How do I book a campsite in Idaho?

To book a campsite in Idaho , you can use the following resources: Hipcamp: Browse and book private campsites, ranches, vineyards, and more across Idaho . Idaho State Parks: Find information on state park campgrounds and make reservations through Reserve America. Recreation.gov: Book campsites, cabins, and other facilities at federal recreation sites like national forests and BLM lands. Make sure to research the specific campground or site you're interested in to understand the reservation process and any additional requirements, such as permits or fees.

Camping in Idaho: Best Idaho Campgrounds 2023

Q: Is it legal to camp anywhere in Idaho?

Yes, it is legal to camp in Idaho , but restrictions apply depending on the area and land management agency. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds and specific areas on public lands, such as those managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Idaho State Parks. Dispersed camping is also allowed in some areas, but it's essential to follow the rules and regulations set by each land management agency. Make sure to research the specific area where you plan to camp, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. For a list of camping options in Idaho , you can visit Hipcamp.

United States
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Idaho

95% (5442 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Idaho

Top camping destinations

Post Falls

524 campgrounds

Sawtooth National Forest

212 campgrounds

Conkling Park

512 campgrounds

Boise National Forest

153 campgrounds

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

626 campgrounds

Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail

654 campgrounds

Coeur d'ALene River National Recreation Trail

627 campgrounds

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

514 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in Idaho

100%

(21)

Available this weekend

84%

(46)

Teton Peaks Resort

9 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Tetonia, Teton

At the base of the Teton Mountains, less than an hour from Jackson Hole, expansive views + rustic charm await in Tetonia, Idaho. Enjoy sports of the season and park your keister in one of our cozy spots. Offering Tiny Homes, Glamping Tents, Lodge Suites, and RV Sites. Our breathtaking Teton Valley, ID location is centrally located between Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks. We have plenty of outdoor recreation and excellent fishing outside our doorstep as well.

96%

(54)

Small Yurt in the Woods

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Sandpoint, Bonner

We have created this place and lived here for over 17 years. Our two boys who are 15 and 18 love to play and create their own piece of heaven. We desire to share it with others and allow them to see the magic of yurt living. We also live in a 30-ft yurt on the property that is our special place. Learn more about this land: This 14-foot yurt is a short walk of about 50 yards from the guest parking. You will pass our 30-ft family yurt going to your own private space. The property has a great remote feeling and has space to move around. There is a queen custom bed and room for a child or two on the floor if desired. There is a small gravity feed water system for the yurt and your own private outhouse. Plenty of wood for you to stay warm by the fire inside and an outdoor shower shared by our family. The kitchen comes with pots and pans, plates, etc. and a few extras. You will hear the sounds of nature and North Idaho at times out in your yurt as trains pass through the valley to Canada. We are 1.5 miles away from the tracks. If you are into being independent and open to new experiences then we would love to share our space with you. Please pull in the drive and pull up past the big garage and park to the left by the Yurt Parking Sign. Then walk towards the trail sign and follow the path. Recommended for you to bring a headlamp and outdoor slippers to walk to the outhouse or shower during your stay. We have towels at the yurt for your use. We can provide a Therm-a-rest bed for your child if needed. Please bring your own wood for outside fires at the fire pit.

95%

(407)

