Cheap camping in Idaho doesn’t have to mean an overnight stay in a Walmart parking lot. On the contrary, you can find stunning destinations with a host of amenities.
But don’t pack your bags just yet!
Today, we’re highlighting five Idaho State Parks with fantastic RV campgrounds.
Let’s hit it!
Traveling in Idaho
If a potato is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Idaho, you probably haven’t spent much time in the Gem State. Marked by unspoiled wilderness, fields of wildflowers, and dazzling night skies, this destination is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise.
In fact, it’s even home to the country’s largest contiguous tract of protected lands, the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness Area.
When you’re not busy whitewater rafting down pristine rivers, cycling the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Biking Route, or gazing upon nature’s splendors from a towering fire lookout, you can enjoy countless cultural experiences in the many small towns that welcome visitors with open arms.
Even better, Idaho State Parks offer excellent accommodations for travelers. RVers will find plenty of spacious campgrounds with unparalleled views and tons of amenities.
While the Idaho State Parks website makes it easy to reserve a spot, we suggest calling ahead if you plan to camp during the winter months. That way, you’ll know exactly what will and won’t be available.
To help you start planning your next great adventure, here are five highly-rated options with full hookups.
#1 Farragut State Park
Located about 30 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Farragut State Park sits on the southern shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Not only is this the state’s biggest lake, but it was also once the site of the country’s second-largest naval training base.
Today, the 4,000-acre park is a hub for recreational activities year-round. In summer, you can hike or bike over 40 miles of trails, throw a round of disc golf, or take a dip at Beaver Bay Beach. The Museum at the Brig is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It houses a huge collection of memorabilia from the Farragut Naval Training Station.
Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and sledders flock to the park in winter. If you’re lucky, you might see dog sleds making their way across the snowy landscape.
The campground includes nearly 50 sites with full hookups. It’s pet-friendly, and you’ll even find a few equestrian spots for your horses. Folks who only need water and electricity will have over 150 sites to choose from. Whatever type you pick, you’ll have access to restrooms with showers, firewood, and a dump station. Rigs up to 40 feet should fit comfortably.
We should note that park rangers shut off the water in colder months, but power runs throughout the year.
Check out these 5 Must-See Ghost Towns in Idaho!
#2 Heyburn State Park
Heyburn State Park was the first one established in Idaho. In fact, it’s the oldest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1908, this destination boasts over 8,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
The property’s three lakes offer fabulous recreational opportunities like sailing, paddling, and fishing. Many visitors rent standup paddleboards and kayaks to explore by water. Land-lubbers will enjoy the park’s hiking tracks, as well as access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a paved 73-mile cycling path stretching from Mullan to Plummer.
Of course, you can sled, snowboard, and cross-country ski until your heart’s content in winter.
Both the Benewah and Hawley’s Landing campgrounds feature sites with full hookups and various electrical outputs. You’ll have bathrooms, a dump station, and trash service at your disposal. The fully outfitted camp store sells firewood and gasoline, so you should have all the essentials.
We know some back-in spots are up to 45 feet long, but folks with big rigs should confirm site lengths before booking.
#3 Lake Cascade State Park
Southwestern Idaho is home to Lake Cascade State Park, another premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. On a breezy day, you can see windsurfers sailing along the waves. Better yet, rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Van Wyck boat ramp and get out on the water yourself!
Anglers catch coho salmon, rainbow trout, and small-mouth bass throughout the year. Meanwhile, novices and experts alike traverse the Payette River rapids on whitewater rafting excursions.
Of course, there’s plenty to do on land, too. As you might expect, hiking and cycling are both popular in warmer months, and cross-country skiing takes over after the snow falls.
Two of Lake Cascade State Park’s campgrounds, Ridgeview and Poison Creek, offer full hookups with 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp electrical service. While some spots only accommodate 20-foot rigs, other pull-through sites hold 45-foot setups. You can purchase firewood on-site, grab a hot shower, and enjoy a picnic here.
Camping is limited in colder months, so you’ll need to call the park for detailed information.
Up your camping game at Country Lane RV Resort – Kingston, Idaho!
#4 Priest Lake State Park
Priest Lake State Park is about 30 miles south of the Canadian border in Idaho’s Selkirk Mountains.
You could easily spend all your time here on the water. After all, they rent everything from kayaks to fishing gear. But you’ll also find many ways to stay busy on dry land. When it’s nice out, you can play a round of disc golf or volleyball with your family. In winter, you might try snowmobiling or Nordic skiing. Kids can even get hands-on in Junior Ranger and First Time Adventure programs.
The area’s stunning scenery provides the perfect backdrop for whatever you choose to do while you’re here. The lush forests are full of fir, cedar, and tamarack trees. And you could even spot local wildlife, including bald eagles, moose, and black bears.
Indian Creek Campground offers plenty of spacious back-in sites that can hold setups nearly 50 feet long. You’ll have water, sewer, and full-spectrum electrical hookups. The general store sells firewood, gas, groceries, and hand-scooped ice cream for hot summer days by the lake.
#5 Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park is on a narrow peninsula in Western Idaho’s Payette Lake. Here, you can stroll through lush coniferous forests, learn about the natural environment from a park naturalist, or admire the creatures that live in the marshy wetlands.
Fishing, boating, and paddling are popular water-based activities. You might also spend an afternoon lounging by the lake, playing volleyball, or challenging your neighbors to a round of horseshoes.
Multi-use trails range from paved surfaces to maintained dirt paths. You can hike and bike throughout the interconnected system when the weather is warm. In colder months, these trails become designated tracks for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Be sure to hit the nature store for unique souvenirs.
The campground features pull-through and big-rig-friendly sites that can accommodate units up to 40 feet. Restrooms with showers and flushing toilets are available, and you’ll have a picnic table and a fire ring for your convenience.
Explore more with Moon Idaho: Hiking & Biking, Scenic Byways, Year-Round Recreation
Idaho’s Hidden Gems Welcome You
Idaho’s state parks offer something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts, thrillseekers, and stargazers will all have something to love about these destinations. Whether you want to relax on the sunny shores or get your adrenaline pumping on the rapids, you can do it in the Gem State.
If the plentiful amenities, exciting activities, and stunning scenery aren’t enough to lure you in, remember you probably won’t find camping accommodations this cheap anywhere else in Idaho!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
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As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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