Best Campgrounds near Boise, ID

Boise, Idaho has many different camping options within reach. At Idaho Power Campground, you can camp right by the Snake River, making it good for fishing and taking boats out. Boise Riverside RV Park sits close to the Boise River Greenbelt where you can walk or bike on nice trails. Mountain View RV Park works well for RVs with plenty of room and hookups. Weather matters here - summer gets hot, so many people prefer camping in spring or fall. Winter camping works too, but snow might block some roads. Some campgrounds need vehicles that can handle rough roads, especially after rain. The KOA Boise Meridian RV Resort has extra things like a pool and playground that families like. Macks Creek Park runs from mid-May to mid-September and is kept in good shape by the Army Corps of Engineers. Most of these places are easy to find, but it's smart to check road conditions before you go. You can find both riverside spots and places near town depending on what you want.

Best Camping Sites Near Boise, Idaho (148)

    1. Boise Riverside RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Garden City, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 995-4864

    $53 - $95 / night

    "There is a lower rate for "back-ins" to the Boise River Greenbelt. They also have a higher rate for Pull Through Sites for RVs. There is so much to do in the area."

    "Easy access to central Boise in a park-like setting along the greenbelt path."

    2. Mountain View RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 345-4141

    "Great spot right in Boise city limits, but right next to the airport and highway. Facilities are very nice and staff is very friendly. Only issue was the road noise."

    "Minutes to downtown Boise. Super cheap and easy to Uber or Bike into town and back.

    The bathrooms are so well maintained. They look brand new and almost untouched. Showers are the same."

    3. KOA Boise Meridian RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Meridian, ID
    8 miles
    +1 (208) 888-7003

    "This KOA is located close to everything you need in the Meridian Boise area. The sites are pretty close, and the wifi is not great. Those are my only reasons for the 4 star."

    "This KOA is pretty centrally located to all your needs in the Boise-Meridian area. The campground is well maintained and staffed."

    4. Hi-Valley RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Eagle, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 939-8080

    "Very well kept park, close to Boise and other surrounding towns. Close to each other is the only downfall if you like privacy."

    "Pros: super clean, good pull through spots, good Boise water, wonderful saline pool, close to a good Winco

    Con: barely made the cut to stay at the “resort.”"

    5. Military Park Idaho NG Gowen Field

    5 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 272-4451

    $42 / night

    "The sites are a bit narrow, with sites A, B, and C having trees placed immediately behind the RV. Sites A and B are setup such that you have good parking right in front of the rig/trailer."

    "I do not fall in this category so I could not go in but it is near my house so I drove around the base to see if it was visible from the road.  "

    6. Boise-Meridian KOA

    6 Reviews
    Meridian, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 888-7003

    "Sites felt pretty tight next to the “neighbors”."

    8. Macks Creek Park

    11 Reviews
    Boise, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 343-0671

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Our weekly camping spot during the summer months when we lived in Boise. After moving away three years ago, we thought it was time to visit once more."

    "And it is very very close to Boise within 20 miles from Airport, so you can virtually forgot all the camping equipment b/c you can buy / rent them quickly as it is so close to big city"

    9. Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Idaho City, ID
    20 miles
    Website

    "It’s only about 1.5 hours from Boise. It can get very crowded on holidays and weekends though so try to arrive early. Most people just camp out on the beach wherever you can find space."

    "Honestly one of the best places close to the city. Far enough away that you still get out of service, a good view of the stars, a swim, and some magnificent overall views."

    10. Shafer Butte

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

    $10 - $75 / night

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 148 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Boise, ID

520 Reviews of 148 Boise Campgrounds



Guide to Boise

Camping near Boise, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, there’s something for everyone in this outdoor paradise.

