Camping near Mesa, Idaho offers options ranging from lakeside sites to forested retreats at elevations between 4,700 and 5,000 feet. The region receives approximately 25 inches of precipitation annually with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Seasonal camping patterns shift dramatically from peak summer crowds to quiet winter solitude with road closures affecting access to many sites.
What to do
Fishing at Horsethief Reservoir: French Creek Campground provides direct access to water recreation. As one camper notes, "This was the perfect getaway...with a little boat launch," making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts.
Huckleberry picking: Late summer brings huckleberry season to the forest areas around Ponderosa State Park. Visit in July-August when berries ripen. "In the summer you will find vast amounts of huckleberries...and many deer," according to one regular visitor.
Winter recreation: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some areas offer year-round access. Ponderosa State Park transforms in winter: "In the winter, the park offers great snowshoe trails, and groomed trails for cross-country skiing and skate skiing."
What campers like
Lakefront access: Amanita Campground receives praise for its water access. One camper appreciated "direct beach access for our kids to play while we were up at the campsite. The beach is extensive and fairly clean."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers frequent wildlife encounters. At Sugarloaf Campground, one visitor reported, "We even had 3 baby foxes visit our camp one evening. I could see it getting crowded on weekends, but I had this all to myself on a Monday and Tuesday."
Cleanliness of facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Poison Creek Campground, a camper noted, "Campground is well kept. Showers and facilities clean. Minutes from Donnelly Idaho for 'the things you forgot'."
Bird watching opportunities: The Mesa area attracts diverse bird species. At Sugarloaf Campground, a camper observed, "The birds we saw here were absolutely amazing. We saw multiple ospreys, pelicans, and mountain bluebirds."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. For West Mountain Campground, planning ahead is essential, though its smaller size makes it "fairly small with only one loop, made it very cozy."
Privacy varies widely: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. At Amanita Campground, "There is very little privacy between sites. Site 9 has direct beach access but be prepared for others to walk through your camp to access it."
Road noise: Some seemingly remote locations experience traffic noise. West Mountain Campground sits "right off of west mountain rd. And there is quite a bit of noise from traffic even at night."
Environmental concerns: Summer algae blooms can affect water recreation. A camper at Amanita warned, "Beware that in the summer the lake gets toxic algae and may be unusable for swimming."
Tips for camping with families
Beach-front sites: Rainbow Point Campground offers water access for kids. "Site #7 backs up to a large beach area. The beach at the lake is lovely," according to one family.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible wildlife sightings, both welcome and unwelcome. One camper at Rainbow Point reported, "We had a skunk walk right through our camp!"
Spacious sites for play: Some campgrounds provide ample room for children. Rainbow Point features "sites are spaced far apart and very spacious," making them ideal for families needing room to spread out.
Winter camping options: For families seeking off-season adventures, French Creek Campground operates "All year," giving families flexibility for school breaks and holidays.
Tips from RVers
Utilities and hookups: Chalet RV Park in Donnelly provides full services. As one RVer noted, "Full Hookup sites, some tent sites, trash, showers, laundry, toilets all accessible with site rent."
Connectivity: Remote work is possible at some locations. Chalet RV Park offers "AT&T 3bars LTE service as well as free wifi make communication and planning easy."
Site conditions: Most RV sites are basic but functional. At West Mountain Campground, expect "Sites had plenty of room and an ok amount of trees," though hookups are limited.
Seasonal access: Weather dictates when larger RVs can access certain areas. Most RV-friendly campgrounds operate May through October, with Chalet RV Park specifically open "May 1 to Oct 1."
