Ep. 96: 5 Favorite Campgrounds in Southern Idaho | RV travel camping

In this episode we'll share 5 of our favorite campgrounds in Southern Idaho, ranging from a glacially-fed mountain lake to hot springs, from a summer lakefront paradise to sand dunes and even rock monoliths along the historic California Trail. You don't want to miss this!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* Sawtooth National Recreation Area www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawto...
* Glacier View Campground www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawto...
* Pine Flats Campground www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/boise...
* Ponderosa State Park parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/...
* Bruneau Dunes State Park parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/...
* City of Rocks National Reserve www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm
* Castle Rocks State Park parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/...
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CREDITS
* All music in this episode is open source and obtained from the KZbin Audio Library / audiolibrary , or licensed from Soundstripe SoundStripe.com.
* Additional photography courtesy of Idaho Tourism, TR Bowlin, fredlyfish4 & USDA.
ABOUT US
Welcome to Grand Adventure, a KZbin channel that focuses on RV-centric outdoor activities including not only of course camping, but also mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, nearly always filmed in stunning 4K.
We're based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and invite you to come along as we travel all around the western U.S. My wife Patricia and I, and our dogs Zoe and Maggie are avid boondockers, so you'll seldom find us in RV parks or even dry campgrounds. Instead, we're usually camped in some of the most remote and beautiful spots that you could ever pull a travel trailer into. And unlike most other RV channels on KZbin, we're not RV dealers or full-timers -- we're weekend warriors just like you!
We'll provide tips and insight on equipping and maintaining your RV, trip planning and travel videos to make your next adventure a grand one indeed! So, subscribe to make sure that you catch every episode, and remember...life is nothing but a Grand Adventure!
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#RV #travel #Idaho #camping #campgrounds #top5 #RVlife #RVliving #wanderlust

[@0004612]

Not sure why you don’t have over 100k subscribers, with the beautiful, high def, edited content, hopefully it will come in time. Keep up the great work! The best quality content by far of all the RVer videos I’ve seen on KZbin!! Take care.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much, Sam! Your words truly mean the world to us, so thank you again.

[@abrahamsantana3110]

I’m also shocked at that. But in a selfish way, I’m ok with it. Too many people knowing about these places, would ruin it. Still love all the videos and information. I will be setting out in the next 3-5 months.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@abrahamsantana3110 glad to have you along, and happy trails for your upcoming travels!

[@abrahamsantana3110]

Grand Adventure thank you! I appreciate that. Keep up the great work! Keep having fun and discovering new spots.

[@musicmarlene]

I have been here around 2012-2013 twice and enjoyed it.

[@GrandAdventure]

Excellent Marlene! It sounds like you're due for a return visit.

[@musicmarlene]

@@GrandAdventure I live in No. Idaho and have been exploring up here

[@TheGlampingGuys]

WOW! Thank you for this lovely video and for providing the links to all the locations! Just added to our bucket list. Peace & Love! Have a Glamperrific Day! 👍😀🌈🤪🌈😎🌈😍

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so very, very much Guys!

[@realrvlife7964]

Great picture of the Bruneau sky. It's my absolute favorite reason to visit the park, the observatory being second.. However, even the your great photo doesn't do it justice. It really must be seen in person. Great job covering the southern gem state. .

[@GrandAdventure]

In all fairness it's not our photo. Every other episode of Grand Adventure nearly exclusively uses our own photography and videography. However, this is the one episode where we heavily borrowed from the work of others. That Bruneau night sky photo was from Idaho Tourism.

[@wellsonwheels457]

Thank you as always! What a gem 💎!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU!

[@giannizamora7247]

I was watching this video a year ago stuck in quarantine, now we out in Idaho with our van we built, thank you for showing these awesome campgrounds!

[@GrandAdventure]

That is awesome Gianni! Here's wishing you a wonderful trip. Is there one particular campground from this video that wowed you in person?

[@gringo3009]

Another beautiful state. Love the diversity in the spots you've shown.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always Gringo!

[@jesib7526]

Treating myself to clam chowder for lunch and wanted to mentally get away and I knew I could do that with your videos. This has to be my favorite so far! I don’t get to catch them each ( or any ) Wednesday so I plan to escape the cold this winter through your travels. Some of the places you’ve visited would be really difficult for me to leave! Great job you two!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much Jesi, and enjoy that clam chowder!

