The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds in Boise

The capital city of Idaho doesn’t disappoint for outdoor enthusiasts. Boise is a metropolis in western Idaho that has a significant population living alongside great parks and mountain surroundings. The Boise River provides a recreation corridor through town and serves as a common sight for city trails, pathways, and open spaces. The general region surrounding Boise has a diverse set of ecosystems with high desert landscapes and steep, forested mountains—here visitors can find excellent camping opportunities in the Boise National Forest, plus easy access to trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, and hot springs. The mild weather and amenities in Boise make this a top-notch year-round destination.

91% (295)

Top-rated campgrounds

Circle like driveway up top makes turning around easier.

The capital city of Idaho doesn’t disappoint for outdoor enthusiasts. Boise is a metropolis in western Idaho that has a significant population living alongside great parks and mountain surroundings. The Boise River provides a recreation corridor through town and serves as a common sight for city trails, pathways, and open spaces. The general region surrounding Boise has a diverse set of ecosystems with high desert landscapes and steep, forested mountains—here visitors can find excellent camping opportunities in the Boise National Forest, plus easy access to trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, and hot springs. The mild weather and amenities in Boise make this a top-notch year-round destination.

91% (295)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Micone Ranch

96%

(119)

1 site · Tent, RV · Ontario, OR

Hello. My name is Tamara and my husband is Andy. We bought this place in 2022 with the goal of raising animals humanely and providing good food options to purchase at reasonable prices. After moving to Ontario I noticed there are not many good options for nighttime sleep. I fondly remember camping with our kids in a location we named Neverland. We decided we wanted to create that for people. That’s why we joined Hipcamp. We have several sites that range from close to the house and bathroom access to remote in a field with the sounds of the creek to lull you to sleep. To increase safety and aid in positive memory making, only one group is allowed at a time. We have lots of space so whether you are a lone traveler, a family, or a group of friends looking to make memories consider staying with us and our animals. We generally have goats, chickens, and pigs. From July to October we have pheasants. Oh, and we have Cheese, our patrol duck, who wanders and keeps an eye on everything. He loves treats. Look us up on Facebook under Micone Ranch. Our driveway is immediately off Ontario Heights Rd. Google tells people to turn on Grand View Lane. There is no access to our property from that direction. We have a 300-gallon trash bin next to our mailbox that says camp host. Our driveway is immediately across the road from there. The bridge at the entrance to our property is 11' wide, which should allow a standard 8' RV to pass into the property. RV hook up is right off the driveway by the power pole. Ground is in its native form and only gets minimal rain. Some weeds and goatheads may be present. A small, creek runs through the front of the property year-round. Water is clearer during the winter and spring months. The spots I have cleared in this area are small. I recommend tent camping in this area. It is densely wooded. We have goats in this field; they are shy. We have goat treats available for sale if you would like to feed them. Oregon has an invasive, poisonous weed called Water hemlock. If you camp in this area, familiarize yourself with this plant so you can avoid it. Camping areas have been cleared of this plant. If you wander along the creek, you will encounter it.

2. Cagle Cove

99%

(193)

4 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenleaf, ID

Learn more about this land: Pick your camping spot around a secluded private fish filled pond. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching. Fire rings and picnic tables at each spot. Located near snake river/Sunnyslope wine country, and golf course. 30 to 45 minutes from Boise but feels like you are away from civilization. Pet friendly area and no nearby neighbors. Amazing opportunity to s t a r g a z e. Although there is room for multiple campers, we have limited the reservations to 4 spots. Drug free!

3. Garden Valley River Access Campsite

88%

(28)

1 site · Tent, RV · Crouch, ID

PLEASE PACK OUT ANY TRASH. THANK YOU The address to the house next door is 519 MiddleFork Rd, Garden Valley, ID 83622. That will get you to the property. The property is right after 519 it is a large open lot that leads down to the river. There is a black military vehicle parked on the very end close to the house. So there are two sections 1st is a flat section where you have plenty of room to set up tents and RVs. It is right off the road, and any car can get to the site with ease. The 2nd section is more wooded and has access to the river. You are welcome to tent camp here it is just getting an RV down there and out can be a challenge I don't recommend it. Also, the bridge across the river is the neighbors and so is the property across the river. There are roughly 4 campsites on the property but can camp where you want really. Large flat spot above the river that has access to the water. Half of the property is a flat spot for RV's and tents the 2nd half is more green, woody and has access to the river. There is a deeper spot in the river that is 3-4 feet deep and is perfect to lounge in during the hot parts of the summer. Please pack out what you pack in and keep the place nice for the next camper. Thank you and enjoy.

