Best Tent Camping near Star, ID

Several tent camping options are available within a short drive from Star, Idaho, primarily in the Boise National Forest and along the Snake River. Shafer Butte Campground, located in the Boise National Forest, offers tent-only sites with picnic tables and vault toilets. The Morley Nelson Snake River area provides dispersed camping opportunities for tent campers seeking more primitive experiences. Both locations are within an hour's drive from Star and offer different camping environments, from forested mountains to desert canyon landscapes.

Tent sites at Shafer Butte feature established tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no running water is available. Campers must pack in all water needed for their stay. The campground is typically open from mid-June through September, with early and late season access potentially limited by snow conditions. The Snake River dispersed camping areas have no designated facilities and follow standard Bureau of Land Management dispersed camping regulations, including the 14-day stay limit. Fire restrictions are common during summer months in both areas, and campers should check current regulations before their trip.

The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. Shafer Butte provides a forested setting with moderate shade and cooler temperatures at higher elevation, making it popular during summer heat. Sites are spaced to provide some privacy while maintaining a traditional campground atmosphere. According to one camper, "This place was amazingly beautiful. There is a great hike right off the campground suitable for kids or adults." The Snake River sites offer a more rugged experience with desert canyon views and access to fishing opportunities. These sites have little to no shade but provide excellent star-gazing opportunities and scenic river access. One visitor noted, "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."

Best Tent Sites Near Star, Idaho (22)

    1. Caldwell Campground and RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Caldwell, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 454-0279

    $28 - $43 / night

    "Approx, 10-12 Grassy Tent sites, with shady trees, on a small 6 acre lake with entertaining ducks that do not beg for food. Lol. Lots of RV sites with full hook ups, including, 105 long term users."

    "Clean facilities.. , need a code to use them, Roads are dusty, if people would drive slow it would e nicer, Busy place, this is a flat rate place."

    2. Shafer Butte

    4 Reviews
    Horseshoe Bend, ID
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961

    $10 - $75 / night

    "Tent only, but nicely maintained tent pads, fire rings and picnic tables. Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes."

    "It was a no frills place and we were dirtier than usual since there was no running water. it also had no firewood for sale, so we hauled ours up. We knew all this going in, so it didn’t matter."

    3. Idaho City Yurts — Idaho Parks and Recreation State Headquaters

    4 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    22 miles
    Website

    "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.  "

    "Firewood included in purchase of renting. One time I went I miss read the reservation date and got kicked out by another group. So we had to hike down in a snow storm. It was still fun."

    4. Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    17 Reviews
    Murphy, ID
    34 miles
    Website

    "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. Fishing was awesome."

    "There’s a little trail system you can wonder above that gives great views too. The sites are well maintained with fire rings and picnic table and there’s a pit toilet as well."

    6. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park

    4 Reviews
    Adrian, OR
    37 miles

    "Just follow Owyhee Lake Rd along the river and you will find spaces to set up your tent or RV. It is a bit deserty, so beware of snakes. You will find quite a few places before the tunnel."

    "If you want the site in the pictures, which was fairly quiet other than a few people checking if it was open, take the first right after the bridge and follow the trail down."

    7. Banks

    2 Reviews
    Banks, ID
    32 miles
    Website

    8. Cottonwood Campground

    1 Review
    Idaho City, ID
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961

    9. South Fork Recreation Site

    3 Reviews
    Garden Valley, ID
    38 miles
    Website

    "Long runway, above a big field for camping and plenty of trees to set up a hammock. Right along the river, all we heard was the sound of running water. Very big mountains around, plenty for hiking."

    "You’ll hear echos of gunfire, the occasional semi blasting up the highway or the rumble of tons of bikes making their way up the highway... and if its fire season, there will be helicopters coming in and"

    10. Willow Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Idaho City, ID
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 587-7961
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Tent Camping Reviews near Star, ID

391 Reviews of 22 Star Campgrounds


  • Raphaela H.
    Jun. 29, 2020

    Slocum Creek (Leslie Gulch) Campground

    Wonderful spot in the Owyhee Canyonlands

    The Slocum Creek campground is near the Owyhee Reservoir at the end of Leslie Gulch. It is a free campsite, fire rings with shelters (!) and tables. There are two drop toilets but no water or trash service. Closest gas is in Jordan Valley. The boat ramp to the reservoir is a half mile down the hill. The reservoir is very still and great for SUP and kayaking as well. The area is accessed by a good dirt road, but since it is in a gulch, a small amount of water could make this area tricky to drive to/from, so be sure to watch the weather. There are other camping spots in the Owyhee, but this is the most accessible with the best maintained road. Fires were allowed in late June, but I suspect there is a fire ban throughout July/August/September. 

    First come first served. Websites mentioned that it almost never fills up except maybe during fishing season, but we arrived on a Friday in June and the campground did run out of spots by early evening. There are dispersed spots nearby, but then you would need to plan to bring a portable toilet and your own shelter. The sun was sweltering, even in June. 

