Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Discover the best tent campgrounds across Idaho. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

8+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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Pet-Friendly With Showers Potable Water Flush Toilets Reservable Under $15/night

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.6

(131)

Reeder Bay

Nordman
Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Spacious sites tucked beneath towering cedars and hemlocks provide shaded sanctuary along Priest Lake's eastern shoreline, where soft forest floors and natural spacing create peaceful retreats between neighbors.

Smoky Mountain Campground

Almo
City Of Rocks National Reserve

Tent campers discover generous spacing between sites beneath fragrant pinion pines, where massive granite spires tower overhead and soft, needle-covered ground cushions sleeping pads.

Council
Payette National Forest

Towering Douglas fir and spruce trees shelter tent-only sites along the rushing Weiser River, where soft forest floor and natural spacing between spots create genuine seclusion. The constant melody of flowing water masks neighboring campers while cooling the air beneath the dense canopy.

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RVs

About Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Tent camping in Idaho offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the American West's most diverse and dramatic landscapes, from the crystalline waters of northern alpine lakes to the otherworldly rock formations of the southern desert. The Gem State's public lands provide tent campers with exceptional variety—whether you're seeking the towering peaks and glacier-carved valleys of the Sawtooth Range, the ancient cedar forests surrounding Priest Lake, or the unique pinion pine groves near City of Rocks.

Best Time

The prime tent camping season in Idaho runs from late June through early September, when high-elevation campgrounds are snow-free and weather is most stable. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and longest days, ideal for alpine destinations like Alturas Lake Inlet in the Sawtooths, though these months also bring peak crowds and require advance reservations at popular locations.

What Makes It Great

Designated tent pads and flat ground
Fire rings and picnic tables
Varying levels of amenities
Scenic natural settings

More Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Discover 5 additional top-rated tent campgrounds in Idaho

4.5

(200)

Calamity

Idaho Falls
Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Loop C sets aside tent-only sites beneath a canopy of pines and aspens, while level, needle-cushioned ground throughout the campground welcomes stakes and sleeping pads.

Ice Springs Campground

Mountain Home
Boise National Forest

Three secluded sites nestle along Fall Creek's banks, offering tent campers rare solitude where creek sounds replace neighbor noise and reservoir views stretch beyond your rain fly.

Stanley
Sawtooth National Forest

Campsites nestle among fragrant evergreens with sweeping views of alpine waters and granite peaks, where Alturas Creek's constant babble creates a soothing natural soundtrack. The swim beach sits just steps away, and mountain reflections shimmer across the lake each morning from your tent door.

Victor, ID
Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Tent campers find well-spaced sites tucked among alpine trees with level ground and fire rings, while babbling creek sounds create a natural soundtrack. Bear boxes at each site let you sleep soundly knowing your food stays secure in this genuine mountain wilderness setting.

Sandpoint
Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Tent campers claim wooded sites along a Lake Pend Oreille peninsula, where towering pines provide natural shade and soft forest floor cushions sleeping pads. Morning paddlers launch directly from camp, while evening brings the call of loons echoing across still waters just steps from your tent door.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 8 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Map of campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

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Map Key

Reeder Bay

Smoky Mountain Campground

Evergreen Campground

Calamity

Ice Springs Campground

Alturas Lake Inlet

Mike Harris

Sam Owen

View all 360 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping under old-growth forests and beside alpine lakesTrout fishing in mountain streams, rivers, and reservoirsDay hiking and backpacking on wilderness trailsSwimming and paddling in pristine lakes and riversWildlife viewing including elk, deer, moose, and eaglesRock climbing and bouldering at City of Rocks and Sawtooths

Tips & Recommendations

1Research campground elevation and access road conditions before departure, as many high-country sites don't open until late June or early July due to snowpack.
2Bring layered clothing and a sleeping bag rated for temperatures 15-20 degrees below the forecast low, as mountain nights are consistently cold even in midsummer—temperatures in the 30s are common at elevations above 6,000 feet.
3Pack a reliable water filtration system for campgrounds without potable water, and always carry extra drinking water as many Idaho campgrounds rely on hand-pump wells or require campers to treat water from nearby streams.
4Bear-proof food storage is mandatory at most Forest Service campgrounds; bring rope and stuff sacks for hanging food where bear boxes aren't provided, and never store food or scented items in tents.

8 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Tent Campgrounds in Idaho FAQ

Idaho offers 8+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in Idaho typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for Idaho conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.