Hit the Best Campgrounds in Idaho
Put your survival and camping skills to the test and explore the breathtaking wilderness of Idaho!
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Best Campgrounds In Idaho You Should Visit Today
Where to Camp in the Gem State
Idaho is often overlooked when it comes to summer tourism. But, if you’ve never taken an Idaho camping trip, you’re seriously missing out! When you think of “Idaho,” most people picture potatoes. Yet, it's a state filled with stunning national forests, incredible fishing, and—oh, yeah—it's also your gateway to Yellowstone National Park. All of this makes Idaho perfect for your next outdoor adventure!
1. Basin Creek Campground – Stanley
The Sawtooth/Stanley Basin region is the ultimate camping destination, a well-kept secret cherished by locals. Here, you can camp on the shores of high-altitude lakes, amidst the pines of majestic peaks, or alongside the roaring Salmon River, known as the “River of No Return.”
2. Farragut State Park – Athol
Farragut State Park lies 30 miles north of Coeur d'Alene, right on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake. Once a naval training station, this sprawling 4,000-acre park offers a wealth of recreation, from swimming and picnicking to boating, hiking, and camping.
3. Sun Valley Area – Sun Valley, Idaho
The Sun Valley area, surrounded by five majestic mountain ranges, is a sanctuary for nature lovers. There are endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and so much more while you set up camp and soak in the great outdoors.
4. Redfish Lake – Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho
Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho, near Glacier View Campground in Sawtooth National Forest. #rvlife #camping #Idaho #RVing pic.twitter.com/R4afLlBpPy
— Grand Adventure (@GrandAdventRV) November 10, 2017
Camping at Redfish Lake, one of Idaho's gems, is a tradition among outdoor enthusiasts. The beauty of the area is hard to match!
5. Black Rock Campground – Idaho City
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Black Rock Campground, located 20 miles from Idaho City along the North Fork Boise River, offers a thrilling outdoor experience at 4,300 feet elevation. Enjoy fishing, swimming, and local trails shaded by towering ponderosa pines.
RELATED: Ultimate Campgrounds Across The U.S.: State By State List Of America’s “Must See” Campgrounds
6. Ponderosa State Park – McCall
Beautiful little lake~Huckleberry Bay, Payette Lake, Ponderosa State Park, McCall, Idaho. Photo: David Ryan via 5… pic.twitter.com/Tp1xR7YXh1
— Amazing World (@TopAmazingWorld) December 12, 2014
Ponderosa State Park is a stunning 1,000-acre peninsula at Payette Lake near McCall. The breathtaking views and the variety of activities, from hiking to campfire programs, make it a must-visit.
7. Mann Creek Reservoir – Weiser
Arrowleaf Balsamroot blooming at Mann Creek Reservoir between Weiser and Midvale, Idaho. https://t.co/eStIQTNqVD pic.twitter.com/F5NfJM7uH7
— Marty Nelson (@MNPhotoArt) May 1, 2017
Mann Creek Reservoir, with its 283 surface-acres, is open for boating, canoeing, and trout fishing while the surrounding areas are perfect for hunting.
8. Henry's Lake State Park – Island Park, Idaho
| This beautiful high mountain lake is a haven for anglers. Henry's Lake features exceptional trout fishing and has picturesque trails perfect for hiking and biking.
9. Hot Springs – Boise
A photo from last week of natural hot springs trickling into the south fork of the Boise River near Pine, ID… pic.twitter.com/FsX7n7jLsx
— Thomas Jay Oord (@ThomasJayOord) December 10, 2015
Hot Springs Campground is an adventure waiting to happen! With group and single sites, you can enjoy rafting, fishing, and, of course, soaking in those lovely hot springs.
10. Hell's Gate State Park – Lewiston, Idaho
Hell's Gate Rapids, Banning State Park, Sandstone, MN. Still very green up here. Will be spectacular in 1-2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/tWwPD5iH5D
— Brian C Shipley 史博琦 (@BrianCShipley) September 13, 2015
Why not take a jet boat ride up the Snake River in one of North America's deepest canyons? Or reel in some steelhead fish while enjoying a picnic under tranquil shade trees?
Watch this video from Discovery for some lessons on surviving Idaho so you can take your camping to the next level:
Now you know where to go camping in Idaho. Be it for leisure or preparing your survival skills, these campgrounds offer diverse terrains and amazing views you won’t soon forget!
Do you have a favorite camping spot from this list of the best campgrounds in Idaho? Let us know in the comments!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 3, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Gym state? Come on you guys.
GEM not gym….
Your picture for the Sun Valley area is another picture of Stanley Lake which is more than 50 miles from Sun Valley. Surely you can come up with a picture closer to Sun Valley. And by all means, correct the “Gym” error already pointed out. Credibility matters.
Napoleon Dynamite would have said: IDIOTS – FREAKEN IDIOTS – GOSH!!! DO YOUR HOMEWORK, & PROOF READ YOUR POST!! IT’S GEM – NOT GYM!
The picture posted under Hell’s Gate State Park is from Minnesota, not Idaho.
Least helpful website ever