Mountain Camping in Idaho

Mountain Camping in Idaho

Discover the best mountain camping across Idaho. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

19+ Campgrounds5.0★ AverageBest: Year-round
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Fish Creek Group Use
Star
4.9
(30)
Fish Creek Group Use
Grangeville
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Towering peaks like Gospel Mountain, Pilot Rock, and Buffalo Hump command the horizon, while deep canyons carve dramatic shadows across this high-elevation wilderness perch.

Tents
2
Cape Horn Winter Rental
Star
4.9
(29)
Cape Horn Winter Rental
Challis
Salmon-Challis National Forest

Towering lodgepole pines frame dramatic views of the jagged Sawtooth Mountain Range, where snow-draped peaks pierce the horizon beyond your winter forest sanctuary.

3
Snyder Guard Station (Id)
Star
5.2
(22)
Snyder Guard Station (Id)
Bonners Ferry
Idaho Panhandle National Forests

The Queen and Ruby Mountains rise dramatically beyond the Moyie River, their snow-dusted peaks glowing with alpenglow each dawn and dusk from this 2,500-foot perch in mountain forest.

Tents
RVs

About Mountain Camping in Idaho

Mountain camping in Idaho offers some of the most spectacular alpine experiences in the American West, where rugged peaks, pristine wilderness, and crystal-clear mountain lakes create an unforgettable backdrop for outdoor adventure. From the jagged Sawtooth Range to the remote Selkirk Mountains in the panhandle, Idaho's mountain campgrounds provide access to over 4.

Best Time

The prime season for mountain camping in Idaho runs from late June through September, when high-elevation roads are snow-free and trails are accessible. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and most reliable weather, with daytime highs in the 70s-80s at lower elevations and 60s-70s in alpine areas, though nights can drop into the 30s-40s even in midsummer.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails

Campground Locations

Showing top 19 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Idaho

Map of campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Idaho
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Map Key
1
Fish Creek Group Use
2
Cape Horn Winter Rental
3
Snyder Guard Station (Id)
4
Copper Basin Guard Station
5
Ice Hole Campground
6
Redfish Inlet Campground
7
East Fork Baker Creek Campground
8
Weitas Creek Campground
9
Navigation Campground
10
Geisinger Campground
11
Federal Gulch Campground And Trailhead
12
Hawley Creek Lower Campground
13
Bonanza Ccc Group Campground
14
Ebenezer Campground
15
Ccc Campground
16
Rackliff Campground
17
Mill Creek Campground
18
Noe Creek Campground
19
The Forks Campground
View all 19 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Mountain hiking and backpackingScenic peak viewing and photographyAlpine lake fishing for troutWildlife watching for elk, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheepMountain biking on forest service roads and designated trailsHorseback riding and pack trips

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular campgrounds like Redfish Inlet and developed Sawtooth sites well in advance through Recreation.gov, as they fill quickly for summer weekends.
  • 2For remote locations and guard stations, book early as availability is extremely limited.
  • 3Always check current road conditions and forest service alerts before departure, as mountain roads may be impassable due to snow, washouts, or seasonal closures well into June.
  • 4Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings—mountain weather can change rapidly with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
19 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Mountain Camping in Idaho

Mountain Camping in Idaho FAQ

We've ranked 19+ mountain campgrounds in Idaho based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Idaho requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Idaho typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
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