Idaho offers diverse tent camping options from dispersed backcountry sites to established campgrounds with amenities. Targhee Creek provides free primitive tent campsites near Island Park with drive-in and hike-in access, situated close to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Bear Lake State Park Campground offers reservable tent sites with more amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for campers seeking developed facilities.
Most dispersed tent camping areas in Idaho require self-sufficiency as they typically lack basic services. Targhee Creek sites include fire rings but no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all essentials and pack out waste. Access roads to many tent campsites can be challenging, with visitors noting some areas require vehicles with higher clearance. Lake Elsie Campground provides vault toilets but no drinking water, while Redfish Inlet Trailhead offers tent-only sites accessible by boat or hiking trail, with fire rings and pit toilets but no other amenities.
Pine Creek Pass dispersed camping area features multiple tent camping sites along dirt roads with impressive mountain views. Areas farther from town generally provide deeper seclusion, though some sites may experience weekend crowding during peak summer months. Tent campers frequently set up near creeks and lakes for water access, though swimming conditions vary seasonally. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many backcountry tent sites offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities but require proper food storage precautions. A visitor commented, "We camped along a lovely creek, we were hyper aware of the fact that we were in bear country but we didn't seeing any traces of them." Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in primitive tent camping areas.
"Nice place even had a bear box for food storage."
"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."
"You may be a little unsure when you are driving to it, but trust me this place is great. Offers great views of the mountains and Malta below."
"What a great find during our travels through Southern Idaho. Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful."
"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."
"There are no showers. But they vault toilets. The water is perfect and so blue. Really earns the title of the Caribbean of the Rockies."
"This RV park is along side Bear Lake. A short stroll across the large beach and you can set up shade, have a relaxing day on the beach."
$15 / night
"There is a single vault toilet, they ask that you bring a bucket and shovel for solid waste. Bring your own way to dispose of trash, and have a way to lock it up, or animals WILL get into it."
"Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!"
"There are campsites some with fire Rings some without all along this road. It is completely primitive camping pack it in pack it out Bring Your Own water."
"Nip and tuck has tons of spots along the main road, as well as some tucked away on some side roads. Depending on your spot, you either have great views of the hills or the sawtooth range."
"Lots of open areas to set up camp, either on the edge of the woods or in more open grazing areas. Your neighbors will include grazing cattle. Minor road noise; convenient to West Yellowstone."
"Island Park, ID 44.5781, -111.341
Dept Fish & Wildlife
14 day limit (doesn't seem to be enforced, but seems to be more seasonal campers, not permanent) Grass Spaces for even big rigs."
$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."
"Easy to drive up to. Any vehicle will do. Dirt road to the top where you will find a lovely little lake with 4-5 camp spots surrounding it."
"You’ll want to bring good cars because the road gets pretty primitive. Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding."
"The views are amazing as your at the foot of an incredible drainage to hike. Your close to the wilderness so be prepared for the adventures that await. There is no water, so bring a filter."
"The sunset over the lake was spectacular – the water was so clear and peaceful, I could have sat there all night."
TravelerSecond time staying here on a quick overnight as I passed through the area. The first stay in 2025 was only $25 for w/e & dump station. Arrived yesterday to see the price increased to $40 for the exact same thing with no changes. Bathrooms are still in poor condition & not clean. A bummer for sure. The Burger Joint next door is the best part of the stay, best Patty Melt & fry sauce I’ve ever had!
GuideSignificant traffic noise, but to be expected when so convenient to the freeway. The only non-electric sites are parking on the side of the road as no vehicles are allowed on the grass in the tent area. Not ideal for me in a truck camper. But still a nice stop over for one night.
GuideCamped in the grassy area by the river south of the main camp spots. Quiet and peaceful hearing the water next to us. In the morning spotted approximately 12 horses across the river. Not sure if they're wild or belong to a nearby rancher. Would stay here again.
LegendFor a free spot with free services. It's pretty clean. Has a nice bathroom and good access to the water. Road in can be a bit rough but other than that, it's great.
LegendNew place so the trees are small but it is by far the closest camping with services to both the national monument and the state park hiking area. They seem to have added some services since the last reviews and now have an outdoor shower, 3 pit toilets along with the electric and water services. All in, the camping rate is extremely reasonable as compared to the state park rates and the access to hiking and climbing couldn't be better.
ScoutOnly two spots, not meant for RVs. Tent camping only and lot says no overnight. Room to turn around but a waste of time for an RVer. Sharp turn and steep grade. Pretty spot to chill or tent camp.
LegendI have really enjoyed my one night stop here. Go to the lower campground so that you stay away from the noise of the road. But if you're a trail person and a view person, this is by far the nicest state park so far. Unfortunately I camped in the upper campground. The water was on, but the bathrooms were closed. The lower bathrooms were still open. But they're old and not well maintained.
TravelerReally nice host, pretty long potholey road to enter. Price was $45 per night with electric and water hookup.
TravelerNice hosts, clean facilities. A little pricey for being this basic. Train goes by the whole town at all hours of the night, sounds amazing if your into trains :)
Idaho offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with diverse landscapes ranging from serene lakes to rugged mountains. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.
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