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

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.

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

United States
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Idaho

Camping in Idaho

A hidden gem of the Northwest, find otherworldy features like Craters of the Moon National Monument among top-to-bottom mountain ranges throughout Idaho.

Top-rated stays

97%

(18)

Casler Farm West

10 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Clark Fork, IDNOTE: DUE TO RECENT FLOODING, SOME CAMPSITES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED, AND CURRENTLY THE OUTDOOR SHOWER IS COLD WATER SHOWER ONLY Our land is devoted to utilizing and learning about Permaculture and tinkering with new sustainable building and energy production practices. Currently on the drawing board a suspended tree house, tiny house design and construction workshops and a low head electrical generating system. There are a variety of camping sites, more than 1/2 of them obtainable by trail only. There is a year round creek and several springs on the property. Adjoining the property there are thousands of acres of Forest Service land and just up the road is the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Area. Beautiful Lake Pend Orielle is only eight miles away and the Clark Fork River Delta and can be accessed just down the highway. road in Clark Fork. Bring your kayak, canoe, or longboard for unsurpassed natural beauty. If an alpine Lake is your cup of tea, Antelope Lake is a short (fairly easy) 90 minute hike away, I'm told the fishing is great! There is a meadow with room for just about any RV, however, there are no generators allowed, no hookups and a stay of more than three days will require special approval. We welcome anybody traveling through our beautiful corner of Idaho, however, we are not an RV park. Permaculture is our passion.

Wolf Lodge Campground

91 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Coeur D'alene, IDWOLF LODGE CAMPGROUND We are a people-oriented campground located just east of beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho, with creek access to the lake. Whether you are a family or only one person, we are here to make your stay at Wolf Lodge Campground an enjoyable occasion. Come and relax in this beautiful, fun, and friendly environment. We are surrounded by mountains in a wooded setting. Our RV sites are shaded and grassy with spacious long-level pull-thru and nice private back-in sites up against the mountain. All of our tent sites are grassy, many are shaded by the creek. We have five unique rustic cabins, each with its own special features. Whether you are just passing through or planning to visit for a week or two, we invite you to "Come on By"... We are looking forward to hosting you and making your stay with us a memorable one! There are many fun complimentary activities available and many things to do right at the campground or within a very short distance. We offer canoe and kayak rentals for a relaxing paddle down the creek, which meanders through some very pretty scenery all the way out to the lake. A large grassy playground is available for children of all ages, and a fully fenced doggy park for the 4 legged ones. We also set up and host a nightly group campfire for roasting s'mores, or just visiting with your fellow campers. Check out our amenities listed below: Spacious grassy area for various games such as lawn bowling, corn hole, soccer, etc. Fenced-in dog park A unique camp store that offers groceries, snacks, ice cream, sodas, souvenirs, gifts, supplies, firewood, and ice (no alcohol or tobacco) Nightly group campfire (weather permitting), where you can enjoy making s'mores or bring a cocktail and socialize with other campers Private campfires are available only at tent sites and tent trailer sites; propane fire pits are allowed at RV sites. Recently renovated and expanded restrooms and showers, which are very clean and ADA-compliant. Free Wi-Fi is available, with a good signal at most sites (not recommended for streaming TV). Good satellite signal at most sites, but no cable hookups. Two playgrounds for kids of all ages. The covered pavilion is available for family gatherings. Horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, basketball hoop, and volleyball court. Laundry room with new front-loading machines. Lake Coeur D'Alene is located within 2 miles of the campsite. Swimming is allowed in the creek, but there is no lifeguard on duty. Fishing is allowed in the creek, but it is catch-and-release only. Rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, float tubes, three-wheeled fun cycles, and a Bayliner Capri speed boat for lake fun.

