Quick Summary:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Heyburn State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Heyburn State Park | Camping in Idaho
© Denise Torres/stock.adobe.com

2. Lake Cascade State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Lake Cascade State Park | Camping in Idaho
© goodluz/stock.adobe.com

3. Three Island Crossing State Park

Category: Activities
Three Island Crossing State Park | Camping in Idaho
© mikeobiz/stock.adobe.com

4. Creekside Campground Idaho City

Category: Accommodations
Creekside Campground Idaho City | Camping in Idaho
© Creekside Campground Idaho City

5. Boise National Forest

Category: Activities
Boise National Forest | Camping in Idaho
© Rhiley Allbee/stock.adobe.com

6. Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Category: Activities
Idaho Panhandle National Forests | Camping in Idaho
© Maria_Savenko/stock.adobe.com

7. Pine Flats Campground

Category: Accommodations
Pine Flats Campground | Camping in Idaho
© David Prahl/stock.adobe.com

8. Ten Mile Campground

Category: Accommodations
Ten Mile Campground | Camping in Idaho
© megakunstfoto/stock.adobe.com

9. Black Rock Campground

Category: Accommodations
Black Rock Campground | Camping in Idaho
© Pavel Klimenko/stock.adobe.com

10. Edna Creek Campground

Category: Accommodations
Edna Creek Campground | Camping in Idaho
© alfa27/stock.adobe.com

11. Bull Trout Campground

Category: Accommodations
Bull Trout Campground | Camping in Idaho
© brizmaker/stock.adobe.com

12. Cozy Cove Campground

Category: Accommodations
Cozy Cove Campground | Camping in Idaho
© AlexR/stock.adobe.com

13. Queens River Campground

Category: Accommodations
Queens River Campground | Camping in Idaho
© Nattawit/stock.adobe.com

14. Bad Bear Campground

Category: Accommodations
Bad Bear Campground | Camping in Idaho
© koldunova/stock.adobe.com

15. Palisades Creek Campground

Category: Accommodations
Palisades Creek Campground | Camping in Idaho
© AlessandraRC/stock.adobe.com

16. Warm River Campground

Category: Accommodations
Warm River Campground | Camping in Idaho
© helivideo/stock.adobe.com

17. Grayback Gulch Campground

Category: Accommodations
Grayback Gulch Campground | Camping in Idaho
© korchemkin/stock.adobe.com

18. Farragut State Park

Category: Activities
Farragut State Park | Camping in Idaho
© Elena/stock.adobe.com

19. Ponderosa State Park

Category: Activities
Ponderosa State Park | Camping in Idaho
© kokliang1981/stock.adobe.com

20. Kelly Island Campground

Category: Accommodations
Kelly Island Campground | Camping in Idaho
© Prostock-studio/stock.adobe.com

21. Sawtooth National Forest

Category: Activities
Sawtooth National Forest | Camping in Idaho
© Michel Hersen Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com

22. Willow Creek Campground

Category: Accommodations
Willow Creek Campground | Camping in Idaho
© Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

23. Mountain View

Category: Activities
Mountain View | Camping in Idaho
© Kristina/stock.adobe.com

24. Porcupine Springs Campground

Category: Accommodations
Porcupine Springs Campground | Camping in Idaho
© sam73nz/stock.adobe.com

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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