The best waterside camping in Idaho

·

Idaho’s waterside camping scene doesn’t hold back—over 5,900 options line rivers, lakes, and creeks from Sandpoint to Snake River. You can set up camp for as little as $20 a night, though most sites average around $59. Top picks include Paradise on Mirror Lake (361 reviews), The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge (340 reviews), and A Wee Place in the Woods (317 reviews). Expect sites where campfires are welcome, pets can tag along, and toilets are available. It’s a prime spot for wildlife-watching, hiking, and even horseback riding. Pull up to the shore, unroll your sleeping bag, and let Idaho’s waters do the rest.

95% (4.6K) 180 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Idaho

Waterfront cabin and camping

1. Waterfront cabin and camping

96%
(165)
6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Huntington, OR
Learn more about this land: We have 125 acre farm ranch that is waterfront on brownlee reservoir. We have 5 different camping vacations options. 1 cabin to rent. 1 camp trailer on a nice waterfront lot as well as 3 camp sports 1 with water and power hook ups (site. 2 water wheel) and 2 dry camp spots. we have a spot to launch boats which is right between sight 3 and 4. Good fishing. Very little boat traffic. Very private. In the fall big horn sheep frequently rut on the property. We usually have fresh eggs on hand. Dry climate. Sage brush and juniper trees here. We have an easy to access spot to fill up water to your camp trailers or rvs. The water is from a spring and Water tastes really good. We just added a 24ft pontoon boat for rent. This area has a lot of history. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe often stayed in this area and on the property. In fact this was where his tribe met to discuss and decide to try to go to escape to Canada. This is where that journey started. You can still find arrow heads on the shoreline every so often. I’m ruffly 15 miles north of Huntington oregon. 13 miles of which is dirt road. The property sits at the base of lookout mountain. Really good cell service here with Verizon Full bars. If you decide to come camp make sure your directions take you through Huntington. Google sometimes likes to try to get people to drive over the mountain. Or if your coming from the north it sometimes wants you to go through Richland and then on 34 miles of dirt road. Going Through Huntington onto snake river rd is the easy way to go.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Cagle Cove

2. Cagle Cove

99%
(193)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenleaf, ID
Learn more about this land: Pick your camping spot around a secluded private fish filled pond. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching. Fire rings and picnic tables at each spot. Located near snake river/Sunnyslope wine country, and golf course. 30 to 45 minutes from Boise but feels like you are away from civilization. Pet friendly area and no nearby neighbors. Amazing opportunity to s t a r g a z e. Although there is room for multiple campers, we have limited the reservations to 4 spots. Drug free!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night
The Meadow

3. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$60
 / night
Boise National Forest

4. Boise National Forest

81%
(42)
653 sites · Lowman, Idaho
You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho). Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte. You’ll have your hands full at this intersection of so many great parks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sawtooth National Forest

5. Sawtooth National Forest

95%
(77)
683 sites · Challis, Idaho
Find four-season outdoor fun in this mountainous landscape.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Parkside Mountain Ranch

6. Parkside Mountain Ranch

96%
(53)
31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Plummer, ID
Private 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Waterfront Adventures

7. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(62)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sagle, ID
Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days 10% discount. Kayaks are available for use in the bay. Hiking and biking, stargazing, kite flying, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski/snowboard at Schweitzer only 45 min drive to the mountain. Boat launch 2 miles away. A couple of mooring balls available, ask on availability. Shallow, soft, clay bottom. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family. We have 4 kids. The beach with the dock between site 1 and 2 is also used by our family as well. Our place is a relaxed atmosphere and we enjoy meeting new campers visiting us. We do this because we enjoy sharing our space with others.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$88
 / night
Riverfront Base Camp

8. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$36
 / night
Lake Pend Oreille

9. Lake Pend Oreille

100%
(6)
111 sites · East Hope, Idaho
A huge lake surrounded by mountains can mean only one thing: lots of fun!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Henrys Lake State Park

10. Henrys Lake State Park

100%
(2)
86 sites · Island Park, Idaho
Henrys Lake State Park: A High Mountain Angler's Paradise.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ponderosa State Park

11. Ponderosa State Park

100%
(2)
168 sites · Mc Call, Idaho
Discover Ponderosa State Park's scenic landscapes and diverse activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coeur d'Alene Field Office

