Tent campsites near Star, Idaho offer diverse outdoor experiences across desert canyons and forested mountains. Most accessible locations lie within 20-60 minutes of Star, with the Snake River sites providing year-round access while mountain campgrounds typically operate from June through September. Winter temperatures drop below freezing while summer days can reach 90°F+, requiring appropriate preparation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The South Fork Recreation Site provides excellent river access with pristine water. "There are huge fish in the river below and the water is unbelievably clear, albeit 40ft down from the camp sites in most areas," notes one camper. The area also features hiking and four-wheeling trails.
Winter yurt camping: For cold weather adventures, the Idaho City Yurts offer unique winter accommodation. "I have only been to there in the winter but I imagine that hiking in is just a beautiful! You need to bring everything but a bed and stove, which are in the yurt," shares Amy S. These shelters include wood stoves and beds.
Dam viewpoints: Camping locations near water management structures provide both recreational opportunities and interesting vistas. "Located just a 40 minute drive from the city of Boise, this campground is the perfect quick getaway. There are many campsites to choose from tucked down along the river," says one camper about the river area.
What campers like
Convenient locations: Many tent sites near Star offer quick escapes without lengthy drives. According to one visitor at Caldwell Campground and RV Park: "The bathrooms and showers are excellent! Clean, secure. The lakeside location and walking trails are beautiful. Feels like living outside of town but still close to everything town offers."
Diverse terrain options: Star area campgrounds range from riverside to forested mountains. At Shafer Butte, Jeff M. notes it's "Less than an hour from downtown Boise. Beautiful, scenic views, off the main road so it's mostly quiet. Tent only, but nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables."
Wildlife viewing: Several camping areas provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "And if you are into watching Birds of Prey, hearing coyotes yipping at night and having rabbits running around, as well as some deer cruising the area, this is a nice place for a weekend getaway," shares one camper about river canyon camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some camping areas require careful driving. At Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites, Katrina H. warns: "We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous. However, I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough."
Weather preparation: Mountain campgrounds experience significant temperature variations. When visiting Shafer Butte, Tara L. shared: "We came here the first weekend of the summer it was open, so it was definitely cold. Our campsite hadn't been used since fall, so it was pretty overgrown when we got there."
Seasonal limitations: Most higher elevation sites have restricted operating seasons. Thomas K. notes that "Bogus Basin is very close. During the Summer Season they have scenic chairlift rides, inter tubing, mountain coaster, climbing wall, live music on weekends, food and beverage, mountain biking with lift service."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly layouts: Some campgrounds specifically suit families with young children. Jeff at Shafer Butte explains it's the "Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes."
Activity access: Consider campgrounds with built-in recreation. At Swan Falls - Idaho Power, Nick P. shares: "This is a really nice area for families to fish and hike. The area is kept clean and everyone is super nice."
Space for children: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to explore safely. "We snagged one for the second night since the people there had left. It was a no frills place and we were dirtier than usual since there was no running water," says one camper about a mountain camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many tent campgrounds near Star restrict larger vehicles. Ed notes about Swan Falls: "RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream north of the dam."
Water access planning: Most remote sites require bringing your own water supply. "It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table," explains an RVer about riverside camping.
Pad conditions: RV campers should research site surfaces before arrival. Kelsey at Caldwell Campground notes: "Spots for short-term stays are pull-thrus with full hookups. A little slice of grass separates each RV. WiFI was good and seemed to reach throughout the park."