The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

74 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rigby, Jefferson

In the beautiful Idaho countryside, our Inn was created in 1999 at the booming year-round recreation hotspot called Heise-Kelly Canyon. We have a wide variety of rooms and sites. Including: 4 log cabins that sleep 4 in 2 queen log beds with mini kitchenettes, 3 sources of heat, and en suite bathrooms 4 Moonlight Cottages with AC and heat that sleep 5 or 6 in 2 queens and one or two twins, mini-kitchenettes, and just a few steps away is the deluxe no-fee Loo-uvre Restroom and Shower House Two 20' diameter year-round yurts with themed decor-- each sleeps 4 in one queen and two twins with all bed and bath linens, plus a very well-stocked kitchen, and a firepit, pergola, picnic table and Char-griller charcoal BBQ outside. Camper trailers-- 16' vintage camper Little Buffy that sleeps 2 and has a mini-kitchenette and guests use the Loo-uvre Restroom/Shower House close by, as well as the Teton Retreat Camper Trailer that sleeps 6 or 7, has a sitting area and a full kitchen plus a half bath. New to the Lodge is Adirondack-style "The Bunkie" that sleeps 6 or 7 plus has a desk, microwave and fridge. All bed and bath linens are provided in all of our rooms. Firepits are a-plenty! Our Inn also has great tent sites, plus both 30 amp and 50 amp RV/Camper sites with water and electric, a firepit and picnic table each, plus a fee dump station. We are currently planning/building another shower/restroom house and a laundry mat. There is a fee dump station on site. With over ten acres of property to play at and stroll, your stay will be one of fun, peace and quiet. Our RV & Camp is fun! We have our famous Borrow Barn with loads of complementary activities including a 9 hole disc golf course with maps/disc/scorecards, free pedal boats, Little Free Library #69967, volleyball, tetherball, badminton, board games and more, plus our cruiser bicycles in our Bike Corral are for guests to enjoy on property also. Children must be watched always and very closely-- enjoy being with your children on the property. A beautiful Restroom and Shower House is fee free. We are located in the Heise-Kelly Canyon of southeast Idaho with fabulous sunrises and sunsets. We are very close to hiking, hot springs, rapelling, 200+ miles of ATV and SxS trails, golf, mini-golf, a driving range, skiing, ice cream, and the mighty Snake River corridor right across the road. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside. We are 20 minutes from Bear World in Rexburg, and two hours from Grand Teton Park and Yellowstone National Park regardless of which of the four routes that you take, with each route including a beautiful waterfall. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside.

95%

(20)

Hover Campground in Swan Valley!

17 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Bonneville

We have 3 log cabins , fully furnished , with all the extras!! Each cabin has a queen bed and custom built bunk beds so they sleep up to 3 or 4 guests . Small kitchenettes , a private restroom , digital temperature control , and high speed WiFi . Six beautiful , 50amp pull-through RV sites , with full hook ups five back-in RV sites with 30/50 amp and full hook ups 3 tent sites , with power and water .- standard outlets (110) 5 large dry tent sites , 4 extra large dry camping sites There is playground , coffee bar , fly shop , boat rentals , and shuttle service , available right in the campground ! Dogs are welcome , and pet sitting available for folks going on the river. We are located right next to the Snake River , so if you enjoy fishing , hiking , boating, hiking, or anything outdoors , this is the place ! We have 6 beautiful pull-through ,50amp RV sites , with full hook ups

Phoenix Rising Ranch

5 sites · Lodging20 acres · Priest River, Bonner

This is a very private and quiet place, more of a sanctuary and not a party place. The only thing you hear is nature, a breeze through the pine trees, the birds, and the creek. This property was and is an organic permaculture farm in the forest. There are two orchards and an organic garden. The water is from a spring. The La Luna cabin is off-grid with an option to plugin if needed. Hot Showers at my cabins are private and outdoors. There's nothing more wonderful than a hot spring-fed shower. The toilets are composting. (No water is wasted here)! Two of the cabins were built from the trees on the property by the first family that lived here in the earlier 1900s. The Birds Nest cabin was originally a tool shed that needed a LOT of Love to be in the condition that it is today. It does have power, running water and wi-fi. There is the option to take an acrylic painting class, banjo, guitar or fiddle lessons, paddleboard lessons, and have a real old-timey campfire with a glass of wine or two with live music performed by our famous Fiddlin Red on the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Your experience here may change your life forever! We haven't added all the experiential options yet, so if there is something you are interested in please inquire. Every year we make it more and more magical and interesting. It's four miles up a county-maintained dirt road and one mile to a non-motorized lake. I can't see my neighbors, but they are awesome artists and musicians and some of them are off the grid! If you're bringing a pet, they must be on a leash and be quiet pets. If you are bringing a child they also need to be quiet and respectful. I want to keep my neighbors and my other guests happy with a peaceful atmosphere. Thank you!

