- What makes Idaho a great destination for outdoor recreation?
- Tucked in between the Rocky Mountains and the rugged west coast, Idaho is known for its spectacular natural beauty and its endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- What natural features can be found in Idaho?
- Much of the state is covered by national forests and state parks, but no matter where you choose to camp, you'll be able to fish and hike during the day and sit by a cozy campfire at night.
- Where are the best places to camp in Idaho?
- Whether you want to pitch your tent among the majestic Ponderosa pines of a national forest or on the shores of a sparkling lake, here are the best places to camp in Idaho.
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1. Heyburn State Park
Explore forested trails and enjoy lake views during a peaceful summer trip.
Established in 1908, Heyburn State Park boasts a beautiful campground with a picnic area, modern restrooms, and approximately 130 campsites to choose from. There's also a boat launch for anyone who wants to fish or boat on the lake, and kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats can be rented from the marina if you don't have your own. The campground is open on a seasonal basis, but if you want to visit during the winter, there are also several cottages and cabins that are open year-round.
57 Chatcolet Lower Rd, Plummer, ID 83851, Phone: 208-686-1308
2. Lake Cascade State Park
Go boating or camp lakeside in this easy, family-friendly destination.
Centered around a picturesque lake in central Idaho, Lake Cascade State Park is surrounded by some of the state's most magnificent mountains. The park is dotted with twelve different campgrounds that offer a total of almost 300 sites, some of which are equipped with water, sewer, and power. If you're visiting with a larger group, there are also two group camping areas, including one that has a handful of rustic yurts to stay in. There are several hiking and biking trails for visitors to enjoy, but the highlight of the park is the lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, and windsurfing.
100 Kelly's Parkway, Cascade, ID 83611, Phone: 208-382-6544
3. Three Island Crossing State Park
Discover Oregon Trail history and walk along scenic riverbanks on a quick visit.
Set on the banks of the Snake River, Three Island Crossing State Park offers visitors a fascinating look at Idaho's rich pioneer and Native American history. The park's main attraction is the Oregon Trail History and Education Center, which offers both exhibits and interpretive programs, but visitors can also relax in the picnic area, play a round of disc golf on the park's excellent course, or visit the nearby winery and golf course. There are just over 80 campsites to choose from, and while all of them are open year-round, running water and restroom facilities aren't available during the winter.
1083 S Three Island Park Dr, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, Phone: 208-366-2394
4. Creekside Campground Idaho City
Camp beside the creek and relax in nature during a quiet weekend.
Conveniently located 6 miles outside Idaho City just off Highway 21, Creekside Campground Idaho City is a small, family-friendly campground with 10 sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. A small creek runs right through the middle of the campground, and campers are welcome to fish for trout and salmon during the fishing season. None of the campsites have water or electric hookups, but they're all equipped with picnic tables and pedestal barbecues, and there's also a communal firepit where campers can gather in the evenings. There's also a private event area with a kitchen and plenty of tables.
3193 ID-21, Boise, ID 83716, Phone: 208-392-4325
5. Boise National Forest
Hike wooded trails and admire rugged mountain views in this exciting outdoor escape.
Encompassing more than 2.5 million acres of mountains and forests, the Boise National Forest is one of the most spectacular pieces of wilderness in Idaho. With more than 70 campgrounds, it offers almost endless opportunities for camping, and options range from well-developed campgrounds with modern restrooms to primitive tent sites with hand-pumped water. No matter which campground you stay at, there's no shortage of fun outdoor activities to enjoy, with popular options including hiking through the North Fork Payette River Canyon, climbing to the peak of the 10-000-foot Trinity Mountain, and boating on one of the forest's 250 pristine lakes.
1249 S Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709-1663, Phone: 208-373-4100
6. Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Explore vast landscapes and see alpine lakes in this scenic retirement-friendly spot.
Consisting of more than 3.2 million acres of land spread across three different forests, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are home to more than half of the state's surface waters. Visitors can enjoy almost every kind of water recreational activity imaginable, and most of the developed campgrounds in the forests can be found on the lakeshore or beside one of the many streams. If you're looking for a more isolated camping experience, dispersed camping is permitted in many different areas of the park, and the Forest Service offices are happy to provide information about the best spots to set up camp.
Phone: 208-765-7223
7. Pine Flats Campground
Soak in hot springs and camp near the river in a cheap retreat.
One of the many campgrounds in the Boise National Forest, the Pine Flats Campground is a simple but incredibly picturesque campground with 24 campsites, vault toilets, and drinking water. The sites are nestled in a gorgeous Ponderosa pine forest, meaning that most have partial shade, and they all have picnic tables and fire rings. The South Fork Payette River is just down the hill from the campground, and it's an excellent spot for kayaking and fishing. There's also a short trail that leads to one of the many hot spring pools along the bank of the river.
Banks Lowman Rd, Garden Valley, ID 83622, Phone: 208-259-3361
8. Ten Mile Campground
Go fishing and enjoy quiet forest views on an affordable summer trip.
Set right next to the beautiful Ten Mile Creek, Ten Mile Campground is a wonderful summer camping spot for anyone who likes to hike, fish, or simply relax in nature. Both single and double campsites are available, and all are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Campers will also have access to drinking water and vault toilets, and the area is full of trails that can be used for everything from hiking to riding off-road vehicles. The campground is open between May and September, and sites are offered on a first-come first-served basis.
Boise National Forest, Forest Rd 025I, Idaho City, ID 83631, Phone: 877-444-6777
9. Black Rock Campground
Camp beside rushing water and explore nearby trails in this easy outdoor stay.
Only 20 miles away from Idaho City, Black Rock Campground is a small campground with 11 sites surrounded by beautiful pine forest. Drinking water and vault toilets are available, and all sites have basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. The river offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and swimming, and there are also some excellent hiking and mountain biking trails nearby, many of which are excellent for spotting wildlife. Families and groups are not permitted to reserve more than two sites, but if you need more space, you can stay at the nearby Hayfork Group Campgrounds instead.
FS Road 327, Idaho City, ID 83631, Phone: 208-392-6681
10. Edna Creek Campground
Pitch a tent and enjoy peaceful evenings near the river.
Offering only 9 campsites, Edna Creek Campground is a secluded piece of paradise sitting at an elevation of 5,700 feet. Each site can accommodate up to 6 campers, and they're all equipped with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits surrounded by bench seating. Visitors who come in the summer will likely see some spectacular wildflowers, and there's a nearby creek that offers excellent fishing. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding area, and a visitor's information center can be found at the nearby Upper Crooked River Trailhead.
State Highway 21, Idaho City, ID 83709, Phone: 208-392-6681
Idaho Weather by Month:
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Precip. (in) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35 | 15 | 1.5 | Cold & Snowy |
| February | 40 | 18 | 1.3 | Cold & Snowy |
| March | 50 | 25 | 1.7 | Chilly & Wet |
| April | 60 | 35 | 1.8 | Mild & Rainy |
| May | 70 | 40 | 2.1 | Pleasant |
| June | 80 | 50 | 1.8 | Warm & Dry |
| July | 90 | 55 | 1.1 | Hot & Dry |
| August | 88 | 53 | 1.0 | Warm & Dry |
| September | 75 | 42 | 1.2 | Mild & Pleasant |
| October | 60 | 32 | 1.5 | Cool & Crisp |
| November | 45 | 25 | 1.8 | Chilly & Rainy |
| December | 35 | 18 | 1.6 | Cold & Snowy |
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