4. Little Creek Campground

80%

(10)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Caldwell, ID

Property used to be part of the Oregon Trail. Its history also included being a dairy farm and a corn field. Now a pretty yellow house sits on it. This large back field is empty, just waiting for you to park. There’s an outside bathroom- toilet and sink you may use. Learn more about this land: Perfect location in Caldwell with country feel. Peaceful field in back of property. Convenient to visit nearby wine country or College of Idaho. Only 25 miles to Boise. Dry camping only but can fill up your water. Fire pit with wood supply. Just waiting for your s’mores. Picnic table by creek Two spots with electrical outlets 30 amp .

Public campgrounds in and near Boise

100%

(1)

Cottonwood Campground

3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Grayback Campground

14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Willow Creek Campground

9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Badger Creek Campground

5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Troutdale Campground

5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(2)

Bad Bear Campground

6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Hayfork Group Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Boise National Forest

100%

(5)

Black Rock Campground

11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Big Eddy Campground

4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Edna Creek Campground

9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(1)

Swinging Bridge Campground

7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(1)

Little Roaring River Lake Campground

4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Stories from the community

C

Che

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

7 nights at Micone Ranch

The camp host are absolutely amazing, we enjoyed every minute camping there, we loved bird watching and the fresh air, I give the Micone Ranch two thumbs up & 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tim

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Micone Ranch

Very welcoming and open. Lots of options and extras available (I did not try anything).

D

Deb

October 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Micone Ranch

Second time staying here… very peaceful! We bought some sone beautiful eggs as well

j

jackie

October 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

Great spot close to Boise but felt like we were in the country. Grandkids loved playing by the pond. We went in October so water was low in the pond and beach was muddy in places but kids had a ball and mud washes off. We liked The Willows campsite by the willow tree. Loved listening to the little creek that runs behind that site. Driveway to campground has quite a slope but we had no trouble driving our 27’ rv back up. Woke up to see cows in the pasture behind the campground. Also saw two cranes.

R

Robert

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cagle Cove

My son and I spent two days at Cagle Cove, The Aspens site and had a great time. We are definitely going back. It feels very secluded. You hear some birds, occasional cow and some roosters in the morning. The sites are spacious and very clean. The ground is flat with no rocks or roots to worry about, so tent placement is quick and easy. We were in a 3-person tent with a 10x10 canopy and even had room for our Yukon XL. The owners kept a fresh stockpile of firewood they sell for $5 a bundle, and these logs are big, they’re dry and burn quite a long time. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway to recharge, get a good nights rest, cook over a campfire, and see a sky full of stars, this is the place. You can splurge and bring the good steak, because this place is a deal.

K

Kristen

October 2025

Tent

With pets

6 nights at Cagle Cove

Great little find close to town! The spots are a little close together mostly because it's so open and some are on the smaller side (we had a hard time fitting our 10 person party tent and our car in our spot out of the road, there are bigger spots we'll pick next time. But it's great if there's only one or two spots taken or it would be wonderful to rent the whole for a family campout. We will definitely be back. It's beautiful and the pond was fun. The boats are a nice touch. They keep it clean and the portapotty is perfect. It's nice having the dog off leash. We were there for a week and Lily only visited one day, she was a nice dog and a lot of fun for the kids that we're there between the two sites, she's definitely a bonus but she does find any food you haven't closed up so keep it packed ;) Just information- there's not much by way of fire making materials to be gathered, they sell logs at a very fair price compared to the local gas stations but you'll have to use fire starters, girl scout water or bring your own tender/kindling.

J

James

October 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Micone Ranch

Tamara was gracious host. When we called her to let her know that we arrived she gave us a few options to where to set up. We were there for only one night and it was not far off from I-84. The site was excellent and very quiet surroundings. Her goats kept us amused.

Tiggy

October 2025

26 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Micone Ranch

We had a wonderful day thank you so much. We really enjoyed feeding the goats and getting to walk around the farm..

B

Beau

October 2025

32 ft Class A

With kids

1 night at Cagle Cove

Such an amazing place to stop off. The minute we arrived the kids piled out of the RV in excitement to get in the water. We stayed one night and managed to swim, kayak, fish and catch frogs, and enjoy a campfire. Next time we will stay longer. Thanks!

T

The Snack Pack

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

It's a little difficult to pound tent stakes into the ground due to the ground mostly being rock underneath the wood chips, but we managed it a couple times! The spot is clean and the hosts were nice.