    There is great hiking (requires some scrambling) in the smaller gulches off Leslie Gulch with incredible views of the rock formations. Juniper Gulch is a moderate, somewhat shaded, and stunningly beautiful hike nearby. 

    Rattlesnakes, ticks, and scorpions live in this area. 

    There is one larger group site, but it gets the last of the evening sun and the first of the morning sun. 

    These lands are fragile, so please take care of them: pack out your garbage, stay on trails, only ride dirt bikes and four wheelers on the roads.

  • Anna W.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Boise National Forest Bad Bear Campground

    Nice little campground. Small sites.

    Bad Bear is a nice little campsite outside of Idaho City. The sites are good size with adequate privacy. There is lots of tree cover for shade during those warm summer days, and a babbling brook at the back of the campground. Each site had a picnic table, fire ring, and there is a well for water and a vault toilet. We enjoyed our stay here, mostly because there wasn't anyone else camping in the campground when we were there in mid-July! Score! We grabbed the big site, but the other sites seemed a bit small. Would recommend for a easy campsite close to Idaho City and just a quick little jaunt from Boise.

  • C
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Celebration Park

    Everything a campground should be

    Celebration Park is the perfect campground for basic boondocking (with bathrooms). It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby. At the entrance to the campground, there is a visitors center, many picnic tables, fire rings, an interpretive walk, and access to the riverfront. This is where the bathrooms are containing a single sink, electrical outlet and two toilets. No showers are available. The bathroom was exceptionally clean when I stayed there. The park adjoins BLM land. There are no hookups for power, water or sewer. Potable water is accessed from the bathrooms and spigots near the entrance. The camping area goes on for at least 1/4 mile along the river and more sites are away from the water. 

    Some reviewers mention the bugs. Yes there were swarming gnats when I visited in February, not unbearable, but worth noting if that bothers you. Also note the wind coming down the gorge creates some showy sandstorms. (See video) Hey, it's the outdoors.

    The county park is located on the Snake River Gorge about 25 miles from the nearest town. It is located on the northern fridge of the Morley Birds of Prey Sanctuary. You will awaken to the sound of the ducks and geese and can watch hawks and ravens soar on the winds rushing through the gorge. This is not the best place for watching the raptors, as I learned on staying there. Swan Falls south about 15 miles is for wildlife viewing, nevertheless, there was plenty to see and I spent two nights there. 

    A walk up away from the river takes you to a large lake and you can also cross the historic rail bridge to the other bank of the river and climb to the top of the gorge. Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness.

  • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Edna Creek

    Nice Campground

    Edna Creek campground is  off of Highway 21 and is a little farther off the main road that some of other near by campgrounds.   It is a little more private and quiet.  I like this campground because it is more geared toward tent camping.  There is limited space for larger RVs.  There are no RV type amenities.  Just vault toilets, picnic tables and campfire rings.  I believe there is also a water pump.  Lots of access to hiking around here which is a plus for me!

  • Jeff M.
    May. 10, 2018

    Shafer Butte

    One of my favorites

    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. Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes. One of the most enjoyable drives, ever.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Deadwood Campground

    Small, near hotsprings

    Great but small NF campsite at the Deadwood trailhead. 6 sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Clean vault toilets.

  • Jeff M.
    May. 9, 2018

    Macks Creek Park

    Great for casusl RV camping

    Small campsite, approx 6-7 hard pads with vault toilet at one end. Site sits directly on a busy, paved roadway that follows Lucky Peak and Arrowrock Reservoir. Also, directly acro townss the street from RV camping is a busy, tent only campsite. The view of the River is nice, but the noise and outside distractions are not my cup of tea. But it's close to town, so there's that....

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2018

    Rivers Edge RV Park

    Best little Campgound in the area!

    Best little Campgound in the area! Sits right on the Snake River, large grassy area with lots of shade, Cabins, tent sites, limited full hookups, electric, covered picnic tables, small boat dock, 2 horseshoe pits excellent catfishing, supplied fire rings (you can buy wood there), they just added a TeePee! The host, Turk, and his wife, Meghan, are absolutely, by far the best camp hosts we've ever dealt with. Dogs are allowed. BEST SUNSETS EVER!

  • Davidson L. H.
    Sep. 13, 2022

    Troutdale

    Good For Week Days

    Driving highway 21, pass Lucky Peak and making a right after the bridge is the most heart wrenching drive once you are driving along side Arrow Rock Reservoir, one of the most dangerous drives in the country. It's a one lane road off a shear cliff with vehicles going both ways. Best to drive through on a Monday through Thursday. The campground is basic, but I preferred the dispersed camping site adjacent to the river on the grounds. There is some good hiking and backpacking once you get past the small mountain town of Atlanta. Vaulted toilet, and fire rings. The river is great for swimming, and near by hot springs. Animals we saw in the area are Bald Eagles, Meadowlarks Grouse, Whitetail deer, deer, snakes. When hiking in spring and summer wear snake gaiters.


Guide to Star

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Star, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Star, ID is Caldwell Campground and RV Park with a 3.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Star, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Star, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.