The best waterside campgrounds 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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

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

5. Sawtooth National Forest

95%

(77)

683 sites · Challis, Idaho

Find four-season outdoor fun in this mountainous landscape.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Parkside Mountain Ranch

96%

(53)

30 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!

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

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

11. Ponderosa State Park

100%

(2)

168 sites · Mc Call, Idaho

Discover Ponderosa State Park's scenic landscapes and diverse activities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

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

13. Lake Cascade State Park

93%

(7)

234 sites · Cascade, Idaho

Discover Lake Cascade State Park's scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

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Toilets

Campfires

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.

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Toilets

Campfires

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

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

Public campgrounds in Idaho

100%

(16)

Stanley Lake Inlet Campground

14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sawtooth National Forest

100%

(5)

Black Rock Campground

11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(12)

Stanley Lake Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sawtooth National Forest

100%

(5)

Redfish Cabin

1 site · in Sawtooth National Forest

100%

(8)

Glacier View Campground

63 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sawtooth National Forest

100%

(4)

Alturas Lake Inlet Campground

27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sawtooth National Forest

100%

(3)

South Fork Salmon River Campground

11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(3)

Big Trinity Lake Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(3)

Springy Point Campground

38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Pend Oreille

100%

(2)

French Creek Campground

21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(2)

Antelope Campground

16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

100%

(2)

Bad Bear Campground

6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Boise National Forest

Stories from the community

L

Lisa

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfront cabin and camping

Location is beautiful--about 40 minutes on a gravel road outside of Huntington on the Snake River. The camper itself is pretty rustic and bare bones. Be sure to bring your own towels, blankets, and pillows. The kitchen has just enough supplies to make a very simple meal and the appliances worked fine. Thanks to Danny and the dogs for hosting us 😀

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.

T

The Snack Pack

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Cagle Cove

It's a little difficult to pound tent stakes into the ground due to the ground mostly being rock underneath the wood chips, but we managed it a couple times! The spot is clean and the hosts were nice.

J

Jolanda

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfront Adventures

Great spot on the water. Host gave good directions and responded quickly. We loved the table they had set up right next to the water, Nice place to have lunch and also really enjoyed the kayaks.

L

Logan's

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cagle Cove

I took my wife and kids here for a night of camping and let me tell you. My kids had a wonderful time in the canoes in the pond. The camp site was very clean, the porta potty was very clean. It was a very wonderful time having a camp fire and spending quality time with my family. I will definitely be booking again.

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.

M

Michael

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Cagle Cove

We were traveling through Boise late at night and needed a camp site for our pop up camper. This turned out to be a real gem of a find. We camped next to babbling brook (the “Willows” site) with easy access to a pond and portable toilet. Everything was well maintained and the price can’t be beat. Just a few miles off the highway. The owner was very responsive. Highly recommend!

M

Mary Ann

September 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

With pets

5 nights at Waterfront Adventures

We loved staying at this HipCamp. It was one of the best locations we have stayed. Literally feet away from the Pend Oreille River, the views were amazing. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. We had to change our plans and they worked with HipCamp to get two nights refunded even though it was outside their cancellation policy. We would definitely stay here again.

S

Shelby

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfront Adventures

Stewart and Shawna's waterfront camp was AMAZING! We had a wonderful time. The water was perfect for kids of all ages. We had a large group and they were so kind and accommodating and it made for a great family camp out. It was great to be able to bring our dogs with us as well and have them off leash to run around and swim with us. They had some super fun water toys by the dock that everyone loved to play on. We will definitely return if we are in the area again.

C

Chunky Marine

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Cagle Cove

Beautiful view and cool setup. This was on someone's private land and was quite and peaceful. The RV was great to use. The dog was so sweet. She did love snacks and did poop in my area but its fine. I love dogs. Other then that is was comfortable and convenient. Had porta potty and a trash can to use was very clean and well maintained.

M

Madeline

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Parkside Mountain Ranch

We had the best time! Stan was an amazing host and provided us with incredible service and hospitality. We can’t wait to come back!

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!!!

L

Luke

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfront cabin and camping

Sweet older trailer with all the basic comforts, great hosts, beautiful views and good fishing!

T

Teri

August 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfront Adventures

Great location. Beautiful view. Relaxing. The dogs loved playing in the water. No shade trees so remember to set up your camper to accommodate for that and bring shade.

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😁

M

Michelle

August 2025

40 ft Class A

Group trip

3 nights at Waterfront Adventures

Wonderful spot! Private and well kept, we would highly recommend it!

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

N

Nick

August 2025

19 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Waterfront Adventures

Stewart and Shawna’s place is amazing! Their kids were wonderful with mine, which made the stay even better. The property offers a stunning view, a private and relaxing setting, and an overall welcoming atmosphere. I would highly recommend booking with them!