[@TheMcMillanExpress]

Beautiful just beautiful!!! Wow we can't wait to hit these places! Idaho here we come 😀! Thanks Marc 👍

[@GrandAdventure]

No, thank YOU!

[@TheMcMillanExpress]

@@GrandAdventure 😉

[@NomadicInNature]

Amazing video! We will put these on our list of places to check out! Pine Flats looks absolutely outstanding. Thanks for putting this video together! Keep the content coming!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks both for watching, and for your kind comment!

[@journey2fifty]

Congratulations on 500,000 views!!!

[@davidbrickey5925]

That is a beautiful lake area. Enjoy your time while you’re there. ☕️🍩

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you for watching, David!

[@iker1644]

Lovely Area, really enjoying.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Ike!

[@RamblinRalph]

Another great video!! I've camped at Redfish Lake (different campground), Ponderosa SP and City of Rocks. Idaho has some great camping!

[@GrandAdventure]

We agree, Ralph! Thanks so much!

[@CampTravelExplore]

What a great guide for Idaho! Have never been, but will use for planning one day! This was excellent and I love how you showed some of the state parks in it! Well Done once again Grand Adventure!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much for your kind comment, Tom!

[@laughingram7287]

Thanks again Marc for another summary video of a state or portion of a state. Definitely a future reference video.

[@GrandAdventure]

Happy that you enjoyed, Ram!

[@deannapetersson148]

This was the second video I've watched and it was super. You do a very good job!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Deanna! We sincerely appreciate your kind words.

[@RVingwiththeMoracas]

Saved in my "places we have to go" playlist. Thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@gaylejohnson904]

This was one of the most helpful videos out there for my upcoming RV trip thank you.

[@GrandAdventure]

That's great to hear, Gayle. Thank you for your feedback!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

I’m coming back to this video when we have a chance to rv In Idaho, thx Marc

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, that's why it's there! If you haven't yet seen it, on our homepage GrandAdventure.tv we've added an interactive "episode map" that lets you see where our episodes have been filmed, and by clicking on one of the map pins you'll open up the video thumbnail and description, along with a link to the video itself. It makes a terrific planning tool for any destination that we've covered. All 5 campgrounds from this episode are on that map.

[@Gmar69]

Your videos are top notch!! Everyone could wish to visit all the destinations that you travel to. Thank you!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much Jerry!

[@spudbono5747]

Outstanding video, as always! Did not get to ID last year, so now you really gave me the itch. So much to see there, and love the people. I have California plates and they're STILL nice to me!

[@GrandAdventure]

LOL!!!

[@chrisr6157]

Great video!!! You do such great work and have such helpful information! I am so glad I found your channel! I have Idaho on my list of places to visit!

[@GrandAdventure]

We're so happy to have you here, Chris! Definitely put Idaho on your list of places to visit! It has a wonderful diversity of topography, and doesn't have as many RVers visiting as other Western States.

[@hikethisplanet1017]

Thank you. Great video with lots of wonderful information. I live in Southern Alberta. Going to Montana and Idaho as soon as this Covid stuff is over.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome HTP. We, too, are anxiously waiting for the land border to reopen.

[@chrislonsberry4571]

Thank you for a very informative video. Idaho is on my bucket list and I’m saving this video! I hope to visit each one of the parks you highlighted.

[@GrandAdventure]

There's a lot more too, Chris - these were just some highlights from the state's southern half.

[@chrislonsberry4571]

Thanks for the reply. I just watched 2 documentaries about Idaho filmed by a nature/ travel filmmaker. One was about the Southern half the other about the Northern half. I hadn’t realized the many diverse eco systems in the state. Now that I’m retired I plan to take a 3 season trip through the state. Please keep making your videos. The information you provide is very helpful!

[@GrandAdventure]

You'll have a wonderful trip Chris! It's amazingly diverse, from lush mountain lakes to arid lowlands.

[@coopdeville5036]

Great video and excellent timing, just picked up a Idaho Gazetteer. Just started planning our trip for this summer . See ya down the road!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much!

