Most Idahoans are familiar with the sudden urge to pack a bag and a tent and head out somewhere in the wilderness far, far away from it all. However, this may leave you questioning where exactly you can set up camp that doesn’t require a month’s advance reservation. There are actually plenty of campgrounds in Idaho that have first-come, first-served campsites. These campgrounds are perfect for those spontaneous weekend getaways. Let’s be honest, those spur-of-the-moment family camping trips always turn out to be the best.

1. Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, Idaho, USA
Erin Pass/Flickr
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir is located near Twin Falls, Idaho, and is a haven for fishermen. There are plenty of fishing options and a number of different fish species are spotted here.
2. Stanley Lake Campground
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
Stanley Lake Campground, Stanley, ID 83278, USA
Idaho Campground Review
This is one of the best places to go camping for free in Idaho. This campground is perfectly situated along Stanley Lake and within the Sawtooth Mountains. There is plenty to do at this site including hiking and water activities along with plenty of wildlife to see.

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3. Heyburn and Sockeye Campground at Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake Road, Redfish Lake Rd, Idaho, USA
Benjamin/Flickr
Redfish Lake is an incredibly popular camping destination as most Idahoans know. Most of the campgrounds situated around the lake require a reservation but these two do not. This is a beautiful campground located near Stanley, Idaho.
4. Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park, 1920 Davis Ave, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Linda Paul/Flickr
Ponderosa State Park is located on the incredible Payette Lake near McCall, Idaho. As the name implies, you will be surrounded by stunning 150-foot-tall Ponderosa pine trees. If you love camping in Idaho, this destination must be on your bucket list.
5. Round Lake State Park
Round Lake State Park, 1880 Dufort Rd, Sagle, ID 83860, USA
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
Round Lake is a state park in Bonner county, 10 miles south of Sandpoint. There is plenty of scenic beauty to observe here.
6. Lionhead Campground
Lionhead Campground, E Shore Rd, Coolin, ID 83821, USA
Lee Stone/Flickr
Lionhead Campground is located in Priest Lake State Park. This campground has everything, whether you're into swimming, hiking, or huckleberry picking! State park camping never fails and it truly doesn't get much better than this. Plus, did you know that Priest Lake is one of the best spots in Idaho to view the northern lights?

These no-reservation campgrounds in Idaho are the perfect way to have some spontaneous fun with your family! Have you visited any of these campgrounds in Idaho? What’s your favorite no-reservation site?

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Campgrounds in Idaho

Emerson | July 16, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Idaho?

There are so many campgrounds in Idaho to choose from, that it's best to think of what region of the state you'd like to explore during your adventures. If you're looking to camp in Southern Idaho then the top choices are Bruneau Dunes State Park, Lava Flow Campground, Swan Falls Campground, City of Rocks Campground, and Bonneville Campground. Northern Idaho has many options, too. It's here you'll find great choices like Farragut State Park, Wolf Lodge Campground, Camp Coeur d'Alene, and Heyburn State Park. Just keep in mind that some of those campgrounds do require reservations.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

Yes, most of Idaho's state parks feature year-round camping with limited amenities and features during the winter months. Some state parks are more primitive than others, with just simple and rustic tent sites to choose from, whereas other parks feature cabin rentals, RV hookups, yurt camping, and so much more. It just depends on which park you have your eye on! Check out a complete list of Idaho state parks along with their camping features, fees, and reservation requirements by visiting the Idaho Parks and Recreation website.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

No matter what type of camping you're doing, the essentials will always be necessary. These are things like sunscreen, bug spray, proper camping attire, medical supplies, a pocket knife, food, and water. If you're tent camping, you'll want to be sure to bring everything you could possibly need to make your trip comfortable, safe, and fun. If you're staying in a cabin, some of these things may be provided for you. In this case, you'll want to be sure to double-check what items are going to be provided and what items you need to bring.

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