Smoky Mountain Campground

Sawtooth National Forest

Escape to the pristine wilderness of Clear Creek Campground, where adventure meets affordability in this hidden gem that won't cost you a dime. Nestled in nature's embrace, this free campground offers 12 thoughtfully spaced sites perfect for both tent enthusiasts and RV travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. From early summer through the golden days of October, Clear Creek welcomes visitors to set up camp without the hassle of advance reservations—just arrive and claim your spot in paradise. Modern conveniences meet rustic charm with accessible restroom facilities and sites designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with mobility needs. Adventure beckons right from your campsite, with the renowned Bull Flat Trail (#001) and Lake Fork Trail (#004) serving as gateways for hikers and equestrians to explore miles of scenic backcountry. Whether you're seeking a weekend retreat or a basecamp for wilderness exploration, Clear Creek delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and untamed natural beauty.

City of Rocks National Reserve, PO Box 169, Almo, ID, 83312, USA

Nestled within a dramatic landscape of ancient granite spires, City of Rocks Campground invites adventurers to set up camp among some of nature's most spectacular sculptures. With 64 individual campsites and 3 spacious group areas spread across 6 miles of pristine wilderness, visitors find themselves immersed in a natural playground where towering rock formations create intimate camping alcoves. By day, world-class climbing routes and scenic hiking trails beckon exploration, while evenings reveal a celestial masterpiece as countless stars emerge above the shadowy silhouettes of stone pinnacles.

729 East Smoky Mountain Drive, Almo, Idaho, 83312, United States

Nestled within the enchanting Castle Rocks State Park, Smoky Mountain Campground invites you to experience Idaho's wilderness in comfort. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature, offering paved roads, convenient parking, and full water and electrical hookups at semi-private sites. Clean restrooms and refreshing showers ensure a comfortable stay, while the surrounding canopy of Idaho's most extensive pinyon pine forest creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere that campers consistently rave about.

PO Box 169, Almo, Idaho, 83312-0169, United States

Step into a climber's paradise where ancient granite spires pierce the sky like nature's own cathedral. City of Rocks National Reserve beckons adventurers with its otherworldly landscape of towering pinnacles and smooth monoliths that have captivated travelers since the California Trail days. Whether you're here to test your skills on world-class climbing routes, explore scenic hiking trails, or saddle up for an equestrian adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in a geological wonderland. Visitors rave about the pristine facilities, welcoming hosts who go above and beyond, and the perfect positioning that puts you within reach of the area's most spectacular attractions.

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Escape to Independence Lake Campground, a hidden gem nestled in pristine alpine wilderness where five intimate campsites await your arrival. This rustic, no-fee haven provides the essentials for an authentic backcountry experience—sturdy tables for evening meals under the stars, grills for campfire cooking, basic restroom facilities, and even accommodations for your trusty pack animals. True to its wild spirit, you'll need to bring your own water and pack out what you pack in, as this untouched sanctuary operates without modern conveniences.

Sawtooth National Forest

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Nestled among towering pines, Twin Lakes Campground welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis, offering the modern convenience of QR code payments through the Recreation.gov mobile app. This rustic retreat has earned a reputation among equestrian enthusiasts as an ideal basecamp for horse camping adventures, with easy access to the sparkling waters of Lake Cleveland just moments away. While the campground's popularity can lead to bustling weekends and occasional maintenance challenges, those who time their visits wisely often discover a more peaceful slice of wilderness.

Sawtooth National Forest

Perched at 8,300 feet in a pristine alpine basin beneath the towering summit of Mt. Harrison, Lake Cleveland Campground offers a mountain escape where crystal-clear waters meet wildflower meadows. This beloved summer destination features two distinct loops—the spacious East loop welcoming larger RVs and the intimate West loop better suited for tent campers and smaller rigs—and fills quickly on weekends during the peak season from early July through Labor Day.

2306 HILAND AVE, Burley, ID, USA, 83318

Perched high in the alpine wilderness, Lake Cleveland East Side beckons adventurers with its pristine mountain waters and breathtaking vistas. This beloved summer retreat offers 17 thoughtfully positioned campsites—7 available for reservation and 10 welcoming spontaneous explorers on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you arrive with a large RV or trailer, you'll find spacious sites perfectly suited for your basecamp as you explore the crystalline lake waters by kayak, cast a line for mountain trout, or set out on scenic hiking trails that wind through wildflower meadows.

2306 Hiland Ave, Burley, ID, 83318, USA

Nestled in the heart of Idaho's Albion Mountain Range, Thompson Flat Campground beckons adventurers with its stunning wildflower meadows, pristine alpine lakes, and miles of scenic trails. This mountain sanctuary offers a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness, with both reservable sites for planners and first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous explorers seeking refuge among the peaks.

Sawtooth National Forest

Nestled in the heart of nature's untouched wilderness, this campground offers an extraordinary escape where modern life fades into distant memory. Here, towering trees whisper ancient stories while pristine waters reflect endless skies, creating a sanctuary where adventure seekers and peace lovers alike find their perfect haven. Whether you're pitching a tent under star-studded canopies or parking your RV alongside crystal-clear streams, every moment promises connection with the raw beauty of the great outdoors.

Albion Mountains, Idaho

Tucked away in the pristine Albion Mountains, Bennett Springs Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This intimate, primitive campground welcomes adventurers seeking solitude without the price tag – it's completely free and perfectly suited for those who prefer canvas walls to RV hookups. With just a handful of sites featuring sturdy picnic tables and well-maintained chemical toilets, Bennett Springs strips camping down to its essence. Pack your water bottles though – this rustic retreat asks you to bring your own drinking water in exchange for the gift of untouched wilderness and star-filled nights.

