Tent camping near Wendell, Idaho concentrates primarily in the South Hills and Magic Valley region, with most sites situated at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet. The landscape features sagebrush plains transitioning to juniper and pine forests in higher elevations. Summer temperatures typically range 10-15 degrees cooler at campgrounds compared to valley temperatures in Wendell, making these areas popular retreats during hot summer months.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Third Fork Campground provides direct access to hiking opportunities from your tent site. "A bonus of staying at this campground is that you have walking access to the Third Fork Trailhead!" notes reviewer Alan B.
ATV exploration: The Pioneer Campground area offers terrain suitable for off-road vehicles away from more crowded recreation areas. "Since it is so remote you can also ride around on ATVs pretty much anywhere. A good escape if you dont feel like going a little deeper," according to one camper.
Temperature escape: Bear Gulch serves as a cooling retreat during summer heat waves. One visitor reported, "We came up here looking to escape the heat of the city and were not disappointed. It was a good 10 degrees cooler and cooled off quickly when the sun went down."
What campers like
Creek proximity: Many tent sites in the South Hills region feature waterside locations. At Third Fork Campground, "The campsites are all lined up in a row next to the creek and trees," providing natural sound barriers between sites.
Shade availability: Natural tree cover makes summer camping more comfortable. Third Fork offers "a shady spot to set up a tent if you want," which provides relief during hot afternoons when temperatures can exceed 90°F in summer months.
Weekday solitude: For campers seeking quiet experiences, weekdays offer the best opportunity. At Pioneer Campground, "you'll get solitude most weekends as most people heading into the Sawtooths go to the Sun Valley Area," making this location less crowded than others in the region.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several tent camping areas requires patience and appropriate vehicles. Reaching Bear Gulch involves "a long drive down a washboard dirt road for about 40 minutes," and visitors are advised to "secure what you can as your stuff will vibrate everywhere."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas near Wendell offer minimal amenities. Third Fork Campground provides "its own fire ring and picnic table" at each site but has "only 1 vault toilet though near the info sign."
Cell service gaps: Plan communications accordingly when visiting these remote areas. At Bear Gulch, there is "no cell service at all," requiring campers to prepare for being disconnected during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: Some campgrounds feature natural play elements for children. Bear Gulch has sites where "someone has been building forts," which can entertain younger campers.
Toilet planning: With limited facilities, families should establish bathroom protocols. Third Fork Campground has only one vault toilet serving all sites, requiring planning for groups with children.
Weekend timing: Arrive early to secure preferred sites when camping with families. Third Fork Campground has "not many sites so get here early if you plan on coming during the weekend" to ensure accommodations for your group.
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: RV camping opportunities exist even at primarily tent-focused areas. At Third Fork Campground, "it also seems like you could just park your RV in the giant dirt area to the east of the creek," though note this area "will be hot in the morning and shady in the afternoon as there are no shade trees to the east of the campsites."
Size restrictions: Carefully research vehicle limits before arrival. While some tent camping areas can accommodate modest RVs, Bear Gulch reports "no problem fitting our 33" motorhome and extra vehicle," though road conditions make access challenging.
Water planning: No tent camping areas near Wendell offer water hookups, requiring self-sufficient planning. All locations marked in campground data show "NO drinking-water" available on site, meaning campers must transport all necessary water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking.
