Our Favorite Campgrounds in Idaho

Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson Idaho’s bounty of outdoor beauty is one of its biggest draws. With hundreds of established campgrounds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect place to set up camp and enjoy nature’s beauty. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite campgrounds in Idaho, and tips to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Not every campsite in Idaho requires a reservation, but many do. You can book up to 9 months in advance in any Idaho State Park. Don't delay, some campsites fill up as early as January and February. Make your Reservations Here See more camping tips at the bottom of this list! #1 Stanley Lake Campground Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson This scenic campground offers a picturesque lakefront setting with a backdrop of iconic McGowan Peak. It is a smaller campground, offering only a handful of sites with one double-site, so reservations and patience are required to snag a little slice of this mountainous haven. The campground provides trailhead access to the Sawtooth Wilderness, where miles of trails connect throughout the majestic Sawtooth Mountain Range.  Best for: Scenery, waterfront, water sports, beach use, hiking, photography Best Time to Visit: After the snow melt in mid-June to late August  Reservations Required: Yes, with only a handful of first-come, first-serve sites available Distance: 3 hour drive from Boise #2 Pine Flats Campground Photo courtesy of Rolling Van Creative Nestled along the Payette River, this densely wooded campground is close enough to Boise for a quick weekend getaway, yet far enough to enjoy the splendors of the mountains. Best known for the hot springs nearby, the campground has various sites for RVs and tent camping. Visitors will need to hike into the Pine Flats Hot Springs, where a stunning hot spring waterfall descends into the river below.  Best for: Hot springs, water sports, RV and trailers Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 1 hour 45 minute drive from Boise #3 City of Rocks National Reserve Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson Like camping on another planet, the City of Rocks National Reserve is a natural wonder of rock formations in southeastern Idaho. This geological wonderland is ideal for climbers and hiking, with massive rocks jutting from the desert. A great option for Spring or Fall camping, and less crowded than the mountain campgrounds.  Best for: Rock climbing, photography, hiking, tent camping Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 3 hour 20 minute drive from Boise #4 Farragut State Park Photo courtesy of visitnorthidaho.com Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of northern Idaho, Farragut State Park offers unique scenery, history and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The 4,000 acre park is conveniently located near the town of Athol, where families can enjoy time at the Silverwood Theme Park. Best for: Historical attractions, World War II history, water sports, hiking, summer activities Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 7 hour 20 minute drive from Boise #5 Swan Falls Dam Photo courtesy of Idaho Tourism This historic dam was built in 1901 to provide power to nearby mines, and is the oldest hydroelectric source along the Snake River. Many [free] campsites are poised along the river, offering outstanding canyon views and rugged beauty of southern Idaho. Be sure to bring your fishing pole, bass can be found in the calmer waters along the banks of the river. Popular for OHV traffic, the surrounding area has miles of old Jeep trails to explore. The area is also known for its exceptional viewing of birds of prey who nest along the river. Best for: Fishing, OHV recreation, bird watching Best Time to Visit: Year round Reservations Required: No, all sites are first-come, first-serve and free Distance: Less than 1 hour drive from Boise   Tips for making the most out of your outdoor adventures in Idaho: Plan your visit well in advance. Camping is quite popular throughout the State, and many established campgrounds require reservations to secure a campsite. Most campgrounds will fill up in the warmer months, so it is recommended to reserve campsites in early January when reservations open. Areas that reserve quickly include: Sawtooth Wilderness (Redfish Lake), Ponderosa State Park, and Cascade State Park Be flexible with your travel dates. Weekends are always much busier than the middle of the week for camping. Consider planning your trip during the week for better campsite options and less crowds. If planning to secure a first-come, first-serve spot, arrive between 10am-1pm as campers are departing. Explore the forest service roads. If you’re more on the adventurous side, taking a well-equipped AWD or 4x4 vehicle to the dirt forest service roads may lead to a rewarding experience of camping in solitude. Tent or car camping is best for these types of adventures as roads can become extremely challenging for larger vehicles and trailers. Be sure to bring a reliable map to navigate the winding roads and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the area. Locals tip: For a quick weekend trip, head up early on Thursday towards Idaho City. The forest service roads along the north and middle forks of the Boise River have dozens of campsites and small primitive campgrounds with stunning river views.  Leave no trace. We are so fortunate to live in a state that provides outdoor recreation so close by. In order to maintain the splendors of the outdoors, visitors are reminded to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack it in, pack it out, completely drown out campfires, respect wildlife, and leave your campsite better than you found it. We love sharing our beautiful state, and hope you find these recommendations and tips helpful. Please be kind and respectful to fellow campers and enjoy the rich offerings Idaho has to offer. Do you have a favorite campground not listed above? Share in comments, we’d love to hear about your experiences!

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5 Events in Boise and Beyond - April 29th & 30th

5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Trash or Treasure in Meridian When: Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30th Time: 8 am - 8 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Whiskey Weekend at Koenig Distillery Where: 20928 Grape Lane, Caldwell, ID When: Saturday, April 29 Time: 1 pm - 5 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Cabernet & Crochet Where: The Warehouse Food Hall When: Sunday, April 30th Time: 4 pm - 6 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. North End Artisan Sale Where: 723 N 15th Street, Boise, ID When: Saturday, April 29th Time: 9:30 am - 12 pm DETAILS HERE   5. Ste Chapelle Winery After Hours Where: 19348 Lowell Road, Caldwell, ID When: Friday, April 28th Time: 6 pm - 9 pm DETAILS HERE

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Events in Boise & Beyond..April 21 & 22

5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Spring on the Farm Where: Lowe Family Farmstead When: Thursday, April 20 - Saturday, April 22 Time: Thurs-Fri 4-8 pm: Sat 12-8 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Pinners Conference Where: Expo Idaho Center When: Friday, April 21 & Saturday, April 22 Time: Fri 10 am - 8 pm : Sat 9 am -7 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Shade City Brewfest Where: Botanical Gardens When: Friday, April 21 & Saturday, April 22 Time: Fri 5-9 pm : Sat 1-6 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Eagle Spring Fling Where: Public Eagle Parks When: Saturday, April 22 Time: 9am - 12pm DETAILS HERE   5. Meridian Main Street Market Where: Downtown Meridian When: Saturday, April 22 Time: 9 am - 1 pm DETAILS HERE

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