Hiking Campgrounds in Idaho
Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Idaho. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.
Hiking Campgrounds in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
The Palisades Creek Trail launches directly from camp, winding through pristine wilderness to crystalline alpine lakes nestled 4 and 7.2 miles into the mountains.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests
The 7-mile Fish Creek Cross Country Trail departs from the adjacent campground, winding through pristine forest with sweeping views of Gospel Mountain, Pilot Rock, and Buffalo Hump rising against the horizon.
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
The Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 begins right below your doorstep, winding along dramatic ridge lines where Cabinet Mountain Wilderness meets the Selkirk Range. An 8-mile roundtrip to Mt. Pend Oreille rewards hikers with sweeping alpine vistas stretching to Lake Pend Oreille's blue waters below.
About Hiking Campgrounds in Idaho
Hiking camping in Idaho offers adventurers access to some of the most pristine and diverse wilderness terrain in the American West, from the rugged Sawtooth Mountains to the remote Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The Gem State's 4.
Best Time
The prime hiking camping season in Idaho runs from late June through September, with timing varying significantly by elevation and region. Lower elevation sites along river corridors like Mountain View become accessible in May and remain open through October, offering spring wildflower hikes and fall foliage experiences.
Activity Highlights
- Direct trail access
- Mountain and forest settings
- Backpacking base camps
- Scenic wilderness views
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Idaho
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Research trail conditions and campground access before departure, as many Idaho backcountry roads don't open until late June and can become impassable after rain.
- 2Bear canisters or bear-resistant food storage is required in many wilderness areas, and all campers should practice proper food storage techniques given Idaho's healthy black bear and occasional grizzly populations in northern regions.
- 3Water sources are abundant but require treatment—bring a reliable filter or purification system as giardia is present in backcountry streams.
- 4Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings, with freezing temperatures possible even in July at high elevations, and afternoon thunderstorms common throughout summer.
Hiking Campgrounds in Idaho FAQ
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