[@RWilliams6943]

As usual another great episode. Later this summer when my home is sold I will be returning to the full-time RV life. With all of the journeys that you have taken us to I will be busy for the rest of my life visiting them over and over. It was nice seeing that Big Wood River is a favorite of others as well. You once emailed me that I would be good at investigating insurance claims for a living. IronRick THANK YOU.

[@GrandAdventure]

I recall that email very well, Rick! So happy that we're giving you travel ideas, that's what we aim to do. Thanks for watching, and for commenting!

[@Starbreaker666]

Mark you're killing me with these video's. Wonderful job! If you get back into Colorado this coming season let me know I can turn you on to some great little known areas you may have not seen yet.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're on!

[@SevenBears1]

I have a lot of catching up to do . So many great places to visit.. Thanks for expanding my horizons..

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always for watching, J!

[@SevenBears1]

@@GrandAdventure my son's want me to start a channel recounting the events of my job. If I do I'm going to count on you to subscribe!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

@@SevenBears1 promise.

[@michaeledwards6890]

The sawtooths, redfish..... Visited in May this year, the most beautiful area i have ever seen, a slice of heaven. I can see this being my happy place when we move to Idaho next march

[@GrandAdventure]

It sure is gorgeous, isn't it? Wishing you a happy and uneventful relocation.

[@dianedarcy4812]

another great video!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Diane!

[@dianedarcy4812]

@@GrandAdventure heading out soon to Oregon Washington then to Glacier, Yellowstone and Tetons so your videos are a big help. I watched the DOG one last night and ordered lighted collars...never thought of that so thank you!!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

@@dianedarcy4812 so happy to help!

[@MountainBeaches]

Beautiful video but that's what we've come to expect from Grand Adventure. We love our time camping in Idaho as well. City of Rocks is one of our favorites and it's so close to home. Cheers from Cache Valley.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're too kind, thank you very much. We love your neighborhood, the Cache Valley is so (relatively) lush and green in the summer, especially when seen coming down from Sardine Canyon.

[@spellmadam2947]

My home state 😄 check out Priest Lake sometime. Great channel thoroughfare that connects the lower and upper Lake. Great place to kayak through to the beautiful secluded Upper Lake that's only reachable by canoe or boat. Nice camp spots on the sand shores

[@GrandAdventure]

Great ideas, thank you!

[@diannehortonpong1388]

I'm watching this from Kimberly, Idaho where I live (just NW of Hansen) hoping to find a few places that I can car camp on the weekends. Very informative video and the videography is great!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Dianne! Hope that you found a few worthwhile places to check out.

[@michelebrown1341]

Awesome video!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Awesome comment!!! 😁 Thank you Michele.

[@michelebrown1341]

Grand Adventure ... I watched this Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon, I got the phone call that I have been waiting for. I got my first workamping job...in Idaho!!!! I am beyond thrilled and so excited to explore this gorgeous state you talked about!

[@GrandAdventure]

@@michelebrown1341 that's terrific, congratulations!

[@joycemarino9800]

Great info for our summer plans for escapee summer of 2020 through Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and into Canada! We're in the process of making some reservations but if you have any suggestions for good boondocking spots it would be greatly appreciated and perhaps we could give you some ideas for the eastern sierras as, that was our geology field camp study area and is our personal happy place!

[@ruthpickens8101]

We went to Redfish every year growing up. That’s my heaven

[@GrandAdventure]

It's a gorgeous lake, Ruth! Those must be wonderful memories.

[@ln1273]

Beautiful videography. Thank you for sharing with us. I recommend you try Cub River, between Franklin and Preston, Idaho. Most people only go as far as Willow Flats, which is a beautiful campground to be sure, but there is boondocking available further up the road which is also beautiful. I’m not sure a trailer can make it, vans and trucks have little/no problem though. I will have to watch more of your episodes!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Lora, both for your kind words and for the tip! We'll check that area out next time we're in that part of Idaho. And we'd love to have you as a subscriber.

[@stevec2665]

Awesome job on that video. The State of Idaho should be paying you for that one.

[@GrandAdventure]

LOL - thank you Steve!

