect there is a fire ban throughout July/August/September. 

    First come first served. Websites mentioned that it almost never fills up except maybe during fishing season, but we arrived on a Friday in June and the campground did run out of spots by early evening. There are dispersed spots nearby, but then you would need to plan to bring a portable toilet and your own shelter. The sun was sweltering, even in June. 

    There is great hiking (requires some scrambling) in the smaller gulches off Leslie Gulch with incredible views of the rock formations. Juniper Gulch is a moderate, somewhat shaded, and stunningly beautiful hike nearby. 

    Rattlesnakes, ticks, and scorpions live in this area. 

    There is one larger group site, but it gets the last of the evening sun and the first of the morning sun. 

    These lands are fragile, so please take care of them: pack out your garbage, stay on trails, only ride dirt bikes and four wheelers on the roads.

  • C
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Celebration Park

    Everything a campground should be

    Celebration Park is the perfect campground for basic boondocking (with bathrooms). It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby. At the entrance to the campground, there is a visitors center, many picnic tables, fire rings, an interpretive walk, and access to the riverfront. This is where the bathrooms are containing a single sink, electrical outlet and two toilets. No showers are available. The bathroom was exceptionally clean when I stayed there. The park adjoins BLM land. There are no hookups for power, water or sewer. Potable water is accessed from the bathrooms and spigots near the entrance. The camping area goes on for at least 1/4 mile along the river and more sites are away from the water. 

    Some reviewers mention the bugs. Yes there were swarming gnats when I visited in February, not unbearable, but worth noting if that bothers you. Also note the wind coming down the gorge creates some showy sandstorms. (See video) Hey, it's the outdoors.

    The county park is located on the Snake River Gorge about 25 miles from the nearest town. It is located on the northern fridge of the Morley Birds of Prey Sanctuary. You will awaken to the sound of the ducks and geese and can watch hawks and ravens soar on the winds rushing through the gorge. This is not the best place for watching the raptors, as I learned on staying there. Swan Falls south about 15 miles is for wildlife viewing, nevertheless, there was plenty to see and I spent two nights there. 

    A walk up away from the river takes you to a large lake and you can also cross the historic rail bridge to the other bank of the river and climb to the top of the gorge. Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness.

  • Jeff M.
    May. 10, 2018

    Shafer Butte

    One of my favorites

    Less than an hour from downtown Boise. Beautiful, scenic views, off the main road so it's mostly quiet. Tent only, but nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables. Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes. One of the most enjoyable drives, ever.

  • M
    Jul. 27, 2021

    North - C. J. Strike Area

    Military Strike Camp

    Spring Break gave us a unique 2019 quiet camping at the military cabins. A bit chilly when the wind picks up so dress warm and remember to pack extra layers and hand warmers. Fishing was great as we were the only people at the cabins. MHAFB rental cabins also rents boats. The cabins are a step above tent camping with wooden platform beds and bunks. Plan to be inside only to sleep as there is not much room. Bathroom is behind the cabins. A metal gate separates military from public facilities. Just beyond is a fish cleaning station and docks. Inside the gate is a flimsy floating pier. Plenty of places to park a chair and cast a line. Except to catch something. You may need to get creative to clean it, so think ahead or throw it back. If you are looking for a break from daily life, bonding or reconnecting as a family this is a cheap way to disconnect. Plan to pack in everything including sleeping bags. No heat or ac so plan for layers in spring because it gets chilly at night. Bring fly paper in late spring through fall. Mosquito repellent is also a must.

  • Jeff M.
    May. 9, 2018

    Macks Creek Park

    Great for casusl RV camping

    Small campsite, approx 6-7 hard pads with vault toilet at one end. Site sits directly on a busy, paved roadway that follows Lucky Peak and Arrowrock Reservoir. Also, directly acro townss the street from RV camping is a busy, tent only campsite. 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....

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2018

    Rivers Edge RV Park

    Best little Campgound in the area!

    Best little Campgound in the area! Sits right on the Snake River, large grassy area with lots of shade, Cabins, tent sites, limited full hookups, electric, covered picnic tables, small boat dock, 2 horseshoe pits excellent catfishing, supplied fire rings (you can buy wood there), they just added a TeePee! The host, Turk, and his wife, Meghan, are absolutely, by far the best camp hosts we've ever dealt with. Dogs are allowed. BEST SUNSETS EVER!

  • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2020

    North Park Campground

    Good Water Access

    This campground is an oasis in the middle of the desert.  It gets hot here in the summer. It has RV and camper parking along the Reservoir and a few tent sites.  There is a big park/picnic area with several picnic tables and a designated swimming area.  There is a boat launch right next to it so boating access from the campground is excellent!  Great for families with RV's and campers, less great for tent camping.

  • Ed E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2018

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Small and Peaceful Sites along the Snake River, Idaho

    Just south of Kuna, Swan Falls is a nice quiet place for tent or RV camping. RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream. north of the dam. We were able to launch our kayaks for fishing and paddling for a couple of days. It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table. Fishing was awesome. I caught quite a few smallies, but they were on the smaller side. Still fun to catch. There were a few smaller sites for tent camping along the river. There are a few more sites below the dam as well. All dry camping. The drive down from the top is pretty steep. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to pull your rig back up the grade ;-)

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Celebration Park

    Great option for low fee

    Sites are next to the river and have amazing views of the surrounding terrain.

    Trash cans are located at each designated site as well as a level area to set up.

    There is cell reception in case you are interested but the wifi was poor.

    The fire pits are locked during fire season.

    Unfortunately, my site was a victim of irresponsible campers who left trash and urinated near the tent site. Obviously not the campground’s fault but something to be aware of.

    $5 fee with dropbox. 3 night max (within 30 day period.)

Guide to Melba

Tent camping near Melba, Idaho offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Melba

  • Swan Falls - Idaho Power provides a scenic backdrop with drinking water and picnic tables, making it a great choice for families.
  • Caldwell Campground and RV Park features clean facilities and a peaceful stream, ideal for those looking for a quick getaway with essential amenities.
  • Shafer Butte is a tent-only campground that offers beautiful views and easy access to hiking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • At Silver City Campground, explore historical buildings and enjoy hiking in a unique old mining town atmosphere.
  • Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites offers stunning river views and opportunities for fishing, making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping allows for quiet, private camping with access to hiking and exploring the surrounding desert landscape.

Tent campers should check out these features

  • Idaho City Yurts provides a unique glamping experience with yurts available for rent, along with picnic tables and firewood.
  • Cottonwood Campground is a small, intimate site favored by anglers, offering a peaceful environment for fishing enthusiasts.
  • Willow Creek Campground features a picturesque setting along the river, perfect for those seeking a serene camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Melba, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Melba, ID is Swan Falls - Idaho Power with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Melba, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Melba, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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