Under $50

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(8)

Urban Tree Sanctuary

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Boise, Ada

Humble half acre urban property nestled in trees within 15 mins to downtown Boise and the Boise River/ Greenbelt. You will be surrounded by locust, oak, walnut, fruit trees, seasonal berries and our friendly chickens. RV/Van camping in driveway with access to backyard, fire pit, hammocks, and BBQ. Tent campers are free to find a spot anywhere on the property.

Your Spot by Whitewater Park

1 site · RV1 acre · Boise, Ada

Stay at this secluded site within walking distance of over 75 continuous acres of public parks, which provide access to the Boise River and the 25-mile Greenbelt path system. Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park and Esther Simplot Park feature a vast network of ponds, trails, open play areas, shelters, and public restrooms with opportunities for swimming, walking, fishing, and paddle sports. The Boise Whitewater Park features unique, adjustable standing waves for river surfing and kayaking. Gear rentals for water sports are available nearby at Corridor Surf Shop and Idaho River Sports. Also within close proximity are locally owned coffee shops, wineries and restaurants. Downtown Boise is 2 miles away.

Teton Peaks Resort

9 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Tetonia, Teton

At the base of the Teton Mountains, less than an hour from Jackson Hole, expansive views + rustic charm await in Tetonia, Idaho. Enjoy sports of the season and park your keister in one of our cozy spots. Offering Tiny Homes, Glamping Tents, Lodge Suites, and RV Sites. Our breathtaking Teton Valley, ID location is centrally located between Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks. We have plenty of outdoor recreation and excellent fishing outside our doorstep as well.

Laughing Horse Ranch - NO TENTS

6 sites · RVs10 acres · Meridian, Ada

Laughing Horse has provided accommodations for travelers with horses for years now! We recently decided to open our small ranch to campers without horses so you too can enjoy the beautiful setting and wake up in the morning surrounded by these amazing creatures! We have level RV pads and a private hideaway apartment for rent on site. We offer water and electricity hook ups for the RV's. The apartment has 2 queen beds, private entry and bathroom and kitchenette. The cost is $120 per night. *** We DO NOT ACCEPT TENT CAMPING*** There are many reasons why not, but all I can say is if you show up with a tent, I will ask you to leave! I seem to have a hard time making the tenters happy with our accommodations! We offer more formal horse interaction with advance notice. If you are interested in a riding lesson or other horse activities, just message us before your visit for price and availability. Our farm has many uses. We board horses for individuals offering pasture turn out and stalls with covers. Our team is busy keeping the horses happy cleaning stalls, feeding, cleaning water troughs and cleaning the grounds of loose hay. We are busy all day and you will see a real horse farm doing what we do everyday! We share the property with my husband's painting company so you may see some normal paint company activities and some painting vans and equipment in the working yard. We also have a couple of trainers on site and they are happy to arrange a lesson or supervised activity for you to interact safely with the horses. Just let us know in advance what you might like to do. Based on availability and weather, we may be able to arrange quite a bit of horse time for you! If you have a way to get around, there some great attractions nearby including a 4 season adventure mountain - Bogus Basin, rivers, desert or mountain hiking, mountain biking in the foothills, birds of prey nature center, water parks featuring river surfing, world class fishing and white water rafting. If you are looking for a day trip, Idaho City has hot springs and some fun history museums. Our little farm has a walking trail nearby and some beautiful sunsets and sunrises. We have a designated area for campfires to complete the camping experience. Feel free to message me if you have any questions! Thanks and Happy Trails! Risa