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Naples, IDBLUE LAKE RV RESORT Your favorite North Idaho destination. Conveniently located in the heart of North Idaho, 22 miles north of Sandpoint and 5 miles south of Bonners Ferry. From our lake to nearby trails and waterfalls, outdoor activities abound. When entering the park, please watch for trains. There are no crossing arms. COMING FROM THE SOUTH? When you get here, go past our driveway, there is a semi-truck turnaround just 1/4 mile north of us. The approach from the north is much easier than trying to cross traffic coming from the south. AMENITIES •Our limited 36 sites on 21 acres make Blue Lake feel uncrowded and peaceful. •Fire pits and picnic tables at EVERY SITE! • Satellite-friendly sites available •We retained the charm of the wooded, old-fashion campground of our youth, but with the amenities of a modern RV facility: WiFi, radiant floor heat and on demand hot water in the bathrooms, and full-service laundry. •Big trees make lots of shade at the lakeside. The majority of the lake shore is shared space for all guests. •Feed the turtles and catfish and watch the trout jump like little orcas! Big trout and catfish to be caught, no license needed! •Summertime warms the surface water temps, so swim, kayak or float our awesome 3-acre lake. •Enjoy the wine deck every day from 6pm-9 pm •Free Showers Every Bathroom in our bathhouse includes a toilet, sink and shower for your convenience. Heated floors! •Coin Laundry $3.50 is needed to wash and dry 1 load. The laundry room also has a change machine for $1 bills. •Free Wifi Enjoy a free internet connection for checking emails and browsing the internet. Not suitable for streaming. •Sauna Book an all-day, private sauna for you and your friends Or book a single session on one of the open sauna days. Limited availability, you must book in advance •Boat Rentals Kayaks, Pedal Boats, and SUPs are available for rent by the hour. •Movie Rentals Action, Romance, Comedy, Cartoons. There’s something for everyone on our DVD rental shelf. •Free Games/Balls Giant Chess by the lake, horseshoes, Ladder Ball, Badminton, Bocce Ball, Ping Pong, Volley Ball, Croquet, Frisbee, footballs, checkers, Laddy Bug Tic-Tac-Toe. •Wine and Beer Bar Huckleberry Mimosas, Local Beers, Red and White Wine. We’ve got what you need to relax on our wine deck overlooking the lake. •Swimming and Fishing Swimming Dock, Fishing Dock. Cool off this summer with a dip in our lake. Or try your luck chasing trout, bass or catfish. (catch and release only, no license needed) •Firewood for Sale Please help reduce the spread of invasive bugs and wood disease by buying locally. $5.25 per bundle or $15 for 3 bundles.Don’t worry, you’ll get more than 4 pieces in our bundles. Unlike some places… •Ice for Sale Run out of Ice? No need to run to town, we’ve got it right here. •Community Fire Pits Come down to the fire pits and listen to someone share their adventures, or share a story of your own! •Dog Park After a long day on the road, your pooch will enjoy our off-leash, fenced dog park, as well as our off-leash walking trail. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS •Places to Visit -Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge -Kootenai River -Glacier National Park -Bonners Ferry Pelton Wheel -Boundary County Museum -Brush Lake -Mirror Lake Golf Course -International Selkirk Loop -9B Trails -Clifty Mountain & Katka Peak -Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge -Snow Creek Falls -Spruce Lake -Copper Falls -Myrtle Creek Falls -Roman Nose Lakes •Activities -Dining -Hiking -Fishing -Kayaking -Golfing -ATVs and Dirtbikes -Bird Watching -Bowling -Bonners Ferry Events

