The best campgrounds in Idaho with surfing

Surfing in Idaho? You bet. With five campsites that cater to wave-chasers, you’ll find options near river breaks and mellow currents, not just mountain lakes. Average price per night sits at $60, but you’ll spot a few for as low as $44. Top picks like The Meadow (110 reviews), Riverfront Base Camp (17 reviews), and Private backyard oasis (13 reviews) put you close to the water and prime river surf spots. Most sites let you build a campfire, bring your dog, and rinse off after a session—showers are common. Between sets, try swimming or, if you’re here in winter, snow sports. Idaho’s surf scene isn’t obvious, but it’s real, and these camps keep you close to the action.

94% (153)

Top-rated campgrounds

Meadow area with the cabin facing outward on the right.

Surfing in Idaho? You bet. With five campsites that cater to wave-chasers, you’ll find options near river breaks and mellow currents, not just mountain lakes. Average price per night sits at $60, but you’ll spot a few for as low as $44. Top picks like The Meadow (110 reviews), Riverfront Base Camp (17 reviews), and Private backyard oasis (13 reviews) put you close to the water and prime river surf spots. Most sites let you build a campfire, bring your dog, and rinse off after a session—showers are common. Between sets, try swimming or, if you’re here in winter, snow sports. Idaho’s surf scene isn’t obvious, but it’s real, and these camps keep you close to the action.

94% (153)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Meadow

99%

(137)

5 sites · Lodging · Carmen, ID

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.

2. Private backyard oasis

100%

(14)

1 site · RV · Boise, ID

We have a nice private backyard for you to park your self contained camper. Ideal for a self contained campervan. Our space is really only big enough for rigs under 25 feet. We currently have a 23 ft Airstream Flying Cloud parked permanently in the backyard and also rent this out. Let us know if you'll need water, or electric while you are here.

3. Riverfront Base Camp

79%

(29)

1 site · Tent, RV · Cataldo, ID

Park your RV, overland rig, pitch a tent, or sleep under the stars next to the Coeur D’ Alene River. Be advised this is directly next to State Highway 3. If you are a light sleeper, or road noise bothers you, this is not the campsite for you. At the camp, you can launch your kayaks at the river to go for an adventure down through the Chain Lakes, all eight are accessible by the river adjacent to where you will sleep. The bird and wildlife watching in this area is world class. Ospreys, hawks, turkeys and other animals commonly hang out in these parts. You can go for a swim at one of the sandbars, take your dirt bikes or side by sides down Killarney Lake Road to access an extensive network of trails and dirt roads into remote wilderness. There is no cell service, no water or electrical hookups, or toilet. As beautiful as it is, your experience will not be “glamping” unless you come with all the comforts you personally desire. You can hunt on the forest service land by 4th of July Pass, fish on the river, or on the Chain Lakes (with the proper permits, of course). There is a access into the water from camp but it is quite steep. For easy access to the water, use the docks or boat launch at Killarney Lake or Bull Run. Pets and kids are allowed at your own risk. Be advised the highway and river are hazardous for off-leash animals and rambunctious toddlers. Please send a message if you have any questions. I am happy to help.

4. 300 feet off Payette river Puma RV

100%

(2)

1 site · Lodging · Cascade, ID

Located inside Leisure Time RV Park close to River for boating fishing Hiking 4 Bikes to use. ice fishing gear for winter Wi-Fi and TV to watch movies and lots of games puzzles &; books to enjoy. full kitchen full bathroom king bed with pull out bed in living room. all the cooking stuff you will need crock pot mixer mixing bowels Dutch ovens. ninjas smoking grill.

Stories from the community

Laron

October 2025

1 night at The Meadow

We had a great stay at Doug and Shannon’s cabin! Located close to Salmon, but still remote and private. We stayed plenty warm in the cabin, and enjoyed the swing by the water. Would definitely recommend and would stay again next time we are in the area!

Cat

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

This was a very cute and homey cabin, perfect for a weekend getaway with my boyfriend. He originally wanted to camp, so even though the cabin is rustic, it was perfect for us. I especially enjoyed sitting on the loveseat on the porch. And having a coffee maker! The hosts were so friendly and welcoming.

A

Aaron

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

Had a great weekend at the cabin. Lots of nice touches and what a serene setting only 15 minutes from Salmon.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Beautiful scenery, FANTASTIC SWIMMING and a great location for bikers wanting easy access to the Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes! Our second time at this location, we’ll be back next year!!!

B

Beth

August 2025

Weekend Trip to 300 feet off Payette river Puma RV

This was a great, comfy RV to stay in for a weekend getaway!

S

Sierra

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Really loved the camp site right on the water! It was very peaceful and clean would definitely recommend everyone to stay here at least once😁

J

Jay

August 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Private backyard oasis

Great private spot with power and water if needed! Nice shady back yard with chairs to hang out in. We had a great walk in the neighborhood. Felt very safe. Pete made us feel very welcome and we will definitely stay here again!

Shawn

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Amazing sunset and sunrise.....perfect spot to rest.

L

Linsey

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

The view of the river was beautiful. Enjoyed a nice relaxing getaway

K

Kenzie

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Great spot! Isolated and close to water. Water is fine to swim in as I think most bodies of water in this area have the same warnings just maybe not as concentrated? Idk, my husband and I didn’t grow any extra limbs or anything crazy! Plan to come back again soon :)

A

Aaron

July 2025

4 nights at The Meadow

An absolutely lovely spot to relax for a day or a week. We wish we could have stayed all month! The creek rushes by, cold and perfectly refreshing on a hot day. The cabin is adorable, comfortable, and well supplied. The outdoor kitchen, including fire pit, has everything one needs to cook gourmet camp meals and clean up afterwards. The nearby aspen groves are perfect for hammocks and shade any time of day. We had just enough cell service (Verizon) in the meadow to stream Spotify and check our phones occasionally, though we did our best to keep them hidden away. Hosts are delightful—welcoming, accommodating, and generous. We bought lavender lotions and lip balm made right on site and enjoyed conversations with the whole family. We will definitely be back, hopefully soon!

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!

Jaime

April 2025

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

A gem of a spot. Hosts are so kind. Thank you so much for the hospitality and the peaceful spot to rest!

K

Kelly

March 2025

35 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

PEACEFULL SPOT, HAD AN EMERGENCY AND HAD TO RESCHED. PERHAPS NEXT TIME. L ADI DA DAD DA, PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOC GO GREAT! GOD IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD, PEOPLE ARE F-ING CRAZY!!

Sierra

March 2025

1 night at The Meadow

We had such a nice stay at this cozy rustic cabin! Great hosts, and great location. We recommend! No cell service, and limited power, which is perfect by us! Comfy bed, and good views during the day! A good spot to disconnect and relax on a winter night. Thanks!

B

Beth

February 2025

Weekend Trip to 300 feet off Payette river Puma RV

Great, cozy winter getaway! David was a fabulous host who was easy to communicate with and made sure we had everything we needed. Will definitely stay again when we’re in the Cascade area.

L

Lindsey Marie

November 2024

Weekend Trip to The Meadow

We had the opportunity to stay at Shannon and Doug’s cabin on a weekend trip to Salmon/hotsprings. It was the perfect spot! Peaceful, quiet, and thoughtfully furnished. Hosts were accommodating and welcoming. We hope to return!