May through September is prime camping season for those who enjoy immersing themselves in Idaho’s great outdoors. But camping means different things to different people – for some, a comfy RV is where it’s at. For others, a primitive tent and fire ring in the trees are all that’s needed, so long as a fishing spot is nearby. Either way, your options are endless when it comes to the best campgrounds in Idaho.
Idaho’s expansive wilderness is home to literally thousands of campgrounds, both private and public, and with every luxury (or lack thereof) imaginable. Rather than choosing the popular campgrounds in Idaho, we’ve chosen just a few camping locations across the state that you might not have heard of, or if you have, are worth a second look on your next weekend adventure.
- Wendover Campground, Lolo
Auntie Teena/Flickr Situated near the Lochsa River and designed around a small, babbling stream, Wendover is an ideal locale for some serenity amongst the mature trees and mossy woods of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, just on the border of Lolo, Montana.
- City of Rocks, Malta
Brandon Dalton/Flickr Nestled in the crooks and valleys of one of Southern Idaho’s most unique landscapes, you’ll find the isolation and easy hiking access you need to make your camping vacation one to remember. Shade levels vary here across the 64 campsites, but you can’t beat the vista views!
- Rainbow Point, Cascade
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr Located near Donnelly and close to Lake Cascade, Rainbow Point is a single-family site that offers scenic views, easy boating access, and plentiful trees and wildflowers. Excellent roads and plentiful wildlife make this a perfect weekend retreat. When you visit, be sure to take a stroll down on the rail-trail, a scenic 5-mile out-and-back trail that will take you around the lake.
- Phi Kappa Campground, Mackay
James Holloway/Flickr The Big Lost River is often overlooked as a recreation and camping spot, but don’t miss out! Stunning views of the Devil’s Bedstead and a soaring elevation mean cool nights and relative isolation amongst the mature trees. There are also a few RV spots available as well.
- Snow Peak, Avery
Rick McCharles/Flickr The Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area is lightly used in the summer, which is perfect for campers looking to get away from it all. Located in the Panhandle in the St. Joe National Forest, you’ll find abundant hiking opportunities and plenty of cool shade along the St. Joe River.
- Maiden Rock, Cocolalla
DTaylor in Idaho/Flickr Located on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, it’s hard to find a campsite here that doesn’t offer pristine views of the water. Lush, grassy trails lead straight down to the water, but be warned: this campground is only accessible by boat! But before you hop on that boat, be sure to check out the Maiden Rock Trail, a nearby trail with views that will leave you speechless!
- Beauty Creek, Coeur d’Alene
D.Taylor in Idaho/Flickr You’ll find convenient trail access, beautiful creekside views, and a short commute to Lake Coeur d’Alene at this lovely forest-edged meadow campground.
- Saddleback Lakes, Stanley
silent7Seven/Flickr Located in the heart of the Sawtooths, this popular destination offers incredible hiking and is relatively close to the renowned fishing of Redfish Lake. Waking up to scenic mountain views makes the extra effort to get here worth it, however.
- Shafer Butte, Boise
Ken Wilcox/Flickr While Idaho’s urban center might not seem like a camping destination, the Boise metro area offers a number of incredible campgrounds to choose from. Shafer Butte sits atop the Boise Ridge near Bogus Basin and offers close city access and scenic views within the Boise National Forest.
- Boulder White Clouds, Challis
Jess Johnson/Flickr Located east of the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Boulder-White Clouds are a stunning monument in Central Idaho. Here, you can hike to Fourth of July Lake, trek the Boulder Loop, or simply kick back and enjoy the spectacular view.
- Cayuse Creek, Clearwater
Aaron/Flickr Kelly and Cayuse Creeks are an angler’s dream, but they also offer fantastic camping. Swimming is a must here.
- Pine Creek, Victor
Billy Gast/Flickr Lightly used and set just below the Palisades Reservoir, Pine Creek doesn’t offer the mature forests of Idaho’s Northern region and is not recommended for RVs, but you’ll find a quiet place to get away from it all, well-maintained grounds, and beautiful Teton panoramas.
You can get detailed directions and make reservations for any of these campgrounds through the Forest Service website. Many are first come, first served, so start planning now for that epic Memorial Day vacay!
Auntie Teena/Flickr
Situated near the Lochsa River and designed around a small, babbling stream, Wendover is an ideal locale for some serenity amongst the mature trees and mossy woods of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, just on the border of Lolo, Montana.