Tucked into the rugged embrace of the Cotterel Mountains, McClendon Spring Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude in Idaho's high desert. Just 5 miles northwest of Malta, this intimate, semi-developed sanctuary carries whispers of the past—once a vital respite for weary California Trail emigrants pushing westward toward their dreams. Today, hunters track upland birds and deer through the same sagebrush-dotted landscape, while modern travelers discover a rare commodity: profound silence broken only by wind through the canyons. Here, where expansive vistas stretch to the horizon, visitors find space to breathe deeply and reconnect with the raw beauty of the American West.

729 East Smoky Mountain Drive, Almo, Idaho, 83312, United States

PO Box 169, Almo, Idaho, 83312-0169, United States

2306 Hiland Ave, Burley, ID, 83318, USA

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2306 HILAND AVE, Burley, ID, USA, 83318

Albion Mountains, Idaho

Sawtooth National Forest

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City of Rocks National Reserve, PO Box 169, Almo, ID, 83312, USA

Sawtooth National Forest

Sawtooth National Forest

Sawtooth National Forest

Sawtooth National Forest

Tucked away from the modern world, Redfish Lake Inlet Campground offers an exclusive wilderness experience that rewards the adventurous. This pristine hideaway can only be reached by paddling across crystal-clear waters or following scenic hiking trails, ensuring a peaceful escape where the only sounds are lapping waves and rustling pines.

FOREST RD 2000, GRANGEVILLE, ID 83530, USA

Nestled in the untamed wilderness of north central Idaho, Fish Creek Group Camp offers an authentic backcountry experience within the majestic Nez Perce National Forest. This primitive, horse-friendly sanctuary welcomes groups seeking adventure off the beaten path, with space for up to 75 people and 20 vehicles. Here, where towering pines whisper ancient stories and mountain trails beckon riders and hikers alike, you'll discover the raw beauty of Idaho's rugged heartland.

Boise National Forest

Tucked away in a pristine mountain meadow where solitude meets wilderness, Ice Hole Campground beckons with 10 intimate campsites that promise an authentic backcountry experience. Here, towering pines frame your mountain retreat while the melodic waters of Johnson Creek provide nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem offers the perfect escape for those seeking to trade city lights for starlit nights in one of Idaho's most peaceful settings.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Nestled in the heart of Idaho's pristine wilderness, Geisinger Campground beckons adventurers with three thoughtfully appointed campsites that balance comfort with untamed nature. Each site comes equipped with a crackling fire ring for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for lakeside meals, and bear-proof storage boxes that keep both wildlife and provisions safe. True to its wilderness spirit, the campground embraces a Pack it In, Pack It Out philosophy, inviting visitors to leave only footprints and take only memories from this unspoiled corner of the world.

Sawtooth National Forest

Nestled along the babbling waters of East Fork Baker Creek, this secluded primitive campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude and simplicity. With essential amenities including vault toilets and sturdy fire rings, adventurers can settle in for nights under star-filled skies while their horses graze peacefully nearby. This equestrian-friendly haven welcomes riders and pack animals, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding backcountry trails on horseback or foot.

South Fork Salmon River Campground, Cascade, Idaho

Nestled within a majestic old-growth ponderosa pine forest, South Fork Salmon River Campground offers 11 intimate campsites where the whisper of ancient trees mingles with the gentle murmur of the South Fork Salmon River. This serene mountain retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature's timeless rhythms. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, exploring forest trails, or simply watching wildlife pass through camp, this peaceful sanctuary promises memories that will last long after your tent is packed away.

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Escape to the untouched wilderness at Reservoir Creek Campground, where simplicity meets serenity. This intimate hideaway features just two secluded campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring for authentic outdoor living. While you'll find a vault toilet for convenience, this back-to-basics destination embraces the primitive camping experience—pack your own water and remember to carry out what you bring in, as no garbage services are available here.

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Tucked away in the rugged wilderness, Hawley Creek Lower Campground offers an authentic backcountry experience with four secluded camping sites perfect for those seeking solitude. While you'll need to bring your own water, modern restrooms provide a touch of comfort in this remote setting. Cast your line into the pristine waters of Hawley Creek or the nearby reservoir, where trout dance beneath the surface. Adventure seekers will discover a hidden spur trail that connects to the legendary Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, opening up endless exploration possibilities. The designated trails welcome ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts, adding an extra dimension of excitement to your wilderness escape.

Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93, CHALLIS, ID, 83226, USA

Escape to a winter wonderland at Cape Horn Winter Rental, where a cozy cabin nestled in the pristine Elk Meadow becomes your basecamp for unforgettable alpine adventures. This charming retreat sleeps up to 8 guests and invites you to explore miles of untouched powder on cross-country skis, trek through snow-laden forests on snowshoes, carve fresh tracks on your snowmobile, or discover hidden backcountry slopes for downhill skiing. After a day of exploration, return to the warmth of your wood stove, where crackling firewood and modern electricity create the perfect blend of rustic comfort and convenience.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Discover the intimate charm of Rackliff Campground, where six secluded campsites await along the pristine Selway River. This hidden gem offers more than just a place to pitch your tent—cross the scenic footbridge spanning Rackliff Creek, cast a line into crystal-clear waters, or embark on an adventure up the Rackliff Ridge Trail #702. With convenient picnic areas and essential facilities, this riverside retreat provides the perfect basecamp for explorers seeking authentic wilderness experiences.