12. Coeur d'Alene Field Office

84 sites · Coeur D'alene, Idaho
Start your day at Coeur d’Alene Field Office with a jaunt down the scenic byway where every twist and turn will prove why locals call this spot “gem of the north”. Hike along Mineral Ridge or step into the stunning St. Joe river for some of the raddest salmon and trout fishing...ever. You can even boat in to your campsite at places like Popcorn Island. Backcountry camping is prime here. It's a chance to beat the crowds, see the best of the Coeur d’ Alene mountains, and you aren’t going to want to forget that camera. If you travel here in the winter, you'll see the insanely cool bald eagle migration. Every stretch of these lands is filled with a chance to discover the best of Idaho’s untouched wilderness; bring yourself or bring your posse, either way it’s a guaranteed gem to add to the list!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cascade State Park

13. Lake Cascade State Park

93%
(7)
234 sites · Cascade, Idaho
Discover Lake Cascade State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

14. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

99%
(34)
637 sites · Wallowa Lake, Oregon
Trek up massive peaks or descend into cavernous canyons on Oregon’s largest national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Dworshak Reservoir

15. Dworshak Reservoir

147 sites · Orofino, Idaho
Do you like fishing? How about fishing in the mountains surrounded by forests and killer campgrounds? Well then you’re gonna love Dworshak Reservoir; it not only houses the largest steelhead trout hatchery in the states, it also has killer views and an impressive dam. If fishing isn’t your thing, you’re still in luck as there’s plenty of hiking and biking trails throughout the forest, as well as a sick swimming beach and water galore to bring your sailboat or try your hand at water skiing and tubing. Camping is steps away from water views too. Dworshak is sure to become a quick favorite; nothing fishy about it!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bitterroot National Forest

16. Bitterroot National Forest

100%
(12)
237 sites · Conner, Montana
The Bitteroot National Forest provides sugar-sweet offerings to your senses. You can smell the aroma of wildflowers, taste the trout sizzl’n in your skillet, feel the wintry water as you dive into alpine lakes, hear the roar of raging rapids, and view the rugged peaks of the Bitteroot Ranges silhouetted by Montana sky. Hot damn! This is the place to be. With over 1.6 million acres, the Bitteroot provides heaps, loads, and bundles of outdoor recreational bliss. The forest has plentiful big game, the rivers are calling your kayak's name, the camping is otherworldly, and you can rent log cabins or fire lookouts (ooohwee)! What you waiting for, cowgirls and cowboys? Time to saddle up and experience the best the big sky country has to offer.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Idaho’s waterside camping scene doesn’t hold back—over 5,900 options line rivers, lakes, and creeks from Sandpoint to Snake River. You can set up camp for as little as $20 a night, though most sites average around $59. Top picks include Paradise on Mirror Lake (361 reviews), The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge (340 reviews), and A Wee Place in the Woods (317 reviews). Expect sites where campfires are welcome, pets can tag along, and toilets are available. It’s a prime spot for wildlife-watching, hiking, and even horseback riding. Pull up to the shore, unroll your sleeping bag, and let Idaho’s waters do the rest.

95% (4.6K) 180 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Idaho

Waterfront cabin and camping

1. Waterfront cabin and camping

96%
(165)
6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Huntington, OR
Learn more about this land: We have 125 acre farm ranch that is waterfront on brownlee reservoir. We have 5 different camping vacations options. 1 cabin to rent. 1 camp trailer on a nice waterfront lot as well as 3 camp sports 1 with water and power hook ups (site. 2 water wheel) and 2 dry camp spots. we have a spot to launch boats which is right between sight 3 and 4. Good fishing. Very little boat traffic. Very private. In the fall big horn sheep frequently rut on the property. We usually have fresh eggs on hand. Dry climate. Sage brush and juniper trees here. We have an easy to access spot to fill up water to your camp trailers or rvs. The water is from a spring and Water tastes really good. We just added a 24ft pontoon boat for rent. This area has a lot of history. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe often stayed in this area and on the property. In fact this was where his tribe met to discuss and decide to try to go to escape to Canada. This is where that journey started. You can still find arrow heads on the shoreline every so often. I’m ruffly 15 miles north of Huntington oregon. 13 miles of which is dirt road. The property sits at the base of lookout mountain. Really good cell service here with Verizon Full bars. If you decide to come camp make sure your directions take you through Huntington. Google sometimes likes to try to get people to drive over the mountain. Or if your coming from the north it sometimes wants you to go through Richland and then on 34 miles of dirt road. Going Through Huntington onto snake river rd is the easy way to go.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Cagle Cove

