Idaho is well-known in RV traveler circles for being a place full of options to explore. Whether you prefer the panhandle of North Idaho or the historical monuments on the Oregon Trail to the south of the state, the Gem State is always an exciting place to explore. 

Located in the Boise National Forest, just outside of Boise, Idaho, Bogus Basin is one such hidden gem — a recreational area perfect for lovers of the Great Outdoors. There's no way you won’t have a good time at Bogus Basin State Park, since it is operated with the happiness and satisfaction of visitors in mind. And with that, it’s time to explore what Bogus Basin has to offer!

Bogus Basin State Parks Facts

If you’re planning a visit to Bogus Basin, then a few Bogus Basin State Park facts will surely help you learn more about it! 

• Bogus Basin is located within the Boise National Forest, 16.5 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho’s state capital.
• Bogus Basin first opened for skiing in December 1942. 
• The first chairlift at Bogus Basin was installed in the fall of 1959, while nighttime skiing was introduced in December 1964. 
• Bogus Basin hosts the only mountain coaster in the state of Idaho. 
• Bogus Basin is one of only a few non-profit recreational areas in the United States. 

Best Bogus Basin State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

With an RV rental, Bogus Basin State Park is a great place to visit. But where will you stay while you visit? The Boise National Forest area has a lot to offer visitors, whether you want to go RV camping inside the park or prefer to go RV camping near Bogus Basin State Park. 

Mountain View RV Park

Amenities: The only RV park within the city limits of Boise offers the conveniences of a city locale. Its location makes it one of the more ideal RV parks near Bogus Basin State Park for families looking for things to do once they’re done for the day at the park itself. All of their sites offer full hookups, and each has a lawn, though there’s no guarantee of shady trees.

Capacity: 60 RV sites

More Information: Mountain View RV Park

Boise Riverside RV Park

Amenities: The pet-friendly Boise Riverside RV Park offers visitors nightly, weekly, and monthly rates, with full hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry and shower facilities, a picnic area, and access to the Boise River. If you need to refill your propane tank while Bogus Basin State Park RV camping, they have the capacity to help you out! This is one of the Bogus Basin State Park RV sites you won’t want to miss.

Capacity: 80 RVsites

More Information: Boise Riverside RV Park

Center Point RV Park

Amenities: This is one of the newest Bogus Basin State Park RV parks, having opened in August 2021. They feature a spacious clubhouse, a pickleball court, a fenced-in dog park, and your choice of 12 state-of-the-art, card-operated washers and dryers. Its RV sites range in length from 50 feet to over 75 feet, each with their own artificial turf lawns. With an RV rental, Bogus Basin State Park is an easy drive away from this RV park!

Capacity: 126 RV sites

More Information: Center Point RV Park

Hi Valley RV Park

Amenities: Just outside the Boise Metro Area, Hi Valley RV Park offers access to Bogus Basin and other Idaho recreational areas. You’ll feel at ease RV camping near Bogus Basin State Park at this site. It has full hookups, wide paved streets, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. As for your furry friends, there’s an off-leash pet park to let them burn off their energy or just have fun, while humans can spend their time at the horseshoe pits. 

Capacity: 192 RV sites

More Information: Hi Valley RV Park

Ambassador RV Resort

Amenities: At Ambassador RV Resort, your Bogus Basin State Park RV camping experience will be absolutely delightful. In warmer months, guests can enjoy their pool, hot tub, and sauna facilities, or hit up the game room, rec hall, or library when the weather is cooler. Pets will love the off-leash pet area, and everyone will surely make use of the Wi-Fi! Also, if you need to fill up with propane, they sell it here. Other Bogus Basin State Park RV campgrounds can’t compete!

Capacity: 188 RV sites

More Information: Ambassador RV Resort

Now that you know where to stay, let’s talk about when to visit Bogus Basin State Park!

Best Time To Visit Bogus Basin State Park for RV Camping

With the mix of seasonal passes and a variety of temperature-sensitive activities, those planning a trip at the best time to visit Bogus Basin State Park must take into account both the seasons and the weather. 

