Idaho 🇺🇸 is an excellent RV road trip state with rugged mountains, deep river canyons, scenic byways, and large wilderness areas. From alpine lakes in the north to lava fields and deserts in the south, Idaho offers some of the most underrated scenic drives in the western U.S.
Here are several great RV road trip ideas across Idaho.
1. Sawtooth Scenic Byway Adventure
4
Route:
Boise → Sawtooth Scenic Byway → Stanley → Redfish Lake
Distance: ~115 miles
Ideal length: 2–3 days
Highlights
- Dramatic peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains
- Alpine lakes and hiking trails
- Kayaking and camping at Redfish Lake
- Wildlife viewing
RV Stops
- Redfish Lake Campground
- Stanley Lake Campground
2. Salmon River & River of No Return Route
4
Route:
Salmon → Salmon River → Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness → Salmon
Distance: ~150 miles
Ideal length: 2–3 days
Highlights
- Scenic canyon drives
- Whitewater rafting on the Salmon River
- Remote wilderness views
- Historic mining towns
RV Stops
- Salmon River Campground
- Morgan Bar Campground
3. Northern Idaho Lakes Route
4
Route:
Coeur d’Alene → Sandpoint → Lake Pend Oreille → Coeur d’Alene
Distance: ~120 miles
Ideal length: 2–3 days
Highlights
- Crystal-clear lakes in northern Idaho
- Boating and swimming
- Scenic mountain towns
- Hiking and fishing
RV Stops
- Farragut State Park Campground
- Sam Owen Campground
4. Craters of the Moon National Monument
4
Route:
Twin Falls → Craters of the Moon National Monument → Arco
Distance: ~100 miles
Ideal length: 1–2 days
Highlights
- Unique volcanic landscape
- Lava tubes and cinder cones
- Scenic desert drives
- Stargazing in dark skies
RV Stops
- Lava Flow Campground
- Mountain View RV Park
5. Hells Canyon Scenic Route
4
Route:
Lewiston → Hells Canyon National Recreation Area → Riggins
Distance: ~150 miles
Ideal length: 2–3 days
Highlights
- Deepest river canyon in North America
- Scenic Snake River views
- Jet boat tours and rafting
- Remote mountain landscapes
RV Stops
- Hells Gate State Park Campground
- Hammer Creek Campground
6. Ultimate Idaho Scenic Byways Loop
4
Route:
Boise → Sawtooth Mountains → Salmon River → Coeur d’Alene → Hells Canyon → Boise
Distance: ~900 miles
Ideal length: 7–10 days
Highlights
- Alpine lakes and mountain peaks
- Deep river canyons
- Northern Idaho lake country
- Unique volcanic landscapes
✅ Quick Comparison
| Trip | Best For | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Sawtooth Scenic Byway | Alpine lakes & mountains | 2–3 days |
| Salmon River Route | Wilderness & rafting | 2–3 days |
| Northern Lakes | Scenic lakes & towns | 2–3 days |
| Craters of the Moon | Unique volcanic landscapes | 1–2 days |
| Hells Canyon | Deep canyon scenery | 2–3 days |
| Ultimate Idaho Loop | Best of the state | 7–10 days |