Lucky Me Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Meridian, Ada

This is our home and an overflow for our personal and boarder's older pasture pet horses. We love the views on this property and love to share with friends, family and travelers. We still have more plans for property improvements and if you can, hope you can come back again to see the changes. Currently, we are able to provide our horses with hay from the pastures and offer a great place for horses and people! We are a farm. You will see us tending to chickens, irrigating or harvesting hay pastures, feeding farm animals and working on the property in any way it needs. Our property is situated on a hill so we see Big Sky and lots of sunsets. We have a full horse facility just 4 miles away at the Laughing Horse Ranch. If you would like to arrange a Horse Experience, please notify us with as much notice as possible as we are very busy. We have a variety of spaces available. For RV's - gravel pull through with 30 amp and water (no sewer dump) For Tents - Tree spot with shade for small tents up to 4 person ONLY For Tents - depending on our watering cycle - grass or pasture open land no shade For Tents - Sandy spot - no shade Accessibility to any of these spots is subject to change based on watering of the pastures and lawns, heat waves, mud, basically mother nature and I can't do anything about that. We will help you find the best spot upon arrival. We have just opened up out Cowboy Cabin as a "Glamping Camping Experience." AC and heater, coffee maker, mini fridge and microwave.

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(22)

Your Spot by Whitewater Park

1 site · RV1 acre · Boise, Ada

Stay at this secluded site within walking distance of over 75 continuous acres of public parks, which provide access to the Boise River and the 25-mile Greenbelt path system. Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park and Esther Simplot Park feature a vast network of ponds, trails, open play areas, shelters, and public restrooms with opportunities for swimming, walking, fishing, and paddle sports. The Boise Whitewater Park features unique, adjustable standing waves for river surfing and kayaking. Gear rentals for water sports are available nearby at Corridor Surf Shop and Idaho River Sports. Also within close proximity are locally owned coffee shops, wineries and restaurants. Downtown Boise is 2 miles away.

Urban Tree Sanctuary

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Boise, Ada

Humble half acre urban property nestled in trees within 15 mins to downtown Boise and the Boise River/ Greenbelt. You will be surrounded by locust, oak, walnut, fruit trees, seasonal berries and our friendly chickens. RV/Van camping in driveway with access to backyard, fire pit, hammocks, and BBQ. Tent campers are free to find a spot anywhere on the property.

Teton Peaks Resort

9 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Tetonia, Teton

At the base of the Teton Mountains, less than an hour from Jackson Hole, expansive views + rustic charm await in Tetonia, Idaho. Enjoy sports of the season and park your keister in one of our cozy spots. Offering Tiny Homes, Glamping Tents, Lodge Suites, and RV Sites. Our breathtaking Teton Valley, ID location is centrally located between Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks. We have plenty of outdoor recreation and excellent fishing outside our doorstep as well.

Smokejumper Tiny Home Resort

5 sites · Lodging2 acres · Idaho City, Boise

Come experience an all new tiny home 45 minutes from Boise!! Brand new modern tiny homes that come complete with full bathroom, kitchen and two sleeping areas. Equipped with the latest in Smart Glass technology for privacy, firepits with cooktop for outdoor dining and minutes to the infamous Idaho City Hot Springs resorts and tons of other outdoor activities!

Lucky Me Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Meridian, Ada

This is our home and an overflow for our personal and boarder's older pasture pet horses. We love the views on this property and love to share with friends, family and travelers. We still have more plans for property improvements and if you can, hope you can come back again to see the changes. Currently, we are able to provide our horses with hay from the pastures and offer a great place for horses and people! We are a farm. You will see us tending to chickens, irrigating or harvesting hay pastures, feeding farm animals and working on the property in any way it needs. Our property is situated on a hill so we see Big Sky and lots of sunsets. We have a full horse facility just 4 miles away at the Laughing Horse Ranch. If you would like to arrange a Horse Experience, please notify us with as much notice as possible as we are very busy. We have a variety of spaces available. For RV's - gravel pull through with 30 amp and water (no sewer dump) For Tents - Tree spot with shade for small tents up to 4 person ONLY For Tents - depending on our watering cycle - grass or pasture open land no shade For Tents - Sandy spot - no shade Accessibility to any of these spots is subject to change based on watering of the pastures and lawns, heat waves, mud, basically mother nature and I can't do anything about that. We will help you find the best spot upon arrival. We have just opened up out Cowboy Cabin as a "Glamping Camping Experience." AC and heater, coffee maker, mini fridge and microwave.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

