Best Campgrounds in Idaho: 2026 Guide

Idaho remains one of America's best-kept camping secrets. While neighboring states draw the crowds, Idaho quietly delivers the same caliber of mountain scenery, wild rivers, and alpine lakes with a fraction of the competition for campsites. The Sawtooth Range rivals the Tetons for dramatic beauty. The Salmon River — the "River of No Return" — carves through the largest wilderness in the lower 48. And hot springs bubble up from the earth in so many places that stumbling upon one feels almost routine. With 131 campgrounds spread across this ruggedly beautiful state, Idaho rewards campers who prefer discovery over destination.

Why Idaho Stands Out

Idaho's defining trait is its sheer wildness. The Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness alone covers 2.3 million acres — larger than Yellowstone. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers alpine lakes and granite peaks accessible from well-maintained campgrounds near Stanley. Further north, the panhandle region around Coeur d'Alene and the Clearwater country provides forested lakeside camping in an entirely different character. Idaho also sits atop a geothermal goldmine, with natural hot springs scattered throughout the backcountry that turn a camping trip into a spa retreat.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Alturas Lake Inlet

On the shores of scenic Alturas Lake at the foot of the Sawtooth Range near Stanley, this campground puts you in the heart of Idaho's most iconic mountain scenery. Swimming, fishing, and hiking trails into the Sawtooths start right from camp.

Beauty Creek Campground

Half a mile from Lake Coeur d'Alene along peaceful Beauty Creek, this campground offers breathtaking scenery and miles of trails. The lake's crystal-clear waters and surrounding forests make this a premier northern Idaho destination.

Amanita Campground

Next to scenic Lake Cascade in west-central Idaho at 4,850 feet, Amanita provides boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking in a beautiful mountain setting near the town of Donnelly.

Baumgartner Campground

Along the South Fork Boise River near Featherville, Baumgartner offers excellent fishing, hiking, and OHV riding. The nearby Baumgartner Hot Springs — a natural soaking pool — makes this one of Idaho's most popular campgrounds.

Bad Bear Campground

In a scenic Ponderosa pine forest along Highway 21 at 5,100 feet northeast of Boise, Bad Bear delivers wildflowers, wildlife, and the peaceful sounds of the forest. Idaho City's gold rush history adds cultural depth to the outdoor experience.

Barneys Campground

On the northeast shore of Deadwood Reservoir at 5,300 feet, Barneys combines lakeside camping with excellent fishing and hiking in the Boise National Forest. The reservoir setting provides stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Antelope Campground

On the shores of Sagehen Reservoir in the Boise National Forest at 5,031 feet, Antelope provides boating, fishing, and exploring in a scenic mountain reservoir setting near Emmett.

Albert Moser Campground

On the banks of the Cub River near Preston, this CCC-era campground built in the late 1930s offers historic charm alongside riverside camping. The mature trees and stone structures give it a character that modern campgrounds can't replicate.

Albeni Cove

Upstream from Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille near Oldtown, this small campground sits among firs, cedars, and pines. The rustic setting and river access provide a quiet northern Idaho camping experience.

Planning Tips

Hot springs are everywhere. Research nearby soaking spots before choosing a campground — many of Idaho's best hot springs are accessed from forest service roads near popular camps. The season is short but sweet. Mountain campgrounds typically open late June and close by September. Bring bear spray. Grizzlies are present in parts of central and northern Idaho. Stock up before heading in. Services are sparse once you leave the main highways — fuel, food, and supplies may be an hour or more away from your campground.

Find More Idaho Campgrounds

Explore all Idaho camping options on our Idaho campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Gem State adventure.