[@davepritchard4101]

Hi Marc - I was planning our route from NJ to Spokane and came across Glacier View NFCG. After I reserved one of the last 3 weekend availabilities I began to think - where did I hear about this place before? Hopped over to Campendium and there was your review! I had to click over to Grand Adventure and review your travels of this area again. Thanks a bunch for the excellent work you produce. Oh, I'm yearning for a DJI OSMO Pocket to show up in my stocking 🤫 😉

[@GrandAdventure]

Better an Osmo Pocket than a lump of coal, Dave -- hope you've been good this year! And congratulations on your good fortune to score a spot at Glacier View, for Redfish Lake is one of the prettiest places on the planet. Enjoy your trip in 2020!

[@tuntaverntraveltrailer4808]

Love your videos! Thank you for all the hard work you put in to them. We recently purchased a travel trailer that we rehabbed and remodeled and will be full time RV’ers soon. I binge watch your videos to help me fill in our travel bucket list, such great info provided in them all and the pictures and videos are stunning! My question for this video, however, is could you tell me where you purchased the shoes you are wearing in the hot springs? I must get the hubs and me a pair lol! Ty!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Here's wishing you the best of success in your quest to full-time! We sincerely appreciate your comments. I can't remember where they were purchased, but those sandals are made by Spenco and have cork insoles -- we love them!

[@tuntaverntraveltrailer4808]

Grand Adventure Thank you, I’m googling now!

[@wolfganghofmann3977]

nice video man!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Wolfgang!

[@WILDEBILL308]

Another great video. My only camping in Idaho was down closer to Yellowstone. Will definitely look at some of the bigger places, unfortunately I am a little big for some of the places you showed at 38'. We are looking at going West well to Minot ND and North West after we get back from Maine in early August. We leave home on the 8th of May to head Toward Maine.

[@GrandAdventure]

Love Maine! You'd fit in both Ponderosa and Bruneau Dunes State Parks, for sure.

[@2012escapee1]

@@GrandAdventure I explored free camping south of Pocatello. While somewhat abundant, but not motorhome or larger rig friendly, and no-poor cell. But that's sort of the norm for mountain camping.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@2012escapee1 I've done the same driving up from Jackpot, Janet, and found the same.

[@WILDEBILL308]

@@GrandAdventure Thanks, I will look at those when we head west.

[@2012escapee1]

@@GrandAdventure Me too.

[@sk-wx1cf]

Very informative video, great pictures. Only Bruneau Dunes and City of Rocks are in southern Idaho. The other sites are central Idaho.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks @s k!

[@thomfisher1100]

Hey! We always enjoy your videos. I know you boondock quite a bit, but regards campgrounds could you include info about how large an RV will fit? For various reasons, we own one of the larger ones and it just will not fit some camp grounds. Safe travels and keep up the great posts!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks for the hint, Thom! We'll make it a point to include comments on rig size going forward.

[@CryingToMyself_]

Red fish is super pretty! The lake is not salt water it’s actually melted snow so the water is super clear!

[@GrandAdventure]

We agree. One of the prettiest places we've been.

[@sonyaparker1795]

I love the Sun Valley video, the boondocking location was absolutely beautiful. Do you know which cell phone carrier works best in the area? I know coverage is spotty, but will be in the are for about 3 weeks and will need to have some access. Thanks for the videos and information

[@GrandAdventure]

Hey Sonya, sorry for the delay! It's been 3 years now and I don't recall for certain, but I don't think that we had any service at that spot on Verizon, don't know about any other carrier.

[@Dan-sl2yx]

Good luck getting a campsite - its like times square in NYC during the spring /summer season - if you like wall to wall people (I live in Boise ID)

[@GrandAdventure]

Which campground are you referring to in this comment, Ponderosa? It was booked solid while we were there in July, although we had a reservation that we booked a month or two in advance. We actually wanted to extend our stay hoping for a cancellation that never came.

[@rambling_rob7035]

Another great vid Marc. I haven't been to Idaho with the trailer. Did you happen to bring your kayak on this trip? I had friends go through Idaho this spring and they had to stop at each boat wash station even though it was the same day. I'm sure it was worry about Zebra mussels, but every wash station? Thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Rob! I didn't have the yak on this trip, but I've encountered that situation on other trips through Idaho. Yes, it's about zebra mussels. I had to get the boat inspected at each station, sometimes on the same day.

