D
Donna B.
Traveler
TravelerTerriland
Peaceful
Gorgeous, safe and we slept very soundly. We stayed an extra night. Would come back and definitely recommend.
Best Campgrounds in Idaho
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 (1,454)
1. Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
66 ReviewsArco, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsMurtaugh, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsWest Yellowstone, MTWebsite+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 ReviewsMcCall, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsRockland, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsGlenns Ferry, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsIsland Park, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsBruneau, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsMountain Home, IDWebsite+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 ReviewsWest Yellowstone, MTWebsite"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."
Recent Camping Photos in Idaho
902 Photos of 1454 Idaho Campgrounds
Dexter I.
Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
Alice S.
Flatrock Campground
Chip K.
Tower Rock Recreation Site
Megan K.
Horse Camp Trailhead
Natalie B.
Mcclendon Spring Campground
Emily C.
Conkling Marina and Resort
Imerie T.
Beautiful Boise National Forest
chad A.
North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5
Steve & Thai R.
Toby Creek
Mike E.
Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
Cindy N.
Northwest Passage Campground — Ponderosa State Park
Puja B.
Warm River
Recent Reviews in Idaho
4500 Reviews of 1454 Idaho Campgrounds
- GGrey C.
ScoutSwan falls and Snake River Bluffs
Beautiful spot if it weren’t the infestation of fies
Beautiful views. We stayed on the rim and the wind was bearable but the flies were not. I’m not exaggerating when I say there were HUNDREDS of flies inside our van within minutes of arriving. Outside was no better. 10+ on your body at all times all the way until 10pm in July. If you just need a place to park for the night and plan to stay inside your camper this place would be ok. But if you like me enjoy being outside, I don’t recommend this spot.
Natalie G.TravelerMount Heyburn Campground
Spacious sites in the forest
We had such a great stay! We came the Monday after 4th of July. We attempted to stay at Sockeye Campground first, but they were already full by 1pm. We came to Mount Heyburn by 1:15pm on a Monday and there were maybe 5 spots open.
We chose site 12 which was a pull through. SO SPACIOUS! Tons of shade. Great picnic tables and fire pit.
We stayed 4 nights, leaving on Friday morning. The campground was full every single night. Only reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because it feels a little risky loading up and heading there unsure whether you’ll get a spot or not. Glad we got lucky!
There are no hookups, but there are 2 separate pit toilets and a few water spigots around the campsite. Dumpsters for trash too. We brought our generator and fired it up for a few hours in the mater afternoon for air conditioning, and to charge phones. We filled up with fresh water before arriving.
There’s a dump station right on the at in/out called Stanley Ranger Station Dump Station. You can fill fresh water before, and dump tanks on the way out. $12 fee for the dump station.
It’s walkable to Redfish lake, or you can drive there in less than 2 minutes. Plenty of free parking at the lake.
Sockeye campground has better views of the lake, but I feel like Mount Heyburn is way more spacious and remote feeling. The sites are well spread out.
Just $24 a night! You can stay up to 10 nights. The camp host was fine. There’s firewood available to purchase. I think it was $10 a bundle? We brought our own firewood.
Will definitely be back! We loved lake days, got dinner in town 1 night, reserved a hot spring at mountain village resort (highly recommend!), brought our SUP to redfish lake, let the kids swim and play in the sand, easy fishing for kids at the lake, got soft serve ice cream at Redfish Lake Lodge at sunset one night (another amazing spot to spend the day!). Enough room at the campsite we could hike above and set up bow and arrow target practice safely away from other campers. We loved walks around the campground after dinner. I wish we would have brought bikes for the kids to ride! Perfect little loop!
- CChristian R.
GuideMurtaugh Lake Park Campground
Not My Favorite
Pros: lake nearby, nice view, chill vibe, quiet, nearly empty campground, hosts were nice, and it was safe.
Cons: I didn't like it from the moment I got there. It just felt gross, there was also a lot of annoying flies on the grass and my intuition was justified as soon as I went to the disgusting vault toilets. These were the filthiest I have seen on a campground. The lake is probably dirty from all the agriculture around it, and it also has some signage regarding potential algae blooms. The designated tent sites are not labeled officially and are on a very uneven grass on the side we were on. It was definitely not the best sleep I got, but at least I did get to have a nice fire and watch the moonrise.
If the bathrooms were clean 3/5, it just wasn't my type of place.
- CChristian R.Guide
Lava Flow Campground — Craters of the Moon National Monument
My Favorite!
Amazing! We decided to stay two nights here on our road trip and it was the greatest decision ever. You feel like you are on another planet here. The wind came in a little crazy in the evening, but settled at night. There is a very strict no fires allowed policy due to the ancient pines that are there, but they do have charcoal grills at each site. The bathrooms were relatively clean with flush toilets and running sinks, and were beside a water spigot (seasonal), all were very close to our site. Because of the natural landscape each site is unique, with significant size variation. #37 was a great choice and right beside a hiking trail which made for a great night walk. I will say that you can easily get up that trail and do some nice stargazing, and wait for the moon to rise. The moon rising here was something I will never forget, as well as a rare late morning visit by a fox, truly an amazing place!
Abby O.ScoutWaddington Creek Primitive Campsite
Cool spot
Step downhill to get to site. Right on river with a little beach. Locals do use this spot to swim in & lit off a firework right next to my dog hence the lower review
- AAnthony R.Traveler
Brundage Resivour Dispersed Camping
Cool campsite with a beautiful lake
Spent 2 nights here and it was fun time. Close by the lake so you can swim, fish, etc. Camp sites seemed pretty separated so you can have privacy. Lots of mosquitoes and flies.
- rreed C.Guide
Boise National Forest Bad Bear Campground
Excellent secluded spot
Right off highway 21. Occasional road noise but not bad. Site long enough for 31 ft trailer but had to park truck sideways. Quiet secluded. Never heard neighbors. Loved the creek
- kkelly E.Scout
North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest
Road noise but feels private otherwise
Beautiful and large treed spots up and down the campground. There is river access but you have to bushwhack a bit. DOGS ARE ALLOWED!! The description says no dogs and that gave us heart palpitations. Wrong, just have to be on leash like every other campground.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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