Best Campgrounds near Picabo, ID

The small farming community of Picabo, Idaho serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in south-central Idaho. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed Camping provides free sites along the renowned trout stream, while Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park offers year-round accommodations in an open field setting with full hookups. Within an hour's drive, campers can access the otherworldly landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument, where Lava Flow Campground provides a unique camping experience amid volcanic formations. The region includes both primitive dispersed sites on public lands and established campgrounds with varying amenities, accommodating tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking unique landscapes.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Picabo area, with most dispersed sites open from April through November. Summer brings hot, dry conditions with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder weather ideal for outdoor activities. As one camper noted, "We pulled in and were amazed how nice it was to be right by the creek with covered shelter, picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilet and no charge." Many sites lack drinking water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most camping areas outside town. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and some roads to dispersed sites may require high-clearance vehicles.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly among visitor experiences near Picabo. Campers report sightings of moose, coyotes, eagles, and various bird species. Fishing access, particularly at Silver Creek, draws anglers seeking world-class trout fishing. The landscape varies dramatically from creek-side camping to volcanic terrain at Craters of the Moon, where one visitor described it as "a unique location, and an experience worth having." While some sites like Silver Creek Public Access receive consistently high ratings for their natural setting and basic amenities, others like Picabo Angler RV Park receive mixed reviews, with one camper noting it's "an open 5-acre field set in the center of a quiet farming valley" that works better as an overnight stop than a destination. Most campgrounds in the area maintain vault toilets but limited other facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Picabo, Idaho (91)

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Recent Reviews near Picabo, ID

310 Reviews of 91 Picabo Campgrounds


  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    Great place to stay

    We stayed just one night, but had a great experience. The ranger at the camping booth was super helpful. We had The America the Beautiful pass so it was only $7.50 to camp. We were able to unload our side by side and travel the paved paths of the park. Be sure to get the cave permit from the camping booth ranger before heading out to explore. They are free but you have to have one to enter the lava tubes. The camp sights and bathrooms are super clean and well taken care of.

  • Raime B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Stanton Crossing

    Good for a night!

    We stopped here for the night while visiting Craters of the Moon. A convenient stop with a good amount of camping spots and free!

  • K
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Park Creek Campground

    AMAZING

    We were actually on our way to the Wildhorse campground and passed this and decided to check it out and were not disappointed! There was only one other family there on a Sunday night, and as soon as we pulled in we were greeted by a moose and her calf. Some of the sites are close and more bare and bigger would be good for groups or families together, others are more private. I believe there was 13 sites. Stars were also INCREDIBLE!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Twin Falls-Jerome KOA

    Clean and excellent location for Seattle based multi day trips

    We stopped here on out way home to Settle from Colorado. The staff at front desk was welcoming and nice. The place was quiet at night and super clean bathrooms, showers, and all around. We were very pleasantly surprised. Comparing this to any other KOA that we've stayed at, was one of the best.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Remote location just a few miles north of Ketchum

    Dispersed camping along the Wood River and a couple of SNRA Campgrounds with pit toilets and water. Amazing spot within easy driving distance of Ketchum and Sun Valley. The road dead ends at the trailhead for the Hemingway Wilderness

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Centennial Rest Area Hwy 93

    Parking lot on the edge of town.

    This parking lot allows for overnight parking, up to 16 hours. There are toilets and some picnic tables. A few trees and a nice view of the mountains.

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Meadows RV Park

    Could not get them to respond to me

    This review does not reflect the campground but the staff. They would not respond to my phone calls nor my emails.


Guide to Picabo

Camping spots near Picabo, Idaho range across sagebrush plains at approximately 4,750 feet elevation with daily temperature fluctuations that can exceed 40°F between daytime and nighttime. The region sits at the northern edge of the Snake River Plain with volcanic formations defining much of the landscape. Several camping areas feature creek access, though water levels fluctuate seasonally with irrigation demands.

What to do

Fishing at Silver Creek: Silver Creek provides world-class trout fishing opportunities with several access points for camping. At Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed, campers enjoy riverside sites with convenient access. One visitor noted, "This is not a fancy campground but a solid place to set up a fish camp next to Silver Creek. The entire area was clean and the placement of the campers that were already there were fairly dispersed."

Lava tube exploration: Visit the volcanic caves at Craters of the Moon National Monument, about 45 minutes from Picabo. A camper at Lava Flow Campground shared, "I highly suggest going down in the caves where you can crawl in the lava tubes. If you are planning on camping here in the summer, be prepared for extreme dry heat."

Hiking volcanic terrain: Walk trails through unusual volcanic landscapes with varying difficulty levels. "One of best places I've been to. I'd definitely recommend several days if you can as some of the trails are pretty challenging though definitely see the spatter cones and the one before it," reported a visitor.

