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Best Campgrounds in Idaho

4,447 Reviews

Idaho's camping landscape ranges from established campgrounds in state parks to dispersed sites on public lands. Ponderosa State Park near McCall features a peninsula campground with electric hookups and cabin options, while Craters of the Moon National Monument offers the Lava Flow Campground with tent and RV sites. Developed facilities like Camp Coeur D'Alene provide glamping accommodations, while Cauldron Linn offers free dispersed camping on BLM land. Several state parks including Henrys Lake, Bruneau Dunes, and Massacre Rocks maintain campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation requirements.

Many Idaho campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from late May through September. Henrys Lake State Park opens from May to mid-October, while others like Three Island Crossing and Bruneau Dunes remain accessible year-round. Primitive sites generally lack potable water and other amenities during winter months. High-elevation locations may experience snow and freezing temperatures well into spring, limiting accessibility. Campgrounds near water features tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. "Dirt roads with loose gravel but my AWD SUV had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge," noted one camper about Mackay Reservoir.

Waterfront camping spots receive consistently positive reviews, with locations along rivers and lakes being particularly popular. Several dispersed camping areas near creeks provide more privacy than developed riverfront sites, which tend to fill quickly. As one visitor to North Fork Coeur D'Alene River noted, "The river spots fill up pretty fast, and the creek spots have more privacy." Campgrounds with mountain views also attract attention, with one camper describing "beautiful unobstructed views to the East, South and West" at Redtail Campground in McCroskey State Park. Proximity to attractions like hot springs and hiking trails enhances appeal, though campers should be prepared for variable conditions including mosquitoes and occasional noise from highways or trains at some locations.

Best Camping Sites in Idaho (1,452)

    1. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument

    63 Reviews
    Arco, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 527-1335

    "This is what you would expect in the wilderness of Idaho! A unique location, and an experience worth having!"

    "All facilities are closed so it’s just camping and exploring the park which is all within walking distance of the campground. Very friendly ranger working the front! Level sites on pavement."

    2. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    43 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "One moment you are driving through farmland. The next moment a canyon appears out of nowhere. There is a beach there are waterfalls and the views are absolutely amazing."

    "Serene camping away from most road noise and good spacing from other campers. We visited in early August and the river was low enough that we camped out on the beach."

    3. Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday

    43 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website
    +1 (406) 646-7606

    $35 - $120 / night

    "I enjoy all the amenities, the only thing I wish it had was a sewer at the individual sites, but it’s ok because they have a couple within the park located towards the exits."

    "9/6/19 Conveniently located, 6 miles from west entrance of park. We had a pull thru site, 45,. Level gravel site."

    4. Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park

    38 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-2164

    $15 - $40 / night

    "Ponderosa is in beautiful McCall, Idaho. Close to downtown and the lake. Great hiking trails. Good park for a family. The campsites are right next to one another, so not much privacy there."

    "Great walking path around and down to the lake as well! Quick 10min ride into town for a nice lake side dinner."

    5. Massacre Rocks State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Rockland, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 548-2672

    "This beautiful state park is located right off of the freeway about 7 miles outside of American Falls, Idaho."

    "You definitely want a lower loop site to get away from the freeway noise, plus you will have more shade during peak summer heat."

    6. Three Island Crossing State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Glenns Ferry, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-2394

    "There is a picnic table and fire ring for having an enjoyable outdoor experience. there is a huge grass open area adjacent to the site which is nice for outdoor sports."

    "Long paved with water and electric on one side and the pick-nik table behind us. It has 1 fire ring/grill in a box area. As crowded as the park seems, it’s very quite."

    7. Henrys Lake State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Island Park, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 558-7532

    $60 - $70 / night

    "This campground is situation on Henrys Lake and provides amazing views from the campground. There are trails to explore without going too far."

    "Save money with the Idaho State Parks Pass. RV and tent camping fishing and boating. I have stayed here numerous times. Cell service spotty but can be achieved."

    8. Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-7919

    $29 - $39 / night

    "Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise."

    "If you don't want to leave Idaho but you want to feel like you're in the dessert, this is an awesome place to camp!"

    9. Mountain Home RV Park

    29 Reviews
    Mountain Home, ID
    Website
    +1 (208) 580-1211

    "Walking distance to Walmart."

    "This RV park is a little close to the highway, but was actually very quiet and is close to plenty of recreation. It was super clean, had great showers, and a really lovely staff."

