Camping options near Montpelier, Idaho range from developed facilities to more primitive sites across elevations from 5,900 to 7,500 feet. Situated in southeastern Idaho's Bear Lake Valley, the region experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically dropping 30+ degrees at night. Most campgrounds near Montpelier remain open from late May through September, with higher elevation sites opening later due to snowpack.
What to do
Explore Minnetonka Cave: Located near St. Charles Campground, this limestone cave features guided tours through rooms filled with stalactites and stalagmites. "Nearby is the beautiful Minnetonka cave and Bear Lake where you can recreate in numerous ways," notes reviewer Alan B.
Fish mountain streams: Access small creeks with native trout near several campgrounds. "Great flyfishing on the Salt River" is available near Allred Flat, according to reviewer Elsewhere.
Wildlife watching: The beaver dams at Allred Flat offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Several hiking trails along the creek where beavers have made extensive dams," writes Laura M., adding that the campground is "beautiful, quiet" and "we could hardly hear the road noise."
Huckleberry picking: Gather wild berries in season at higher elevation campgrounds. "Huckleberry picking right from camp!" reported Erin M. about Caribou National Forest Emigration Campground, which also offers "trails right off the campsite."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many sites offer water proximity for both scenery and cooling off. At Montpelier Creek KOA, Courtney T. found "the campsites are beautiful, nestled right beside the creek. The scenery all around is beautiful rolling, green hills. Very quiet and clean."
Clean facilities: Even more primitive campgrounds maintain clean bathrooms. At Paris Springs Campground, Jordan K. noted "The campground was in great shape" and mentioned a "short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools or lake access. Cameron J. highlighted Montpelier Creek KOA's amenities: "Pool is heated but not hot, due to being in the trees there is a few floating items but gets cleaned every day. Creek runs through the front of camp. You can fish in it."
Private sites: Forested campgrounds provide seclusion. "Each site had a picnic table and a fire pit, and was nicely separated from neighboring sites," wrote Laura M. about Allred Flat, adding that "Each site had a different configuration as well as parking pad length."
What you should know
Seasonal water limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water access early or late in season. Jordan K. reported at Paris Springs: "The water running to each campsite wasn't drinkable so it was shut off. They discounted our nightly price in half which was nice though."
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote sites can be challenging. At Montpelier Canyon Campground, Sharon noted: "Access was right off the highway on a dusty, potted dirt road. Not for large RVs."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, even in summer. Courtney T. shared an experience at Montpelier Creek KOA: "It was raining and the temperature was 37 degrees and due to drop to 29 overnight."
Cell service variability: Coverage is spotty at higher elevations. Laura M. noted "Zero cell service for any of the 3 major carriers" at Allred Flat, while Jennifer B. found "great cell service through Verizon" at Montpelier Creek KOA but added "WiFi sucks."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Alan B. described Montpelier Creek KOA: "A little bonus was the kids playground complete with swings and other toys" and Cameron J. noted the "playground is adequate for children. Plenty of dog runs."
Beach camping options: Bear Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming areas. Danielle T. called it "Beautiful Paradise" with water that's "perfect and so blue. Really earns the title of the Caribbean of the Rockies. Had my own trail straight to the water facing the sunset."
Gradual water entry: Bear Lake's shore provides safe swimming for children. Heather C. observed: "The beach has fine sand and the water depth is super gradual - it'll take 50-60 yards to get waist deep. Crystal clear water."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer historical or natural features for kids to explore. Jordan K. mentioned Paris Springs has "a short 5 minute hike right by campground #4 that leads to an cool waterfall. It was a great way to start the morning."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations: Many Forest Service campgrounds have size restrictions. At Montpelier Canyon Campground, Mark M. observed: "Stayed in #14 which is small, but suited us well (van). Other sites tend to be larger."
Pull-through availability: For easier parking, seek specific sites. Patti T. noted Allred Flat had "plenty of pull throughs and restrooms along with overflow parking, fire pits, grills and picnic tables. Our 30 ft class c + towing a ford escape was able to fit on the site."
Loop navigation challenges: Consider campground layout before bringing larger rigs. P.H. warned about Summit View Campground: "The loops to turn around at the end of the camp sites appeared challenging for some longer vehicles towing 35'+ trailers staying on the road and out of the trees."
Hookup variability: Not all sites with electric have the same amenities. Jennifer B. noted at Montpelier Creek KOA: "Sites are very close together, water pressure is not great. Lot of roadside noise. The creek has a nice flow. Site was pretty level."