North Haven Campground

23 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Bonners Ferry, IDABOUT NORTH HAVEN... Featuring 5+ acres in a peaceful wooded setting, with 5 Luxury Log Cabins (1BD and 2BD), 2 Conestoga Glamping Wagons w/ private bathroom access, 21 RV Sites, Bathhouse and Laundry Room (open 24/7), "The Outpost" Camp Store & Office, a 3/4 mile Nature Walking Trail Loop Around the Campground. LUXURY LOG CABINS... 1-bedroom 1-bathroom log cabins that sleep up to 4 Guests. 2-bedroom 2-bathroom log cabins that sleep 6-8 Guests. Two pet-friendly cabins available (Cabins 1 and 2). CONESTOGA GLAMPING WAGONS... Glamorous Camping at it's best! King bed, twin-over-twin bunk bed; sleep up to 4 Guests; Microwave, mini fridge and wagon wheel table; Electricity, USB charging ports, Mitsubishi mini split for heat and A/C; Private access to a dedicated bathroom in the adjacent Showerhouse, with shower, sink, toilet, with bath towels, bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap); Outdoor wood picnic table and fire pit; Parking for one vehicle next to the Wagon RV SITES... 21 RV sites: 10 full hook up; ALL are pull-through; 11 partial hook-up (Water and Electric); 7 are pull-through; Each site features 20/30/50 amp electrical receptacles; 24/7/365 access to Bathhouse restrooms, showers and laundry room. ABOUT THE OWNERS / MANAGERS... Hi there! We are the Murdock Ohana family. In the fall of 2020 we came to Bonners Ferry, Idaho for the first time. We stayed in a log cabin vacation rental at Log Inn Cabins & RV. We fell in love with the area and found a home to buy during that trip. Less than a year later we moved our family to Bonners Ferry. We never would have imagined that two years after staying in that log cabin, that we would be the new owners of the RV park and log cabins campground where we stayed! We are originally from Utah and lived in the Hawaiian Islands for nine years prior to moving to Bonners Ferry. Our daughters moved to Idaho with us and our son is still living in Hawaii. We have found a new kind of paradise in Bonners Ferry and we truly love it! We are excited about this new chapter of life and look forward to continuing to provide a great service with the Log Cabins and RV sites under the new North Haven Campground business name. We will be introducing some fun and exciting new glamping options in 2023 for our Guests. – The Murdocks

Lost Moose Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cataldo, IDLost Moose Campground, Your Basecamp for Adventure! Whether you are looking to hoof it, foot it, motor it, peddle it, or paddle it - we can serve as your basecamp to do it all! Lost Moose is a remote campground nestled in the mountains of beautiful North Idaho where outdoor recreation opportunities abound! Before you book a reservation at the Moose, there are a few things you should know. Our hope, and the reason we opened Lost Moose Campground, is that our guests would have a friendly and fun atmosphere away from life's hustle and bustle where everyone has the opportunity to relax, enjoy nature, and explore north Idaho with their family and friends. Our campground is remote and it does take a little more time and effort to get here. While most of our guests repeatedly tell us it's totally worth it and it's just what they were looking for, others have let us know that they would prefer to be closer to the Interstate and the amenities of "civilization." We just want everyone to be happy! So, before you book a reservation, we want you to know a few things about our campground that way you'll know just what to expect when you stay at the Moose! • Lost Moose Campground is located 8 miles south of Interstate 90. Getting here includes 6 miles of gravel road that can be a little bumpy at times throughout the year. • There's no cell service or wifi at the campground. A landline is available for emergencies and cell service can be found often when traveling nearby roads and trails. • Due to our proximity to Latour Creek we do not have sewer hookups or a dump station. All RV Sites are equipped with power and water hookups and toilets and hot showers are available. • The nearest grocery store is approximately 12 miles away, the nearest gas station 11 miles, nearest dump station 11 miles, and the nearest restaurant is about 12 miles away. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Coeur d'Alene or Wallace. • Latour Creek provides a great place for kids and adults alike to cool off in the summer, but it is not suitable for kayaking or floating. The Coeur d'Alene River is only 8 miles away and is well suited for those activities. • Crystal Lake trailhead is approximately 12 miles above the campground and is accessible by car. The Mirror Lake trailhead is also accessed about 12 miles above the campground, but includes a narrow jeep road that isn't suitable for vehicles not designed for off-roading. • The Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's bike trail parking area is 8 miles from the campground at the junction of Latour Creek and I-90. • ATV's can be ridden from the campground. There are no formal maps of our area, but we are happy to help give directions and suggestions for great places to ride. SO MANY THINGS TO DO Most of our guests come stay with us to get away in the wild. When you are out and about on the trails, chances are you'll see moose, elk and deer - if you're lucky you may even see a bear! It's a real rarity when we hit the trails and don't see at least one of the above! • IN CAMP Play in the river, do some fishing in the creek, play horseshoes and corn hole, eat ice cream, explore the surrounding area, relax, build a campfire, etc. • FROM CAMP Enjoy access to hundreds of miles of ATV/UTV trails directly from camp. Take off upstream or downstream and fish all day. Huckleberry picking in season only a few miles away! • OUTSIDE CAMP Bike trails, kayaking or floating the river, fishing again. Water parks, theme parks and area attractions. Fun urban adventures are within an hour of the campground! • SILVER MOUNTAIN Try mountain biking in the region's best lift served bike park, go for a scenic gondola ride, hike to the fire lookout on Kellogg Peak or just settle in for some huckleberry ribs and listen to live music at the mountain house grill. How about a round of mountain golf at Galena Ridge, or grab some pavement bikes from Silver Mountain Sports and hit the 72 mile bike path that runs right by our parking lot. Silver Rapids, Idaho's largest indoor waterpark, takes weather out of the equation by creating a perfect 84 degree, football field-sized location to splash, swim and surf on the perfect wave!The sky is the limit at Silver Mountain! • THINGS TO DO IN COEUR D'ALENE There’s something for everyone in Coeur d’Alene. Area activities and attractions range from the free and family-friendly to thrilling outdoor adventures—and just about everything in-between. Summer in Coeur d’Alene is filled with epic attractions! Parasail rides, zip-lining, boating, float planes and of course the northwest’s largest theme park! Winter brings lit-up streets, dinner boat cruises, miles and miles of ski runs, warm indoor water parks and plenty of warm food and hot music acts. • OLD MISSION STATE PARK Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park contains the oldest building in Idaho. The Mission of the Sacred Heart was constructed between 1850 and 1853. Day-use amenities Picnic areas, flush toilets, group use area, visitor center and gift shop, museum, handicap accessible, boat ramp Activities: Exploring history, picnicking, special events Summer - 9 am to 5 pm – April through September Winter -10 am to 3 pm – October through March Closed major holidays in the winter If you're looking to get off the beaten path and back to nature, we've got you covered!

