Discover the best desert campgrounds in Idaho with climbing

United States
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Idaho

98% (176 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Idaho

4 top desert campgrounds in Idaho with climbing

Star Hosts in Idaho

99%

(68)

Idaho's Best Kept Secret!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Mackay, ID

One of Idaho's most iconic peaks, often compared to the Matterhorn, will transfix you in a picture-perfect view from this campsite. On a clear night, its rosy glow is the only thing you will see just before darkness. As the night darkens further you'll be dazzled by the brightest stars against the darkest of dark skies you will ever experience. Then you'll fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the Lost River gliding by. In the early morning be on the lookout for the resident moose and her calf (Watch, but don't approach!!) or any of the many deer that ramble by. Then drop a fishing line into the river, just a few steps away, and catch yourself a trout or two for your breakfast. After breakfast, get out your binoculars, cameras, and maps (you did bring them, didn't you?) and choose your day's adventure, whether it be a challenging hike up a mountain trail, a leisurely stroll to a delightful waterfall, a 20-mile trip to world-famous Sun Valley via the stunning Trail Creek Summit, or exploring the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states. which is, literally, just on the other side of the fence! The road you enter the property from will also get you 20 miles deep into that wilderness along a broad river valley where you may see elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, deer, antelope, mountain goats, big horn sheep, black bears, and much more all thriving in natural abundance. Mountain lions are absent in this area, fortunately, but can be found in narrow, steep-sided canyons in other drainages nearby, if you dare.

Pheasant Acres (Runyon Ranch)

1 site · RV3 acres · Heyburn, ID

Looking for a stopover place with plenty of parking space? Maybe our site will be a match for you and your RV! (If your rig is not fully self-contained, please note that we do not offer facilities of any kind. You will need a privacy tent for your own portable restroom.) Our house and shop and a few other outbuildings sit on 3.5 acres on a dead-end dirt lane, and we have space we'd be open to sharing with you. We have updated our listing (May 2024) to accommodate your preferably-fully-self-contained unit in our side yard area only (because of irrigation timing in the back-yard area, we are no longer offering that area for your stay). Your parking/dry-docking space in our side yard boasts several large trees and some shade. There are some branches to navigate but there is ample space to choose your perfect spot. The site runs alongside our driveway so our vehicles will obviously be visible from your parking spot but there is plenty of room there for your extra vehicle(s) in our driveway as well. This spot has very little privacy because it is set back from our dirt lane and in between our home and our neighbor’s shed (but they are family). But it is peaceful and safe (and we are very close to "town" and all the conveniences of such). Being almost next to the Snake River, and having a natural marsh just to the North of our property, mosquito repellant is highly recommended during certain times of the year. We are just a few miles (5 mins or so) from the freeway, Walmart, restaurants, and public access to the Snake River (boating, fishing, swimming), and golfing. We have three friendly dogs (lab, Yorkie, pug-chihuahua) but we have an underground fence system so they will generally be out of your area (with a few exceptions) and most likely in our house much of the time. (Must love dogs. ♥️) IF YOU HAVE DOGS, please keep them on a leash and clean up after them appropriately, thanks!

The Meadow

5 sites · Lodging3 acres · Carmen, ID

Welcome to the Weaver's Meadow. We have lived on this property for the past 31 years and it is the very spot where a blind date led to an engagement which let to a beautiful love story and 3 wonderful children. Now, we hope you too can come and enjoy the utterly breathtaking beauty of our secluded, creekside paradise. Nestled among the aspen trees you will find a one room cabin complete with bed, table and chairs, wood cookstove and all the amenities you will need to truly relax with the comfort of a cozy cabin to forget the outside world.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping in Idaho with climbing guide

Overview

In the eastern reaches of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho offers recreation throughout the year, from whitewater rafting to backcountry exploration. Winter sports are big, with ski resorts all over the state. If you're planning on camping, summer is the best time to visit, particularly if you want to see Idaho's many hiking trails, hot springs, waterfalls, or lakes. Hipcamps are your best private camping option, while Idaho State Parks manages many of the public campgrounds in the state, most coming well equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Some also have yurts, and many offer RV sites with full hookups.

Where to go

The Idaho Panhandle

Between Washington and Montana and stretching up to Canada’s border, this forested region is ideal for winter skiing and snowboarding, plus hiking, biking, and kayaking in warmer months. Highlights include Nez Perce National Historic Park and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where the Pandhandle rivers are particularly beloved by whitewater rafters. Popular camping areas include Priest Lake State Park, Heyburn State Park, and Farragut State Park, and you can also find campgrounds on the Banks of Lake Pend Oreille and Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Southwest Idaho

On the border of Oregon, southwestern Idaho features lots of outdoor and cultural attractions, plus plenty of wineries and breweries. Boise, the state’s capital, is here and despite its small size, the fast-growing city has great museums and restaurants. Popular getaways from the city include Payette National Forest, Boise National Forest, Ponderosa State Park, Lake Cascade State Park, and Bruneau Dunes State Park.

Central Idaho

Characterized by alpine landscapes and crystalline lakes, central Idaho is as known for its summertime hiking as it is for its ski resorts, including the world-famous Sun Valley. Some of the best camping spots in the region include Redfish Lake in Sawtooth National Forest, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Eastern Idaho

The gateway to Yellowstone National Park, eastern Idaho is chock-full of outdoor fun, from fishing on the Snake River's South Fork to cruising down the country's longest Main Street in Island Park. Summer is great for hiking and biking, while winter brings opportunities to ski and snowmobile against the backdrop of the Tetons. The region is also home to a handful of hot springs, the most famous of which is the odorless Lava Hot Springs.