Camping season is in full swing here in Idaho. If you have yet to get out and sleep under the stars this summer, then you’ve come to the right place. We went ahead and compiled a list of some of the most beautiful waterfront campgrounds where you can set up camp right beside the lake (or river). These campsites provide everything you could want for an unforgettable stay in the Idaho wilderness. Get ready to dig your tent out from the back of the closet, because you’ll definitely want to visit at least one of these stunning campgrounds this summer.
- Big Springs Campground - Island Park
Thomas Hull/Flickr Tucked away in the gem of a town known as Island Park, Big Springs Campground is a small and primitive site located at the headwaters of Henry’s Fork. Considered a world-class fly fishing destination, the river boasts all sorts of recreational opportunities such as tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. The campground itself is tucked away in a forest of lodgepole pines, making for a remote getaway into this breathtaking region of eastern Idaho.
- Redfish Lake - Stanley
Anne/Flickr Considered one of the top waterfront camping destinations in the Gem State, Redfish Lake is a must for your next adventure. You’ll find numerous photogenic campgrounds on the shores of the lake such as Sockeye Campground, Glacier View Campground, or the Redfish Outlet Campground. Some of them require reservations whereas others are first come, first served. Whether you’re looking for a site that is packed with amenities or a primitive spot where you can escape from civilization, you’ll find what you’re looking for here at Redfish Lake.
- Wagonhammer Campground - North Fork
James Lindbloom/GoogleMaps Located right along the edge of the scenic Salmon River, this campground truly couldn’t be any closer to the water’s edge. They are a notable RV-friendly campground, but they also provide tent and teepee campsites. Bursting with awesome amenities such as free wi-fi, Wagonhammer is great if you want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northeastern Idaho while still holding onto a few comforts of home.
- Sam Owen Campground - Lake Pend Oreille
Rick Schoenborn/GoogleMaps Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille is a scenic campsite that is sure to become one of your favorites. Sam Owen Campground gives you an excellent vantage point of one of Idaho’s most breathtaking bodies of water. Located nearby is the Sam Owen Game Preserve which makes for an awesome spot to view wildlife such as deer and unique birds. However, the highlight of this campground is the sandy beach which makes for the perfect place to stretch out and soak up some sun.
- Priest Lake State Park - Coolin
Jerry Field/GoogleMaps Considered “the Crown Jewel of Idaho”, Priest Lake is a summer destination that is sure to please the whole family. Priest Lake State Park is probably the most popular place for campers who are looking to enjoy everything the lake has to offer. However, you’ll find plenty of smaller campgrounds situated around the lake such as Osprey Campground and Beaver Creek Campground. Surrounded by the mile-high Selkirk Mountains and plenty of forest, this is a landscape you won’t soon forget.
- Spillway Campground - Anderson Ranch Reservoir
Larry Newcomer/Flickr This small campground contains three modest campsites, but the location is absolutely delightful if you’re the type of person that likes to keep away from the summer crowds. This camping spot is definitely more suited for those who prefer Idaho’s dry desert landscapes. However, Anderson Ranch Reservoir makes for a great place to fish, boat, water ski, and more. This no-reservation campground requires no fee, but it’s as primitive as campsites can get.
- Wendover Campground - Lolo
R. Scott Belford/GoogleMaps Situated on a gorgeous stretch of the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, Wendover Campground boasts 27 utterly serene campsites. A small creek runs right through the middle of the campground and the Lochsa is ideal for white water rafting, fishing, floating, and more. A beautiful moss-covered pine forest provides a perfectly tranquil location for your next camping adventure.
- Swan Falls Dam - Murphy
Ron Gross/GoogleMaps Located just below the historic Swan Falls Dam (which you can take a tour of) are 20 free campsites, all of which provide breathtaking views of the canyon. Fish along the Snake River, navigate one of the nearby hiking trails, and even spend a few hours scoping out the owls, hawks, osprey, and falcons that make their homes along this section of the river.
Aren’t these waterfront campgrounds absolutely stunning? We’re so lucky to live in such a photogenic state! Want more breathtaking campgrounds? Check out our list of 7 Beautifully Remote And Primitive Camping Spots In Idaho for more.
Thomas Hull/Flickr
Tucked away in the gem of a town known as Island Park, Big Springs Campground is a small and primitive site located at the headwaters of Henry’s Fork. Considered a world-class fly fishing destination, the river boasts all sorts of recreational opportunities such as tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. The campground itself is tucked away in a forest of lodgepole pines, making for a remote getaway into this breathtaking region of eastern Idaho.
Anne/Flickr
Considered one of the top waterfront camping destinations in the Gem State, Redfish Lake is a must for your next adventure. You’ll find numerous photogenic campgrounds on the shores of the lake such as Sockeye Campground, Glacier View Campground, or the Redfish Outlet Campground. Some of them require reservations whereas others are first come, first served. Whether you’re looking for a site that is packed with amenities or a primitive spot where you can escape from civilization, you’ll find what you’re looking for here at Redfish Lake.
James Lindbloom/GoogleMaps
Located right along the edge of the scenic Salmon River, this campground truly couldn’t be any closer to the water’s edge. They are a notable RV-friendly campground, but they also provide tent and teepee campsites. Bursting with awesome amenities such as free wi-fi, Wagonhammer is great if you want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northeastern Idaho while still holding onto a few comforts of home.
Rick Schoenborn/GoogleMaps
Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille is a scenic campsite that is sure to become one of your favorites. Sam Owen Campground gives you an excellent vantage point of one of Idaho’s most breathtaking bodies of water. Located nearby is the Sam Owen Game Preserve which makes for an awesome spot to view wildlife such as deer and unique birds. However, the highlight of this campground is the sandy beach which makes for the perfect place to stretch out and soak up some sun.
Jerry Field/GoogleMaps
Considered “the Crown Jewel of Idaho”, Priest Lake is a summer destination that is sure to please the whole family. Priest Lake State Park is probably the most popular place for campers who are looking to enjoy everything the lake has to offer. However, you’ll find plenty of smaller campgrounds situated around the lake such as Osprey Campground and Beaver Creek Campground. Surrounded by the mile-high Selkirk Mountains and plenty of forest, this is a landscape you won’t soon forget.
Larry Newcomer/Flickr
This small campground contains three modest campsites, but the location is absolutely delightful if you’re the type of person that likes to keep away from the summer crowds. This camping spot is definitely more suited for those who prefer Idaho’s dry desert landscapes. However, Anderson Ranch Reservoir makes for a great place to fish, boat, water ski, and more. This no-reservation campground requires no fee, but it’s as primitive as campsites can get.
R. Scott Belford/GoogleMaps
Situated on a gorgeous stretch of the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, Wendover Campground boasts 27 utterly serene campsites. A small creek runs right through the middle of the campground and the Lochsa is ideal for white water rafting, fishing, floating, and more. A beautiful moss-covered pine forest provides a perfectly tranquil location for your next camping adventure.
Ron Gross/GoogleMaps
Located just below the historic Swan Falls Dam (which you can take a tour of) are 20 free campsites, all of which provide breathtaking views of the canyon. Fish along the Snake River, navigate one of the nearby hiking trails, and even spend a few hours scoping out the owls, hawks, osprey, and falcons that make their homes along this section of the river.
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