The best forest campgrounds near Mud Lake, Idaho

Mud Lake turns into a prime base for forest camping, with over 80 options where pine needles crunch underfoot and wildlife sightings are more common than traffic. You’ll find sites starting at $25 a night, most averaging around $40, and plenty offer showers, toilets, and legal campfires—essentials after a long hike or a day chasing snow. The forest here isn’t just background; it’s the main event. Trails cut through dense stands, and in winter, locals grab their skis or snowshoes. Wildlife-watching is a daily ritual. Top campsites like The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge (340 reviews), Riverside Retreat-Rigby (22 reviews), and Mountain River Ranch (14 reviews) all put you close to the trees—and each has its own loyal following. Bring layers; nights cool off fast, and the forest stays quiet enough to hear every branch snap. If you want forest camping that’s equal parts practical and wild, Mud Lake delivers.

97% (409)

Top-rated campgrounds

Loo-uvre Restroom and Shower House. No fee so please clean up after yourself.

Mud Lake turns into a prime base for forest camping, with over 80 options where pine needles crunch underfoot and wildlife sightings are more common than traffic. You’ll find sites starting at $25 a night, most averaging around $40, and plenty offer showers, toilets, and legal campfires—essentials after a long hike or a day chasing snow. The forest here isn’t just background; it’s the main event. Trails cut through dense stands, and in winter, locals grab their skis or snowshoes. Wildlife-watching is a daily ritual. Top campsites like The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge (340 reviews), Riverside Retreat-Rigby (22 reviews), and Mountain River Ranch (14 reviews) all put you close to the trees—and each has its own loyal following. Bring layers; nights cool off fast, and the forest stays quiet enough to hear every branch snap. If you want forest camping that’s equal parts practical and wild, Mud Lake delivers.

97% (409)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

94%

(467)

41mi from Mud Lake · 74 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rigby, ID

In the beautiful Idaho countryside, our Inn is in the beloved year-round recreation hotspot called Heise-Kelly Canyon. We have a wide variety of rooms and sites. Including: 4 log cabins that sleep 4 in 2 queen log beds with mini kitchenettes, 3 sources of heat, and en suite bathrooms 4 Moonlight Cottages with AC and heat that sleep 5 or 6 in 2 queens plus one adult friendly twin (cottages B and D) or two kid-friendly twins bunked together (cottages A and C), mini-kitchenettes, and just a few steps away is the deluxe no-fee Loo-uvre Restroom and Shower House Two 20' diameter year-round yurts with themed decor-- each sleeps 4 in one queen and two twins with all bed and bath linens, plus a very well-stocked kitchen, and a firepit, pergola, picnic table and Char-griller charcoal BBQ outside. Camper trailer-- 16' vintage camper Little Buffy that sleeps 2 and has a mini-kitchenette and guests use the Loo-uvre Restroom/Shower House close by. New to the Lodge is Adirondack-style "The Bunkie" that sleeps 6 or 7 plus has a desk, microwave and fridge. All bed and bath linens are provided in all of our rooms. Firepits are a-plenty! Our Inn also has great tent sites, plus both 30 amp and 50 amp RV/Camper sites with water and electric, a firepit and picnic table each, plus a fee dump station. We are currently planning/building another shower/restroom house and a laundry mat. There is a fee dump station on site. With over ten acres of property to play at and stroll, your stay will be one of fun, peace and quiet. Our RV & Camp is fun! We have our famous Borrow Barn with loads of complementary activities including a 9 hole disc golf course with maps/disc/scorecards, free pedal boats, Little Free Library #69967, volleyball, tetherball, badminton, board games and more, plus our cruiser bicycles in our Bike Corral are for guests to enjoy on property also. Children must be watched always and very closely-- enjoy being with your children on the property. A beautiful Restroom and Shower House is fee free. We are located in the Heise-Kelly Canyon of southeast Idaho with fabulous sunrises and sunsets. We are very close to hiking, hot springs, rapelling, 200+ miles of ATV and SxS trails, golf, mini-golf, a driving range, skiing, ice cream parlor and two restaurants, and the mighty Snake River corridor right across the road. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside. We are 20 minutes from Bear World in Rexburg, and less than two hours from Grand Teton Park and Yellowstone National Park regardless of which of the four routes that you take, with each route including a beautiful waterfall. 90 minutes to the east to Jackson/GTNP/then South Gate in YNP (2 routes-- the mountain pass or the easy Snake River route), and 90 minutes to the north to West Yellowstone/Yellowstone West Gate (2 steep mountain passes). Both routes are beautiful with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and Idaho countryside.

