Remember those magical summer camp days? Idaho’s charming small towns offer that same rustic magic but with grown-up perks. Forget lumpy bunk beds and mystery meat dinners.
These seven Idaho gems deliver lakeside adventures, mountain trails, and campfire memories alongside comfortable lodging and delicious food. Perfect for anyone seeking nostalgic outdoor fun without sacrificing modern comforts.
1. McCall: Lakeside Fun with Upscale Dining and Cabins
Nestled on the southern shore of Payette Lake, McCall transforms into a summer paradise where kayaks glide across crystal waters and hikers explore pine-scented trails. The town’s wooden storefronts and marina docks evoke classic camp aesthetics, but the similarities end there.
Luxury lakeside cabins replace basic bunks, while restaurants like Rupert’s at Hotel McCall serve locally-sourced cuisine instead of cafeteria fare. Morning paddleboard sessions can be followed by craft beer tastings at Salmon River Brewery.
Ponderosa State Park offers 1,000 acres of wilderness for daytime adventures, while evening brings options for fine dining or gathering around upscale fire pits at Shore Lodge. The annual Summer Festival brings art and music to this mountain retreat that perfectly balances wilderness charm with sophisticated comfort.
2. Sandpoint: Outdoor Adventures on Lake Pend Oreille
Tucked between three mountain ranges and hugging the shores of Idaho’s largest lake, Sandpoint captures the essence of summer camp with a grown-up twist. The 43-mile-long Lake Pend Oreille provides endless water activities from sailing to paddleboarding, while nearby trails offer mountain biking and hiking adventures.
Unlike traditional camps, Sandpoint boasts boutique accommodations like the historic Hotel Ella or waterfront vacation rentals with private docks. After a day on the water, hungry adventurers can swap mess hall meals for wood-fired pizza at Utara Brewing Company or fresh seafood at Trinity at City Beach.
The town’s walkable downtown features art galleries, bookshops, and ice cream parlors perfect for evening strolls. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, just 11 miles away, offers summer chairlift rides and mountain biking with panoramic lake views that would make any camp counselor jealous.
3. Stanley: Mountain Views and Hot Springs After a Day on the Trails
Stanley might be tiny with fewer than 100 year-round residents, but it delivers outsized summer camp vibes against the dramatic backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains. This frontier-feeling town sits at the headwaters of the Salmon River, where white water rafting trips launch daily and fly fishermen cast into clear waters.
The rustic log cabins at Triangle C Ranch offer comfort without sacrificing authenticity. Nearby hot springs provide nature’s perfect remedy for trail-weary muscles, with Sunbeam Hot Springs offering roadside soaking and more secluded pools hiding in the surrounding wilderness.
Stanley Baking Company fuels morning adventures with huckleberry pancakes that put camp cuisine to shame. As night falls, visitors can enjoy elevated campfire cooking at Pioneer Saloon or gaze at some of the country’s darkest night skies, officially designated as part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.
4. Coeur d’Alene: A Resort Town with Camp-Style Waterfront Activities
Summer camps and water activities go hand in hand, and Coeur d’Alene delivers aquatic adventures with a luxury upgrade. The 25-mile-long lake provides the perfect playground for everything from swimming to seaplane rides, with public beaches reminiscent of camp waterfronts but with better amenities.
Tubbs Hill offers a 2-mile waterfront trail where hikers can pause at secluded coves for impromptu swims. The famous floating boardwalk at the Coeur d’Alene Resort stretches 3,300 feet, leading to the world’s only floating golf green.
Food trucks and ice cream stands dot the city beach during summer months, while downtown restaurants like Crafted Tap House serve gourmet burgers and local beers. Accommodations range from lakeside campgrounds that embrace the camp spirit to luxury suites with soaking tubs and balconies overlooking the water, offering the perfect blend of nostalgic activities with grown-up indulgences.
5. Ketchum: Sun Valley’s Sister Town with a Relaxed Vibe
Famous as the final resting place of Ernest Hemingway, Ketchum delivers summer camp energy with a side of sophistication. The town sits in the shadow of Bald Mountain, where summer chairlifts carry hikers and mountain bikers to alpine trails with sweeping views of the Wood River Valley.
River rafting on the Salmon River channels classic camp adventures, while fly fishing the Big Wood River offers peaceful moments in nature. Unlike traditional camps, Ketchum boasts world-class dining options like The Pioneer Saloon, where camp-style barbecue meets fine wine lists.
The town’s mining history shows in preserved buildings now housing art galleries and boutiques. Summer evenings bring free concerts at the Sun Valley Pavilion and stargazing opportunities in the surrounding wilderness. Luxurious lodging options like Limelight Hotel provide plush bedding and heated pools that would make any former camper appreciate the upgrade from sleeping bags and cold lake swims.
6. Cascade: Quiet Retreat by the Lake with Family Activities
Cascade embodies the laid-back spirit of summer camp without the structured schedules. Lake Cascade State Park stretches along 86 miles of shoreline with sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles or launching kayaks into the calm waters. The surrounding Boise National Forest offers miles of hiking trails where wildflowers carpet meadows during summer months.
Families can upgrade from camp cabins to comfortable vacation rentals with lakefront views and fully equipped kitchens. The Valley County Farmers Market brings local produce, baked goods, and crafts every Sunday, providing ingredients far superior to anything found in a camp mess hall.
Kelly’s Whitewater Park offers beginner-friendly rapids for kayaking lessons, while the nearby Gold Fork Hot Springs provides six mineral pools of varying temperatures. For a sweet treat, the Ice Cream Alley serves homemade flavors that make camp canteen snacks seem like distant memories. Cascade perfectly balances small-town tranquility with enough activities to keep the whole family entertained.
7. Priest Lake: Rustic Atmosphere with Modern Comforts Nearby
Known as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel,” Priest Lake captures summer camp magic with its 72 miles of pristine shoreline surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains. Ancient cedar groves in the surrounding forest create natural cathedrals where sunlight filters through branches, much like the camps of childhood memories.
Elkins Resort offers historic cedar cabins with modern amenities like fully equipped kitchens and comfortable bedding, a far cry from rustic camp accommodations. Their restaurant serves huckleberry cocktails and fresh fish on a deck overlooking the water. Visitors can rent boats from marinas around the lake to explore hidden coves and Thoroughfare, a narrow channel connecting Upper and Lower Priest Lake.
The Lionhead State Park Natural Area provides hiking trails with minimal crowds, while local outfitters offer guided fishing trips targeting the lake’s famous mackinaw trout. Summer evenings bring stargazing opportunities and bonfires on the beach, complete with s’mores ingredients available at the general store, offering the perfect nostalgic finish to days filled with adventure.
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