Idaho is a state with stunning scenery, and it has campgrounds located in areas of unspoiled beauty. Majestic mountains, white-water rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring canyons and valleys abound in Idaho, and a camper can find a remote site beside a pristine landscape or a spot in a well-kept urban park to pitch a tent or park an RV. Idaho is a state made for camping; it has not only beautiful locations but also pleasant weather with cool nights and warm days in summer, and a "pack it in, pack it out" policy that keeps its remote campsites clean.
The northern region of Idaho has beautiful, clear lakes, unspoiled forests, and lots of wildlife. Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Oreille are in that area as well as scenic byways that take you on the route that Lewis & Clark traveled; you can sometimes see eagles cruising along overhead. Lake Coeur d'Alene has an awesome golf course and resort, a casino, restaurant, and a cruise boat; there are also swimming areas, boat rentals, and beautiful views. Blackwell Island RV Park is a new park in Coeur d'Alene that is off IH 95 & 90; it's on the Spokane River near where the river flows into the lake. The park has more than 100 full hookups for RVs, wireless internet connections, a laundry, restrooms and showers, and a recreation hall. There are also swimming beaches, a boat launch and boat rentals, and many of the area's major attractions are nearby.
The north central area of Idaho contains the awesome Hell's Canyon, the "deepest river gorge in North America," and the cities of Lewiston, Moscow, and Riggins. Hell's Gate State Park in Lewiston has camping spots for both tents and RVs; there's a 15-day maximum stay at the park. The park is on the Snake River on the border of Idaho and Washington, and there is a marina where you can catch a jet boat tour, float trip, or fishing trip in Hell's Canyon. The park has electric and water hookups for RVs, and there are restrooms, showers, and a laundry. Since the park is on the river, fishing, swimming, and boating are popular activities there. A reservation through Idaho State Parks is necessary for a spot in the park.
The southwestern and south central regions of Idaho contain green mountains and valleys, high deserts, roaring white-water rivers, spectacular waterfalls and Boise, Idaho's capital city. The towns of McCall, Cascade, Idaho City, and Twin Falls are in these regions. The sparkling Payette River and the magnificent Snake River flow through this area; water-related activities such as white-water rafting and jet skiing are popular there, and hot springs are found in spots all over the region. Hagerman, which is located between Boise and Twin Falls, has several camping parks, and is central to many attractions on the Snake River, such as the huge Shoshone Falls, called "Niagara of the West," Three Island Crossing State Park (a river crossing on the Oregon Trail), and the hidden Malad Gorge and the Devil's Washbowl. High Adventures River Tours & RV Park has both tent and RV sites, and it's right off IH 84. There are full hookups for RVs and a grassy area for tents. The park is open all year and has restrooms, showers, a laundry, and a store. Tent camping is only $5, and RV spots are around $25 per night. Rafting, fishing and river tours on the Snake River leave from the park; kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and horseshoes are other popular activities there.
The central region of Idaho contains the cities of Sun Valley, Stanley, and Salmon, and has the many branches of the Salmon River and the unspoiled beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains. Rafting, biking, fishing, climbing, hiking, exploring history, and skiing are popular activities in this region, as well as just staring at the incredible beauty of the area. There are about 10 camping parks and more than 30 small motels and cabins in Stanley, a town with a population of less than 100; the area has brutal winter weather but summers bring hundreds of thousands of people getting away to this relaxing paradise. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area has 37 campgrounds in this region, and there are many hundreds of suitable spots for individual tent campsites along the Salmon River or beside lakes such as Redfish Lake. The tent campgrounds include water, a picnic table, a fire ring or grill, and restrooms, and they charge a fee under $10 for a site. There are sometimes restrictions on building fires in dry seasons; if fires are allowed firewood can be purchased at the parks or picked up by campers in the woods. Nights can get very cool in Idaho. The campgrounds are usually very clean, and campers are asked to obey the "pack it in, pack it out" rule for trash.
The eastern regions of Idaho contain lava rocks and hot springs, mountains and good fishing rivers, lakes, and the western edge of Yellowstone National Park. The cities of Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs, and Rexburg are in this region. Henry's Lake State Park and Red Rock RV and Camping Park are in Island Park, near Yellowstone. Both of these parks have sites for both tents and RVs; Henry's Lake is on the lake of the same name, and Red Rock is in a valley among 10,000 foot mountains. Both parks have full hookups for RVs, restrooms, showers, and a laundry; picnic tables and fire rings are also at all sites at both parks. This area has tons of outdoor activities; the renowned Henry's Fork, a world-wide favorite of fly fishermen, is there, as well as sports for all seasons, from snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter to biking, hiking and boating in the summer. Both of these parks are open from May until September for camping, and fees range from $16-$18 for tent camping to $20-$25 for RV camping.
