Camping near Ririe, Idaho centers around Ririe Reservoir and the Snake River basin, with elevations between 4,800 and 5,200 feet creating distinct seasonal conditions. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campgrounds operate May through October, though several remain accessible year-round with limited amenities during winter months.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Kelly Island Campground provides direct access to the Snake River where anglers can catch rainbow trout and perch. "It's right on the river, good for fishing," confirms a camper who found the site "very clean, even the pit toilet bathroom was clean."
Try disc golf: Beaver Dick Park Campground offers a unique disc golf course on-site. As one visitor noted, "Disk golf! Excellent short course. Water access from a ramp about 400' from camping." The course is suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Water recreation: Jefferson County Lake offers swimming opportunities in a spring-fed lake with exceptional clarity. "The lake is actually an aquafer (underground spring) so it's super clear and clean unlike most lakes," reports one camper. "My kids and I swam in the lake and they especially loved the big slide in the middle of the lake."
Hot springs access: Wolf Flats Recreation Area serves as a convenient base for nearby hot springs. "There is a busy pool style hot spring down the road," notes one visitor. The recreation area's riverside camping puts you within reasonable distance of these natural features.
What campers like
Riverfront sites: Wolf Flats Recreation Area receives praise for its river placement. "Lots of great options to camp along the river! Quite busy and did have someone join us in our campsite late at night," shares one visitor. Another notes, "We got one right on the river not far from vault toilets."
Affordability: Juniper Group Campsite offers excellent value with full hookups at reasonable rates. "The best part is the $25 a night with full hookups," mentions one reviewer. Another states, "With a low price per night its one of the best we've found in the area."
Clean facilities: Bonneville County Juniper Campground maintains high cleanliness standards that campers appreciate. "This is a beautiful, well-maintained, quiet campground with beautiful green grass, very few weeds and nicely spaced sites from each other," notes one visitor. Another adds, "The bathrooms are very nice and clean and have a shower in each one."
Shade coverage: Most campsites in the Ririe area provide natural shade, particularly valued during hot summer months. "Lots of green grass and shade in most sites," reports a visitor to Juniper Group Campsite. At Mountain River Ranch, campers enjoy "a beautiful, quiet camp" with "full hookups available."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Wolf Flats Recreation Area requires navigating unpaved roads. "Easy access only a couple miles on bumpy but car safe gravel road," reports one camper, while another notes it's "a very dusty and gravely road."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds close entirely during winter months. Kelly Island Campground operates only from "May to September," and one visitor reported: "We were excited to find this CG on Dyrt and that it wasn't difficult to find; but when we arrived, the gate was pad-locked."
Variable site leveling: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Juniper Group Campsite, a visitor noted: "You will need some extra support under your rig as the grounds slope as the land would. Just be prepared to do some adjusting to get level."
Reservation requirements: Some popular sites require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. Jefferson County Lake provides concrete pads but fills quickly. "You can stay as long as you want but you can only book for 6 nights in a row in one spot," explains a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water features: Jefferson County Lake offers safe swimming areas ideal for children. "My kids loved playing in the lake. I like the paved trail that goes around the lake for jogging and cycling," shares one parent. Another mentions, "Great fun wood park for the kids, and the lake access is included in the camping reservation."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Beaver Dick Park, "It includes a playground and picnic areas that I'm sure would be great for families!" according to one camper. Another notes it's "especially [good] with little kids because you are still close to civilization!"
Activities beyond camping: Wakeside Lake RV Park provides fishing opportunities suitable for children. "Catch and release pond and rent poles for $5," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "My kids loved playing in the lake."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Juniper Group Campsite offers full-service sites at competitive rates. "Loop A has a mixture of 30 and a few 50 amp spots with sewer and water. Water pressure is good around 60 PSI," reports an RVer. Another adds, "The campground consists of 3 loops all have large level sites with platforms for tents and full hookups at only $30.00."
Parking surface considerations: Most RV sites in the area are gravel or dirt, which can become muddy after rain. "The sites are level gravel and full hookups, 30 Amp. Most sites are shaded," notes a visitor to Wakeside Lake RV Park. At Snake River RV Park, a camper observed, "Everything is gravel and dirt. This place is very dusty."
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in how close sites are positioned. Bonneville County Juniper Campground features "nicely spaced sites from each other," while at Snake River RV Park, some find "the sites were too close together."
