Idaho has lots of outdoor activities for adventure lovers, and RV camping in Idaho is a great way to see and experience as much of it as possible.
But how to begin planning an RV trip to see Idaho’s snow-capped mountains, fields of wildflowers, crystal clear streams, and dense forests? Well, this guide can help you plan the perfect RV camping trip to Idaho.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Idaho
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Idaho
Finding Campgrounds
There are a number of campgrounds in Idaho, so finding the perfect campsite shouldn’t be too difficult. From luxury campgrounds to wilderness dry camping, and from urban camping to rustic state parks, there is something for everyone in this beautiful state.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Idaho
State parks in Idaho are perfect for campers seeking a fun time who don’t mind roughing it, and the national forest campgrounds are absolutely beautiful. Of course, we can’t forget the campgrounds in national park sites and on BLM land.
National Park Camping
Part of Yellowstone National Park is nestled in Idaho. This is a spectacular park that you’ll appreciate having on your Idaho itinerary. None of the campgrounds in Yellowstone are in Idaho, so you will need to stay on the Wyoming side or drive in for the day.
Craters of the Moon National Monument is one Idaho NPS site that does have overnight camping. You can find onsite dry camping at Lava Flow Campgrounds at this national monument.
National Forest Camping
Idaho has 7 national forests that cover an astounding 40 percent of the state. These include:
- Boise National Forest
- Kootenai National Forest
- Payette National Forest
- Salmon-Challis National Forest
- Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
- Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Caribou-Targhee National Forest
All 7 of these beautiful forests offer camping, making them ideal places to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.
One of the best Idaho national forest campgrounds is Pine Flats Campground in Boise National Forest. This campground offers dry campsites, a nature trail, easy access to both the river and hot springs, and more.
State Park Camping
In addition to the many national forests in the state, you’ll also find fantastic Idaho state parks. These parks are great places to set up camp and do some exploring nearby.
We especially love Farragut State Park, which features gorgeous views, lake access, hiking trails, and RV camping. The campsites in the park offer electric hookups and access to potable water and a dump station.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Camping
As if national parks, national forests, and state parks weren’t enough, Idaho also boasts BLM land that is perfect for camping. Some campgrounds charge a camping fee, but many dispersed camping spots are totally free!
Huckleberry Campground is located about 21 miles north of Cascade and offers designated dry camping spots with picnic tables. There is a small fee to camp.
Looking to save some money? Head to the Wolverine Canyon where you will find some free BLM dispersed campsites.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Want to try your hand at glamping? Just hoping for a campground that offers a bit more than the typical potable water fill and dump station? Consider staying at one of Idaho’s private campgrounds.
Idaho Falls Luxury Park is one of our top picks for luxury camping in the state. Here you’ll have a beautiful view of the Snake River and easy access to Idaho Falls. The whole campground is well kept and amenities include bathhouses with heated floors, a dog park, pickleball courts, and a large outdoor fireplace.
Boondocking in Idaho
We already mentioned some boondocking options on BLM land. The national forests also boast a lot of free dispersed campsites. In fact, Idaho is one of the very best states for boondockers!
Some of our favorite Idaho boondocking spots include Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area, Tripod Reservoir, and Smith Lake.
Preparing for RV Camping
Before you hit the road, you’ll need to do a bit of prep work. Making sure you have an RV to camp in is the first step, followed by packing the RV with all of the things you need for a comfortable camping trip. Fortunately, we have a wide selection of Idaho RV rentals for you to choose from, so even if you don’t have an RV of your own, you can still experience RV camping in Idaho.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
Wondering how to choose the perfect RV rental for your trip to Idaho? First, consider whether you want to drive an RV at all. You may want to consider renting an RV that the owner will set up for you at your destination. If you’d like to drive, think about what size RV you’d be comfortable driving, and whether you need a drivable motorhome or if a towable will work for you. If you choose a towable, make sure you have a vehicle that is capable of safely towing the RV.
Next, you can decide on a floor plan that works for the number of travelers in your party, as well as what kinds of amenities you require to be comfortable in your camper.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Once you have your RV picked out, it’s time to think about what you should pack. Camping requires a whole lot more gear than a typical vacation. We have compiled packing lists for a variety of types of RV camping trips to help you get started.
Considerations for Camping in Idaho
There are always a few differences in driving laws from state to state, especially concerning RVs and trailers.
In Idaho state, rigs can’t be longer than 75 feet. Trailers must remain under 53 feet long, and motorhomes cannot exceed 45 feet. The width of any rig shouldn’t be more than 8.5 feet, and the height should be 13.5 feet or less.
Triple towing (towing a trailer behind another trailer) is allowed in Idaho, provided the maximum length doesn’t exceed 75 feet. Breakaway switches and brakes are required on all trailers over 1,500 lbs.
Keep in mind, much of Idaho is mountainous and some steep grades may be involved when driving mountain roads. Make sure your rig is capable of these climbs and descents, and know how to drive in mountains before you go.
Planning Your Itinerary
The next step in your preparations is planning your itinerary. Whether you plan on hiking the forests, fishing in the river, soaking in the hot springs, or exploring cities like Boise and Idaho Falls, there is something awesome waiting for you in this amazing state.
