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Idaho is often overshadowed by Washington and Oregon, but its rugged wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities rival those of its neighbors, and without the crowds. With pristine lakes and rivers, dense forests, and craggy mountain peaks—not to mention the deepest gorge and highest waterfall in the country—Idaho is home to fascinating and diverse landscapes. Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and winter sports are all popular activities to enjoy in the state.
Idaho’s state park system has some of the top-rated campgrounds in the state. The 17 parks with RV camping available are well run and maintained, with Junior Ranger and other educational programs.
Reservations
Reservations can be made online at idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com and by phone at 888-922-6743. Reservations are available 9 months in advance.
About half of the 17 state parks that accommodate RVs can be booked in advance; the rest are first come, first served.
Campsite sizes
While most campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs, the site lengths available vary greatly within each campground. The reservations system provides the length of each specific site plus the maximum vehicle length allowed. Under “Advanced Options” you can search by RV length, and even for pull-through sites.
Accessibility
All Idaho state parks are ADA friendly and support service animals. The reservation system allows you to select and reserve ADA-accessible campsites (with proof of eligibility upon check-in).
Hookups
Partial or full hookups are available at many campgrounds. Details are displayed in the reservation system search results as either standard sites with no hookups, or serviced sites that specify water/electric/sewer. You can also search for available sites with hookups under “Advanced Options”.
Connectivity
WiFi availability varies per park; details are on the reservation website. Note that even if WiFi is offered, it may not be accessible from all campsites. If connectivity is a priority, call the campground to ask about WiFi and cell service.
Maximum stay
Maximum stay is 15 days within a 30 day period.
Additional facilities
Potable water, restroom facilities, and picnic tables are available at most campgrounds. Additional campsite and campground details—like fire pits, shade, showers, and dump stations—vary and can be found under the campground details on the reservations website.
Cost
Prices range from $12 for a standard site with no hookups to $49 for sites with full hookups in high season. Pricing is displayed per site and per date on the reservations website.
Additional Fees:
Booking fee: $10 (for both online and phone bookings)
Change fee: $10
Cancellation fee: $10
Cancellations within 24 hours of arrival may also forfeit the first night’s fee.
A $5 per vehicle per day Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) is also imposed. Out-of-state campers have the option to purchase an annual pass for $40 to cover this fee. All campgrounds charge a $5 extra vehicle fee. Extra vehicle parking may be limited, so check with the specific park for availability.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 8 people.
- Check-in time: 2 p.m. Check-out time: 1 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Permitted at campsites.
- Generator use: Allowed except during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed only in provided campfire pit or ring at site, following local restrictions.
- Drone use: Drone use is generally restricted, but rules vary. Call the specific park for details.
Featured Campgrounds
Bruneau Dunes State Park
27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Road, Bruneau, ID 83604
Did you know that Idaho is home to the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America? Dune lovers can camp right at the base of this expansive sandy playground. When you tire of climbing up and sliding down the dunes, enjoy fishing in the small lakes, photographing the landscape, and stargazing under the dark night sky. The visitor center hosts a museum and rents boards for dune sliding, and the Bruneau Dunes Observatory is open for night viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings from mid-March to mid-October. Of the campground’s more than 100 campsites, most have electric hookups and can accommodate big rigs. Spring or fall are ideal seasons to visit in order to avoid the summer heat. If you do travel in the summer, it’s best to explore the dunes early or later in the day.
Farragut State Park
13550 ID-54, Athol, ID 83801
This sprawling, forested park is home to more than 4,000 acres of pristine wilderness and is the perfect base from which to explore beautiful Northern Idaho. Located 25 miles from Coeur d’Alene and 50 miles from Spokane, Washington, Farragut is a beloved, family-friendly park. Its popularity means that while there are more than 200 campsites throughout the park, many with partial or full hookups, reservations fill up fast. Activities include miles of hiking and biking trails, water activities on the stunning Lake Pend Oreille, and a visit to the Museum at the Brig, which shares this park’s fascinating history as a World War II naval training station.
Henrys Lake State Park
3917 E. 5100 N., Island Park, ID 83429
Located on beautiful Henrys Lake with sweeping views of the surrounding plains and mountains, this campground offers nature trails, guided hikes, a Junior Ranger program, and excellent trout fishing. And while it’s a worthwhile destination in its own right, Henrys Lake is also located only 15 miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The campground’s newer Caddis loop has 35 different 50-foot-long sites with full hookups, however, these are all first come, first served. Two other loops have 75 reservable sites with partial hookups and a variety of sizes. The openness of the campground does mean that there is less shade and more wind, but on the plus side, cell service is strong. If you’re looking for a serene Yellowstone camping experience with hookups at a reasonable rate, don’t overlook this Idaho state park.
Idaho state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Bear Lake State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Castle Rocks State Park
City of Rocks National Reserve
Dworshak State Park
Farragut State Park
Hells Gate State Park
Henrys Lake State Park
Heyburn State Park
Lake Cascades State Park
Lake Walcott State Park
Massacre Rocks State Park
Ponderosa State Park
Priest Lake State Park
Round Lake State Park
Three Island Crossing State Park
Winchester Lake State Park
For more information on Idaho state park campgrounds, visit parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.
