- Boise National Forest
The best camping in Boise National Forest, ID
81% (42)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Boise National Forest
Slippery Gulch
Slippery Gulch
100%
(18)
17mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · Lodging
Cozy, minimalist cabin with a loft bed, a small kitchen, and shower. The property boasts a beautiful view of Garden Valley, 5 minutes to the town of Crouch. Kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Golf, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Hot Springs and just about any other outdoor activity you’d like to do can probably be done nearby. We have a few nearby restaurants, a local bar that brings killer music to the area and we even have our own musical theater nearby in Starlight Mountain Theater. 1 hour and 10 minutes from Boise. Sleeps 4- pets for additional fee.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from
$90
/ night
Secluded Off Grid Mountain Yurt
Secluded Off Grid Mountain Yurt
96%
(13)
20mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · Lodging
Surround yourself with nature on nearly 45 acres of secluded mountain land a mile above the South Fork of the Payette River between Banks and Crouch. This private yurt offers a true off grid mountain experience with electricity, Starlink internet, heat, AC, propane cooking and a wood stove for cozy nights.
This is not a neighborhood or resort setting. This is real mountain wilderness. If you are looking for a Terrace Lakes style community experience, this is not it. If you are looking for quiet, privacy, stars, wildlife and adventure, you’re in the right place.
Sleeping arrangements comfortably accommodate up to five guests with one bunk bed and a futon. Bring your own bedding and pillows based on the season. We recommend zero degree sleeping bags in winter and lightweight bedding in summer. Towels are not provided.
There is no running water and no shower. We provide fresh five gallon drinking water jugs and a clean private porta potty. There is a sink inside for washing dishes.
The yurt is heated and cooled with a mini split system. We do not provide firewood for the wood stove or firepit. Firewood can be purchased locally in Crouch or Garden Valley. There is interior lighting but no exterior lighting, so bring headlamps or flashlights for nighttime use.
Cooking amenities include a two burner propane stove with cast iron griddle, a private deck with propane grill, and a fully stocked cooking setup including dishes, utensils, spices and olive oil.
The yurt is accessed by a short walk from the parking area and terrain may be uneven, muddy, snowy or icy depending on weather. In winter, AWD or 4WD with winter tires or chains is required.
We live on the property but respect your privacy completely. You will not see us unless you request assistance.
This stay is perfect for hikers, snowshoers, hunters, anglers, skiers, rafters, kayakers, off roaders and guests who want a true wilderness experience with modern comforts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$125
/ night
Smokejumper Tiny Home Resort
Smokejumper Tiny Home Resort
100%
(21)
22mi from Boise National Forest · 5 sites · Lodging
Come experience an all new tiny home 45 minutes from Boise!! Brand new modern tiny homes that come complete with full bathroom, kitchen and two sleeping areas. Equipped with the latest in Smart Glass technology for privacy, firepits with cooktop for outdoor dining and minutes to the infamous Idaho City Hot Springs resorts and tons of other outdoor activities!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$240
/ night
23 Acres of Peace. Cascade, Idaho
23 Acres of Peace. Cascade, Idaho
98%
(42)
27mi from Boise National Forest · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our Vision
We believe that the majestic Idaho outdoors should be accessible and cherished by all. We want to restore the carefree spirit of camping, where you can simply journey until you discover the perfect spot. To achieve this, we acquired this beautiful piece of land and are constantly making enhancements to it.
Our Offering
Immerse yourself in a vast expanse of prairie, punctuated by mature pine trees. Situated near the serene Herrick Reservoir, the lively Payette River, and a myriad of ATV trails, adventure is just a stone's throw away. The charming town of Cascade is only a 15-minute drive to the north.
We encourage you to bring along your ATVs, paddleboards, and fishing gear, and prepare to explore. Unplug from the rush of neighboring towns and savor the tranquility of this untouched landscape. This is a unique opportunity to truly experience dry camping and to recharge your inner spirit.
We Offer:
- A choice of three distinct camping spots
- The option to reserve the entire area for yourself
- A peaceful hideaway where you can disconnect to reconnect
Book Your Stay Today!
