Discover the best desert campgrounds in Idaho

United States
—
Idaho

98% (690 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Idaho

Available this weekend

Under $50

99%

(57)

Secret Canyon Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

97%

(15)

Pasture Oasis, Tent & RV Camping 🏔

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Shoshone, ID

Learn more about this land:Welcome to our pasture oasis! Our property is 4 miles down the road from BLM, where you are able to do any outdoor activities you desire. Personally, I love to ride horses and hike there. You may be greeted by horses or dogs on our property, and it's quite possible that you will hear coyotes at night (light sleepers take this into account). If you are a horse or dog lover, you are able to interact with our animals on the property! I am on the property, as well, for any questions/issues/concerns. There is a runoff river that runs through the property but rarely has water. We like to use it for campfires instead! Please reach out with questions and we look forward to your visit!

Kraay's Market & Garden

4 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Bellevue, ID

The property has so much history. Larry purchased the 16 acres in 1978 as nothing but a field. His dream was to raise Arabian Horses, so that is what the property was set up to do and he did just that, very successfully. We did convert a few acres into a Market Garden a few years ago and started Kraay's Market Garden, you can find us online. We would love to share our place with you!

Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

3 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Notus, ID

Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Idaho, this high desert campsite offers a breathtaking view of the Treasure Valley. The valley stretches out before you, with its patchwork of green fields, winding rivers, and bustling towns and cities. In the distance, you can see the rugged peaks of the Owyhee Mountains rising up against the blue sky. The campsite itself is situated on a gravel and dirt leveled site for you to pitch your tent on a level spot, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As the sun sets, you settle into your camping chair, watching the stars come out one by one. The cool night air is alive with the sounds of crickets and frogs, and you can't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility. at the slowly come alive with the twinkling lights of the towns and cities. You know that you've found a special place here. In the morning, you wake up to a chorus of birdsong.From here, you can see for miles, and you feel a sense of awe where the beauty of nature and the peace of the countryside come together to create a truly unforgettable camping experience. vastness and beauty of the Idaho countryside.

12 top desert campgrounds in Idaho

97%

(361)

Mountain Top Getaways

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Preston, ID

My Grandfather owned this property for many years. He dry farmed this land and raised nine children to be hardworking. I visited this property many times to work along side my father and grandfather. I remember horseback riding and building a shed for my grandfathers combine. I recently purchased this property from my grandparents and got to work building my tiny home that my new family lives in. Learn more about this land: **New hammock posts on site #4** These campsites are at the mouth of Cub River Canyon. The views are expansive and beautiful. National forest is only a few minute drive away along with a handful of reservoirs and river access. Come enjoy the views. These are primitive campsites with no potable water. There are antique farm implements visible on the property.

Kraay's Market & Garden

4 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Bellevue, ID

The property has so much history. Larry purchased the 16 acres in 1978 as nothing but a field. His dream was to raise Arabian Horses, so that is what the property was set up to do and he did just that, very successfully. We did convert a few acres into a Market Garden a few years ago and started Kraay's Market Garden, you can find us online. We would love to share our place with you!

Sandhill View Ranch Campsites ⛺️

3 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Notus, ID

Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Idaho, this high desert campsite offers a breathtaking view of the Treasure Valley. The valley stretches out before you, with its patchwork of green fields, winding rivers, and bustling towns and cities. In the distance, you can see the rugged peaks of the Owyhee Mountains rising up against the blue sky. The campsite itself is situated on a gravel and dirt leveled site for you to pitch your tent on a level spot, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As the sun sets, you settle into your camping chair, watching the stars come out one by one. The cool night air is alive with the sounds of crickets and frogs, and you can't help but feel a sense of peace and tranquility. at the slowly come alive with the twinkling lights of the towns and cities. You know that you've found a special place here. In the morning, you wake up to a chorus of birdsong.From here, you can see for miles, and you feel a sense of awe where the beauty of nature and the peace of the countryside come together to create a truly unforgettable camping experience. vastness and beauty of the Idaho countryside.

Secret Canyon Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Malad City, ID

Meadow Springs campground lies at the foot of the Elkhorn hills, on St. John’s bench in SE Idaho. Surrounded by open fields and accessible only by dirt road, this unique spot is located next to two small natural ponds, and as such, is a terrific spot for bird watching and golden sunsets. It is the site of an old homestead, and the surrounding land is still actively farmed, so you can look out over open fields of this year’s crop as you enjoy dinner and quiet evenings in the fresh air.Whether you come as a single family for an adventurous night outdoors, or as a group with one to several tents or RV’s, this site has room to accommodate and is far enough away to be remote, (no neighbors!) while still close enough to town and other attractions to be convenient.--10 minutes from downtown Malad (Picture a small Idaho town with no stoplight still, but easy-to-find grocery, drive-in, pizza place, hospital, bar, etc)--15 mins from Devils Creek Reservoir and Malad Summit trails--20 minutes from Downata Hot Springs--30 minutes from Lava Hot Springs--3 hours from Yellowstone and Jackson HoleLearn more about this land:Come escape and recharge in a private campground under the shade of giant poplars alive with birdsong and a sky full of stars you can actually see. Located on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock people, this campsite is nestled under a grove of poplars planted by the original homesteaders over 100 years ago. It features a Tipi, a newly built outhouse, two swings, a picnic table, fire-ring, cast-iron hand pump to access well water, plenty of flat ground for tents, RV's, and car parking, and most importantly, wide-open space in every direction. If you are looking for somewhere completely opposite of hectic city living, this is it.

