Ever wonder, "What are some of Idaho's best camping spots?"
Well I am sharing some of our favorite spots and areas with you.
Idaho's rugged beauty, serene alpine lakes, and uncrowded wilderness make it a dream destination for campers seeking unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, the Gem State offers a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Here's a guide to some must-visit camping spots across central Idaho:
🏞️ Cascade, Idaho
Full Hookup Campgrounds:
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Water's Edge RV Resort: Located along the Payette River, this resort offers full hookups, picnic areas, and easy access to water activities.
Non-Hookup Campgrounds:
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Van Wyck Campground: Situated on the southeastern shoreline of Lake Cascade, Van Wyck offers 25 first-come, first-served sites without hookups. Amenities include central drinking water, flush toilets, a designated beach area, and a boat ramp.
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Horsethief Reservoir Campground: Approximately 9 miles east of Cascade, this campground features 111 campsites spread across six loops. While there are no hookups, campers can enjoy boat ramps, docks, and excellent fishing opportunities in a serene forested setting.
🌲 McCall, Idaho
Ponderosa State Park: Located on a peninsula extending into Payette Lake, the park offers a mix of RV sites, tent camping, and cabins. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake.
🏔️ Stanley, Idaho
Full Hookup Campgrounds:
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Stanley RV + Camp: Just a short drive from downtown Stanley, this campground offers full hookups, tent sites, and amenities like showers and laundry facilities.
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Valley Creek Lodge and RV Park: Offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, Valley Creek Lodge provides RV sites with full hookups and easy access to fishing and hiking opportunities.
Redfish Lake Area Campgrounds:
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Outlet Campground: Located next to Redfish Lake, this campground offers several family sites, many with lake views. Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water.
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Inlet Campground: Also situated near Redfish Lake, Inlet Campground provides access to hiking trails, boating, and breathtaking mountain views.
🌄 Bull Trout Lake
Bull Trout Lake Campground: Located in the Boise National Forest, this campground offers a serene setting with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. It's a quieter alternative for those seeking solitude.
🏞️ Sun Valley / Ketchum
Full Hookup Campgrounds:
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The Meadows RV Park: Situated near Ketchum, The Meadows offers full-service RV sites with mountain views. It's a great base for exploring Sun Valley's outdoor activities.
Non-Hookup Campgrounds:
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Boundary Campground: Approximately 2 miles northeast of Sun Valley, this developed campground offers 9 first-come, first-served sites without hookups. It's nestled along Trail Creek and provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by large shade trees.
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Easley Campground: Located 14 miles north of Ketchum along the Big Wood River, Easley Campground offers several family campsites without electricity. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and soaking at nearby Easley Hot Springs.
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North Fork Campground: Situated on the banks of the Big Wood River at an elevation of 6,300 feet, this campground features 28 campsites, including 3 double-sites. Amenities include vault toilets and drinking water.
🐟 Salmon, Idaho
Full Hookup Campgrounds:
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River's Fork Lodge & RV Park: Located on the banks of the Salmon River, River's Fork Lodge offers seven spacious RV sites with full hookups, high-speed Wi-Fi, and stunning river and mountain views.
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Andreas On The River RV Park: Situated within Salmon city limits, this well-maintained park provides easy access to downtown amenities. The campground features level sites with city water and sewer, and it's just a short walk to the river and local parks.
🐟 Riggins, Idaho
Canyon Pines RV Resort
Just south of Riggins along the Salmon River. Full hookups, riverfront views, and easy access to rafting adventures.Shorts Bar Campground
Dry riverside camping, free and first-come, first-served. Popular with anglers and boaters.
🌲 Northern Idaho: Coeur d’Alene & Sandpoint
Camp Coeur d'Alene: Just 15 minutes from downtown Coeur d'Alene, this campground offers a mix of RV sites, tent camping, and cabins with water access to Lake Coeur d'Alene. Surrounded by forested hills, it's a peaceful retreat close to city conveniences.
Beauty Creek Campground: Located half a mile from Lake Coeur d'Alene along the tranquil Beauty Creek, this campground provides access to hiking trails with scenic overlooks and opportunities for fishing in the nearby stream.
Round Lake State Park: Situated near Sandpoint, this 142-acre park surrounds the 55-acre Round Lake, offering campsites, fishing, swimming, and trails for hiking and biking. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, deer, and various bird species.
Garfield Bay Campground: Located on Lake Pend Oreille in Sagle, this campground offers 29 RV sites and 15 tent sites in a scenic wooded setting. Amenities include vault toilets, water access, and proximity to a public boat launch.
🌿 Tips for a Great Camping Experience
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Plan Ahead: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Make reservations where possible and check for any seasonal closures or restrictions.
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Leave No Trace: Preserve Idaho's natural beauty by packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, and respecting wildlife.
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Stay Informed: Weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous areas. Check forecasts and be prepared for varying conditions.
Idaho's diverse landscapes offer something for every camper, from tranquil lakeside retreats to adventurous mountain escapes. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of nature. Plan ahead, book early, and always leave no trace—Idaho’s public lands depend on it.
Hi, I'm Kristy Gilger—Idaho Realtor and outdoor enthusiast. Follow along for more hidden gems and tips for exploring the best of Idaho's great outdoors.