Idaho RV & Camping: Time, Dates & Rules (With Examples)

Arguably the best state in the United States to stargaze is Idaho which is probably why it is a favorite destination for many RVers and traditional tent campers each year.

Idaho has gorgeous mountain landscapes, peaceful rivers, volcanic hot springs, thousands of hiking trails, quaint riverfront towns, and interesting National Parks and monuments.

We have managed to find some of the best campgrounds in Idaho that you should consider visiting:

2 Idaho Campgrounds With Times, Dates, and Rules:

Many consider Idaho’s campgrounds to be the ideal destination for those looking to relax.

Although many Idaho campgrounds are perfect for those looking to relax, most also offer many activities to ensure you are never bored. Out of the many campgrounds on offer, we have found two of the very best that we think you should consider.

Each of these campgrounds has its own unique qualities that make them worth visiting.

To ensure you know the most important information surrounding each of these campgrounds, we have included their dates, times, and rules:

1. Lost Moose Campground

One of the best campgrounds to visit in Idaho is the Lost Moose Campground if you are looking for a tranquil natural environment.

This campground has RV and tent sites with full water and electric hookups equipped with 30 and 50 amp connections.  The Lost Moose Campground boasts hundreds of miles of nature trails for hiking.

Additionally, visitors can also take to the trails with their ATVs and other recreational vehicles.

The Lost Moose Campground is affordable, but they don’t have many activities and facilities. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do to keep you and your fellow travelers occupied. As this campground is immersed in nature, it has a focus on outdoor activities.

Besides hiking and riding outdoor recreational vehicles, guests can take in the many scenic views, fish in the nearby rivers, and cycle throughout the campground. There are many theme parks, restaurants, local shops, rivers for kayaking, and water parks near the campground.

Times:

The check-in time is at 3:00 pm, and the check-out time is at 12:00 noon at the Lost Moose Campground.

Dates:

The Lost Moose Campground is open from May to October 2021.

Rules:

• The Lost Moose Campground only permits one RV and a maximum of two camping units at each campsite.
• ATV and motorcycle use is limited to travel in and out of the specified campgrounds.
• No hunting or shooting is allowed at this campground.
• No matter the season, fireworks are strictly prohibited.

2. Ravenwood RV Resort

One of the newest RV resorts to open up in Idaho is the Ravenwood RV Resort.

This resort opened in 2015, and 113 campsites that accommodate motorhome and tent campers. Many of these sites accommodate both pull-through and back in RVs and are equipped with 30 and 50 amp electric connections as well as water connections.

As this RV resort is new, it has many modern amenities. Still, its biggest attraction lies with the nearby local attractions on offer and that it is only a mile away from Silverwood, the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest.

Some amenities campers can look forward to including a swimming pool, convenience store, gift shop, a complimentary shuttle service, a sanitary dump station, a playground, a basketball court, a volleyball court, and complimentary WiFi.

Near the Ravenwood RV Resort, guests can take day trips to visit many local attractions. For example, campers can visit the Avondale Golf Course, the Museum of North Idaho, the Fort Sherman Chapel, Kelso Lake fishing, river trips, rafting, and the Triple play Family Fun Park.

Times:

At the Ravenwood RV Resort, check-in is at 2:00 pm, and check-out is at 11:00 am.

Dates:

Ravenwood RV Resort is open from the 1st of May until the 30th of September.

Rules:

• At this resort, no tents, mats, or vehicles are allowed on the grass.
• No RVs that are longer than 70 feet are permitted.
• There is a limit of two dogs at each site, and no aggressive breeds are allowed, such as Dobermans and Pit Bulls.
• Propane fires are allowed, but no wood-burning fires are permitted.
• Each campsite has a maximum limit of eight people.

Can You Go RVing In Idaho Outside These Dates?

In Idaho, every State and National Park and private campground has the ability to make its own seasonal dates, times, and rules.

Above we mentioned two private campgrounds with seasonal dates, but there are many places in Idaho where you can camp with your tent or motorhome throughout the year.

If you want to learn where you can camp no matter the season, look at the options we have provided below:

• Journey Kamiah Clearwater River KOA Campground.
• Salmon Meadows Campground.
• Pittsburg Campground.
• Pinehurst Resort Cabins and RV Campground.
• Silver Mountain Resort.
• BLM Huckleberry Campground.

Where Can You Camp For Free In Idaho?

When planning an Idaho adventure, not everyone has a limitless budget for accommodation, food, and activities.

Luckily unlike a few other American states, Idaho has many free dispersed campsite options. However, you should note that free campsites often don’t have as many amenities and activities available.

For example, many free campgrounds in Idaho have no water and electric hookups and no trash services. Additionally, many don’t have any shower houses, and some don’t have cell phone reception.

If the lack of facilities doesn’t concern you, then you won’t mind camping at one of the free options we found:

• Finlay Flats Recreation Area.
• Weir Creek Tent Campground.
• White Bird Gravel Pit.
• Deer Gulch Campground.
• Lake Creek near the Sawtooth Mountains.
• Cauldron Lin along the Snake River.

In Idaho Can You Camp On Public Hunting Land?

In Idaho, campers can camp on endowment hunting lands.

Approximately 96 percent of endowment lands can be accessed by a watercraft, vehicle, or foot. If you are interested in finding out how you can view the accessible endowment hunting lands when you want to camp, you can view the sites on Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game’s Hunt Planner Map Center.

Additionally, campers should not know that free camping is allowed on endowment lands, but campers cannot camp there for more than 14 consecutive days without a valid permit.

Idaho Camping And RV Rules For Local State Parks And National Parks

The State and National Park rules in Idaho are straightforward.

Idaho’s Department of parks and Recreation specifically did this so that visitors to the sites can clearly understand what is expected of them. Those who abide by the various rules will likely enjoy their visit or camping experience as they will be less likely to run into any issues.

Essentially the park wants campers to have fun when visiting the various State and National Parks, which is why they ask people to use their common sense when visiting.

If you would like to learn a few of the Idaho State and National Park rules, look below:

• No dogs are allowed at Harrison State Park in Idaho.
• The use of fireworks is prohibited.
• RV and tent camping is only permitted in certain designated areas.
• Quiet hours commence at 10:00 pm.
• For all campsites, check-in starts at 3 pm, and check-out is at 1 pm. Check-in and check-out times for facilities are different.
• Those who disregard check-out times or check out late without reason may incur fees if prior arrangements with the park are not made.
• Guests are not allowed to save sites for someone else.
• Usually, stays are limited to 15 consecutive days within a 30 day period unless prior arrangements are made.

Citations:

Idaho State Park Hunting and Camping Rules