Idaho boasts over 107,000 miles of rivers and lakes, making it an ideal destination for paddlers seeking the perfect combination of pristine waters and scenic camping. The question of where you can kayak camp in Idaho comes up frequently among outdoor enthusiasts planning their next wilderness adventure, and for good reason.
Last summer, I spent three weeks exploring Idaho’s diverse waterways, from the glacier-fed alpine lakes of the Sawtooth Mountains to the rushing rapids of Hells Canyon. Each destination offered its own unique character and camping opportunities, reinforcing why Idaho remains one of my favorite states for combining paddling with backcountry camping.
Where can you kayak camp in Idaho?
Idaho offers exceptional kayak camping at Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, and Pettit Lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Ponderosa State Park on Payette Lake, Lake Cascade State Park, and Priest Lake in northern Idaho. Advanced paddlers can also access multi-day camping opportunities along the Snake River through Hells Canyon.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area – premier alpine lake camping
The crown jewel of Idaho kayak camping lies in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where crystal-clear alpine lakes sit beneath towering granite peaks. Redfish Lake offers multiple campgrounds including Outlet, Glacier View, and Sockeye, all providing direct lake access for kayakers. These campgrounds accept both tent and RV camping, though none offer electrical hookups.
Redfish Lake sits at 6,500 feet elevation and offers excellent kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. The lake’s relatively calm waters make it perfect for beginners, while the dramatic mountain backdrop provides endless photo opportunities. Outlet Campground features 19 sites stretching along the lake’s shoreline, with some of the best swimming access on the shallow north shore.
Stanley Lake Campground, located just 4.5 miles west of Stanley, provides 17 reservable sites plus first-come, first-served options with vault toilets and drinking water. The lake offers excellent kayaking and fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout, with a convenient boat ramp located just outside the campground.
For those seeking a quieter experience, Pettit Lake Campground offers 12 sites in a less crowded setting between the popular Redfish and Alturas lakes. This first-come, first-served campground sits at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains with easy lake access and costs $18 per night for single family sites.
McCall area – Payette Lake paradise
Ponderosa State Park on Payette Lake near McCall provides 163 serviced campsites, canoe and kayak rentals, and excellent lake access. This glacially-formed lake sits at 5,000 feet elevation and offers fishing for lake trout, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon. The park’s location just minutes from downtown McCall makes it convenient for resupplying while maintaining that wilderness camping feel.
Public boat launches are readily available, including at Mile High Marina where visitors can also rent various watercraft including kayaks and paddleboards. The lake’s relatively warm summer temperatures make it excellent for swimming and extended paddling sessions.
Lake Cascade State Park – expansive waters and varied camping
Lake Cascade State Park features 279 individual campsites across 10 developed campgrounds, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV spots. Idaho’s fourth-largest lake provides over 500 acres of paddling opportunities with excellent sailing and windsurfing conditions due to prevailing winds.
The park offers both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas, making it easy to find the perfect site for any group size or camping style. Multiple boat launches throughout the park provide convenient kayak access, while the surrounding Forest Service land offers additional dispersed camping options for those seeking more solitude.
Northern Idaho gem – Priest Lake
Priest Lake in northern Idaho spans 23,000 acres of freshwater and is often called Idaho’s “crown jewel”. The 19-mile long lake offers extremely clear water fed by numerous mountain streams, with surprisingly warm summer temperatures perfect for swimming and paddling.
Trapper Creek Campground sits on the northeast shore of Upper Priest Lake, providing rustic campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes. The lake’s less commercialized nature compared to other Idaho destinations means you can easily find secluded white sandy beaches and peaceful paddling waters.
Hells Canyon – Snake River expeditions for advanced paddlers
The Snake River through Hells Canyon offers multi-day kayak camping expeditions through North America’s deepest river gorge, with rapids ranging from Class II to Class V. Permits are required for the 31.5-mile Wild river section between Hells Canyon Dam and Upper Pittsburg Landing.
This destination provides excellent camping on sandy benches above the river, with opportunities to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and golden eagles. However, this option requires advanced paddling skills and proper expedition planning due to the technical nature of the rapids and remote location.
Dispersed camping opportunities
Idaho’s extensive Forest Service lands provide numerous dispersed camping opportunities for kayakers, with 14-day stay limits within any 30-day period. Popular dispersed areas include sites around Bear Valley Creek, Windy Saddle near the Seven Devils Mountains, and various locations throughout the Payette and Boise National Forests.
These free camping options allow for more flexibility in trip planning and often provide access to more remote and pristine paddling waters. Always check current regulations and fire restrictions before dispersed camping.
Conclusion
Changes to camping regulations in recent years, including bear-resistant container requirements in some areas between Memorial Day and Labor Day, make it essential to check current guidelines before your trip. Just last month, I returned from a five-day kayak camping expedition at Redfish Lake, where following the proper food storage protocols allowed our group to enjoy worry-free nights under the stars while knowing we were protecting both wildlife and future camping opportunities. Having a comprehensive guide to Idaho’s kayak camping destinations can make the difference between a stressful trip spent searching for suitable campsites and a seamless adventure focused on exploring pristine waters and creating lasting memories.