The Meadow

5 sites · Lodging3 acres · Carmen, ID

Welcome to the Weaver's Meadow. We have lived on this property for the past 31 years and it is the very spot where a blind date led to an engagement which let to a beautiful love story and 3 wonderful children. Now, we hope you too can come and enjoy the utterly breathtaking beauty of our secluded, creekside paradise. Nestled among the aspen trees you will find a one room cabin complete with bed, table and chairs, wood cookstove and all the amenities you will need to truly relax with the comfort of a cozy cabin to forget the outside world.

Pasture Oasis, Tent & RV Camping 🏔

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Shoshone, ID

Learn more about this land:Welcome to our pasture oasis! Our property is 4 miles down the road from BLM, where you are able to do any outdoor activities you desire. Personally, I love to ride horses and hike there. You may be greeted by horses or dogs on our property, and it's quite possible that you will hear coyotes at night (light sleepers take this into account). If you are a horse or dog lover, you are able to interact with our animals on the property! I am on the property, as well, for any questions/issues/concerns. There is a runoff river that runs through the property but rarely has water. We like to use it for campfires instead! Please reach out with questions and we look forward to your visit!

99%

(68)

Idaho's Best Kept Secret!

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Mackay, ID

One of Idaho's most iconic peaks, often compared to the Matterhorn, will transfix you in a picture-perfect view from this campsite. On a clear night, its rosy glow is the only thing you will see just before darkness. As the night darkens further you'll be dazzled by the brightest stars against the darkest of dark skies you will ever experience. Then you'll fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the Lost River gliding by. In the early morning be on the lookout for the resident moose and her calf (Watch, but don't approach!!) or any of the many deer that ramble by. Then drop a fishing line into the river, just a few steps away, and catch yourself a trout or two for your breakfast. After breakfast, get out your binoculars, cameras, and maps (you did bring them, didn't you?) and choose your day's adventure, whether it be a challenging hike up a mountain trail, a leisurely stroll to a delightful waterfall, a 20-mile trip to world-famous Sun Valley via the stunning Trail Creek Summit, or exploring the largest designated wilderness in the lower 48 states. which is, literally, just on the other side of the fence! The road you enter the property from will also get you 20 miles deep into that wilderness along a broad river valley where you may see elk, moose, wolves, coyotes, foxes, beavers, deer, antelope, mountain goats, big horn sheep, black bears, and much more all thriving in natural abundance. Mountain lions are absent in this area, fortunately, but can be found in narrow, steep-sided canyons in other drainages nearby, if you dare.

97%

(34)

Sweet Pepper Ranch's Glamping Tent

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Nampa, ID

Sweet Pepper Ranch is a horse ranch nestled between a town and country. We raise mustangs and Quarter Horses and teach the Western discipline of ranch riding. We manage our land in an eco-friendly horse manner--composting/manure management, non-toxic pest control, pasture management with rotational grazing, drought-tolerant native landscaping, mud and dust control, wildlife enhancement, equine enrichment--and more! We also offer farm tours, RV/LQ parking, and horse motel accommodations. Guests are invited to enjoy our solar heated pool, outdoor patios, wireless internet, evening bon fires (weather and time-permitting), horse farm tours (by appointment only, separate fee) and our friendly ranch atmosphere. Coffee and fresh, local bakery pastry included for breakfast, brought warm to your tent at about 7am. Learn more about this land: Sweet Pepper Ranch is a small-scale horse ranch in the high desert of southwestern Idaho. We are nestled in a rural agricultural setting yet close to stores and conveniences. We raise and train horses and work all day to exercise and train our horses as well as run the day-to-day aspects of running a large horse property. Our equestrian facilities include individual paddocks with attached runs (12’ x 52’), automatic waterers, feeders, rubber stall mats, a 200' x 300' outdoor sand arena, a 72’ x 120’ indoor arena, two round pens (one large), numerous trail obstacles, large-scale permanent outdoor obstacles, an outdoor washrack, as well as parking, port-a-potty, arena bleachers, and picnic table areas. Nearby activities abound from visiting rodeos and wineries to trail riding at sunset near waterfalls or hiking painted desert canyons. There are wildlife refuges to visit, hot springs to relax in, wilderness mountains to explore, scenic rivers to raft, railways to travel along--and North America’s largest concentration of breeding raptors to dazzle you. Learn more and see photos at the Sweet Pepper Ranch website or like us on Facebook at Sweet Pepper Ranch. See you down the road!

