Camping in Boise National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Boise National Forest adventure.
81% (42 reviews)
81% (42 reviews)
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Damon
6 days ago
40 ft fifth wheel
Great service. Host is kind and went out of their way to help us get set up in the rain. They have 50amp service and Sewer which was really nice. Bring an extension for the sewer because it is about 12 feet away from the Rv. We road our dirty bikes up the dirt road to Jerusalem valley outlook. Beautiful! Site itself is not serene so much but the amenities and the access are why we will be there again.
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Anthony
2 weeks ago
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
recently stayed at this campsite and had a fantastic experience. The site had all the essential amenities—water, sewer, and power hookups—which made setting up our camp trailer easy and convenient. The parking area was exceptionally clean and leveled.
What really stood out, though, were the beautiful trees surrounding the campsite. They provided both shade and a peaceful, scenic environment that added to the relaxing atmosphere. Everything was well-maintained, and it’s clear they take pride in keeping the area in great shape.
Overall, this was one of the most pleasant and hassle-free camping experiences I’ve had. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a comfortable and nature-filled getaway!
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marissa
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
Beautiful home & property. How was very welcoming and caring. The night was going to be cold and we have a tent and some sleeping bags but the host encouraged us to stay in her green house for warmth. That was a heartfelt gesture, we appreciated it so much. Would definitely recommend! Enough space for multiple sights and comfort.
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Stacy
3 weeks ago
24 ft Class C
With kids
Amazing stay with Kelci! She even volunteered to immediately call us when we had questions about the electricity. There are lots of mosquitoes, so just plan for that before you go. We had deep woods spray and a citronella candle and started a fire which seemed to decrease their impact significantly.
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Suzanne
3 weeks ago
26 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great two day trip to Osprey Glade. It was nice to have full hookups in the woods. It was in a neighborhood but it was very private like other reviewers have stated. We loved being so close to the Boulder Creek beach. We will definitely be back!!!
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Andy
June 2025
22 ft campervan
With pets
Great spot only 10 minutes off the highway. Great for us - only used it 1 night while traveling through the area.
Houses somewhat nearby but lots of trees & shrubs for privacy. Fire pit, shore-power & well if needed. Easy walk to Boulder Creek Day-use area on the shores of Cascade reservoir. Closest grocery stores are in McCall or Cascade, so plan accordingly.
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Susie
June 2025
24 ft Class B
We loved this spot on the river! Gorgeous views and access to river. It is very close to road with noise, so might not be for everyone. The lower Campspot (not accessible by RV) was private and felt more secluded and less noise.
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Eric
June 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great downtown location that was quiet at.night and felt safe.
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Cassie
June 2025
28 ft Class C
We had a great experience staying at Bill’s spot in Downtown Boise! The location is perfect—right in the heart of everything. Communication was quick and smooth, and he was incredibly accommodating. Highly recommend this spot and we’ll definitely plan to stay here again in the future!
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Romy
June 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful location, wonderful and responsive hosts. There is a fire pit, Adirondack chairs and lights in the trees. It has a very welcoming feel.
When we first arrived, there were deer grazing in the lawn area. There are full hookups at the sights which make life in an RV much nicer. We loved it and would love to go back
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Kevin
June 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With kids
Perfect spot! Sat just over 15th hole of Terrace Lakes. The location also had great access to trails for our dirt bikes and Rzr. Ground was level and hookups were a breeze. We would definitely stay again in the future!
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Libby
June 2025
With pets
We loved the yurt! We are normally tent campers, but with a newly adopted dog and an elderly dog we decided that the yurt was a good alternative this time. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge for a couple of days. It felt private, in and among all the trees. The walk from parking to the yurt was tricky for our old arthritic dog but with a little assistance he was able to make it along just fine. Having the amenities in the yurt of the AC and lighting made it extra comfortable. The stove and fridge made cooking easy. Wade was very responsive and even provided a recommendation for easy river access when we asked in the middle of our stay. We can’t wait to come back again.
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Anna
May 2025
16 ft car
The site was gorgeous and right next to the river. Great communication from the host too.
The site is close to a road so there was occasional noise from passing cars.
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Sue
May 2025
22 ft travel trailer
With pets
Nice place. Clean. Amenities were nice. Wildlife was nice.
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Lindsey
May 2025
27 ft Class C
With pets
Great spot! So nice to have a green space directly behind the camper and being walking distance from downtown was fantastic. Only issue we had was a person with off leash dogs rushing our dogs - anyone with more sensitive dogs will want to be on high alert. Thankfully no major problems.
Overall loved the site and hope to return in the future!