What to do:

  • Explore the Greenbelt: This scenic pathway runs along the Boise River, perfect for walking or biking. One camper noted, "The Greenbelt is pretty, but VERY overcrowded. If you're looking for some peace walking by the river, forget it."
  • Visit Lucky Peak Lake: Great for swimming and kayaking, but be aware of the water levels. A visitor mentioned, "Last August I stayed at Mack's Creek. I was saddened by the drought and low water level."
  • Hiking Trails: There are numerous trails around the area. One reviewer shared, "There’s a large area at the road's end for turning around, though the approach to the gated campsites is somewhat rough."

What campers like:

  • Convenient Locations: Many campgrounds are close to the city. A camper at Mountain View RV Park said, "Minutes to downtown Boise. Super cheap and easy to Uber or Bike into town and back."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Ambassador RV Resort stated, "The bathrooms are so well maintained. They look brand new and almost untouched."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Country Corners Campground & RV Park mentioned, "The owners were very welcoming."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or airports. A camper at Rivers Edge RV Park noted, "The bathrooms... horror movie material! Showers, I'm pretty sure have never been cleaned."
  • Crowded Areas: Popular spots can get busy, especially during weekends. One camper remarked, "The constant quacking makes you think you're on an island in the river."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Boise Riverside RV Park said, "Sewer connection isn’t threaded, instead they provide you with a rock to place on top of your line."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with clean facilities and activities for kids. A parent at KOA Boise Meridian RV Resort shared, "The park is clean and well cared for. Bathhouses are clean, new and adequate."
  • Plan for Noise: If your kids are light sleepers, consider campgrounds away from highways. One camper at Macks Creek Park mentioned, "The campgrounds were lovely and well maintained."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed said, "Nice lil spot to relax."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Boise Riverside RV Park noted, "The approach was better. Still very tight."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have limited maneuvering room. A visitor at Rivers Edge RV Park mentioned, "The campground looks like a farm storage area overall."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full amenities, check for campgrounds that offer them. A camper at Ambassador RV Resort said, "The WiFi worked great and they have cable."

Camping near Boise, Idaho, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to camp near Boise, Idaho?

Boise offers excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Grayback Gulch Campground is a wonderful choice just a short drive from the city, featuring clean toilets and fresh water pumps with nearby fishing opportunities. For those seeking a quick weekend getaway, Swan Falls - Idaho Power provides numerous camping options along with great fishing at the dam. Other popular spots include Bad Bear Campground outside Idaho City with its shaded sites and babbling brook, and Hot Springs campground which offers easy highway access about 80 minutes from Boise. For RV campers, Boise Riverside RV Park provides full hookups with convenient city access.

Are there free camping options near Boise?

Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Boise. Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground offers primitive shoreline camping at Arrowrock Reservoir, though the gravel access road is steep with potholes (about 30 minutes beyond the dam). Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed provides beach camping about 1.5 hours from Boise, where you can camp directly on the beach and even put boats in the water nearby. These free sites typically lack amenities like running water or designated facilities. Areas around Swan Falls also offer dispersed camping options on BLM land beyond the established sites. For these free camping locations, arrive early on weekends as they fill quickly, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

When is the best season for camping around Boise?

The ideal camping season around Boise typically runs from late spring through early fall (May to October), when temperatures are most comfortable. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed, though it gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Early fall offers pleasant conditions with fewer crowds. Higher elevation sites like Edna Creek Campground can experience early snowfall and chilly conditions even during the camping season. Winter camping is possible at lower elevations but requires proper cold-weather gear. Spring brings variable conditions with potential for muddy roads at dispersed sites. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially for mountain campgrounds.

What amenities are available at campgrounds in the Boise area?

Amenities vary widely across Boise area campgrounds. For full-service options, Mountain Home RV Park offers spacious sites, propane, and access to nearby trails. Boise Riverside RV Park provides full hookups for RVs, tent camping areas, and even cabins. Many public campgrounds like Bad Bear and Grayback Gulch feature picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and fresh water pumps. Hot Springs campground offers the bonus of riverside hot springs access. Primitive dispersed camping areas like Arrowrock Reservoir and Irish Point have no facilities, requiring campers to bring everything they need and pack out all waste. Some campgrounds are reservable while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so check availability and reservation requirements before your trip.