80%

(41)

Boise National Forest

Lowman, Idaho

95%

(76)

Sawtooth National Forest

Challis, Idaho

82%

(22)

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Stanley, Idaho

89%

(35)

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Clark Fork, Idaho

100%

(14)

City Of Rocks National Reserve

Oakley, Idaho

78%

(9)

Payette National Forest

Mc Call, Idaho

100%

(4)

Three Island Crossing State Park

Glenns Ferry, Idaho

87%

(27)

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Caribou National Forest

Idaho

Camping in Idaho guide

In the eastern reaches of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho offers recreation throughout the year, from whitewater rafting to backcountry exploration. Winter sports are big, with ski resorts all over the state. If you're planning on camping, summer is the best time to visit, particularly if you want to see Idaho's many hiking trails, hot springs, waterfalls, or lakes. Hipcamps are your best private camping option, while Idaho State Parks manages many of the public campgrounds in the state, most coming well equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Some also have yurts, and many offer RV sites with full hookups.

Where to Go

The Idaho Panhandle

Between Washington and Montana and stretching up to Canada’s border, this forested region is ideal for winter skiing and snowboarding, plus hiking, biking, and kayaking in warmer months. Highlights include Nez Perce National Historic Park and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where the Pandhandle rivers are particularly beloved by whitewater rafters. Popular camping areas include Priest Lake State Park, Heyburn State Park, and Farragut State Park, and you can also find campgrounds on the Banks of Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Southwest Idaho

On the border of Oregon, southwestern Idaho features lots of outdoor and cultural attractions, plus plenty of wineries and breweries. Boise, the state’s capital, is here and despite its small size, the fast-growing city has great museums and restaurants. Popular getaways from the city include Payette National Forest, Boise National Forest, Ponderosa State Park, Lake Cascade State Park, and Bruneau Dunes State Park.

Central Idaho

Characterized by alpine landscapes and crystalline lakes, central Idaho is as known for its summertime hiking as it is for its ski resorts, including the world-famous Sun Valley. Some of the best camping spots in the region include Redfish Lake in Sawtooth National Forest, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Eastern Idaho

The gateway to Yellowstone National Park, eastern Idaho is chock-full of outdoor fun, from fishing on the Snake River's South Fork to cruising down the country's longest Main Street in Island Park. Summer is great for hiking and biking, while winter brings opportunities to ski and snowmobile against the backdrop of the Tetons. The region is also home to a handful of hot springs, the most famous of which is the odorless Lava Hot Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is legal to camp in Idaho, but restrictions apply depending on the area and land management agency. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds and specific areas on public lands, such as those managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Idaho State Parks. Dispersed camping is also allowed in some areas, but it's essential to follow the rules and regulations set by each land management agency. Make sure to research the specific area where you plan to camp, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. For a list of camping options in Idaho, you can visit Hipcamp.

The 14-day camping limit in Idaho refers to the maximum number of consecutive days you are allowed to camp at a specific location on public lands, such as national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. After 14 days, campers must move to a new location at least 5 miles away from the original site. This rule helps to protect the environment, reduce the impact on resources, and ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to enjoy camping on public lands. Some campgrounds may have different stay limits, so it's essential to check the specific rules for the location you plan to visit.

Yes, boondocking is legal in Idaho on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and in certain areas of national forests. Boondocking, also known as dispersed camping, is a type of camping where you camp outside of designated campgrounds, often without facilities or services. Some popular boondocking locations in Idaho include the Boise National Forest, Kooskia, and Buhl areas. Always make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect local regulations, and practice responsible camping when boondocking in Idaho.

To book a campsite in Idaho, you can use the following resources:

Hipcamp: Browse and book private campsites, ranches, vineyards, and more across Idaho.
Idaho State Parks: Find information on state park campgrounds and make reservations through Reserve America.
Recreation.gov: Book campsites, cabins, and other facilities at federal recreation sites like national forests and BLM lands.

Make sure to research the specific campground or site you're interested in to understand the reservation process and any additional requirements, such as permits or fees.