2. Arcadia Hangout: Cabin by Reservoir

100%

(3)

49mi from Mud Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Ashton, ID

Learn more about this land: Four-season rustic cabin that can sleep up to 6 adults and up to 10 total. Access by vehicle (summer) or snowmobile (winter). Separate indoor kitchen/eating areas vs sleeping area (inside sturdy vinyl Army tent). Wood stove inside the tent will keep you warm all night. Bring your own sleeping bags, food, and water. Primitive outhouse near the yurt. So much to do - so much to see (moose and deer are commonplace). SUMMER: Access to private lake: swimming and fishing and boating (no gas engines allowed). Private sand dune area for ATVs, with access to hundreds of miles of public land trails. St Anthony Sand Dunes, Civil Defense Caves, Ice Caves and Island Park Reservoir are all accessible on an ATV day trip. Yellowstone National Park is an 80 minute drive, though accessing the property requires a 6.5 mile drive on a dirt road, a total of 25 minutes from Ashton. Two campfire rings on the property to choose from for your evening gatherings.

3. North Creek RV

100%

(3)

30mi from Mud Lake · 6 sites · RVs · Howe, ID

Welcome to your outdoor haven on this expansive 160-acre property that borders the Challis National Forest. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you gain access to a network of public land trails, leading you through historic mining sites and ascending above the tree line for breathtaking panoramic views. Explore the richness of the Challis National Forest, where the trails provide not only a glimpse into the area's mining history but also the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. As you ascend, the landscape unfolds, offering miles of scenic vistas that captivate the senses. For those with a passion for angling, the nearby Pass Lake beckons, offering the chance to catch beautiful cutthroat trout in a serene and picturesque setting. Whether you're an avid hiker, history enthusiast, or a fishing aficionado, this property provides a gateway to diverse outdoor experiences. Join us in this natural sanctuary, where the Challis National Forest becomes an extension of your backyard, inviting you to explore, unwind, and connect with the beauty of the land.

4. Targhee National Forest

85%

(17)

469 sites · Wyoming

You’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to take advantage of all that Targhee National Forest has to offer. On several million acres, waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, and crystal clear pools provide some of the best cutthroat trout fishing in the world. Rafters and tubers frolic in the shadows of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and the smell of campfires makes you feel like an Oregon Trailer. Ancient rock formations sprout wildflowers, providing a scenic spot to boulder or rock climb, and Big Spring & Palisades Reservoir boasts over 70 miles of shoreline to bask in the sun after a long day of hiking. Two of the trails here access the high-altitute Alaska Basin, as well as trails in Grand Teton National Park. You’ll also be right next to the city of Idaho Falls, perfect for stocking up on the essentials before a full day of exploring grizzly bear habitats and karst limestone formations, all under the watchful eye of the snow-peaked Tetons!

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%

(14)

633 sites · Wisdom, Montana

Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

6. Mountain River Ranch

86%

(22)

41mi from Mud Lake · 67 sites · RVs · Ririe, ID

Beautiful, clean and quiet RV Park and Campground with 64 RV spaces, one large lodge, five rooms, four dry cabins, and teepees. RV Park is open May through October. Restrooms and showers close by. Whether visiting summer or winter, lots of family fun can be found at Mountain River Ranch! Join us for sleigh/wagon ride dinner shows, camping, & trout pond fishing. Family owned and operated since 1985, Mountain River Ranch is the place for great food, fun and hospitality! Whether you live locally or are coming from faraway places for a family vacation you have come to the right place. We are a short drive from Yellowstone National Park as well as Jackson Hole, WY and Idaho Falls, ID. Join us for endless amounts of fun!

7. Riverside Retreat-Rigby

100%

(37)

30mi from Mud Lake · 2 sites · RVs · ID

This is a beautiful, wooded property on the river. This is part of our small ranch, we have small herd of cattle and some horses and mules. This property is a magical oasis that feels like you’re hours away from everything, but your not! Lots of opportunities to see wildlife be in nature and explore.

Public campgrounds near Mud Lake

Stoddard Creek Campground

42mi from Mud Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Targhee National Forest

100%

(2)

Table Rock Campground

47mi from Mud Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Targhee National Forest

Al Taylor Cabin

48mi from Mud Lake · 1 site · in Targhee National Forest

100%

(1)

Steel Creek Group Campground

49mi from Mud Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Targhee National Forest

100%

(1)

East Creek Campground

50mi from Mud Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Stories from the community

C

Charles

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

Convenient, easy access, quiet, level, private DIRECTLY on the Snake River! Beautiful setting with friendly host and dog. Great place for an overnight on the road but could be nice for a couple nights too.

D

Derek

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to North Creek RV

The views are awesome, quiet and relaxing. A great place to get away definitely recommend.

H

Holloway

September 2025

20 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

AMAZING place on the water. Super nice hosts too!!

C

Curtis

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

The yurt was really nice and had two single beds / one queen sized bed- it could definitely house an average family. It was clean and comfortable, with a nice covered outdoor patio area, and access to full bathroom / shower facilities. Would highly recommend; great value for the price!

