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)

United States
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Idaho

99% (519 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Idaho

Community favorites in Idaho

Stories from the community

1 night at Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔

I loved the camping the land was very beatiful and pleasant.

2 nights at Mountain Top Getaways

Wow, what a beautiful spot! Would definitely come back!

1 night at Mountain Top Getaways

I did car camping with my pup on the property! It was very peaceful and I loved that it felt like we were completely surrounded by nature. The cows were so cute! I had anxiety about getting to the spot without service, but was able to find it rather easy with downloading the map ahead of time and following the signs. Great spot, will stay there again if I'm passing through town!

1 night at Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

Quiet area, Tyler was extremely kind. I stayed here for a layover, it was easy to access!

1 night at Private RV

Perfect place to camp for a night - passing through Mountain Home. Easy to access, level, beautiful views, full-hook ups, quiet and clean. Highly recommend.

1 night at Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

Great location right off of 84. Our class B van and tent fit easily.

1 night at Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

A nice level of solitude and quiet in an area where there isn’t much of either available. There’s water, electricity & a porta pot that is clean. The view is decent, a working rural vista. Road noise is distant and not intrusive. The pads are on a small hill, so there was a steady breeze, which was nice. Host was friendly and informative, but not overly so. Recommend.

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔

The camping area was beautiful and quiet. We were greeted by the family dog who stayed with us until we were settled. But the best part was the fresh sourdough bread that was made by Brittany!

Weekend Trip to Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

Great spot for our needs. Tyler was very accommodating. We would stay there again!

2 nights at Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔

My husband and I had such an amazing experience camping here! Everything went smoothly and we definitely recommend ordering some of those extras :)

6 nights at Private RV

Such a wonderful place to stay. My husband and I were traveling through and stayed for a week. It was so private and such a beautiful view. The laundry was such a help touch. The space was clean and comfortable. It almost started to feel like home. The host was very responsive and helpful. Highly recommend!

2 nights at Bristol Park Historic Cabins

I loved staying at bristol cabins and so did my pup. It was a beautiful property along the river. We felt welcomed and free to use the facilities. It was a step up from camping and exactly what we were looking for.

2 nights at Secret Canyon Ranch

We enjoyed a beautiful view, privacy and incredible day trips. Great birding spots nearby. We recommend a day trip to the Curlew Valley National Grasslands, Thank you, Julie, for sharing your bit of paradise.

1 night at Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

Very comfortable stay with great views and easy access

Afton

May 2025

2 nights at The Meadow

Wonderful and calming place to stay! Perfect getaway to recharge and reconnect with nature. I loved staying in the cabin, I was able to stay warm all night. Loved staying here!

2 nights at Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

Camping here was a blast. Had a few questions about driving in late, and the Host Tyler answered in no time. Nice spot with great grass for camping. Electricity if you need it. Overall a great experience.

Weekend Trip to Private RV

Perfect spot! Private, clean, convenient! Exactly what we needed.

Weekend Trip to Private RV

We were truly impressed with Dan’s Hipcamp spot! He has spent a lot of time leveling out the spots for rvs, has full hook ups, black tank dump AND laundry. Artificial turf and pressed gravel makes for clean feet, both 2 legged and 4 legged, getting back inside the rv , in any weather. It’s situated back behind a privacy fence with a beautiful view of the mountains and a neighbor’s farm next door. We felt safe and relaxed. It’s off the beaten path so no traffic/railroad noise! Dan is quick to respond and keeps an immaculate property.

1 night at Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

The view was beautiful, the portable toilet was clean. The host communicated and helped with electrical challenges via phone. It was quiet and we slept great, didn’t really see anyone. We didn’t unhitch because it was just an overnight, and in trying to reach electrical and water we parked on a slant. Would recommend a long 30 amp cord -50’ or better & if airstream on site isn’t rented you can hookup to the 30amp. Otherwise 15 amp is available. WiFi was available also.

1 night at Private RV

Great place to stay. Comfortable and easy. Would definitely stay here again.

6 top desert campgrounds in Idaho

97%

(371)

Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

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.

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.

Booked 1 time

A Little Bit Wilder

2 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Wilder, ID

25 acres in the agricultural region of canyon county. Our space has easy access for large RVs, and we can accommodate dogs and horses and ATVs. We are close to wine country, hiking, shopping, fishing, and general enjoyment of our beautiful state. we have horses of our own and hey our field three times a year. We also live next-door to happy Valley orchards, which is a very fun walk to take around the cherry trees and enjoy the sunsets.

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

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.

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!