We hope you'll join us in our mission to restore the carefree spirit of camping. Book your stay today and experience the magic of 23 Acres of Peace.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$35
/ night
Jerusalem Valley Idaho
Jerusalem Valley Idaho
100%
(12)
29mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · RV
Our property is located 20 miles north of Boise.
There are endless off-roading/dirt biking/snowmobiling opportunities out our back door.
The Payette River offers sections from Class 1 to Class 5+ for those interested in kayaking, rafting or tubing.
Easy access to Hwy 55 and into the parking spot.
Sixth generation family farm in Jerusalem Valley - an area that provided support to the Boise Basin Gold Rush in 1862.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
Downtown Boise's Best location!
Downtown Boise's Best location!
94%
(54)
44mi from Boise National Forest · 4 sites · RVs
Instant book site. It's a short walk to BSU, downtown, the fabulous green belt and much more! Three sites are available for Class B or small Class C boondockers (dry campers) at this location in downtown Boise. Maximun length is 26 feet. Small side outs ok. This is beautiful property in a park-like setting historical district. You can walk to everything downtown. Water is available to fill your supply tank only. There are no port-o-potties, or hookups. Generators are okay. There's lawn chairs, a picnic table and a BBQ. Non-barking pets are ok on leash only. Sites are numbered 1, 2 or 3. The 132 WEST MAIN ST. property is accessible from the alley. Enter alley from North 1st street. Sites are half way down the alley. It's the lot with the boondocker sign. Discount for longer terms. PLEASE mind your dogs potty!
Pets
from
$30
/ night
Private backyard oasis
Private backyard oasis
100%
(14)
45mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · RV
We have a nice private backyard for you to park your self contained camper. Ideal for a self contained campervan. Our space is really only big enough for rigs under 25 feet. We currently have a 23 ft Airstream Flying Cloud parked permanently in the backyard and also rent this out. Let us know if you'll need water, or electric while you are here.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$49
/ night
Terriland
Terriland
100%
(44)
48mi from Boise National Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We are three parcels of land approximately 4 acres in all. The orchard consists of 27 different fruit trees, a pond for cooling off or swimming. Explore the greenhouse, gardens and bee yard. Relax with a game of horseshoes or corn hole in the afternoon shady or at the many sitting areas located around the property. 50amp (2) and 110 services available. We do not offer sewer hookups. Located just 1/2 mile from Roadhouse at the MIll, Valor Motorplex and Gem Island Sports Complex, 10 miles to Firebird Raceway and minutes to Black Canyon Reservoir.
You can step out the back gate and enter Emmett's walking path that will take you along the Payette river, to the sports complex and downtown Emmett.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
The Domestead - Off grid Glamping
The Domestead - Off grid Glamping
100%
(1)
16mi from Boise National Forest · 2 sites · Lodging
A secluded, mountaintop hideaway for adventure & renewal
Perched high above Garden Valley, The Domestead is a one-of-a-kind geodesic dome built into the cliffs of Idaho’s wild forestland. Surrounded by 87 private acres of pine trees, granite outcrops, and native wildlife, this secluded mountaintop hideaway rewards the adventurous couple with an experience of total privacy, incredible views, and stillness that invites reflection, self-discovery and connection.
Accessible only by those willing to journey up a long, steep mountain road, The Domestead is a place that changes with the seasons and offers something different each time you visit. Whether you're winding up the forested road in summer or navigating snow-packed trails in winter, getting here is part of what makes the experience so special. The property borders a 500-acre elk preserve and backs up to miles of untouched BLM and Forest Service land. It’s wild, peaceful, and full of life—everything we hoped it would be when we first walked it.
Inside, the space is warm, quiet, and intentionally built. Radiant heated floors, a mini-split for both heat and AC, reliable Starlink internet, and an off-grid solar and battery system all come together to make the dome comfortable no matter the season. The well water goes through a complex filtration setup we invested in to make sure it's clean, crisp, and safe to drink — something we really care about.
