Three Island Crossing State Park sits along the Snake River at approximately 2,533 feet elevation near Mountain Home, Idaho. Located just off Interstate 84, this region features a semi-arid climate with summer temperatures reaching 90°F and above. The area holds significant Oregon Trail history, serving as a historic river crossing point where pioneers faced challenging terrain.
What to do
Explore local history: Visit the interpretive center at Three Island Crossing State Park Campground to learn about Oregon Trail history. "This park had an awesome museum area," notes Rachel G., who visited in 2024. The educational exhibits explain how pioneers crossed the Snake River at this historic location.
Play disc golf: The park features an 18-hole disc golf course with particularly enjoyable front sections. Camper Patricia W. calls it a "fabulous historical getaway" with "something for everyone, even folf!"
Take a cemetery walk: The town of Glenns Ferry offers interesting historical sites including a cemetery. A visitor at Trail Break RV Park & Campground shared, "We walked through the town and explored the cemetery while we were there! It was a perfect stop on our trip!"
Visit Anderson Ranch Reservoir: Drive to this nearby lake for boating and swimming. According to one camper who stayed at Fall Creek: "When the water is high, and you have a boat available the lake can make the trip almost bearable."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between campsites. At Three Island Crossing State Park, Sara S. appreciated the "spacious sites, clean bathrooms, friendly camp hosts, and dog friendly" atmosphere.
Riverside locations: Several camping options provide Snake River access. According to Corinna B., sites at Three Island Crossing feature "commanding views" though she notes that "there wasn't too much to do after 5 pm when the visitor center closed."
Affordable tent camping: Trail Break RV Park & Campground offers economical tent sites on grassy areas. One camper described the experience: "Tent sites are on a nice large green patch of grass. Park right next to your tent... Very decently priced when all you need is somewhere to set up your tent for the night."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area generally maintain good standards. Jayden K. noted at Trail Break: "The showers were the main reason we booked for the night. They were clean, a little small but good water pressure."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making air conditioning valuable. One camper at Fall Creek warned about the heat: "Not for the faint of heart in July without a generator. Woke up at 8am this morning and it's already 90 out."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to Interstate 84. At Trail Break RV Park, a reviewer mentioned: "The highway was loud, but something you could get used to."
Limited swimming areas: Despite being near water, not all areas permit swimming. At Three Island Crossing, Corinna B. noted "the water isn't safe to swim in."
Glamping options: For luxury camping near Mountain Home, Idaho, consider Trinity View Resort with its premium cabins. Kelly P. called it a "gem few miles off the highway with amazing views all around. Plus the owners were incredibly nice."
Tips for camping with families
Bring lawn games: Areas like Three Island Crossing feature large grassy spaces. Lisa O. recommends: "A large lawn area is well kept. Make sure to take your frisbee and lawn games. Paced roads are good for littles to cruise on their bikes."
Consider cabin options: When temperatures rise, cabins provide climate-controlled alternatives to tent camping. "We knew it would be hot when we visited this campground, so sprang ($55) for one of the few cabins with air conditioning," reported one Three Island Crossing camper.
Look for activities: Idaho City Yurts offers family-friendly glamping with nearby recreation. "Nice and clean. Easy to warm up. Some games lots of beds. Firewood included in purchase of renting," says Easton S. about the yurt experience.
Check operating hours: Plan activities around facility schedules. As one camper noted about Three Island Crossing: "There wasn't too much to do after 5 pm when the visitor center closed. No playground we could find."
Tips from RVers
Look for full hookups: Many campgrounds offer electricity and water. At Three Island Crossing State Park, Annell N. confirmed: "Site 15 had electric and water. Park has a dump station, showers and flush toilets."
Request riverside sites: When available, waterfront sites provide better views. A camper at Three Island Crossing recommended: "Went in mid July and stayed at site #14 which had a great view of the river and the cliffs."
Consider location trade-offs: Some RVers prefer proximity to amenities over solitude. Lisa O. explains that Three Island Crossing "isn't a place to sit at camp and enjoy the wilderness, but rather a place to park your trailer while you are visiting the museum, winery, or golf course."
Watch for site constraints: At Cowboy Campground, an RVer recommended it as "a conveniently located campground near all the amenities of Idaho City... Right off Highway 21, it's easy to find with ample space between campsites."
