Riverside Campground (Idaho City)
4.386 reviewsNear Atlanta, Idaho, along Middle Fork of Boise River
Riverside Campground (Idaho City)
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee range is between $25 and $35, specific details about fee tiers unavailable.
About this campground
Tucked along the pristine waters of the Middle Fork of the Boise River, Riverside Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 secluded sites. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the majestic Sawtooth Wilderness, while keeping you within a stone's throw of the historic mining town of Atlanta, Idaho. Here, the gentle murmur of the river becomes your constant companion as you settle into one of Idaho's most peaceful mountain retreats.
The campground is primarily designed for tent and RV camping. There are no electric hookups, and horse/pack animals are prohibited.
Historical SignificanceJust a half-mile from your campsite lies Atlanta, Idaho—a living piece of the Old West where gold rush dreams still echo through weathered buildings and dusty streets. This authentic mining town, frozen in time yet still inhabited, offers a fascinating glimpse into Idaho's rugged past and serves as a reminder of the prospectors who first carved paths through these mountains in search of fortune.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Idaho mountains, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and temperatures dip below freezing, creating a wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside relaxation. Light rainfall occasionally graces the forest, but summer visitors are more often treated to brilliant blue skies stretching endlessly above the towering pines.
ElevationNestled within the embrace of towering evergreens in the heart of the Boise National Forest, Riverside Campground sits at a mountain elevation where the air is crisp and pine-scented. The surrounding forest creates a natural cathedral of conifers, offering both shelter and a sense of wilderness solitude that makes you feel miles away from civilization.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Middle Fork of the Boise River runs like a silver thread through this enchanting landscape, its crystal-clear waters teeming with rainbow trout that dance beneath the surface. Towering pines and firs create a verdant canopy overhead, while the understory bursts with wildflowers in season. The surrounding Boise National Forest stretches in every direction, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Geological RegionPositioned at the confluence of river and wilderness, Riverside Campground sits within the vast expanse of the Boise National Forest, where the Middle Fork of the Boise River has carved its ancient path through granite peaks and forested valleys. The nearby Sawtooth Wilderness beckons with its jagged skyline and pristine backcountry, making this campground an ideal basecamp for those seeking to explore one of Idaho's most spectacular geological wonders.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground includes 11 standard campsites along the Middle Fork of the Boise River.
Sites PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy. One user states 'no one bothers you' about campsite 4 while another describes it as a 'nice little campground not [seeing] much use'.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 4 is recommended for privacy and as a good basecamp.
Best CampsitesUser review highlights campsite 4 as 'the clear winner,' offering privacy, a fire pit, toilet, and trash facility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite layout details are not specified.
Open and Closed SeasonMid-May to Mid-October.
Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information provided about walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy not provided.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Riverside Campground offers various recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Trails nearby lead to the Sawtooth Wilderness and Queens River trailhead.
Hiking
Day hikes are accessible nearby, including the trailhead at Power Plant Campground (1 mile east) and Queens River Trailhead, providing access to Sawtooth Wilderness.Fishing
The campground is located along the Middle Fork of the Boise River, offering opportunities to fish for rainbow trout.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are available, though specific animals were not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Specific fire policies not described.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsNarrow and potentially rough road conditions may pose hazards during travel.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services information is null.
Good to know
Peak season datesExact peak season dates not mentioned, likely coinciding with open season.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available on-site, but recycling options are not detailed.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Middle Fork of the Boise River.
Common complaintsComplaints from reviews include 'worst place ever,' citing better campgrounds closer to Boise and Idaho City.
HostHost information is null.
Campground Map
Near Atlanta, Idaho, along Middle Fork of Boise River
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho travel State Highway 21 north to the turnoff of the Arrowrock Reservoir. Travel east along Forest Service (FS) Road 268 (Middle Fork Boise River Road) approximately 68 miles. This is a long drive, you will travel past the Arrowrock Dam and several other campgrounds before arriving at Riverside Campground.
The FS Road 268 is very narrow and may be rough. Use caution when driving to your site. Allow plenty of time.Nearby places
Boise (approximately 68 miles, travel time not specified), Idaho City (exact distance unavailable), Historic mining town of Atlanta (0.5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supply information is null.
Camper Reviews
4.4
6 reviews
Riverside Campground (Idaho City) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed. Some praise the scenic beauty and quietness of the area ('Absolutely gorgeous camping spot!') while others criticize its distance and lack of amenities ('Worst place ever. Way nicer campgrounds closer to Boise').
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights include the scenic location ('Absolutely gorgeous campground'), privacy at certain campsites ('no one bothers you'), and general quietness.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include its remote location ('Way nicer campgrounds closer to Boise') and lack of attractions compared to other nearby options.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campsite 4 is noted as a preferable option for its privacy and facilities ('Spent a week at campsite 4, the clear winner of all of them').
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely gorgeous camping spot!' - Jake Bowers
2. 'Spent a week at campsite 4, the clear winner of all of them. No one bothers you.' - Greg Yerkes
3. 'Worst place ever. Way nicer camp grounds...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 4 is highlighted as a standout among the 11 sites ('clear winner of all of them'). Other campsites were not individually detailed.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025