Brandon Dalton/Flickr
Nestled in the crooks and valleys of one of Southern Idaho’s most unique landscapes, you’ll find the isolation and easy hiking access you need to make your camping vacation one to remember. Shade levels vary here across the 64 campsites, but you can’t beat the vista views!
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
Located near Donnelly and close to Lake Cascade, Rainbow Point is a single-family site that offers scenic views, easy boating access, and plentiful trees and wildflowers. Excellent roads and plentiful wildlife make this a perfect weekend retreat. When you visit, be sure to take a stroll down on the rail-trail, a scenic 5-mile out-and-back trail that will take you around the lake.
James Holloway/Flickr
The Big Lost River is often overlooked as a recreation and camping spot, but don’t miss out! Stunning views of the Devil’s Bedstead and a soaring elevation mean cool nights and relative isolation amongst the mature trees. There are also a few RV spots available as well.
Rick McCharles/Flickr
The Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area is lightly used in the summer, which is perfect for campers looking to get away from it all. Located in the Panhandle in the St. Joe National Forest, you’ll find abundant hiking opportunities and plenty of cool shade along the St. Joe River.
DTaylor in Idaho/Flickr
Located on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, it’s hard to find a campsite here that doesn’t offer pristine views of the water. Lush, grassy trails lead straight down to the water, but be warned: this campground is only accessible by boat! But before you hop on that boat, be sure to check out the Maiden Rock Trail, a nearby trail with views that will leave you speechless!
D.Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
You’ll find convenient trail access, beautiful creekside views, and a short commute to Lake Coeur d’Alene at this lovely forest-edged meadow campground.
silent7Seven/Flickr
Located in the heart of the Sawtooths, this popular destination offers incredible hiking and is relatively close to the renowned fishing of Redfish Lake. Waking up to scenic mountain views makes the extra effort to get here worth it, however.
Ken Wilcox/Flickr
While Idaho’s urban center might not seem like a camping destination, the Boise metro area offers a number of incredible campgrounds to choose from. Shafer Butte sits atop the Boise Ridge near Bogus Basin and offers close city access and scenic views within the Boise National Forest.
Jess Johnson/Flickr
Located east of the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Boulder-White Clouds are a stunning monument in Central Idaho. Here, you can hike to Fourth of July Lake, trek the Boulder Loop, or simply kick back and enjoy the spectacular view.
Aaron/Flickr
Kelly and Cayuse Creeks are an angler’s dream, but they also offer fantastic camping. Swimming is a must here.
Billy Gast/Flickr
Lightly used and set just below the Palisades Reservoir, Pine Creek doesn’t offer the mature forests of Idaho’s Northern region and is not recommended for RVs, but you’ll find a quiet place to get away from it all, well-maintained grounds, and beautiful Teton panoramas.
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Address: Pine Creek Rd, Idaho, USAAddress: Clearwater, ID 83552, USAAddress: Challis, ID 83226, USAAddress: Boise, ID, USAAddress: Stanley, ID 83278, USAAddress: Coeur d’Alene, ID, USAAddress: Cocolalla, ID 83860, USAAddress: Avery, ID 83802, USAAddress: Mackay, ID 83251, USAAddress: Cascade, ID 83611, USAAddress: Malta, ID 83342, USAAddress: Clearwater National Forest, US-12, Lolo, ID 59847, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best campgrounds in Idaho April 16, 2021 Jackie Ann What are the most unique places to spend the night in Idaho? From jagged peaked mountains and rolling green hillsides to fields of open farmland vistas, Idaho’s range of stunning terrain affords a wealth of unique overnight destinations. Spending the night high in the treetops is an unforgettable experience and the Gem State is home to a number of delightful treehouse stays. Escape to the lush canopies of Lake Pend Oreille for a truly one-of-a-kind getaway surrounded by placid scenery and access to plenty of fun filled water activities. Here, visitors can reconnect with nature in their very own three-story treehouse complete with a private dock and all the essential amenities for a relaxing vacation. How many state parks are in Idaho? Idaho is home to 27 gorgeous state parks offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities to meet the needs of all nature lovers. In the summertime, Bear Lake State Park is a popular location nestled in the southeastern corner of Idaho near the Cache mountain range. One of the main attractions of Bear Lake is the stunning deep turquoise water, often referred to as the Caribbean of the Rockies. For larger groups, this park is an ideal vacation spot with campsites available to service up to 50 guests. Water lovers will find endless activities to keep them busy with an abundance of fishing and swimming areas easily accessible all across the park. Can I camp right on the water in Idaho? With our sweeping natural landscapes, it’s obvious why camping is a beloved activity for Idaho residents, and finding the perfect waterfront spot makes sleeping under the stars even more relaxing. For the more rugged campers, the primitive sites at Big Springs Campground in Island Park are a must-visit. Located at the Henry’s Fork headwaters, Big Springs boasts world-class fly fishing opportunities and a range of exciting water sports activities. Redfish Lake in Stanley features a number of popular waterfront campgrounds, all offering impressive amenities and stunning scenic views. Tucked away against a breathtaking backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains, Priest Lake has earned its moniker “the Crown Jewel of Idaho.” In addition to excellent lakeside camping opportunities, Priest Lake State Park has everything you’ll need for a family-friendly camping adventure.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best campgrounds in Idaho
