Here’s the thing about living in Boise: you’re never more than a few hours away from some of the most EPIC scenery in the entire country. We’re talking jagged mountain peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and hot springs that’ll melt your stress away. If you’ve got a long weekend coming up & you’re itching for an adventure, a 3-day camping road trip is an absolute MUST.
Honestly, planning a trip can be half the fun, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Where do you go? What do you pack? Where are the best places to camp & hike? Don't you worry, I've got you covered. I’ve done the research & put together what I think is the ultimate 3-day camping road trip itinerary from Boise. We’ll focus on the Sawtooth Mountains because, let’s be real, they’re pretty much the crown jewel of Idaho. So grab your tent, fill up your gas tank, & get ready for an unforgettable weekend.
The Ultimate 3-Day Camping Road Trip Itinerary from Boise
Day 1: Boise to the Sawtooths & Settling into Camp
Morning (Around 9 AM):
Let’s not start the day too early, we want to enjoy this trip, right? Grab a coffee & a delicious breakfast burrito from one of Boise’s local spots. Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to hit the road. The drive from Boise to the Stanley area is about 3 hours, but we're going to take the scenic route, so plan for a little extra time. You’ll head north on Highway 55, which is a beautiful drive in itself. The road follows the Payette River, & you’ll be surrounded by lush forests & rolling hills.
Mid-day (Around 12 PM):
About an hour and a half into your drive, you'll reach the small town of Crouch. It's a great place to stop, stretch your legs, & grab a snack. From there, you'll continue on to Banks, where you'll turn onto the Banks-Lowman Highway. This road is a bit more rugged, but the views are absolutely breathtaking. You'll be driving alongside the South Fork of the Payette River, with towering cliffs on either side. It's a truly immersive experience that makes you feel like you're deep in the heart of Idaho's wilderness.
Afternoon (Around 3 PM):
As you get closer to Stanley, the Sawtooth Mountains will start to come into view, & trust me, it’s a sight you won’t forget. These jagged peaks, which are part of the Rocky Mountains, are truly awe-inspiring. There are 57 peaks with an elevation over 10,000 feet in the Sawtooth Range, so you can imagine the dramatic landscape.
Now, it’s time to find a place to set up camp. There are a ton of options in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, from developed campgrounds to dispersed camping. Here are a few of my favorites:
Stanley Lake Campground: This is a popular spot, & for good reason. It’s located right on the shores of Stanley Lake, with incredible views of the Sawtooth Mountains. The campground has basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, & vault toilets. It’s a great option for both tent camping & RVs.
Redfish Lake Campground: Another fantastic option, especially if you want to be close to the action. Redfish Lake is the largest lake in the Sawtooth National Forest & offers a ton of activities, from swimming & boating to hiking & fishing. The campground here is also well-equipped with the basics.
Dispersed Camping: If you’re looking for a more primitive & secluded experience, there are plenty of dispersed camping opportunities in the area. Just be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles & pack out everything you pack in. Nip and Tuck Road & Decker Flats are a couple of popular areas for dispersed camping near Stanley.
A quick note on camping: Many of the popular campgrounds, like those at Redfish Lake & Stanley Lake, can be reserved in advance through the US Forest Service website. I would HIGHLY recommend doing this, especially if you’re planning your trip for a weekend during the summer. These spots fill up fast! If you're out of luck with reservations, don't despair! There are still first-come, first-served sites available, and plenty of dispersed camping.
Evening (Around 6 PM):
Once you’ve got your camp set up, it’s time to relax & enjoy the evening. Build a campfire (if there are no fire restrictions in place), cook up some dinner, & just soak in the incredible scenery. As the sun sets, the alpenglow on the Sawtooths is something you have to see to believe. & once it gets dark, you’ll be treated to a sky full of stars. The lack of light pollution in this area makes for some of the best stargazing you’ll ever experience.
Day 2: Exploring the Sawtooths
Morning (Around 8 AM):
Wake up to the fresh mountain air & make yourself a camp coffee. Today is all about exploring the incredible hiking trails in the Sawtooth National Forest. There are over 700 miles of trails in the area, so there’s something for everyone, from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging, multi-day backpacking trips.
Here are a few hikes I’d recommend, depending on your skill level:
Easy: Fishhook Creek Trail: This is a relatively flat, 5-mile round-trip trail that offers some of the best views of the Sawtooths without a ton of effort. It’s a great option for families or anyone who just wants a leisurely stroll with a big payoff.
