Top Tent Camping Spots in Idaho

 1. Redfish Lake Campground (Sawtooth National Forest)

• Iconic lake with jaw-dropping views of the Sawtooth Mountains

• Great for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming

• Reserve early—this is one of Idaho’s most popular campgrounds

2. Ponderosa State Park (McCall)

• Peninsula campground on Payette Lake

• Wildlife viewing, hiking, and lake access

• Close to the charming town of McCall

3. Stanley Lake Campground (Sawtooth National Recreation Area)

• Quiet alternative to Redfish Lake with amazing mountain views

• Kayaking, fishing, and hiking nearby

• Basic amenities, first-come, first-served

4. City of Rocks Campground (City of Rocks National Reserve)

• Unique granite formations perfect for climbers and explorers

• Great for star-gazing and photography

• Remote and peaceful with dramatic scenery

5. Farragut State Park (Lake Pend Oreille)

• Huge, well-maintained park with lots of recreation options

• Biking, hiking, disc golf, and lake access

• Campgrounds are spacious and forested

6. Priest Lake State Park

• Lush forest camping with lake views and beach access

• Excellent for paddleboarding, fishing, and relaxing

• Multiple campgrounds with reservable tent sites

7. Bruneau Dunes State Park

• Camp beneath Idaho’s tallest sand dunes 

• Great for sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing (observatory on-site!)

• Very unique desert camping experience

8. Pine Flats Campground (Near Garden Valley)

• Tucked above the South Fork of the Payette River

• Features natural hot springs a short walk from camp!

• Basic amenities; great for quiet getaways

9. North Fork Campground (Salmon-Challis National Forest)

• Beautiful riverfront camping near the Salmon River

• Less crowded, great for fishing and solitude

• First-come, first-served

10. Heyburn State Park (Southern tip of Lake Coeur d'Alene)

• Idaho’s oldest state park

• Tent sites along the lake and access to the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

• Ideal for biking, birding, and paddling