Features and Attractions in Idaho
Let’s start by talking about some of the most iconic features and landmarks in the state. A scenic drive is a great option, as it lets you get a good feel for the place and really take in the views. We especially love the Salmon River Scenic Byway.
You’ll also want to make a point of seeing some of Idaho’s landmarks. These include things like the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site and Borah Peak, as well as national sites like City of Rocks National Reserve and the Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Idaho
Don’t forget to look into the possibility of attending an event during your visit. Like all states, Idaho has its own share of awesome annual events that are worth checking out.
Some of the best events in Idaho include the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival in Weiser, the Teton Valley Balloon Rally in Driggs, Salmon River Days in Salmon, and Idaho Spud Days in Shelley.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Idaho is easily one of the prettiest states in the entire country, and you’ll want to spend plenty of time enjoying the fresh air and gorgeous scenery. No matter how you like to spend your time in the great outdoors, Idaho has an outdoor recreation option for you.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Like to go hiking? Enjoy cycling over wilderness trails? You’re sure to be pleased with many beautiful trails that wind their way through the state of Idaho.
Hikers may want to try one of the trails below:
- Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail in Idaho Panhandle National Forest — Moderate
- Tubbs Hill in Tubbs Hill Park — Easy
- Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek Stanley Lake Trail in Sawtooth Wilderness Area — Hard
- Table Rock Trail in Ridge to Rivers Management Area — Moderate
- Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail in Boise National Forest — Hard
Cyclists will appreciate the trails listed below.
- Table Rock Trail in Ridge to Rivers Management Area
- Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail in Boise National Forest
- Upper Palisades Lake Trail in Caribou-Targhee National Forest
- Red Cliffs Nature Center Trail in Camel’s Back and Hulls Gulch Reserve
- Gold Hill North Trail in Kaniksu National Forest
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Idaho also has lots of gorgeous bodies of water including lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
Fishing is one great way to enjoy an Idaho trip, and the fishing in Idaho is fantastic! Lake Lowell near Nampa is well stocked with catfish, and Brownlee Reservoir on the Oregon-Idaho border is great for catching smallmouth Bass in May and June.
Want some time on a beach? You won’t find any ocean beaches in Idaho, but you’ll find some freshwater beaches. Priest Lake is an excellent option with an easy access point in Priest Lake State Park. Meanwhile, Lake Pend Oreille lures swimmers in with its turquoise waters.
Waterfalls are plentiful in the state of Idaho and we like to make a game of finding new ones each time we visit. Some of the best waterfalls in the state include Shadow Falls, Jump Creek Falls, and Shoshone Falls. Why not see how many you can find?
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
As you might imagine based on the huge number of natural areas in the state, Idaho is an excellent place to do some wildlife viewing. Eagles and sand cranes are just a couple of the fascinating bird species you might encounter during your time there, and grizzly bears, caribou, mountain goats, mule deer, and more also make themselves at home in Idaho.
To see some of these amazing animals, try taking a hike through one of the many national forests or visiting Yellowstone National Park. You might also head to Cougar Bay Preserve, Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, or Hagerman Wildlife Management Area.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
What about things for the kids to do? Whether you plan to visit one of the cities already mentioned or someplace like Twin Falls or Rexburg, you’re sure to find something your kids will enjoy.
Historical Sites and Museums
One of the things we love to do with kids when traveling is a bit of roadschooling. We find fun local sites that also provide a bit of educational value and then return home with some new knowledge.
National sites are some of the best places to do this. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is one great spot for roadschooling, as is the Minidoka National Historic Site.
You might also look into visiting one of Idaho’s many museums to learn something new while having some family fun.
Some of our favorite museums in the state include:
- Idaho State Museum in Boise
- Museum of Clean in Pocatello
- Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa
- Idaho Potato Museum and Potato Station Cafe in Blackfoot
- Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Idaho amusement parks are another excellent place to visit with kids. Silverwood Theme Park in Athol is the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest and a great choice for any family vacation. We also love Roaring Springs Waterpark for cooling off in the summer.
You could also choose to add a zoo to your itinerary. Zoo Idaho in Pocatello is our first pick. Other good choices include the Aquarium of Boise, Yellowstone Bear World, and Idaho Falls Zoo.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Idaho
Safety should always come first, even when you’re having an amazing RV adventure. Be sure to head into RV camping in Idaho prepared with these tips below.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
Visitors to Idaho should be prepared for wildfires, floods, landslides, earthquakes, severe storms, and winter storms. Each of these types of events is rare, but you’ll want to be prepared.
To avoid severe weather, be sure to download a couple of weather apps and allow them to send you push notifications. Avoid parking your rig in areas where landslides are common, and skip the campsites in flood areas during rainy times.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
While Idaho wildlife is exciting to watch from a distance, many animals native to this state can also be dangerous. For this reason, it’s important that you never approach or feed a wild animal, and always keep your distance.
When hiking, make plenty of noise to let bears and other animals know you’re in the area and be sure to store food in bear-safe containers. Carrying bear spray can also help protect you.
You’ll also want to watch out for snakes, bugs, and poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
Hopefully, this article has helped you to plan a fabulous and fun-filled vacation RV camping in Idaho. If you’re new to RV camping, be sure to check out our tips for first-timers.
