Beach Camping in Idaho

Beach Camping in Idaho

Discover the best beach camping across Idaho. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

20+ Campgrounds5.0★ AverageBest: May - September

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region


About Beach Camping in Idaho

Beach camping in Idaho offers an unexpected treasure trove of pristine lakefront and riverside experiences across some of the most spectacular wilderness settings in the American West. While Idaho may be known for its rugged mountains and vast forests, the state harbors stunning alpine lakes, crystal-clear rivers, and secluded waterfront campsites that rival any coastal destination.

Best Time

The prime beach camping season in Idaho runs from late June through early September when mountain lakes warm enough for comfortable swimming and all access roads are reliably snow-free. July and August offer the warmest water temperatures and most stable weather, making them ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts, though these peak months also bring the largest crowds at popular destinations like Redfish Lake.

Scenery Highlights

  • Oceanfront and lakeside sites
  • Sandy beaches and swimming
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views
  • Water sports and fishing


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Beach Camping in Idaho

Map Key
1
Redfish Inlet Campground
2
Spar Lake Campground
3
Navigation Campground
4
Geisinger Campground
5
Weitas Creek Campground
6
East Fork Baker Creek Campground
7
Ebenezer Campground
8
Meadow Creek Campground
9
Ccc Campground
10
Rackliff Campground
11
Hawley Creek Lower Campground
12
Mill Creek Campground
13
Noe Creek Campground
14
Fish Creek Group Use
15
Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead
16
The Forks Campground
17
Ice Hole Campground
18
Snyder Guard Station (Id)
19
Bonanza Ccc Group Campground
20
Beaver Creek Campground

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in alpine lakes and riversKayaking and canoeing on calm watersStand-up paddleboardingFishing for trout and bassMotorized and non-motorized boatingHiking to remote beaches and viewpoints

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve lakefront sites at popular destinations like Redfish Inlet and Spar Lake well in advance through Recreation.gov, as prime beach-access spots fill up quickly for summer weekends.
  • 2For wilderness lake experiences at Navigation or Geisinger campgrounds, plan for boat-in or hike-in access and bring all necessary gear including water filtration systems, as these remote sites lack potable water.
  • 3Pack layers and warm sleeping bags even in summer, as mountain lake campgrounds can drop into the 30s at night despite warm daytime temperatures.
  • 4Bring water shoes or sandals for rocky lake entries and creek crossings, and always pack life jackets if you're bringing kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Beach Camping in Idaho

Beach Camping in Idaho FAQ

We've ranked 20+ beach campgrounds in Idaho based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.

Beach camping in Idaho is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.

For beach camping in Idaho, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.

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