Everything here was chosen with intention. It's not fancy, but it's thoughtful. It's not for everyone, but it might be just right for you.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$248
/ night
Garden Valley River Access Campsite
Garden Valley River Access Campsite
88%
(28)
18mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
PLEASE PACK OUT ANY TRASH. THANK YOU
The address to the house next door is 519 MiddleFork Rd, Garden Valley, ID 83622. That will get you to the property. The property is right after 519 it is a large open lot that leads down to the river. There is a black military vehicle parked on the very end close to the house.
So there are two sections 1st is a flat section where you have plenty of room to set up tents and RVs. It is right off the road, and any car can get to the site with ease. The 2nd section is more wooded and has access to the river. You are welcome to tent camp here it is just getting an RV down there and out can be a challenge I don't recommend it. Also, the bridge across the river is the neighbors and so is the property across the river. There are roughly 4 campsites on the property but can camp where you want really.
Large flat spot above the river that has access to the water. Half of the property is a flat spot for RV's and tents the 2nd half is more green, woody and has access to the river. There is a deeper spot in the river that is 3-4 feet deep and is perfect to lounge in during the hot parts of the summer. Please pack out what you pack in and keep the place nice for the next camper. Thank you and enjoy.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
$32
/ night
Caddyshack RV Space
Caddyshack RV Space
83%
(6)
19mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
Easily accessible RV pad big enough to host 3 trailers. Spot has full hook-ups (water, septic, 50amp outlet with numerous 110 standard plugs) on the back 9 of Terrace Lakes Golf Course in Garden Valley, Idaho. You can enjoy bike rides, hikes, playing in / floating the Middle Fork of the Payette, hike to hot springs, watch the deer and elk roam, or play 18 holes of golf and hot the Terrace Lakes geothermal pool.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from
$30
/ night
RussellInnThePines
RussellInnThePines
100%
(1)
19mi from Boise National Forest · 1 site · Lodging
Enjoy your stay on private property nestled in the pines, surrounded by beautiful meadows and mountains, located just outside of beautiful BLM land for your enjoyment, wether you are trail walking/hiking, horseback riding, motorcycling, or ATV riding, you will enjoy so many beautiful trails in natural habitat. Close to our little old mining town with restaurants and pubs and stores. Just a 50 minute drive to Boise. Just bring your food/drinks and clothes. Includes all your house hold needs, charcoal, barbecue, large ice chest, picnic table with umbrella, to outdoor lounge chairs, 10 x 10 easy up, all linens are provided.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$116
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
N
Nicole
2 weeks ago
Group trip
Such a cute, warm and CLEAN tiny cabin! So cozy! Everything we could have possibly needed. Very responsive host. Beautiful view including some elk. We will definitely be back!
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J
Jim
December 2025
21 ft Class B
Very convenient to all of Downtown Boise and all it offers.
See moreJ
Jim
October 2025
21 ft Class B
With pets
Very convenient to all of downtown Boise and the river
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L
Lauren
October 2025
34 ft travel trailer
With kids
We loved staying here! Beautiful grounds with room for the kids to play. Terri and her family were so friendly and accommodating. We got in very late and she still came out to help us get settled and gave us great recommendations for what to do the next day. A great place to stop and stay a couple days!
See moreM
Marga
October 2025
16 ft campervan
With pets
Bill’s property and the surrounds are great and the location is truly fabulous! Plentiful parks and open spaces adjacent and nearby. It’s an easy walk to the best of Old Boise, downtown, museums, and the zoo, but still far enough out of the fray to enjoy returning home to a quiet nest on a Saturday night.
See moreH
Hallie
October 2025
28 ft campervan
With pets
Great location. Walkable to food and nightlife. Easy to walk our dogs, too.
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Jim
October 2025
21 ft Class B
I've stayed there often and it is always a pleasure. The immediate walking distance/access to all of downtown Boise makes it a real pleasure.
See moreD
David
October 2025
24 ft Class B
Second stay here. Amazing location right in town. You can walk to almost anything. Site is clean and flat with fresh water.
