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6 Glorious Campgrounds In Idaho Where No Reservation Is Required

Discover no-reservation campgrounds in Idaho perfect for spontaneous family getaways.

Updated May 2, 2024

Written by 

Emerson

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 Idaho campgrounds 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

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Diamond Haney/Google Reviews

If you're searching for "no-reservation camping near me," you can find it at this reservoir in Idaho. 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.

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2. Stanley Lake Campground

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Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
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Sarah Fitzpatrick/Google Reviews

This is one of the best places to go camping in Idaho for free. 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.

3. Heyburn and Sockeye Campground at Redfish Lake

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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 for first-come, first-served camping is located near Stanley, Idaho.

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4. Ponderosa State Park

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Russ Kurkov/Google Reviews

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

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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.

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6. Lionhead Campground

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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 Idaho campgrounds? What's your favorite no-reservation site? Let us know!

If you're in the market for new camping gear like tents and sleeping bags, check out the selection from our friends at REI!

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Stays|Camping

The Amazing Campground in Idaho We Want to Visit All-Year Round

Looking for a fantastic year-round campground in Idaho? This is it.

Published Nov 7, 2024

Written by 

Andrea Verschuyl

Even if you're the type to regularly hit the ski slopes and plan snow-shoeing treks in the woods, it can be hard to imagine camping in an Idaho winter. That said, if you've got the right gear and a can-do attitude, there are plenty of campgrounds in the state that might convert you to off-season excursions. It's true: there's no denying the benefits of planning a camping trip in the winter. Fewer crowds, cheaper rates, and easier reservations could make this your new favorite way to enjoy our great outdoors! My favorite spot for a wintery getaway is Fish Creek Campground just outside Grangeville.

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Backpacking couple plays games at camp with tent and sleeping bags at Fault Lake in the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho July 2012. The high alpine lake sits at the end of a six-mile trail in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Hunt Peak (7,058 ft) overlooks the lake.

The first thing to know about Fish Creek Campground is that it's small. With only ten sites available, there's a good chance you'll have the whole place to yourself, especially if you arrive during the quietest months — generally considered to be December through February. If you plan your getaway when there's snow on the ground, you'll also want to make sure you've got the right vehicle. The road to Fish Creek can be a doozy for smaller cars without chains or four-wheel drive.

Believe it or not, there are numerous ways to make tent camping comfortable with snow on the ground. Just stomp your patch down and pitch a winter-friendly tent. These tents use far stronger material than summer tents, allowing them to retain heat, withstand blustery winds, and wick away interior condensation. Still, if you're not up for the adventure, I'm a big fan of car camping! Even if you don't own a camper yourself, the explosion of camper van popularity means that there are plenty of outfitters who specialize in renting vehicles to folks wanting to enjoy some nature without the downsides.

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Landon McAllister/AllTrails

Nestled in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Fish Creek Campground has numerous opportunities for al fresco fun. Some local trails are maintained for skiing and snowshoeing. Make sure you've got an Idaho State Park N' Ski sticker for your car and take advantage of the winter wonderland during your visit.

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Paxton Yager/AllTrails

Best of all — if you're a devoted dog parent like me — pooches are allowed at Fish Creek Campground! Keep in mind that not all breeds do well in cold conditions. If you've ever had experience with sled dogs, you'll know that even those hard-working canines use paw wax or even booties to prevent frostbite and cracked paw pads. Your pittie mix will need to bundle up if he's going to enjoy your excursion alongside you.

If you're looking for a campground to enjoy year-round, I highly recommend checking out Fish Creek Campground. Located just outside Grangeville, this stunning and secluded spot is guaranteed to give outdoor enthusiasts with an adventurous streak the winter camping experience they've been seeking.

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Stays|Camping

This Waterfront Campground In Idaho Is Considered One Of The Most Pet-Friendly Camping Spots In America

Bring your favorite furry friend along when you book a stay at the Wagonhammer RV Park, the most pet-friendly campground in Idaho.

Published Aug 28, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

With hundreds of campgrounds throughout Idaho, it is hard to pick a favorite. There are campgrounds next to lakes, in the mountains, at state parks, and in remote and rugged country. Many of these camping spots are great for families, others are great for pets. In fact, there’s one waterfront campground that’s family-friendly AND great for dogs — the Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground. It’s not only one of the most pet-friendly campgrounds in Idaho but also in the entire country.

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Welcome to the Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground in North Fork, Idaho. This campground checks off all of the boxes for a fabulous outdoor adventure.

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Isaac M/Google

Here, you will find 40 pull-thru campsites with full hookups or electric and water campsites.

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Greg Valdez/Google

There are also many perks that make this campground stand out from the crowd including a free Wi-Fi hotspot in the lodge, coin-operated laundry, boat launch, a free dump station a few miles from the park, group picnic area, and more.

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Jo/Google

You'll even find a handful of tent and teepee camping spots here as well. The teepees sit right next to a pond and are surrounded by shade trees. They feature sand bases and are 12 x 14 feet in diameter.

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Carey/Google

No matter whether you choose to stay in an RV, tent, or teepee, a highlight of this campground is its location. Many campsites are situated right along the banks of the Salmon River. Plan to sit back and enjoy private water views all day long.

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Joker/Google

Even better, you can share these views with your favorite furry friend. This Idaho campground is pet-friendly and offers a large island and a nature path where your dogs can run free. There is even a pond where your pet can cool off, splash, and just have a good time.

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James Lindblom/Google

Keep in mind that when in the campsite, all dogs must remain on a leash.

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And while the Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground in North Fork is one of the best pet-friendly campgrounds in Idaho, it has also been ranked as one of the best in the country. According to The Dyrt, this campground ranked #2 for most pet-friendly campground in the U.S. based on reviews, photos, accommodations, and amenities.

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James Lindbloom/Google

If you’d like to reserve a stay at the Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground in North Fork (which I strongly encourage!), you’ll want to book your stay soon. This RV park and campground is seasonal and open from May to November each year.

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David Glenn/Google

You can learn more about the Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground and place your reservations on its official website. You can also follow the Idaho Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground Facebook page for additional news and updates.

Have you ever stayed at this Idaho pet-friendly campground? If so, did you bring your family pet along? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. And, if you need any camping gear for your adventure, make sure to visit REI or Backcountry for all your needs.

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