1) Near Lucky Peak State Park
Only 20 minutes southeast of downtown Boise is the beautiful Lucky Peak Lake. The lake is along the Boise River and connects with the Arrowdock reservoir as well forming a large waterway for boating, swimming, fishing (Kokanee and rainbow trout) and more. The Lucky Peak State Park is located around the lake with three separate areas including Discovery Park, Sandy Point and Spring Shores. There is not a campground in Lucky State Park but there are several very small campgrounds located near the park. Most of the campgrounds are very primitive with limited amenities. Some have outhouses and water while others do not have any potable water. With only a few campsites at each spot you can imagine you will have a private, peaceful stay!
2) Mountain View RV Park
The only RV park located right in Boise is the Mountain View RV Park, just south of Hwy 84. So you can spend the day exploring the Julia Davis Park along the river. Here you will find the Art Museum, Idaho State Museum and the Zoo Boise. The zoo has 200 animals to visit including Nile crocodiles (one of the largest crocodiles next to saltwater crocs), Magellanic penguins (from South America around the Falkland Islands) and a favorite, the black-tailed prairie dog town. Stop at a restaurant or brewery for some fine dining before heading back to your campsite. Mountain View has 60 campsites that are all conveniently pull-thrus! All of the sites have full hookups, a large asphalt pad and green lawn area. There are restrooms and showers available for guests as well as a laundry facility. Be aware that the campground is between a busy highway and the airport so expect some city noise but the proximity to downtown makes up for it. Stay for a weekend, week or monthly rentals are available as well.
3) Boise/Meridian KOA Journey
About 15 minutes west of downtown is the Boise/Meridian KOA campground. This is the perfect place to stay if you are heading to the Meridian Speedway, Roaring Springs Water Park or Wahooz Family Fun Zone with laser tag, bowling, mini golf, go carts and arcade. The Speedway is just a couple of blocks away, an easy walk and the water park and amusement center is a short drive on the other side of the highway. The KOA has plenty of activities right at the campground as well. There are RV sites with a nice paved patio with picnic table and grill and there are Tent sites with a similar set up. The RV sites are either back-in or pull-thru and have full hookups while the tent sites have water and electric. Enjoy some time in the indoor pool and hot tub or drive over to Fuller Park with a nice walking/jogging trail around the neighborhood lake. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the covered picnic shelter while watching the ducks and geese in the lake. The KOA in Meridian is definitely one of the absolute best places to camp near Boise!
4) Boise Riverside RV Park
For an urban campground that feels like you are more out in the country you can stay at the Boise Riverside RV Park. It is just northeast of the downtown area right on the banks of the Boise River. The campground has river access so you can bring your fishing gear and cast a line. See if you can catch your dinner with largemouth bass, brown trout and Chinook salmon all common catches. If you love biking you can take the Greenbelt trail for miles along the river for some of the best scenery. You can even rent a tandem bike at the campground to try something new! The campground is also located right next door to Memorial Stadium where you can catch a baseball game of the Boise Hawks. The park has RV and tent sites with many of the RV sites being pull-thru with full hookups. You have amazing views of the Sawtooth Mountains right near the river. There is one log cabin that visitors can rent that has a queen size bed and sleeps two (no water or sewer, restrooms nearby). A scenic place to camp so close to the city!
5) Shafer Butte Campground
For a much more primitive camping experience you can stay at Shafer Butte Campground up in the Boise Ridge Mountains. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet! Although it is only about 20 miles from downtown it takes a while to drive up through the mountains to get to the campground. There are seven sites available with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Park in the parking lot then haul your gear a short walk to your campsite. Be sure to bring enough water for your whole stay as there is not water available. There are picnic tables and fire rings on site as well as a vault toilet. You can access the Mores Mountain Nature Trail right from the campground for a day hike or some backpacking. The Mores Mountain Loop takes about an hour and fifteen minutes unless you pack a picnic lunch and have a nice picnic at the top of Mores Mountain. Depending on the time of year you will be treated with hills of wildflowers in yellow, purple and white with butterflies flying from flower to flower. Also keep an eye out for hawks and eagles at the summit before heading back down to the campground. You can see why Shafer Butte is one of the best places to camp near Boise!
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