L

Laura

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

What a great little spot! Campsites are just far enough away, each tucked into their own little corner. I stayed in the Aspens and it was lovely. Easy to get to, great communication from the host, literally the cleanest portapotty I have ever seen. Would absolutely recommend, would absolutely stay again.

T

The Snack Pack

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

Very clean and easy to find. Lovely spot. I would stay again.

B

Bruce

September 2025

40 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Cagle Cove

Nice pond, nice hosts, reasonable price, clean ports potty!

L

Logan's

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

I took my wife and kids here for a night of camping and let me tell you. My kids had a wonderful time in the canoes in the pond. The camp site was very clean, the porta potty was very clean. It was a very wonderful time having a camp fire and spending quality time with my family. I will definitely be booking again.

M

Mark

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Micone Ranch

The host was very friendly. They have dogs that they're trying to train to not come to campers but the dogs are friendly. The goats weren't too noisy in the night. Having the use of an indoor bathroom was delightful! And it was not hard to find. It doesn't have real level spaces if you're in a big camper though.

M

Michael

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Cagle Cove

We were traveling through Boise late at night and needed a camp site for our pop up camper. This turned out to be a real gem of a find. We camped next to babbling brook (the “Willows” site) with easy access to a pond and portable toilet. Everything was well maintained and the price can’t be beat. Just a few miles off the highway. The owner was very responsive. Highly recommend!

J

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

Another great stay! This is the BEST CAMPGROUND! I love falling asleep to the sound of running water. As a single woman traveling alone with small dogs it felt totally safe. Beautiful, relaxing, super clean, an outhouse so you don't have to hall out your poo. I would come back frequently if I didn't live so far away. Seriously stay here it's lovely.

D

Daniel

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Garden Valley River Access Campsite

Great time. Large flat area fit two campers with no issues. If tent camping you can get right down by the river. Hope to be back soon!

D

Deborah

September 2025

32 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Cagle Cove

What an amazing place!!! Beth was a wonderful, receptive host!! The lake and all the amenities were so perfect!! It was extremely clean and well thought out!! We caught some great fish and our dogs had a blast in the lake!! Highly recommend!!

M

Maureen

September 2025

19 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

I only stayed one night, as I was getting ready to start the BDR with a group. It was the perfect layover. Quiet, safe and had everything you need if you’re a dry camper.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

81%

(42)

Boise National Forest

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek RV camping in Boise guide

Where to go

Downtown RiverWalk

You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy the natural beauty of western Idaho. The Boise River Greenbelt has 25 miles of paths on both sides of the river. Locals and visitors enjoy walking and biking along the river and it also connects many neighborhoods through the city. It’s also popular among anglers who use the great access to chase trout in the urban river environment. Take a stroll along the river, stopping to watch the birds and enjoy the many parks along the corridor.

South Fork of the Boise River

If you want to get outside the urban area, head for the South Fork of the Boise River for recreation. Located below Anderson Dam, the river is popular for angling, rafting and hiking. Anglers visit for the wild rainbow trout, whitefish and the occasional bull trout. During spring runoff, the flows are high enough to go rafting through the canyon. Hiking and just driving the dirt roads around the river also make it easy to get outside with only a short drive from the city. There are some great camping spots in the area as well.

Local Trails

Boise is blessed with scenic foothills that host a wide range of trails. The trail systems are interconnected with many joining neighborhoods in the city. Visitors can connect to hiking and mountain biking trails from the city, making for a very convenient entry into the mountains. Horseback riding trails are also available in the foothills. The Table Rock Trails are some of the favorites for big views and challenging terrain. The Hawkins Range Reserve is another area with some nice trails to explore on foot or bike.

Idaho Botanical Gardens

Located on the edge of Boise, the gardens are the perfect stop while visiting the city. Visitors can do self-guided tours or sign up for a guided tour to explore the history of the gardens and the major highlights. A full 15-acres of different gardens with pathways and different displays make it easy to spend a full day or two enjoying the grounds. Each plant collection even comes with records for the life of each plant. It presents an opportunity to learn and interact with the various collections while also enjoying the aesthetic value.

When to go

Boise is geographically located in a mild climate zone. Winters can vary in terms of temperature and snowfall. Some years, the entire winter is mild with some cold weather but little snow in the valley and foothills. In other years, it can accumulate quickly with several feet of snow. Overall, the area is generally sunny however and there is never a bad time to visit Boise. Spring, summer and fall are wonderfall for hiking, biking and fishing and winter really depends on the storms delivered throughout the season. If snow does accumulate, those same trail systems become popular for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.