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Aleasha
May 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Group trip
We had an awesome stay as usual. One of our favorite spots
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Stay at a public campground in Boise National Forest
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Camping in Boise National Forest guide
Overview
About
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.
Boise National Forest has over 70 campgrounds ripe for picking (or camping). Book a night at the Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin for an unforgettable experience. At this former fire lookout on Deadwood Mountain, you can hike one of the nearby trails or soak in the surroundings.
81%
42 ratings · 12 reviews
January 2023
In 1915 my great grandfather Joseph Oren Couch was deer hunting up the gladiator trail and near the salmon river. He carved his name, the name of the camp, and the date on a young cottonwood tree. He gave the camp the name “big buck camp”. How’s that for a story. 😁❤️ Couch summit, Idaho was also named after him. Lots of fun stories are written down about his early adventures and I don’t know who would really enjoy them, because sadly I’ve never been to Idaho- yet Happy 2023!
Suzycelentano@yahoo.com
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Suzy C.
2 years on Hipcamp
July 2022
A great little campground alongside Warm Springs Creek, with a lower loop for RVs, an upper loop that will accommodate tents plus smaller RVs in a few sites, and four walk-in tents sites. There are about 15 shallow soaking pools at the springs to choose from, ranging in temperature from cool to parboil (do not walk your dogs up there, as scalding water runs over the trail in places!), and a bath tub in a shack at the end of a 1/4 mile walk upstream. A short, steep trail will take you up to the Warm Springs Airstrip and trailhead for a pretty hike. There is a fair amount of day traffic to the hot springs parking area, so sites nearest the road can be dusty. The long-time hosts are very friendly.
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Nancy D.
3 years on Hipcamp
August 2020
I was there this weekend and have been there before. This is a great place to go for the day but, I can no longer recommend spending the night there. While we were there, someone had set up a drinking party hut and we called the people in charge of campsite and they never answered. We had to call the police to come in and shut the party down after 11 in the evening.
Tammy J.
4 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· August 2019
Was going to camp here, but after 5 min I left. Maybe I just hit it on a bad day but, way to many day people there, with no respect for the campers. EX: Folks walking thru campsite that were occupied. There is literally no shade, very dusty. I went to another CG even though I paid for a spot here, I could not even find the host to tell them I was leaving.
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Susan G.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
Hot springs are great, go on a winter morning to avoid crowds.
Megan M.
6 years on Hipcamp
January 2018
This was by far the best hidden gem! Campgrounds were packed and we stumbled upon this place in our desperate search. The kids had a great time testing all the hot springs.
Michelle L.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2017
This campsite is right on the highway, but you can’t beat the views. The traffic is few and far between, and didnt bother me, and my campsite was next to the road. The campground has a water pump and vault toilet. Highly recommended for a quiet getaway.
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Kyle T.
7 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
Stayed in walk-in site number 10 which on the ledge with the best view of the canyon might be the most liberating spot. And it was one of the closest to the car so easy access. Toliets were very clean, air was fresh, and neighbors were friendly. It's pretty quiet up there, and only a 40 minute drive from Boise. The trail is very close and you have to pay to part. Self-service station at the top if you don't have reservations already. You have views of Bogus Mountain, which, a short drive away has mounting biking, wall climbing, summer tubing, and tampoline bungee jump. That's also your only place to eat if you don't pack your own.
Mark S.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
Bad Bear is a nice little campsite outside of Idaho City. The sites are good size with adequate privacy. There is lots of tree cover for shade during those warm summer days, and a babbling brook at the back of the campground. Each site had a picnic table, fire ring, and there is a well for water and a vault toilet. We enjoyed our stay here, mostly because there wasn't anyone else camping in the campground when we were there in mid-July! Score!
Anna W.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Perfect little camping spot not far from Boise! The fire pit setup is great for cooking over the fire too. Somewhat private camp sites too. Would definitely recommend this campground over the surrounding locations!
Lindsay N.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Great family spot!! Campsite is a short walk from the parking lot so plan on packing it in :) No water available but there are vault toilets. Sites are partially shaded, w/ pinic tables & firepits w/grills. Great view of the stars from camp, and a short walk to the day use area early in the a.m. will give you a sunrise view to remember!! 1 mi interpretive trail is a great family hike with a cool rock outcrop about 1/2 way. Additional trails provide further opportunities to explore :) Close to Bogus and all their summer trails have to offer, as well.
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Erin T.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
There's a picture of a lake associated with this campground, there is no water in the area. Great mountain biking from lower lodge of ski area, see local trail guide. Excellent hiking as well. During the summer months there is a BBQ from something like 11-7PM.
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Ghetto C.
10 years on Hipcamp
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