11 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Firth, IDLocated at the base of wolverine canyon is our little slice of heaven called Wolverine Ranch. It is a 100 year old working cattle ranch. We have several acres for camping, fishing, horse back riding. We are surrounded by miles and miles of public ATV trails. Our camp is open to RV’s, Tents, and living quarter horse trailers. Running through camp is Wolverine Creek. There are rainbow trout, brook trout, and bass in the creek. We do ask that while in camp you catch and release only please. If your looking for a little bigger water to fish in, or kayak we are located 39 miles from Blacktail resivoir. We have miles and miles of trails on the ranch. Because this is a private cattle ranch there are no formal trails, you can ride all day and never leave the place. We also have a beautiful fully furnished glamping tent for rent, and we do allow day use. We would like to share with you what we get to experience everyday. We look forward to sharing with you.

Activities and Views--Idaho Country

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rigby, IDIn 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 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 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 well-stocked kitchen, and a firepit, pergola, picnic table and Char-griller charcoal BBQ outside. Two camper trailers-- one 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 Inn 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. 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, 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. 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.

Parkside Mountain Ranch

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents450 acres · Plummer, IDPrivate Exclusive Campsites is what we will provide for you while staying with us! Parkside Mountain Ranch provides private camping on a 450 acre mountain with trails for any type of adventure. PMR has a variety of camping experiences you can pick from to accommodate while camping with us. Have a family get together, a business retreat, trail ride your horse with your barn buddies, send us a message and let us know what you would like and we will make your camping just the way you want it to be. Heyburn State Park Rocky Point is less than a mile away. Hipcampers can enjoy the Lake Chatcolet which offers a beach, marina, and a boat launch. Heyburn State Park South Side entrance is located on the same road as PMR. PMR will have sites with over night horse stalls too. Sooo bring your horse camping with you! We want to provide you with beautiful views and private rustic camping!