2. Cagle Cove

99%
(193)
4 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenleaf, ID
Learn more about this land: Pick your camping spot around a secluded private fish filled pond. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, fishing, swimming, and wildlife watching. Fire rings and picnic tables at each spot. Located near snake river/Sunnyslope wine country, and golf course. 30 to 45 minutes from Boise but feels like you are away from civilization. Pet friendly area and no nearby neighbors. Amazing opportunity to s t a r g a z e. Although there is room for multiple campers, we have limited the reservations to 4 spots. Drug free!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night
The Meadow

3. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$60
 / night
Boise National Forest

4. Boise National Forest

81%
(42)
653 sites · Lowman, Idaho
You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho). Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte. You’ll have your hands full at this intersection of so many great parks!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sawtooth National Forest

5. Sawtooth National Forest

95%
(77)
683 sites · Challis, Idaho
Find four-season outdoor fun in this mountainous landscape.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Parkside Mountain Ranch

6. Parkside Mountain Ranch

96%
(53)
31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Plummer, ID
Private 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Waterfront Adventures

7. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(62)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · Sagle, ID
Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days 10% discount. Kayaks are available for use in the bay. Hiking and biking, stargazing, kite flying, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski/snowboard at Schweitzer only 45 min drive to the mountain. Boat launch 2 miles away. A couple of mooring balls available, ask on availability. Shallow, soft, clay bottom. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family. We have 4 kids. The beach with the dock between site 1 and 2 is also used by our family as well. Our place is a relaxed atmosphere and we enjoy meeting new campers visiting us. We do this because we enjoy sharing our space with others.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$88
 / night
Riverfront Base Camp

8. 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.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$36
 / night
Lake Pend Oreille

9. Lake Pend Oreille

100%
(6)
111 sites · East Hope, Idaho
A huge lake surrounded by mountains can mean only one thing: lots of fun!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Henrys Lake State Park

10. Henrys Lake State Park

100%
(2)
86 sites · Island Park, Idaho
Henrys Lake State Park: A High Mountain Angler's Paradise.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ponderosa State Park

11. Ponderosa State Park

100%
(2)
168 sites · Mc Call, Idaho
Discover Ponderosa State Park's scenic landscapes and diverse activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coeur d'Alene Field Office

12. Coeur d'Alene Field Office

84 sites · Coeur D'alene, Idaho
Start your day at Coeur d’Alene Field Office with a jaunt down the scenic byway where every twist and turn will prove why locals call this spot “gem of the north”. Hike along Mineral Ridge or step into the stunning St. Joe river for some of the raddest salmon and trout fishing...ever. You can even boat in to your campsite at places like Popcorn Island. Backcountry camping is prime here. It's a chance to beat the crowds, see the best of the Coeur d’ Alene mountains, and you aren’t going to want to forget that camera. If you travel here in the winter, you'll see the insanely cool bald eagle migration. Every stretch of these lands is filled with a chance to discover the best of Idaho’s untouched wilderness; bring yourself or bring your posse, either way it’s a guaranteed gem to add to the list!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lake Cascade State Park

13. Lake Cascade State Park

93%
(7)
234 sites · Cascade, Idaho
Discover Lake Cascade State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

14. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

99%
(34)
637 sites · Wallowa Lake, Oregon
Trek up massive peaks or descend into cavernous canyons on Oregon’s largest national forest.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Dworshak Reservoir

15. Dworshak Reservoir

147 sites · Orofino, Idaho
Do you like fishing? How about fishing in the mountains surrounded by forests and killer campgrounds? Well then you’re gonna love Dworshak Reservoir; it not only houses the largest steelhead trout hatchery in the states, it also has killer views and an impressive dam. If fishing isn’t your thing, you’re still in luck as there’s plenty of hiking and biking trails throughout the forest, as well as a sick swimming beach and water galore to bring your sailboat or try your hand at water skiing and tubing. Camping is steps away from water views too. Dworshak is sure to become a quick favorite; nothing fishy about it!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Bitterroot National Forest

16. Bitterroot National Forest

100%
(12)
237 sites · Conner, Montana
The Bitteroot National Forest provides sugar-sweet offerings to your senses. You can smell the aroma of wildflowers, taste the trout sizzl’n in your skillet, feel the wintry water as you dive into alpine lakes, hear the roar of raging rapids, and view the rugged peaks of the Bitteroot Ranges silhouetted by Montana sky. Hot damn! This is the place to be. With over 1.6 million acres, the Bitteroot provides heaps, loads, and bundles of outdoor recreational bliss. The forest has plentiful big game, the rivers are calling your kayak's name, the camping is otherworldly, and you can rent log cabins or fire lookouts (ooohwee)! What you waiting for, cowgirls and cowboys? Time to saddle up and experience the best the big sky country has to offer.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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