Moderate: Goat Lake: This is a bit more of a challenging hike, with some steep sections, but the destination is absolutely worth it. Goat Lake is a stunning alpine lake tucked away in the mountains. The trail is about 8 miles round trip & has some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find anywhere.
Challenging: Alice-Toxaway Loop: If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a real adventure, the Alice-Toxaway Loop is one of the most iconic backpacking trips in the Sawtooths. It’s a 19-mile loop that takes you past several pristine alpine lakes & over a high mountain pass. You’ll need a backcountry permit for this one, & it’s best done as an overnight trip, but if you have the time & the experience, it’s an unforgettable adventure.
A quick tip for hiking in the Sawtooths: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so be sure to pack layers, even in the summer. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water & snacks, & always let someone know your hiking plans.
Afternoon (Around 2 PM):
After your hike, you’ll probably be ready to cool off. Head over to Redfish Lake for a swim in the crystal-clear water. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even a pontoon boat from the marina & explore the lake from a different perspective. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a ferry across the lake to access some of the more remote hiking trails.
If you're looking for a more relaxing afternoon, head into the town of Stanley. It's a small, rustic town with a lot of charm. Grab a bite to eat at the famous Stanley Baking Company & Cafe (their pastries are to die for!) & then wander through the local shops.
Evening (Around 7 PM):
After a long day of exploring, it’s time to treat yourself to a soak in one of the area’s natural hot springs. Idaho has more natural hot springs than any other state, & the Stanley area has some of the best. Here are a few to check out:
Boat Box Hot Springs: This is one of the most unique hot springs you’ll ever visit. It’s a small, cauldron-like tub right on the side of the Salmon River. It’s only big enough for a couple of people at a time, so you might have to wait your turn, but it’s definitely worth it.
Sunbeam Hot Springs: This is a larger, more developed hot spring with several pools of varying temperatures. It’s a great place to relax & soak your sore muscles after a long day of hiking.
Kirkham Hot Springs: Located a little further out, on the way back towards Boise, Kirkham Hot Springs is another popular spot. It has several pools & even a hot waterfall that you can sit under.
After your soak, head back to your campsite for another night under the stars.
Day 3: A Leisurely Drive Back to Boise
Morning (Around 10 AM):
There’s no need to rush on your last day. Sleep in a little, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your campsite, & take one last look at those incredible Sawtooth Mountains. When you’re ready to pack up, make sure you leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.
Afternoon (Around 1 PM):
On your way back to Boise, take your time & enjoy the drive. You can take the same route back, or you can opt for a slightly different one to see some new scenery. If you're looking for a great place to stop for lunch, the town of Idaho City has some good options. It's an old mining town with a lot of history & character.
A quick note on travel: If you find yourself in a town like Stanley or McCall during your trip and parking is a hassle, which it often is during peak season, you might want to check out an app like Prked. It's a pretty cool platform that connects people who have extra parking spaces—like a driveway or a garage—with drivers who need a place to park. It can be a lifesaver when you're trying to find a convenient spot to leave your car while you explore the town or head out on a hike. You can even find safe, long-term parking for your vehicle if you decide to extend your trip and go on a multi-day backpacking adventure.
Evening (Around 5 PM):
You should be back in Boise by the early evening, with a camera full of amazing photos & a heart full of unforgettable memories. Start planning your next adventure, because once you get a taste of what Idaho has to offer, you’ll be hooked.
Alternative Trip Idea: Craters of the Moon National Monument
If you’re looking for a completely different kind of landscape, consider a trip to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Boise, & it feels like you’re stepping onto another planet. The park is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones & sagebrush.
You can camp at the Lava Flow Campground, which has 42 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. From there, you can explore the park’s many trails, which will take you through lava tubes, over cinder cones, & past strange & beautiful volcanic features. The Indian Tunnel is a must-see, & the view from the top of Inferno Cone is well worth the short, steep climb.
A trip to Craters of the Moon is a truly unique experience, & it’s a great option if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
Earning a Little Extra for Your Next Adventure
If you're like me, you're always dreaming about your next road trip. But let's be honest, gas, gear, and grub can add up. Here's a thought: what if you could make a little extra cash from that empty space you're not using? If you have an empty driveway, garage, or even a storage shed, you could be sitting on a pretty sweet side hustle. With Prked, you can list your unused space and rent it out to people who need it. It's a super easy way to earn some passive income that you can put towards your next adventure. Pretty cool, right?
I hope this was helpful and that it inspires you to get out there and explore the incredible beauty of Idaho. Let me know what you think, and if you have any other favorite spots for a weekend getaway from Boise, I’d love to hear about them
