The best star host camping in Idaho

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In the eastern reaches of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho offers recreation throughout the year, from whitewater rafting to backcountry exploration. And with fewer people than New York City and over 60% of the state covered in public land, Idaho is the perfect host for your next outdoor adventure. 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. From yurts to Yellowstone, we’ve nailed down some of Idaho’s best spots to pitch your tent or park your RV.

99% (5.4K) 320 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Idaho

The Meadow

1. The Meadow

99%
(137)
Carmen, ID · 5 sites
Welcome to the Weaver's Meadow. We have lived on this property for the past 31 years and it is the very spot where a blind date led to an engagement which let to a beautiful love story and 3 wonderful children. Now, we hope you too can come and enjoy the utterly breathtaking beauty of our secluded, creekside paradise. Nestled among the aspen trees you will find a one room cabin complete with bed, table and chairs, wood cookstove and all the amenities you will need to truly relax with the comfort of a cozy cabin to forget the outside world.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$60
 / night
Mike and Brenda's getaway

2. Mike and Brenda's getaway

99%
(207)
Cataldo, ID · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our campground is part of our working farm. We have a permanent wetland conservation easement on 400 acres of our farm that provides habitat for all manor of wildlife. Bring your camera and a pare of binoculars.  Cell phone service in our area is VERY limited. 
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$45
 / night
Mountain Top Getaways

3. Mountain Top Getaways

97%
(399)
Preston, ID · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$13
 / night
Mini Acres Farm

4. Mini Acres Farm

98%
(63)
Emmett, ID · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
6+ acres in the country with central location that is 15 to 20 minute drive to several towns and cities. Lots of large trees that shade grassy park areas. *Got horses?... We have plenty of room for horses, if you’d like, and free access to our riding arena, horse stall and grazing pasture plus riding trails on BLM land. *Got bikes?... Partake in some beautiful, quiet and picturesque country road rides plus nearby off road access to BLM trails. *Like to fish?... If fishing is your thing, there's plenty with many nearby ponds, lakes and rivers. A relaxing countryfied environment!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Lost Moose Campground

5. Lost Moose Campground

96%
(40)
Cataldo, ID · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
Lost 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, 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. It is also the headquarters for the 72 mile paved rails to trails bike path that goes from Mullan to Plummer, passing through several historic towns and meandering along the river. If you're looking to get off the beaten path and back to nature, we've got you covered!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

In the eastern reaches of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho offers recreation throughout the year, from whitewater rafting to backcountry exploration. And with fewer people than New York City and over 60% of the state covered in public land, Idaho is the perfect host for your next outdoor adventure. 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. From yurts to Yellowstone, we’ve nailed down some of Idaho’s best spots to pitch your tent or park your RV.

99% (5.4K) 320 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Idaho

The Meadow

1. The Meadow

99%
(137)
Carmen, ID · 5 sites
Welcome to the Weaver's Meadow. We have lived on this property for the past 31 years and it is the very spot where a blind date led to an engagement which let to a beautiful love story and 3 wonderful children. Now, we hope you too can come and enjoy the utterly breathtaking beauty of our secluded, creekside paradise. Nestled among the aspen trees you will find a one room cabin complete with bed, table and chairs, wood cookstove and all the amenities you will need to truly relax with the comfort of a cozy cabin to forget the outside world.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$60
 / night
Mike and Brenda's getaway

2. Mike and Brenda's getaway

99%
(207)
Cataldo, ID · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Our campground is part of our working farm. We have a permanent wetland conservation easement on 400 acres of our farm that provides habitat for all manor of wildlife. Bring your camera and a pare of binoculars.  Cell phone service in our area is VERY limited. 
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$45
 / night
Mountain Top Getaways

3. Mountain Top Getaways

97%
(399)
Preston, ID · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$13
 / night
Mini Acres Farm

4. Mini Acres Farm

98%
(63)
Emmett, ID · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
6+ acres in the country with central location that is 15 to 20 minute drive to several towns and cities. Lots of large trees that shade grassy park areas. *Got horses?... We have plenty of room for horses, if you’d like, and free access to our riding arena, horse stall and grazing pasture plus riding trails on BLM land. *Got bikes?... Partake in some beautiful, quiet and picturesque country road rides plus nearby off road access to BLM trails. *Like to fish?... If fishing is your thing, there's plenty with many nearby ponds, lakes and rivers. A relaxing countryfied environment!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Lost Moose Campground

5. Lost Moose Campground

96%
(40)
Cataldo, ID · 22 sites · Tents, RVs
Lost 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, 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. It is also the headquarters for the 72 mile paved rails to trails bike path that goes from Mullan to Plummer, passing through several historic towns and meandering along the river. If you're looking to get off the beaten path and back to nature, we've got you covered!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping in Idaho guide

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 ParkHeyburn 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 ForestBoise National ForestPonderosa State ParkLake 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.

When to go

The weather is an essential factor when it comes to camping. Idaho's climate is generally semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The peak season for camping in Idaho is from June to August, during which campgrounds can be crowded, and reservations may be required. If the campsite is at a high elevation, it may be more suitable to visit during the late spring or summer months when the snow has melted. The best time to go camping in Idaho is during the summer months, preferably in May or September for a more peaceful experience.

Know before you go

  1. Research your camping options: Idaho offers a wide range of camping options, from primitive campsites to RV parks. Research your options ahead of time to find a spot that fits your needs and preferences.
  2. Plan for the weather: Idaho's weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack accordingly. Bring warm clothing for chilly nights and rain gear in case of storms.
  3. Prepare for wildlife encounters: Idaho is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears and mountain lions. Make sure you know how to store your food and garbage properly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors.
  4. Follow Leave No Trace principles: When camping in Idaho (or anywhere else), it's important to follow the Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all of your trash, staying on established trails, and leaving natural features undisturbed.
  5. Respect other campers: Finally, be respectful of other campers in the area. Keep noise levels down, and avoid wandering into other campsites uninvited.