    10. Targhee Creek

    28 Reviews
    West Yellowstone, MT
    Website

    "This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser."

    "We originally wanted to stay farther south in Idaho after leaving Jackson but we weren’t happy with the location."

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Recent Reviews in Idaho

4447 Reviews of 1452 Idaho Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2026

    Grand View Campground (Targhee NF)

    Idaho at it's finest

    We used this campground as our launching sight for Yellowstone. Even though it was about a 45 minute drive to the West Yellowstone entrance, we were so happy we stayed here instead of close to the park. We booked double site 007 since we were not sure if we would fit our fifth wheel and truck in the single site. We were glad we did. One other large fifth wheel was in a single site and it was a very tight squeeze. We had electric at our site and water close by. Even though you can't hook up to the water, with a long hose, we could refill as needed without moving. This campground has only 8 spots. They could have fit more, but you will love that they didn't. You have so much privacy and are surrounded by a beautiful Idaho forest. There is absolutely no cell service here. We got one hit on our phones on one of the trails. You can do satellite text messaging, but that is about all. However, with Mother Nature at her finest, you will enjoy being disconnected. The campground hosts were friendly and informative of the area. You can walk the trails to the Lower Mesa Falls, but be sure to take the effort and drive to the Upper Mesa Falls. There is another backcountry entrance to Yellowstone to Cave Falls. It is on a well groomed dirt road and worth the effort. After the drive on the dirt road, there is a self serve car wash in Ashton that was badly needed. There is not a dump station at the campground. However, going north towards Yellowstone on US 20 is a forest dump station. It is on the west side of US 20 near mile marker 382. There wasn't a sign going north, but we saw the sign coming south on the way back from Yellowstone. It is 16 miles from the campground. I don't know of any dump station options if you are heading south from the campground.  There is so much to see and do in this area, we can't wait to come back.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2026

    Springy Point

    Midweek Vacation

    Went there on a midweek vacation just to kind of get away and enjoy some lake time. The campsite was well put together. The bathrooms were beautiful and the lake was perfect.

  • Michele Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2026

    Tripod Reservoir

    Quite out of the way spot

    The road getting up there was a bit difficult even with 4-wheel drive after all the rain. But once in the right area, I found a great little cut off road that dead ended at a camp site. Lots of deer, no other people around.

  • Tracy A.
    Jun. 30, 2026

    Boise Riverside RV Park

    Bad campground with awful management

    We had spoken to the management about hosting 11 months before we arrived for the summer. Sent the paperwork and called to make sure everything was good to go several times. Upon arrival we are told we were never told we would be hired and that we would have to pay the monthly rate. The manager kept saying “I didn’t make a mistake! You would have gotten a packet”. None of this was ever mentioned and we drove our gas sucking Motorhome from Florida to Boise 2800 miles to find that there was no hosting opportunity. I was shocked and surprised. She said she didn’t like my attitude and asked us to leave. Her husband, a miserable man whose face has never known a smile was very confrontational and called my husband names. This all devolved into an ugly argument and left us with no place to call home for the summer. I had read that these people were not very nice but thought it may have just been sour grapes. It was not. It is all true. All of it. They have an F for a BBB rating and that’s before  my complaint was made. This ruined my summer it my grandchildren as we had to go home after scrounging a day here and there at other campgrounds and paying premium prices. This I will never forgive. Don’t mess with  my time with my grandchildren. Do not trust them with you vacation memories or family visits. Huge mistake.  Don’t be next!  Look on all the review sites you can find. They have bad reviews. They speak for themselves

  • Amber G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2026

    Silver Creek Campground

    A dream spot!

    Vault toilet, river, service, picnic tables, free.99 🤌🤌🤌

  • Clarissa C.
    Jun. 29, 2026

    Indian Creek

    Beautiful views

    Honestly, not a bad place to stay lots of firings plenty of room you can stay as far away or as close to people as you choose the toilets are available but have not been cleaned in a while so make sure you have your own toilet paper

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2026

    priest lake dispersed camping

    Good spot close to river

    Was a bit challenging to find at first but once we found the right turn off it was simple. It was a bit loud because of the highway but if you follow the path down, there is more spots away from the road. Plenty of space in between sites if you want to be more secluded. The first site has 3 closer together for bigger groups.

  • JW R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2026

    Lost Trail Resort

    Nice scenic spot by the river

    While the scenery was nice, the price was expensive considering there are no showers, sewer connection, or dump station.