A Wee Place in the Woods

11 sites · Lodging5 acres · Priest River, ID🌿 Hidden amongst towering evergreen trees lies this charming oasis that celebrates art, creativity and community. Five acres of old-growth forest, lush greenery and a rainbow-array of seasonal flowers awaits you. Stunning woodland views in every direction. Soothing sounds of a year-round creek. Active wildlife. 🌿 Accommodations vary from creekside camping to a quaint 1-room cabin with adjoining half-bath (sink + commode). All guests have access to camp amenities including fully-stocked outdoor communal kitchen, fire circle, dance floor, creek-side trails, craft supplies, solar shower, star-gazing area and labyrinth. 🌿 Whether you seek relaxation, spiritual renewal, or the perfect location for a family reunion or special event, you’ll find it here. Meet new friends. Make new memories. We warmly welcome you! 🌿 It is our pleasure to provide complimentary firewood, propane and charcoal, as well as soap and luxury shampoo during your stay at A Wee Place In The Woods. 🌿 ❣️PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN food, cooler, bedding, pillows, towels, and lanterns or flashlights.❣️

Hymas Family Farm Stay

6 sites · Lodging, RVs49 acres · Bonners Ferry, IDHymas Family Farm is an operating regenerative agricultural farm. We have cows to milk, eggs to gather, sheep to tend to and pigs to feed each morning. You have the option for a farm fresh breakfast and to help with the chores. There are 29 acres of pasture and 15 acres of woods. Spectacular views nestled in a beautiful valley between the Rocky Mountains! Learn more about this land: North Idaho is outdoorsman's paradise. Hiking, fishing, climbing or relax and enjoy the peace of the farm and mountains. There are several waterfalls and lakes nearby or a majestic ski resort within an hour's distance. All are surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains. Canada is 20 minutes to the north!

5 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Tetonia, IDAt 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. 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.

ALMOST TO CANADA - FAR NORTH IDAHO

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Bonners Ferry, IDNote: We have a Bonners Ferry, ID mailing address but our physical location is approximately 30 miles North of Bonners Ferry and 1 mile South of Eastport, ID. We are a mile South of the Canadian Border just off US 95. NEW FOR 2023 SEASON - Vastly new and improved Outhouse(Vault type) at each site. By early Summer we hope to have running water at the cabin site...no more hauling in containers !!!!! Whoo Hoo! You are in a forest on land shaped by the last Ice Age, The forest has nurtured generations of of wildlife including majestic birds of prey. It sustained the Kootenai People before borders separated their lands. It saw determined miners pass this way seeking their fortune in gold from British Columbia. This forest supplied timber to build railroads and homes for families in the western migration. Our family is the current steward of this forest and it is our wish to respectfully share its beauty and observe its wildlife with your family and friends! Our Forest is surrounded by Kaniksu National Forest which is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) as part of the Idaho Panhandle. National Forest.. The Moyie River ( say Moy-yay) has headwaters at Moyie Lake in British Columbis and feeds into the Kootenai River (say Koo-ten-e) just East of Bonners Ferry. The Moyie River is 95 miles long. The area is private, so there is no view of the neighbors. You’ll have a broken view of the Host’s Cabin. Camp is situated on 15.4 acres of Certified Family Forest. If you hear the rumble of a train at night, it's because the Union Pacific passes along the opposite edge of the property from the campsite. There is no mobile phone service at the campsite . There is WiFi at the campsite shelter. We strongly suggest you activate the “Cell over WiFi “ function on your smartphone BEFORE you arrive/lose cell signal so you can access Emergency 911 Services. There is a fire pit (firewood provided), covered shelter, a USFS-style charcoal grill, (bring charcoal and starter), picnic table, benches, bear-proof food storage box and TEMPORARY trash bin. There are a lot of deer that roam the property, along with many birds and other wildlife . OUR NIGHTLY CHARGE Includes all the firewood you need and a 10% Hipcamp Service Fee. It does not include 6% Idaho Sales Tax and 2% Idaho Convention and Travel Tax. Be Bear Aware : From April 1 - November 1 all food, beverages and trash must never be left unattended and all of the same be stored properly. Our Bear Box is large and can accommodate your supplies and cooler.

from

$30

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Camping trips for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

80%

(41)

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Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Pierce, Idaho

95%

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Sawtooth National Forest

Challis, Idaho

82%

(22)

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Stanley, Idaho

89%

(35)

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Clark Fork, Idaho

78%

(9)

Payette National Forest

Mc Call, Idaho

79%

(7)

Caribou National Forest

Idaho

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Targhee National Forest

Pocatello Field Office

Pocatello, Idaho

All camping options

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.