Winter

In winter, Bogus Basin becomes a wonderland for winter sports enthusiasts. If you’re into Alpine or Nordic skiing, or even winter tubing and snowshoeing, it goes without saying that you’re absolutely going to adore Bogus Basin State Park. Those who visit Bogus Basin in this season have to deal with high temperatures in the mid-to-low 30s Fahrenheit and overnight lows dipping well into the teens (usually between 16 and 19 degrees). Such conditions are to be expected — and likely preferred — for those who aim to visit Bogus Basin for activities like skiing! 

Spring

If you choose to visit Bogus Basin in the out-of-season late spring, you’re likely not going to face too much competition at the RV parks near Bogus Basin State Park. Springtime temperatures warm up gradually, from the low 50s of March to the high 50s in April (which is when winter season passes usually expire), and on up to the low 70s in May. 

If you enjoy mountain biking or hiking, late spring may be one of the best times to visit Bogus Basin State Park. All of the hiking and biking trails are open to the public for free, and you can also enjoy the scenery on chairlift rides in the spring. 

Summer

Summer is the driest of seasons at Bogus Basin, which is good news for those who want to avoid both rain and high humidity. In June, the highs are in the low 80s and overnight lows into the 40s on average. July at Bogus Basin is the hottest month of the year, with highs in the low 90s and overnight lows getting down into the low 50s. Given that it is the driest season, summer is also the least cloudy, meaning lovers of blue skies may consider summer to be the best time to visit Bogus Basin State Park for some water tubing or wall climbing.

Fall

Fall sees a dramatic shift in daily high temperatures, with the high 70s of September a distant memory by the time the high 40s of November roll around; meanwhile, overnight lows drop from the mid-40s to mid-20s in that same span of time. Late fall is the start of the winter season at Bogus Basin, and passes are available that will be valid until the following April. This means that if you’re aiming for an out-of-season visit with more availability for Bogus Basin State Park RV campgrounds, it’s best to aim for a visit in early to mid fall. 

Things To Do in Bogus Basin State Park

If you're wondering about things to do in Bogus Basin State Park, then have a look at this list. Once you've read up on things to do in Bogus Basin State Park, you will be so much more prepared for your visit. 

Skiing. By far one of the most popular winter activities at Bogus Basin, you have the choice to go Alpine Skiing (10 lifts and 80 runs across 2600 acres of terrain) or Nordic Skiing (no lifts, just nature!) at Bogus Basin.  

Tubing. Depending on when you visit, you have the choice of winter tubing (on snow, down 800 feet) or summer tubing (at the lower section of the bowl, with two 300-foot lanes). 

Hiking & Biking. With over 16 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of mountain biking trails, those wanting to explore the area on two feet or two wheels have a surplus of options!

Mountain Coaster. The only mountain roller coaster in the state of Idaho is located at Bogus Basin. Whether you ride it in winter or any other season, you’ll scream with delight as it twists and turns while winding its way through the trees!

Chairlift Rides. In the winter season, the chairlifts can be busy with skiers heading up to one of the many runs. In any other season, these lifts provide beautiful views of Bogus Basin and the Boise National Forest. 

Tips for Visiting Bogus Basin State Park 

The following list of Bogus Basin State Park facts aims to help ensure your visit goes as smoothly as possible. 

• Operating hours depend on the season, with recreational options and hours more limited in the fall. 
• The general public is not permitted to operate drones at Bogus Basin, for reasons of safety and privacy. 
• If making use of the chairlifts, especially during busier times, reserve lift tickets in advance online to guarantee access to the mountain when you want it. 
• Whether you’ll be there in-season or off-season, it is highly advised to check the weather conditions and webcams before visiting Bogus Basin. 

RV Rental for Bogus Basin State Park

Now that you have your RV rental, Bogus Basin State Park is yours to explore and enjoy to your heart’s content. Wait, you don't yet have your RV rental lined up? You're in luck, since Cruise America is ready to help you out!

With a huge selection of RVs of various lengths that are equipped with modern features and amenities to keep everyone happy and safe, your road trip to Bogus Basin — or anywhere else throughout the US —is sure to be a memorable one. Get in touch with Cruise America today!