Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

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.

20+ Campgrounds4.9★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)
Find Idaho CampgroundsSet Availability Alert
Filter by amenity:
Pet-FriendlyWith ShowersPotable WaterFlush ToiletsReservableUnder $15/night

Tent Campgrounds in Other States

ArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaMichiganMinnesotaMontanaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOregonPennsylvaniaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinWyoming
View all Tent Campgrounds nationwide →

About Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Tent camping in Idaho offers an unparalleled wilderness experience across some of the most diverse and pristine landscapes in the American West. From the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Range to the dense forests of the Idaho Panhandle, the Gem State provides tent campers with endless opportunities to immerse themselves in nature.

Best Time

The prime tent camping season in Idaho runs from late June through September, with timing varying significantly by elevation and region. Lower elevation sites in southwest Idaho and along major river corridors may open as early as May, while high alpine campgrounds like Palisades Creek often remain snowbound until late June or early July.

What Makes It Great

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

Explore Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters20+ tent campgrounds
Explore the Map

Plan Your Trip

Popular Activities

Tent camping in alpine and forest settingsHiking and backpacking on wilderness trailsTrout fishing in mountain streams and alpine lakesWildlife viewing including elk, moose, and black bearsMountain biking on forest service roadsSwimming and paddling in lakes and rivers

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular campgrounds like Redfish Lake and Mountain View six months in advance through Recreation.gov, as they fill quickly for summer weekends.
  • 2For spontaneous trips, arrive at first-come, first-served sites by Thursday afternoon to secure weekend spots, or explore lesser-known areas like the Caribou-Targhee National Forest where availability is better.
  • 3Bring a four-season tent or quality three-season tent with strong stakes—Idaho's afternoon thunderstorms can be intense, and mountain winds are common.
  • 4Pack warm sleeping bags rated to at least 30°F even in summer, as nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 40°F at elevation.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Tent Campgrounds in Idaho

Tent Campgrounds in Idaho FAQ

Idaho offers 20+ 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.

Explore More Camping in Idaho

Find more camping options that match your style

Tent Camping Nationwide

Tent Camping Nationwide

Explore tent camping across all 50 states

Explore
RV Camping in Idaho

RV Camping in Idaho

Find the best rv camping spots in Idaho

Explore
Primitive Camping in Idaho

Primitive Camping in Idaho

Find the best primitive camping spots in Idaho

Explore
Data from Recreation.gov, state park systems, and Google Reviews
Updated December 29, 2025
20 campgrounds analyzed
Report incorrect info
Availability Alerts

Popular Idaho Campgrounds Book Fast

The best tent campgrounds in Idaho book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min
SMS, email, push
167,000+ campsites
Set Up Your First Alert

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Mountain View
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Outdoorithm

Find Your Perfect Idaho Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

  • Search 20+ tent campgrounds in Idaho
  • Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
  • Get personalized recommendations for your trip
  • Compare campground amenities
  • Check weather forecasts
Create Free AccountBrowse First

No credit card required. Free forever for core features.