Wildlife observation: Keep binoculars ready for wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area. A camper at Silver Creek West Access Area reported, "We were visited by a moose as we packed up camp in the morning."

What campers like

River proximity: Many camping areas offer direct creek or river access. At Silver Creek West Access Area, visitors appreciate the waterfront setting. One reviewer mentioned, "We stopped at Silver Creek West when we were unable to get a campsite at Craters of the Moon. Silver Creek is a disperse camping area as no established sites are in the area, but there are several rock fire rings in the area."

Solitude and quiet: The remote nature of many sites provides peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. A camper reported, "This is a dispersed campground with varying degrees of levelness and sizes. No real privacy here despite being surrounded by trees, mostly aspens which were starting to change color in September and give the place a little bit of a peaceful atmosphere."

Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. A visitor noted, "Wonderful campground. Great for star gazing. Sites are scattered across a lava field and represent a unique camping experience."

Vault toilets at free sites: Many free dispersed camping locations maintain basic toilet facilities. As one camper observed, "The site does have a vault toilet. Camping is free. Plenty of flat ground for your tent."

What you should know

Limited amenities: Most camping near Picabo requires self-sufficiency. A reviewer at Stanton Crossing noted, "There are pit toilets and a few of the sites have stone pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. There are no garbage cans or dumpsters so pack in and pack out. Also there were no water spigots that we found, so filter from the river or bring water."

Road noise at some sites: Campgrounds near highways experience traffic sounds. A camper reported, "Camp ground was clean and nice! River runs close and plenty of shade! The only complaint is it is right next to a busy road so you get to listen to semi trucks drive by all night."

Seasonal insect activity: Sites near water sources have increased mosquito activity. One visitor cautioned, "Great place to stop if you are interested in fishing or sightseeing. The camping area itself is not that awesome, and the mosquitos are intense."

Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely between sites. A camper shared, "Weak Verizon, good ATT and no TMobile cell reception."

Fire restrictions: Summer fire bans are common due to dry conditions. Always check current restrictions before planning campfires.

Tips for camping with families

Farmstay option: Kraay's Market & Garden offers a unique camping experience on a working farm. A visitor noted, "The area for camping was clean and right next to the working farm. We loved staying here!"

Educational opportunities: Incorporate volcanic landform learning at Craters of the Moon. "There's a surreal quality to the place. Driving up the change in terrain is enough to make you speechless. Sleeping here is even better," shared one family.

Protected swimming spots: Look for calm river areas for safer water play. Little Wood River has "green grass for day use and tent camping, private dock, wonderful folks!"

Level camping areas: Many sites offer flat terrain suitable for family tents. A reviewer mentioned, "Free (donation box) camping. I have a hard time imagining this place filling up, plenty of field to park in."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Few sites offer full RV services. At Hayspur Hatchery, visitors noted, "Free. Very few people so nice and quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings. 2 vault toilets, but byo TP."

High clearance access: Some dispersed sites require suitable vehicles. "The short gravel road was a little rigid getting in but no potholes or anything, any car should be able to make it."

Big rig accessibility: Several areas accommodate larger RVs. One camper reported, "We only stayed for one night. We have a 36ft travel Trailer and were able to maneuver it very well. The campground road is gravelly and circles most of the small campground so you can look for a good spot."

Overnight vs. destination: Some RV parks work better for single-night stays. Riverside RV Campground has "FHU sites, lot of permanents, good place to park, not for sitting outside RV and enjoying campground."

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities are available near Picabo RV Park?

The Picabo area offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly at Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed which provides creek access with covered shelters and fire rings. Fishing enthusiasts will also appreciate Big Lost River Dispersed camping area with its water access and incredible views. For hiking and unique geological exploration, Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument is within driving distance, offering walking trails through remarkable volcanic landscapes. The region also features scenic bike paths, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful farming valleys perfect for nature photography. Bring appropriate gear for fishing, hiking, and outdoor activities in this scenic part of Idaho.

How do I make reservations at Picabo RV Park in Idaho?

For Picabo RV Park reservations, it's recommended to call ahead as the park has a simple management system. Unlike more developed options like Craters of the Moon-Arco KOA which has a formal check-in process with friendly staff, Picabo operates more informally. Some nearby alternatives like Honeys Park are free but don't take reservations - you simply arrive and find a spot. If you arrive when staff isn't present, look for posted information about available sites and payment methods. During peak season (summer months), calling ahead is especially important to ensure availability.

What amenities are available at Picabo RV Park?

Picabo Angler Silver Creek RV Park offers basic amenities in a spacious 5-acre field setting. The park features a small creek running along the edge and a single pit toilet. There are no designated campsites, just a gravel road circling the field where you can park in your preferred spot. For those seeking more facilities, Meadows RV Park in the area provides a simple setup with access to a dump station nearby. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping at Picabo, as water and electrical hookups are limited. The open field layout offers flexibility for RVs of various sizes.