Southwest Idaho is an RV’ers paradise. There are luxurious private campgrounds, stunning State parks, and a lifetime’s worth of “boondocking” sites on public lands.
To help plan your trip, we’ve created this guide of some of Southwest Idaho’s best RV-friendly campgrounds (for more detailed trip ideas, check out these itineraries).
Happy Campers
Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Let’s cover a few basic tips before we dive into planning your summer getaway.
- Pack smart. Stock up that fridge, stow away the bug spray, and plan for all weather conditions.
- Know your rig. What’s the tail swing on this baby? Are your tires in good condition? If towing, what’s your vehicle’s capacity?
- Respect the people and places you encounter. Pack out what you pack in.
- Check ahead for seasonal rules like fire bans, site or road closures, and wildlife warnings.
Rent to Roam
Photo Credit: Wandervans
No RV? No problem.
Locally-owned Wandervans is a great place to start. Their small, medium, and large campervans are kid and pet friendly, ultra-reliable, and equipped with every amenity you could possibly need. Best of all? They’re not cumbersome to use — no more worries about finding parking or backing up a huge rig.
Need something larger? Check out Boise Family RV for well-equipped motorhomes and travel trailers.
Where RV Going?
Let’s hit the road. The s’more the merrier.
Boise and Meridian
Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Whether you are making a quick stopover or just want a temporary home base, camping in the Treasure Valley puts you in the middle of the action.
Boise Riverside RV Park makes a great home base for exploring the Treasure Valley. Set along the Boise River and the Greenbelt off of Glenwood Street, this Boise RV Park provides easy access to some of the area’s most popular outdoor and urban experiences.
Other Nearby Options
Caldwell and Sunnyslope Area
Photo Credit: Kim Fetrow
About an hour west of Boise lies the Snake River Valley. It’s famous for its unique volcanic soil that produces outstanding wine. The Idaho Wine Trail in Sunnyslope is packed full of award-winning wineries, and a day of tastings needs to be on your itinerary. Fish in the Snake River or kick it up a notch with a jet boat excursion.
The Snake River RV Resort just outside of Homedale is a riverside campground offering shady, private, and grassy sites. It sits on the banks of the Snake River, with a private fishing dock and views of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Other Nearby Options
Boise National Forest
Drive an hour up Highway 21 from Boise to Idaho City and you’re in a whole new world. Deep basalt gorges, towering pines, and old gold rush mines — it’s a perfect place to hike, explore, and huddle around the campfire for ghost stories.
Creekside Campground is a privately-owned campground that’s ideal for campers who are looking for something family-friendly and convenient. Each of the 10 sites comes complete with a picnic table and barbeque. A central firepit and trout-filled creek make for a chance to kick back and befriend your fellow campers. The playground with swings, tetherball, and horseshoe pits guarantees fun for the whole family.
Other Nearby Options
Cascade
Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
This former lumber town is quickly becoming the hot new tourist destination — but it’s not yet lost that laid-back small-town vibe. Play in the sun at Lake Cascade and then stroll into town for ice cream. Take a ride up to one of the natural hot springs that dot the surrounding mountains. This is what memories are made of.
Arrowhead RV Park is just 5 minutes from downtown Cascade, right along the banks of the North Fork of the Payette River. With dozens of full-service spaces on 25 acres of land, the 50 carved full-sized totem poles scattered throughout the acreage give the park a unique quirky character. Become part of the Arrowhead family by joining in the wood carving, beading, quilting, and painting activities.
Other Nearby Options
Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
This lakefront mountain town gives you your pick of ways to play. Boating. Hiking. Kayaking. Dining. It’s all here and surprisingly accessible.
Ponderosa State Park is the signature campground of the area. This large state park is located on a peninsula that juts into Payette Lake. With many miles of trails, dock access, and plenty of RV-friendly sites and amenities, it’s definitely worth a visit. And if all your adventuring wears you out, town (complete with breweries, restaurants, and shopping) is only a five-minute drive away.
Other Nearby Options
Garden Valley
Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure or relaxation, you’ve come to the right place. Nearby South Fork of the Payette River attracts rafters, kayakers, and lots of wildlife. And the surrounding mountains are your chance to hike, bike, or horseback ride through pristine wilderness.
The best base camp for an RVer? Riverpond Campground. Shady lanes, open fields, a lily pond, and a sandbar beach on the riverfront make Riverpond one of the most naturally beautiful campgrounds in the state. The spacious grounds mean you’ll have plenty of room to yourself. And it’s only a 10-minute walk from Crouch, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, and coffee shops aplenty.
Other Nearby Options
Highway 95
Photo Credit: Mundo Hot Springs
Two hours north of Boise, up Highway 95, you’ll find a scattering of charming small towns along the Weiser River. In the summer, it’s all scenic vistas of rolling hills and lupin fields. Nearby Hells Canyon offers heart-stopping rafting adventures.
To the east, you’ll find the West Mountains. It’s some of the best — and best-hidden — hiking in the state. Think hidden trout streams and forests full of huckleberries and morels. The Weiser River Trail to the west is also a favorite destination for hiking and biking.
Mundo Hot Springs RV Park, in the little town of Cambridge, is the very definition of a hidden gem. They offer several RV sites with both full and partial hookups. But Mundo’s not just a campsite — it’s also a hot spring. Their large geothermal pool is a paradise, the ideal place to soak and relax after a day on the road. And it’s all a 10-minute walk away from the gorgeous Weiser River Trail.
Other Nearby Options
Mountain Home
Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Mountain Home may be a small town, but for RVers its big city conveniences make it a great place to stock up, as well as a jumping off point for high desert adventures.
The area’s most notable attraction, Bruneau Dunes State Park, features North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune, as well as outstanding warm water fishing. Even better, this area boasts the longest camping season in Southwest Idaho. The high desert gets hot in the summer — so come prepared! Or plan your trip in the spring and fall to take in the changing scenery.
Other Nearby Options
For additional help planning your Idaho RV trip, browse our travel guides or contact our friends at RV Idaho.