See moreJ
Jay
September 2025
21 ft pop-up camper
With pets
A great safe location very close to downtown. Have stayed here several times and have never had a problem. Very easy to walk to downtown and Boise State for the football game. We’ll be back!
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D
Daniel
September 2025
28 ft travel trailer
With kids
Great time. Large flat area fit two campers with no issues. If tent camping you can get right down by the river. Hope to be back soon!
See moreJ
Jason
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Slippery Gulch
We loved staying here! Walk out the front door and, my gosh, the view! Inside was clean, lots of little extras like books and hot chocolate and oatmeal. Easy to work with and everything went smoothly!
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Calvin
September 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Exactly what we expected. A convenient parking spot walkable to downtown and parks. Thanks!
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Christine
September 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
My dog Jax and I stayed in Bill’s lot. I felt safe as a single woman traveling alone. The location was perfect, in walking distance to many amazing restaurants and pubs, and close to Julia Davis Park which has access to the Boise River Greenbelt. Perfect stop after a long drive.
See moreJ
James
September 2025
60 ft travel trailer
Group trip
Enjoyed our stay host easy to communicate with even had firewood waiting for us.
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C
Cassy
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Secluded Off Grid Mountain Yurt
We loved staying here! It was so beautiful and peaceful and exactly what we were looking for. The yurt had everything we needed to feel comfortable! The AC and internet were great perks for such a remote spot. Wade provided super helpful instructions and was quick to reply when we had a question. We can’t wait to return!
See moreR
Ryan
September 2025
25 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Cool spot on the river to hangout. It would be nice to have a bit cleaner access to the river for people that are not as light on thir feet!
See moreA
Abe
August 2025
1 night at Slippery Gulch
Really lovely cabin, would recommend! My two friends and I stayed there for a night and had a comfortable stay.
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E
Elaine
August 2025
Tent
Our stay was wonderful. The orchard was filled with fresh fruit , that was absolutely delicious..
Terri and her husband were awesome . We even got to enjoy a great bottle of wine that Terri offered up. The property was very well kept. Even though the tent site was close to the county road we still felt safe and comfortable. We even got a helpful hand from the resident dog to set up our tent. Highly recommend Terri-land . Look forward to staying there again.
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B
Beth
August 2025
Weekend Trip to 300 feet off Payette river Puma RV
This was a great, comfy RV to stay in for a weekend getaway!
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T
Tia
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Proximity to the river was wonderful and our dog loved having a swim! The tent spot had ample shade and perfect trees for our hammock too! As others commented, you can hear the road traffic but it was never bothersome. The site was great for our small family celebration!!
See moreThe best camping in Boise National Forest, ID guide
Overview
About
You could say Boise National Forest is in the tri-forest area. It is surrounded on all sides by Payette, Salmon-Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests, it is situated conveniently close to both urban fun in Boise, and limitless wilderness adventures everywhere else. Alpine tundra is dotted with evergreen forest in the green rolling hills here, topped with snow, and anchored by sparkling valley waterways. The Payette River is great for rafting, while Banks Beach and Beehive Bend are just some of the prime access points on the forest’s 250 lakes and reservoirs (Arrowrock Reservoir has surprisingly primo salmon fishing for central Idaho).
Hikers will find 500 trails, including some that lead to 360-panoramic views at fire lookouts. The ambitious should try 10,000-foot high Trinity Mountain, while more liesurely trekkers will get just as good a view at Silver Creek. As if that’s not all enough to keep you busy, there are also endless mountain biking trails, including a scenic route along Shafer Butte.
Boise National Forest has over 70 campgrounds ripe for picking (or camping). Book a night at the Deadwood Lookout Recreation Cabin for an unforgettable experience. At this former fire lookout on Deadwood Mountain, you can hike one of the nearby trails or soak in the surroundings.
81%
42 ratings · 12 reviews
January 2023
In 1915 my great grandfather Joseph Oren Couch was deer hunting up the gladiator trail and near the salmon river. He carved his name, the name of the camp, and the date on a young cottonwood tree. He gave the camp the name “big buck camp”. How’s that for a story. 😁❤️ Couch summit, Idaho was also named after him. Lots of fun stories are written down about his early adventures and I don’t know who would really enjoy them, because sadly I’ve never been to Idaho- yet Happy 2023!
