Idaho is an RVers paradise!
Climb into an RV, open up RV IDAHO, and point yourself anywhere in Idaho and you’ll have an unlimited array of scenic options. With nine wild and roaring rivers, five wilderness areas – including the largest in the continental US, abundant wildlife, and over 18,000 campsites statewide, Idaho should be YOUR next destination! Now that you have your RV IDAHO in hand, we’ve broken down some of the 10 must-have sights to plan your epic Idaho road trip!
1. A truly out-of-this-world national monument
Craters of the Moon is a mammoth ocean of lava flows formed during 8 major eruptive periods. NASA views Craters as an analog to the moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies. In 1969, Apollo 14 astronauts trained there to learn the basics of volcanic geology in preparation for future trips to the moon. You can explore this unique volcanic landscape by car or by foot, hiking through caves and craters and experience scenery unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Click here for campgrounds near the monument in Arco.
2. A trail where you can cruise through the sky
The Route of the Hiawatha trail is the crown jewel of rail-to-trail projects in the country. Over 15 miles of railroad track has been converted into a beautiful and gentle downhill biking and walking trail great for all ages. There are ten tunnels, including the 1.7 mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel, and seven trestle bridges up to 230 feet high. Trail passes, shuttle tickets, and mountain bike rentals are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located right alongside Interstate 90, Exit 0, at the Idaho-Montana state line, 12 miles east of Wallace. There are plenty of nearby campgrounds, ranging from primitive to full hookups; get our Free Camping Guide for more information.
3. A very, very deep canyon
Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, encompasses a vast and remote region in Idaho and Oregon and features dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, climate and vegetation. This national showcase contains acres of beauty and adventure, where one’s senses can run as wild as the landscape. This huge canyon straddles Oregon and Idaho and is accessible via a southern entrance near Oxbow, Oregon, or a northern entrance off US-12 near Lewiston, Idaho. Leave your RV at one of the many campgrounds near Lewiston and board a jet boat into the heart of this unspoiled wilderness, where you can catch massive sturgeon and explore Old West mining sites.
4. The highest single-structured sand dune in North America
Bruneau Dunes State Park is the perfect destination for a road trip adventure. This state park boasts the highest single-structured dune in North America. In addition to the sandy waves, Bruneau is home to Idaho’s largest observatory. Hike over miles of dunes, gaze at the stars, climb the 470-foot dune, or rent a sandboard and surf the family-friendly sandy waves. Use our Find a Park section to select the perfect nearby campground.
5. The Alps of North America
You could scour every canyon, meadow, and mountainside in the lower 48 and you may never find a more jaw-droppingly stunning view than that of the Sawtooth Recreational Area. Here, rugged rocks, 300 alpine lakes, and endless rivers and streams combine to make a camper’s utopia. Visit popular mountain towns like Stanley, camp at one of the area’s many campgrounds, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Stanley is at the intersection of highways 21 and 75; for a beautiful, high-elevation drive, head south along ID-75 and finish by visiting historic Sun Valley and Ketchum.
6. A waterfall even higher than Niagara
Veer off I-84 in South Central Idaho for a detour to Shoshone Falls, a 212-foot behemoth that attracts thousands of visitors at its peak in the spring. Known as the Niagara of the West, this astounding waterfall pounds into the Snake River below. The adventurous can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to see the falls at its base; casual observers can view the beauty of the falls from the observation deck in the canyon. There are several RV campgrounds in Twin Falls; for a complete listing, download our Free Camping Guide.
7. A hot springs made for families
Folks from all over the world have been flocking to Lava Hot Springs in Southeastern Idaho for generations, where the mineral water flows into pools ranging from 102 to 112 degrees. This family-friendly destination off US-30 features Olympic-sized pools, a Kiddie Cove, and plenty of opportunities to soothe tired muscles. RV parking and campgrounds are abundant nearby.
8. A legendary getaway
Just two hours north of Idaho’s state capital and nestled in the mountains, lies a charming lake town called McCall. Home to the beautiful Ponderosa State Park, Payette Lake, mountains, hot springs and a wide variety of outdoor and family activities, McCall offers something for the whole family during the summer. Get your free camping guide to explore campgrounds in McCall, or nearby New Meadows, Donnelly, or Cascade.
9. The Northwest’s largest theme park
Take a break from the road and go wild! Located in beautiful northern Idaho near Coeur d’Alene, Silverwood Theme Park is the Northwest’s largest outdoor theme park. It has over 70 rides, shows and attractions, four roller coasters, Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, live entertainment, restaurants, and so much more. Stay right next to the park in their adjacent RV park or one of many campgrounds nearby.
10. A starry night Van-Gogh would be jealous of
How incredible are the night skies in Idaho? We are home to not only one of the International Dark Sky Parks but the ONLY Dark Sky Reserve in America! With our sparse population and wide open spaces, Idaho is a virtual black spot on the light pollution map. But Dark Sky Reserve designation is something special. Reserve status is a gold-tier level designation, awarded only to dark sky regions that make the extra effort of reducing and monitoring artificial light to ensure nature runs the night light show. Craters of the Moon and Sawtooth/White Cloud Mountains of Idaho both offer up view of the stars that you won’t ever forget. Camp near Arco, Stanley, or Clayton.
