Camping Gems - Idaho
North Idaho
From bicycle tours through the Silver Valley to fishing on North Idaho's mountain lakes and clear blue streams, this region was made for people who love the great outdoors. Head to Idaho's panhandle for terrific hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and winter skiing. This is silver mining country, so you'll also find a number of mine tours available.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
Step inside the world of an old-time state penitentiary. Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary offers self-guided tours of the cell houses, Death Row, a historic prison Rose garden, exhibits on prison tattooing, and the women's ward. (2445 Old Penitentiary Rd., 208-334-2844)
Bitterroot National Forest
Half of this forest is dedicated to the largest expanse of continuous pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states -- the Selway Bitterroot, Frank Church River of No Return, and the Anaconda Pintler. Much of its beauty can be attributed to the heavily glaciated, rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Range. The abundance of natural resources offers a wide range of opportunities for recreation, grazing, wildlife, fisheries, timber, and minerals.
Owyhee Uplands
See the high desert at its most majestic. This high-country region in southwestern Idaho contains high plateaus, canyons, and mountains, all waiting to be explored. Watch for coyotes, bighorn sheep, hawks, and badgers in this sagebrush-steppe ecosystem.
Boise Tour Train
Departs from Julia Davis Park, this 1890s-style puffer-belly locomotive carries you along the streets of Boise in an open air passenger car as your guide shares some of the town's colorful past and points out more than 75 of its historical sites during your one-hour tour. (Julia Davis Drive, daily May-October, 208-342-4796)
Coeur d'Alene Lake
What could be better than a day of camping on a gorgeous blue lake? Head to Coeur d'Alene Lake for superb fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Or spend the day exploring the 47 hiking trails, horseback riding areas, and golf ranges. There are family attractions like amusement parks and playgrounds right nearby.
Celebration Park, Boise
Just one-hour southwest of Boise, this former wintering ground for the Paiute Indians features a large concentration of petroglyphs and campsites. Learn the history of this nomadic tribe at the visitor center or take in the natural history of the park on a self-guided tour. Learn ancient Indian games or try your hand at the ATLATL bow range.
Idaho Historical Museum
History buffs will want to spend some time at the Idaho Historical Museum (610 N Julia Davis Dr., 208-334-2120). You'll be transported to the past as you tour an old west saloon, a blacksmith's forge, a Chinese apothecary's shop, and see the cowboy, Oregon Trail, and Native American artifacts.
Boise Shakespeare Festival
Enjoy fabulous theater in gorgeous outdoor setting. The Boise Amphitheater offers a mountain view, outstanding theater, and a comfortable environment. See Shakespeare's greatest works -- and some more modern plays -- from June to the end of September every year.
Bonner's Ferry and Boundary County
This majestic area is a haven for hikers, boaters, and horseback riders. Explore the over 300 miles of trails in the Panhandle National Forest. For fishing, take your pick of the scores of crystal blue lakes and 290 miles of alpine streams and creeks. Set your rod for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bass, crappie, brook trout, sunfish and whitefish.
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