[@rollinwiththerochez1736]

Hey Marc, again great info and video! Question for you, How do you video (record) the image of Google maps zooming in on locations?

[@GrandAdventure]

We do it using a screen video capture utility (Xbox built into Windows 10) while using Google Eartha fly-to feature.

[@rollinwiththerochez1736]

Thank you and keep up the great videos! @@GrandAdventure

[@GregDLind]

My summer Hangouts....SNRA and McCall.!

[@GrandAdventure]

You've got beautiful summer hangouts, Greg!

[@thenomad7120]

I have a black and a yellow labs also! My camp mates.

[@GrandAdventure]

They're such wonderful traveling and camping companions, aren't they?

[@christinamcmillan6814]

Mark, do you find the weather to be moderate around Idaho durning summer? Have you ever had a problem getting campsites at these campgrounds without reservations? With such remote locations, are nearby towns, grocery stores, gas, etc plentiful or are they far and few between? Sorry for all the questions! Thinking we could spend a good portion of our summer in Idaho!

[@GrandAdventure]

No worries about the questions, Christina, we love them! Redfish Lake and Ponderosa definitely require reservations, although Redfish does have two walk-up campgrounds. We tried to extend our stay at Ponderosa by couldn't, even with so many sites. It's very popular with folks from Boise. Bruneau Dunes doesn't seem too busy, and City of Rocks is a popular climbing destination. Like much of the West, temperature largely depends on altitude. Redfish and Ponderosa are fairly temperate, Pine Flats can get warm, and City of Rocks and especially Bruneau Dunes can be hotter than hell. Pine Flats, Redfish and especially City of Rocks are pretty remote, whereas Bruneau Dunes is reasonably close to Mountain Home, and Ponderosa is only a mile and a half from the charming town of McCall, where you'll find most services available.

[@christinamcmillan6814]

Grand Adventure great info! Thank you so much!!

[@gavinstreetie1473]

Better stay in the uk I think , I really would not know which one to choose all offer so much , however I did like ponderosa and Mcall , really could spend a lifetime there !

[@GrandAdventure]

It would be a wonderful place to spend the summer!

[@Dan-sl2yx]

Nice video but the climate is not sunny most of the time / clouds rain and wind up in the forested areas the sand dunes from May to October are most likely 100 degree temps.

[@GrandAdventure]

We had great luck in the mountains but we certainly agree, the dunes were hotter than hell. But we nevertheless enjoyed them!

[@laughingram7287]

Now all I have to do is pick one.... Ram

[@GrandAdventure]

Decisions, decisions...

[@laughingram7287]

@@GrandAdventure I’m going to make an alternate southernly route via Mammoth and the Southern half of Utah...just in case. I’m afraid that these areas I mentioned may be too cold in May. Some roads in Tetons may be closed through the end of May. Ram

[@GrandAdventure]

@@laughingram7287 most of it will be fine in May, but there will be some high elevation areas that still hold snow.

[@Feeshon-]

Only 2 of these are actually in southern Idaho??

[@GrandAdventure]

That depends on how you define southern Idaho. 😉

[@steverockwell5074]

Yo cali peeps welcome! Please pick up ur needles and poop. Ty!😊

[@jamesblack4539]

Nice video but Sawtooths are Central Idaho.

[@GrandAdventure]

Close enough for government work. 😉 Thanks James!

[@mikegraves7442]

Southern Idaho?

[@GrandAdventure]

The southern half.

[@openyoureyes3969]

These are all state campgrounds. Might want to adjust the title.

[@GrandAdventure]

They still qualify as 5 of our favorites, regardless of the operator.

[@billruprecht7398]

What? No boondocking?

[@GrandAdventure]

Not on that episode. But we've boondocked throughout that region, too, in other episodes.

[@Dan-sl2yx]

If you want the best info on Idaho camping etc check out Epic Idaho on the Idaho Tourism website

[@GrandAdventure]

Will do, Dan!

[@ktm250xcw]

Just my opinion, but Redfish and the surrounding SawTooth area blows away everything else.

[@GrandAdventure]

That area is indeed spectacular.