Idaho has long been known as big wilderness country with more than three fourths of the state being natural country, natural reserves or open land. No surprise then, Idaho offers recreational types a large number of beautiful locations for camping excursions at all levels of experience. These range from basic family park camping to extended hiking and wilderness locations as well. Most sites are best enjoyed in the summer and early Fall. Here are a couple of the bigger draws to consider if thinking about a camping trip in Idaho.

Three Island Crossing State Park

For camping beginners and those with young family, Three Island Crossing is a great location to get started with a camping experience. The area includes accessible lakes and ponds, easy hiking areas, and for those who aren't quite ready for sleeping in a tent there are camping cabins as well. Three Island allows first-timers the ability to migrate to the outdoors without suddenly losing the amenities of urban life too quickly.

Dworkshak State Park

If interested in camping in more of a traditional forest setting, Dworkshak would be the location to consider. The park incorporates at least 12 miles of dedicated hiking in large grow forest and rural land, and it sits right news to the joining of the Main Clearwater and the North Fork Clearwater Rivers. Steelhead and Chinook salmon run in these waters, so those who like to camp and fish will definitely enjoy this location.

Hell's Gate State Park

The name may sound like something driving people away rather than being a prime camping spot, but Hell's Gate offers campers a perfect location for prairie camping. Surrounded by rolling hills and plateaus, Hell's Gate gives visitors the ability to camp out in the big open sky country with plenty of opportunity to enjoy river activities, hiking, horse riding, picnics, BBQs, fire rings, fishing, mountain biking and far more. So for those who like to camp with a lot of gear to play with, this is the place to be in Idaho.

Heyburn State Park

Being the oldest of Idaho's state parks, Heyburn has a well-established system for outdoor recreation and camping of all types. Given the fact that the location is so well-established with numerous amenities, it makes a great starting location for families who will be camping for the first time.

Sawtooth Mountains

For backcountry types the Sawtooth Mountain should be strongly considered. This is an area with prime forest and large granite outcroppings all over the place, so there's a definite feel of true wilderness entering the area. Camping will likely be near a lake shore, and it is an experience for the well-equipped and practiced hiker willing to go 20 to 50 miles and spend a week in the outdoors.

The above list is just a sampling of what Idaho offers campers with 30 different state parks and multiple sites. As a result, most visitors will likely come back again and again after a first experience because there is so much to see.