Suzycelentano@yahoo.com
S
Suzy C.
3 years on Hipcamp
July 2022
A great little campground alongside Warm Springs Creek, with a lower loop for RVs, an upper loop that will accommodate tents plus smaller RVs in a few sites, and four walk-in tents sites. There are about 15 shallow soaking pools at the springs to choose from, ranging in temperature from cool to parboil (do not walk your dogs up there, as scalding water runs over the trail in places!), and a bath tub in a shack at the end of a 1/4 mile walk upstream. A short, steep trail will take you up to the Warm Springs Airstrip and trailhead for a pretty hike. There is a fair amount of day traffic to the hot springs parking area, so sites nearest the road can be dusty. The long-time hosts are very friendly.
N
Nancy D.
4 years on Hipcamp
August 2020
I was there this weekend and have been there before. This is a great place to go for the day but, I can no longer recommend spending the night there. While we were there, someone had set up a drinking party hut and we called the people in charge of campsite and they never answered. We had to call the police to come in and shut the party down after 11 in the evening.
Tammy J.
5 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· August 2019
Was going to camp here, but after 5 min I left. Maybe I just hit it on a bad day but, way to many day people there, with no respect for the campers. EX: Folks walking thru campsite that were occupied. There is literally no shade, very dusty. I went to another CG even though I paid for a spot here, I could not even find the host to tell them I was leaving.
S
Susan G.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2018
Hot springs are great, go on a winter morning to avoid crowds.
Megan M.
7 years on Hipcamp
January 2018
This was by far the best hidden gem! Campgrounds were packed and we stumbled upon this place in our desperate search. The kids had a great time testing all the hot springs.
Michelle L.
9 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2017
This campsite is right on the highway, but you can’t beat the views. The traffic is few and far between, and didnt bother me, and my campsite was next to the road. The campground has a water pump and vault toilet. Highly recommended for a quiet getaway.
K
Kyle T.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
Stayed in walk-in site number 10 which on the ledge with the best view of the canyon might be the most liberating spot. And it was one of the closest to the car so easy access. Toliets were very clean, air was fresh, and neighbors were friendly. It's pretty quiet up there, and only a 40 minute drive from Boise. The trail is very close and you have to pay to part. Self-service station at the top if you don't have reservations already. You have views of Bogus Mountain, which, a short drive away has mounting biking, wall climbing, summer tubing, and tampoline bungee jump. That's also your only place to eat if you don't pack your own.
Mark S.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
Bad Bear is a nice little campsite outside of Idaho City. The sites are good size with adequate privacy. There is lots of tree cover for shade during those warm summer days, and a babbling brook at the back of the campground. Each site had a picnic table, fire ring, and there is a well for water and a vault toilet. We enjoyed our stay here, mostly because there wasn't anyone else camping in the campground when we were there in mid-July! Score!
Anna W.
8 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Perfect little camping spot not far from Boise! The fire pit setup is great for cooking over the fire too. Somewhat private camp sites too. Would definitely recommend this campground over the surrounding locations!
Lindsay N.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2016
Great family spot!! Campsite is a short walk from the parking lot so plan on packing it in :) No water available but there are vault toilets. Sites are partially shaded, w/ pinic tables & firepits w/grills. Great view of the stars from camp, and a short walk to the day use area early in the a.m. will give you a sunrise view to remember!! 1 mi interpretive trail is a great family hike with a cool rock outcrop about 1/2 way. Additional trails provide further opportunities to explore :) Close to Bogus and all their summer trails have to offer, as well.
E
Erin T.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
There's a picture of a lake associated with this campground, there is no water in the area. Great mountain biking from lower lodge of ski area, see local trail guide. Excellent hiking as well. During the summer months there is a BBQ from something like 11-7PM.
G
Ghetto C.
10 years on Hipcamp