Desert camping in Idaho

Find otherworldy features like those at Craters of the Moon among top-to-bottom mountain ranges in Idaho.

99% (519 reviews)
99% (519 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Idaho

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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6 top desert campgrounds in Idaho

98%
(46)

Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

5 sites · RVs, Tents29 acres · Caldwell, ID
Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Idaho, this high desert campsite offers a breathtaking view of the Treasure Valley. The valley stretches out before you, with its patchwork of green fields, winding rivers, and bustling towns and cities. In the distance, you can see the rugged peaks of the Owyhee Mountains rising up against the blue sky. The campsite itself is situated on a gravel and dirt leveled site for you to pitch your tent on a level spot, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As the sun sets, you settle into your camping chair, watching the stars come out one by one. The cool night air is alive with the sounds of crickets and frogs, and you can't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility. at the slowly come alive with the twinkling lights of the towns and cities. You know that you've found a special place here. In the morning, you wake up to a chorus of birdsong.From here, you can see for miles, and you feel a sense of awe where the beauty of nature and the peace of the countryside come together to create a truly unforgettable camping experience. vastness and beauty of the Idaho countryside.
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$25
 / night
93%
(23)

Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔

15 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Shoshone, ID
Welcome to Brasil Beef high desert pasture 🏜️ 🌵 Our property is 4 miles from BLM, 5 miles from the Mammoth caves and 10 miles from the Ice Caves. You may be greeted by horses, cattle or dogs on our property, and it's quite possible that you will encounter snakes 🐍 and hear coyotes at night (light sleepers take this into account). We do not have designated areas, please park wherever you desire, walk your route as this virgin ground has many rocks. 🪨 If leveling is an issue & you need to block the road, let’s verify we have no other campers coming. There is a runoff river that runs through the property in the early spring but, rarely has water, however, it has amazing lava rock (similar to Black Magic Canyon which isn’t far away); We also like to use it for campfires! Do not drive into the river bottom unless you have 4WD. Please reach out with questions and we look forward to your visit! Check out all of our extras! We raise Wagyu beef, make sourdough bread, have dozens of eggs on hand from a local chicken farmer and I make tallow lotion! I am happy to help you source anything you may be interested in! 🚌-If you are in a Class A motorhome, traveling East down the 520N you need to turn left on the gravel road (North 250E) and right on 670N-at the stop sign turn right on 3 mile rd E and it will connect you to 520N where you will turn left into the property as the gate is angled to enter this way.
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$18.75
 / night
99%
(68)

Idaho's Best Kept Secret!

3 sites · RVs5 acres · Mackay, ID
ONE OF IDAHO'S MOST ICONIC PEAKS, often compared to the Matterhorn, will transfix you in a picture-perfect view from this campsite. On a clear night, its rosy glow is the only thing you will see just before darkness. As the night darkens further you'll be dazzled by the brightest stars against the darkest of dark skies you will ever experience. In the early morning be on the lookout for the resident moose and her calf (Watch, but don't approach!!) or any of the many deer that ramble by. Then drop a fishing line into the river, just a few steps away, and catch yourself a trout or two for your breakfast. After breakfast, get out your binoculars, cameras, and maps (you did bring them, didn't you?) and choose your day's adventure, whether it be a challenging hike up a mountain trail, a leisurely stroll to a delightful waterfall, a 20-mile trip to world-famous Sun Valley via the stunning Trail Creek Summit, or exploring the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. which is just on the other side of the fence! The road you enter the property from will also get you 20 miles deep into that wilderness along a broad river valley where you may see elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, deer, antelope, mountain goats, big horn sheep, black bears, and much more all thriving in natural abundance. Cougars (also called Mountain Lions) are absent in this area, fortunately, but may be observed in narrow, steep-sided canyons in other drainages nearby, if you dare.o
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$100
 / night
99%
(63)

Secret Canyon Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Malad City, ID
Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.
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$32
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping in Idaho guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking to explore the desert terrain of Idaho, we've got you covered with over 69 options specifically tailored to your preference. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. With an average price per night of $35 and options starting as low as $15, camping in Idaho's desert has never been more affordable. Looking for recommendations? Check out Mountain Top Getaways (118 reviews), The Meadow (102 reviews), and Kraay's Market & Garden (90 reviews) for top-rated campsites. From off-roading (OHV) to climbing and snow sports, there's no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy during your desert adventure. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and trash facilities ensure a comfortable camping experience. Start planning your unforgettable desert camping trip in Idaho today!

Top regions in and near Idaho