  • D
    Jun. 29, 2026

    Son Mountain Ranch, Athol Idaho

    Quiet, peaceful, and the nicest hosts!

    Son Mountain Ranch is such a calm, quiet, step into nature. The family is the sweetest and the grounds are kept pristine!

Guide to Idaho

Camping in Idaho offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're looking for hot springs, riverside spots, or mountain views, Idaho has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore Hot Springs: Many campgrounds, like Bonneville, are close to hot springs. One camper said, “The hottest pools are close to the cascades, coolest are near the river.”
  • Hiking and Biking: Campgrounds like Iron Creek provide access to popular trails. A visitor noted, “You are far away from the main road so no road noise but sometimes hikers will accidentally drive through the campground loop.”
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Stanley Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and other water activities. One reviewer mentioned, “Incredible views from about half of the sites.”

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking scenery. One camper at Sockeye Campground said, “Clean quiet campground. Plenty of great spots to choose from.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like North Fork Campground, are known for their peaceful settings. A visitor shared, “It’s a quiet place. It is dusty. The camp host was awesome.”
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A review for Salmon River Campground noted, “Cleanest vault toilets ever. Asphalt roads and sites in good condition.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper at Pine Flats mentioned, “The site has no hookups, but is paved and easily navigated.”
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be bear aware, especially in areas like Iron Creek. One visitor cautioned, “Be bear aware. There was snow this visit.”
  • Reservation Recommendations: Some popular spots fill up quickly. A camper at Sunny Gulch Campground advised, “Plan ahead. I came on a Monday afternoon in mid-July and got the last site available.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with nearby activities. At Stanley Lake Campground, a reviewer said, “The lake and mountains are so beautiful.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. A camper at Iron Creek noted, “Even in the summer, nights drop into the 30s.”
  • Engage in Outdoor Activities: Encourage kids to explore nature. One family at Sockeye Campground enjoyed, “Gorgeous views. Any kind of water sports you crave.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor at Iron Creek mentioned, “The road to get back to the campsite is pretty rough, but if you have a higher clearance vehicle it would be okay.”
  • Plan for Limited Services: Be prepared for no cell service in many areas. A camper at North Fork Campground said, “Zero cell reception from ATT, Verizon or TMobile.”
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds do not have water hookups. A reviewer at Pine Flats noted, “There is drinking water via spigot at a few locations.”

Idaho camping is an adventure waiting to happen, with plenty of options for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for camping in Idaho's national forests?

Most Idaho national forests require a recreation pass for day use areas, but overnight camping typically requires separate permits. In the Targhee National Forest, campgrounds like Grand View Campground (Targhee NF) charge around $18/night with no additional permits needed. For dispersed camping on BLM land and many national forests, no permits are required, but there's typically a 14-day stay limit. Some areas like Swan Falls - Idaho Power have established spots on BLM land that don't require permits. Always check with the specific forest district office before your trip, as permit requirements can vary by location and season.

When is the best season for tent camping in Idaho?

Late spring through early fall (mid-May to mid-September) offers the best tent camping conditions in Idaho, with summer being peak season. Pettit Lake Campground in the Sawtooth area provides excellent summer camping with access to hiking trails and lake activities. At higher elevations like Henrys Lake State Park Campground, the prime season is shorter (June-August) due to cooler temperatures. Fall brings beautiful colors but cooler nights. Many campgrounds close for winter, though some remain open with limited facilities. Be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms in summer and potentially frosty nights in late spring and early fall.

What are the best campgrounds in Idaho for first-time visitors?

Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park near McCall is perfect for first-timers with its proximity to town, lake access, hiking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. While campsites are close together, the location and clean facilities make it an ideal starting point. Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park offers another excellent option with well-maintained facilities and proximity to both Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Preserve. For those seeking a quieter experience, Iron Mountain Campground in Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park provides beautiful views of the Palouse region with fewer crowds.

Where can I find free dispersed camping spots in Idaho?

Idaho offers abundant free dispersed camping opportunities on BLM and national forest lands. Herrick Reservoir Access provides free camping with a 10-day limit, though be careful to respect private property boundaries and watch for signage. The area around Swan Falls offers dispersed camping on BLM land, though it's more established than truly primitive. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed is another free option. When dispersed camping in Idaho, always follow Leave No Trace principles, camp in previously used sites at least 200 feet from water sources, and check local regulations as some areas may have fire restrictions or seasonal closures.

Keep Exploring

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