Places to Camp in Idaho
One of the least populated states in America, Idaho is the third state that makes up the Pacific Northwest—besides Oregon and Washington. This is a large and wild state, spanning two time zones and stretching from the Canadian border all the way south to Utah and Nevada. Its vast tracts of old-growth forests, various subranges of the Rocky Mountains and Hells Canyon, America’s deepest canyon, make camping in Idaho an essential thing to do during any visit.
Idaho’s wide variety in landscapes and biotopes, from arid plains to towering mountains, from pristine forests to river canyons, attract an equally varied array of visitors. Fishermen are drawn to the state’s abundant and exceptional fish species. It’s the West’s only inland state where you can catch blue-ribbon trout as well as king salmon and steelhead. Mountain bikers, rock climbers, and boaters find delight camping in Idaho’s wildernesses.
Hiking and camping in Idaho is, however, arguably the state’s most popular outdoor pursuit. And it’s available all across the state. A particularly great destination is the Boise National Forest, the location of the awesome Red Mountain Trail. Other fantastic places to go backpacking and camping in Idaho include Craters of the Moon National Monument, the remarkable Bruneau Dunes State Park and iconic Yellowstone National Park, a sliver of which lies in the state’s southeastern corner.
In the middle of southern Idaho lies Shoshone Falls, a series of huge cascades on the Snake River sometimes referred to as the “Niagara of the West”. The Snake River meanders its way further west, making up the northern part of the Oregon and Idaho border, and flows through massive Hells Canyon. Ten miles wide and almost 8,000 feet deep, this is the deepest river canyon in North America, an absolutely natural gem to explore when camping in Idaho.