94%

(16)

At Last Ranch

4 sites · RVs7 acres · Payette, ID

Purchased land in 2019, completing construction of home, shop, and AG buildings in 2021. We call it At Last Ranch because we danced to Etta James’s At Last at our wedding. 20 years and still newlyweds! The place is comfortable and a good base camp if you want to explore the area or just need a place for a night or two. Family home with horses, chickens, and other animals. Must love dogs to stay here. Both sites with electricity and close to water to fill tanks or connect. Site#1 50 amp service on concrete pad Site#2 30 amp service on gravel pad Both sites are next to the residence. Sites 3 and 4 are for dry camping, your rig must be self-contained. The ground is NOT level. Sites 3 and 4 are only $20 per night. House newly built not much landscaping other than natural high desert terrain. Close to Shopping. Close to hunting, lake, and other recreational activities. No sewer services are available on site. Pets okay Room for horses if needed. Call to discuss. Not available for long-term stays. 44°02'15"N 116°51'33"W · 2,182 ft

Booked 5 times

Bristol Park Historic Cabins

4 sites · Lodging36 acres · Lava Hot Springs, ID

Bristol is bordered by the Portneuf River to the North and Mt Moh to the South, offering river access and a host of trails. Fishing in the river is great, boasting rainbow, cut throat, brook and brown trout. There's also a few great swimming holes right below the property, including a 15 ft. waterfall. Guests may hike trails to the old mines, or be directed to a plethora of trails for biking nearby. The setting at Bristol is uniquely peaceful for the busy tourist town of Lava Hot Springs. Although still technically within city limits, the place offers an atmosphere of it's own, seemingly outside of time. Once a miners camp and stage coach stop along the Oregon Trail, we have worked hard to maintain the buildings and grounds. With an abundance of trees, (bonus if you can name all varieties) the main compound is well shaded through the hot summer months. Our single room, quaint cabins have a shared bathroom with showers and towels available. We are a minutes walk from the hot springs and downtown, so no need to fight for a parking spot!

95%

(11)

Pheasant Acres (Runyon Ranch)

1 site · RV3 acres · Heyburn, ID

Looking for a stopover place with plenty of parking space? Maybe our site will be a match for you and your RV! (If your rig is not fully self-contained, please note that we do not offer facilities of any kind. You will need a privacy tent for your own portable restroom.) Our house and shop and a few other outbuildings sit on 3.5 acres on a dead-end dirt lane, and we have space we'd be open to sharing with you. We have updated our listing (May 2024) to accommodate your preferably-fully-self-contained unit in our side yard area only (because of irrigation timing in the back-yard area, we are no longer offering that area for your stay). Your parking/dry-docking space in our side yard boasts several large trees and some shade. There are some branches to navigate but there is ample space to choose your perfect spot. The site runs alongside our driveway so our vehicles will obviously be visible from your parking spot but there is plenty of room there for your extra vehicle(s) in our driveway as well. This spot has very little privacy because it is set back from our dirt lane and in between our home and our neighbor’s shed (but they are family). But it is peaceful and safe (and we are very close to "town" and all the conveniences of such). Being almost next to the Snake River, and having a natural marsh just to the North of our property, mosquito repellant is highly recommended during certain times of the year. We are just a few miles (5 mins or so) from the freeway, Walmart, restaurants, and public access to the Snake River (boating, fishing, swimming), and golfing. We have three friendly dogs (lab, Yorkie, pug-chihuahua) but we have an underground fence system so they will generally be out of your area (with a few exceptions) and most likely in our house much of the time. (Must love dogs. ♥️) IF YOU HAVE DOGS, please keep them on a leash and clean up after them appropriately, thanks!

Saved 1 time

Yellow Bus, Lime Creek

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Challis, ID

Stay in a school bus on a working micro farm with a comfy bed, heater and propane range. Passive solar shower available. Enjoy the pond, rock hunting, hiking, birds, and wildlife. Host cabin nearby. Bird, plant walks and farm tour with hosts available. A short drive to hot springs and river activities.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping in Idaho guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're looking to explore the desert terrain of Idaho, we've got you covered with over 69 options specifically tailored to your preference. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. With an average price per night of $35 and options starting as low as $15, camping in Idaho's desert has never been more affordable. Looking for recommendations? Check out Mountain Top Getaways (118 reviews), The Meadow (102 reviews), and Kraay's Market & Garden (90 reviews) for top-rated campsites. From off-roading (OHV) to climbing and snow sports, there's no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy during your desert adventure. Plus, popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, showers, and trash facilities ensure a comfortable camping experience. Start planning your unforgettable desert camping trip in Idaho today!