Idaho was our 4th state to visit on our journey and provided some of our best campsites yet!  There is ample free camping in the mountains and national forests and tons of dreamy waterfront spots on various lakes and rivers.  Perhaps the best thing of all about Idaho, it seems nobody else knows about it yet.  While we are hesitant about letting the secret out, Idaho is too awesome not to share.  Without further ado here are our five best campsites in Idaho:

 

1. Trail Creek Road: Sun Valley, ID

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Location: Trail Creek Road (Sawtooth National Forest): numerous spots available

Type of Camping: Boondocking (dry, primitive camping)

Price: Free!

Why it is awesome: plentiful mountain views, flowing creek, close to town, has cell service

What to do nearby: Hike to Pioneer Cabin, Mountain Bike with a chairlift to take you up, check out all the famous people who’ve stayed at the swanky lodge, plus theres golf, clay shooting, SUP and more!  Sun Valley and Ketchum are an outdoor enthusiasts paradise!

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Pioneer cabin and the Pioneer Mountains.

2. Huckleberry Campground: Donnelly, ID

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Location: On the Northwest side of Cascade Lake

Type of Camping: Campground (no hookups, water available)

Price: $22/night

Why it is awesome: waterfront campsites that make you feel like you are in a boat, great lake for hanging out in a raft or exploring with a SUP or boat, mountain views, great cell service

What to do nearby: we honestly stayed at the campsite the whole time because we liked it so much, but there is hiking in the area as well as places to pick wild huckleberries, the town of McCall is also only about 20 minutes away

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View out the front door

3. Bell Rapids Sportman’s Access: Hagerman, ID

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Location: On the Snake River at a Boat Ramp Parking Area

Type of Camping: Boondocking (dry, primitive camping)

Price: Free

Why it is awesome:  The river is right there and you can watch people go in and out from the boat launch, sunset views, its free

What to do nearby: There are a few different hot springs nearby and 1000 Springs State Park is not to be missed

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Water gushing out of everywhere in 1000 Springs State Park

4. Sockeye Campground: Stanley, ID

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Location: On Redfish Lake in Stanley, ID

Type of Camping: Campground (no hookups, dump station available)

Price: $20

Why it is awesome: lake and mountain views, access to lodge with bar, restaurant, general store, big level spots that also have nice tent pads, no cell service but magically had internet connection

What to do nearby: Take the boat across the lake and hike in the Sawtooth Wilderness, drive 15 minutes to the town of Stanley (for all the LTE cell service) and to eat at Stanley Baking Company, visit some of the areas hot springs, go white water rafting on the river, take part in world class fishing

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Hiking in the Sawtooth Wilderness

5. Rock Creek Park: Twin Falls, ID

Location: Part of Rock Creek County Park in Twin Falls, ID

Type of Camping: County Park Campground with Electric and Water Hook ups (no dump station)

Price: $20

Why it is awesome: gorgeous park, walking trails, creek to play in, close to town, cheap for hook ups

What to do nearby: Shoshone Falls, watch base jumpers at Perrine Bridge, kayak the river, golf, and more outdoor choices!

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Shoshone Falls

 

Where are you favorite places to camp in Idaho?

 

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