Amy

September 2025

40 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverside Retreat-Rigby

We really enjoy this spot. It is beautiful and so relaxing to watch the river run by. We got an extra treat with the Elk calling all around us. This is definitely a place I would return to.

A

Ashley

September 2025

33 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Riverside Retreat-Rigby

Absolutely beautiful spot. We parked our RV right on the river bank. The site is completely secluded, but only a few minutes from town. The owner is one of the nicest people we’ve ever met. Can’t wait to return!

Sara

September 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

Riverside haven was the perfect private, beautiful spot by the water. We enjoyed walking alongside the river, taking in the views at sunrise and sunset, and enjoyed the birdwatching and deer! Hosts were very friendly and helpful. We hope to come back with our dogs next time - they would love it!

David

September 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

Amazing site - lots of space and private. Friendly and communicative host.

Tim

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

This place is a little off the beaten path but has awesome amenities and services. Very welcoming host (in-person) and very very clean facilities.

Paula

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

4 nights at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

Incredibly lovely private site on the Snake river. Fishing spots, boaters, birds galore including a bald eagle and a big flock of turkeys. Hosts went above and beyond on hospitality and then left us alone. Perfect for us. Our dog loved it, too!

H

Heather

September 2025

1 night at The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

Amazing yurt and the entire property is curated for a relaxing stay.

D

Derek

August 2025

28 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to North Creek RV

A great place to get away, the views are amazing. And the host is very friendly.

D

Debby

August 2025

21 ft travel trailer

1 night at North Creek RV

It was such an amazing place to stay, gorgeous, remote, wonderful hiking. I hope they will be able to get water to the sites (we carried our own up) but also having electricity and a place to dump made this so easy. The host met us at the top and explained things to us. Fred's land is a magical place to stay.

The photographic artwork of Nigel May in moonlight Cottages A Amanda.

L

Lauren

August 2025

4 nights at The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

The grounds were extremely well maintained, beautifully decorated and lovingly tended to! The place had a lot of extra nice touches and amenities that made one of a kind. Staff was helpful and made sure we always had what we needed. I will say, the service is extremely spotty, especially depending on your phone carrier and there is no WIFI. For safety reasons this is something I wish we had access to as the site was in a pretty rural area.

e

erin

July 2025

21 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

Megan's space was so peaceful! It was the perfect spot for myself and my 2 dogs to take a break after a long day. Megan was easy to reach and came to make sure we got settled in. We very much enjoyed our time there!

Q

Quin

July 2025

34 ft Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Retreat-Rigby

I loved camping here! It was so peaceful and the views were incredible! The river was very close and I loved being able to see and hear the water. It was very near to Bear World, which made it easy. We stopped on our way to Yellowstone and stayed here a couple nights. It was the perfect place to start our trip and a great place to stop and enjoy nature.

Jordan

July 2025

With pets

1 night at The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

Charming Spot with Beautiful Views — Just Be Aware of the Details We stayed at Aspen Grove Inn and RV Park for a quick getaway and overall had a nice experience. The location is absolutely beautiful, and the property itself is very well maintained and cared for. We stayed in the O'Canada Yurt, which was clean, cozy, and super cute — a fun and unique place to stay. The hosts clearly take pride in their property and keep everything in great shape. That said, they are quite strict and have a number of rules, which made us a little nervous about missing something and being charged. We made sure to thoroughly clean the yurt ourselves before leaving just to be safe. Our kids really enjoyed the Borrow Barn — the games and toys were a great bonus and helped keep them entertained. One disappointment was that several amenities listed on the website, like swimming, mini golf, and rock climbing, were not actually available on-site but rather at a different location north of the property for an additional fee. It would’ve been helpful to have that made clearer in advance, as we chose the stay in part based on those offerings, mostly for the pool. On the bright side, the bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean — definitely appreciated! All in all, we enjoyed our short stay. With a little more transparency on the amenities and perhaps a slightly more relaxed approach to the rules, this place could be even more enjoyable.

K

Kevin

July 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at Riverside Retreat-Rigby

I was always taught to leave a place better than you found it, this place makes that hard to do. The area was clean and very well maintained. The hosts are very kind and concerned with a good stay. The whole sight has a wonderful view and is very private. You see the late afternoon fisherman coming down the river and everyone was very polite and respectful. We will definitely be back and I promise you will be happy with your decision to stay here.

Mmm mmm comfy bed with down pillows and down duvet.

T

Taylor

June 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Aspen Grove Inn at Heise Bridge

The camper was perfect for our one night stay! Cozy bed- FYI perfect for a short person! My boyfriend and I are tall so our feet hung off the bed but were comfortable! Bathrooms are nicely kept and the area is fun with the lightening strung up around the property. Highly recommend if looking for a place to crash for a night and chill!