April 16, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Idaho? From jagged peaked mountains and rolling green hillsides to fields of open farmland vistas, Idaho’s range of stunning terrain affords a wealth of unique overnight destinations. Spending the night high in the treetops is an unforgettable experience and the Gem State is home to a number of delightful treehouse stays. Escape to the lush canopies of Lake Pend Oreille for a truly one-of-a-kind getaway surrounded by placid scenery and access to plenty of fun filled water activities. Here, visitors can reconnect with nature in their very own three-story treehouse complete with a private dock and all the essential amenities for a relaxing vacation. How many state parks are in Idaho? Idaho is home to 27 gorgeous state parks offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities to meet the needs of all nature lovers. In the summertime, Bear Lake State Park is a popular location nestled in the southeastern corner of Idaho near the Cache mountain range. One of the main attractions of Bear Lake is the stunning deep turquoise water, often referred to as the Caribbean of the Rockies. For larger groups, this park is an ideal vacation spot with campsites available to service up to 50 guests. Water lovers will find endless activities to keep them busy with an abundance of fishing and swimming areas easily accessible all across the park. Can I camp right on the water in Idaho? With our sweeping natural landscapes, it’s obvious why camping is a beloved activity for Idaho residents, and finding the perfect waterfront spot makes sleeping under the stars even more relaxing. For the more rugged campers, the primitive sites at Big Springs Campground in Island Park are a must-visit. Located at the Henry’s Fork headwaters, Big Springs boasts world-class fly fishing opportunities and a range of exciting water sports activities. Redfish Lake in Stanley features a number of popular waterfront campgrounds, all offering impressive amenities and stunning scenic views. Tucked away against a breathtaking backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains, Priest Lake has earned its moniker “the Crown Jewel of Idaho.” In addition to excellent lakeside camping opportunities, Priest Lake State Park has everything you’ll need for a family-friendly camping adventure.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
From jagged peaked mountains and rolling green hillsides to fields of open farmland vistas, Idaho’s range of stunning terrain affords a wealth of unique overnight destinations. Spending the night high in the treetops is an unforgettable experience and the Gem State is home to a number of delightful treehouse stays. Escape to the lush canopies of Lake Pend Oreille for a truly one-of-a-kind getaway surrounded by placid scenery and access to plenty of fun filled water activities. Here, visitors can reconnect with nature in their very own three-story treehouse complete with a private dock and all the essential amenities for a relaxing vacation.
How many state parks are in Idaho?
Idaho is home to 27 gorgeous state parks offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities to meet the needs of all nature lovers. In the summertime, Bear Lake State Park is a popular location nestled in the southeastern corner of Idaho near the Cache mountain range. One of the main attractions of Bear Lake is the stunning deep turquoise water, often referred to as the Caribbean of the Rockies. For larger groups, this park is an ideal vacation spot with campsites available to service up to 50 guests. Water lovers will find endless activities to keep them busy with an abundance of fishing and swimming areas easily accessible all across the park.
Can I camp right on the water in Idaho?
With our sweeping natural landscapes, it’s obvious why camping is a beloved activity for Idaho residents, and finding the perfect waterfront spot makes sleeping under the stars even more relaxing. For the more rugged campers, the primitive sites at Big Springs Campground in Island Park are a must-visit. Located at the Henry’s Fork headwaters, Big Springs boasts world-class fly fishing opportunities and a range of exciting water sports activities. Redfish Lake in Stanley features a number of popular waterfront campgrounds, all offering impressive amenities and stunning scenic views. Tucked away against a breathtaking backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains, Priest Lake has earned its moniker “the Crown Jewel of Idaho.” In addition to excellent lakeside camping opportunities, Priest Lake State Park has everything you’ll need for a family-friendly camping adventure.
