Nestled among towering pines on the eastern shore of Priest Lake, this state park offers some of the best value camping in northern Idaho. The campground features spacious sites with plenty of shade and easy access to the lake's pristine waters.

The park's location provides an excellent base for exploring the Selkirk Mountains and surrounding Kaniksu National Forest. Hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming beaches are all within easy reach of your campsite.

Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, Farragut State Park offers exceptional value for budget-conscious RV travelers. Once a World War II naval training base, the park now provides affordable camping with access to 4,000 acres of diverse recreation opportunities.

The park's multiple campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy and amenities, but all provide clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Waldron campground tends to be the most budget-friendly option with more basic amenities.

This family-owned campground along Latour Creek offers some of the best rates in the Coeur d'Alene area. Located in Cataldo, just 20 minutes from Coeur d'Alene, Lost Moose provides full hookups at prices significantly lower than in-town options.

The campground's creek-side setting creates a peaceful atmosphere, while its location provides easy access to hundreds of miles of ATV trails, hiking paths, and fishing spots. The owners take pride in maintaining clean facilities and creating a welcoming environment for budget travelers.

Located in the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Glacier View Campground offers an incredible value for experiencing some of Idaho's most spectacular mountain scenery. At just $22 per night, these sites provide an affordable base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

The campground sits adjacent to Redfish Lake and near numerous trailheads, including the popular Bench Lakes trail. While amenities are basic, the breathtaking mountain views and pristine natural setting more than compensate for the lack of hookups.

For an affordable camping experience with the added bonus of natural hot springs, Kirkham Campground along the South Fork of the Payette River is hard to beat. At $38 per night, campers gain access to both a comfortable campsite and the adjacent Kirkham Hot Springs.

The campground's location in the Boise National Forest provides a scenic setting with the soothing sounds of the river. The real draw, however, is the ability to enjoy the terraced hot spring pools early in the morning or late evening when day visitors are gone.

Located in Ketchum near the expensive resort town of Sun Valley, The Meadows RV Park offers a budget-friendly alternative for experiencing this popular area. Starting at just $43 per night, this year-round park provides essential amenities at a fraction of the cost of nearby luxury RV resorts.

The park's setting offers beautiful mountain views and crisp mountain air. Its location provides easy access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, and fishing in summer, as well as skiing and snowshoeing in winter. The community atmosphere makes it popular with long-term and repeat visitors.

Just minutes from Twin Falls, Rock Creek RV Park offers exceptional value at only $20 per night for water and electric hookups. This county park provides a peaceful setting along Rock Creek with paved walking paths and abundant green space.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the park offers clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Its location provides convenient access to Twin Falls attractions, including the spectacular Shoshone Falls and the famous Perrine Bridge, while maintaining a quiet, natural atmosphere away from highway noise.

Located in the small town of Hagerman along the Snake River, this RV park offers full hookups starting at just $55 per night – an excellent value for the amenities provided. The park features spacious sites with mature shade trees and grassy areas between sites.

Beyond the campground, Hagerman Valley offers abundant recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and visiting the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The area's natural hot springs and proximity to Thousand Springs State Park make this an ideal base for exploring southern Idaho's unique attractions.

This municipal park in Heyburn offers one of southern Idaho's best camping values with sites directly on the Snake River. The park provides full hookups at reasonable rates, with discounts for weekly and monthly stays making it even more budget-friendly for extended visits.

The park's location along the river provides excellent fishing opportunities and scenic views. A paved walking path follows the river, and the park's proximity to I-84 makes it convenient for travelers passing through while still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Popular Free Camping Areas:

• Darby Canyon - Near Driggs, offering easy access to Teton Valley
• Trail Creek Road - East of Sun Valley with mountain views
• Snake River Canyons Park (Ricketts RV Camp) - Near Twin Falls with basic facilities
• Free camping near Stanley Lake - Beautiful Sawtooth Mountain views
• Schweitzer Resort Parking Lot - Free summer camping for up to 3 days

Weather Considerations

Idaho's diverse geography creates varied weather conditions across the state. Mountain areas can experience freezing temperatures even in summer, while southern regions may see extreme heat. Always check forecasts before your trip and prepare for changing conditions.

Seasonal Hazards:

• Spring: Flooding, muddy roads, late snow in mountains
• Summer: Thunderstorms, wildfires, extreme heat in southern regions
• Fall: Early snow in mountains, rapidly changing conditions
• Winter: Snow, ice, limited access to many campgrounds

• Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
• Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return date
• Research the location of the nearest hospitals and emergency services
• Consider a satellite communicator for truly remote camping
• Check road conditions before traveling on forest service roads