RVer Guide to Idaho's Best Mountain Roads: From Ketchum to Coeur d'Alene

RVer Guide to Idaho's Best Mountain Roads: From Ketchum to Coeur d'Alene
Stunning stops and camping spots on Idaho Highways 75, 21, 55, and 95!

By: Peter & Kathy Holcombe

Did you know that Idaho offers one of the best RV road trips in the West? Idaho Highway 75, Highway 21, Highway 55, and Highway 95 combine to create a route filled with alpine scenery, whitewater rivers, mountain lakes, hot springs, and small towns that still feel authentic. This route connects many of Idaho's most iconic landscapes while remaining surprisingly uncrowded compared to neighboring states.

We love exploring Idaho in summer and early fall! Here’s our guide to touring this area and camping along the way in your RV …

Start in Ketchum Near Sun Valley, Idaho

Begin in Ketchum, the historic mountain town adjacent to Sun Valley. Before leaving town, spend some time walking the compact downtown area. Outdoor enthusiasts should stop at Sturtevants, one of Idaho's premier outdoor gear stores, while art lovers can browse the Gail Severn Gallery and Sun Valley Museum of Art.

For breakfast, locals often recommend The Kneadery for hearty portions and excellent cinnamon rolls. For dinner, the Pioneer Saloon remains a Ketchum institution famous for steaks and western atmosphere.

One of the best hikes in the area is the Bald Mountain Trail, which climbs more than 3,000 feet above town with spectacular views of the Wood River Valley. For something shorter, hike to Pioneer Cabin, one of the most photographed backcountry cabins in Idaho.

Drive Highway 75 to Stanley

The 60-mile drive from Ketchum to Stanley is arguably Idaho's most scenic highway. Be sure to stop at Galena Summit, where a viewpoint overlooks the Sawtooth Range. On a clear day, the view rivals anything in Colorado or Montana.

Once in Stanley, base yourself for several days if possible. Redfish Lake is the centerpiece of the region, and there is a shuttle boat that transports hikers across the lake, eliminating several miles of walking and providing access to premier trails.

Popular hikes in Stanley, Idaho, include:

• Alice Lake Trail (12 miles round trip)
• Sawtooth Lake Trail (10 miles round trip)
• Goat Lake Trail (8 miles round trip)
• Fishhook Creek Trail (easy family hike)

For RV camping, consider:

• Glacier View Campground
• Point Campground
• Stanley Lake Campground
• Elk Mountain Campground

For food, Stanley Baking Company serves excellent breakfasts and pastries, while mountain Village Restaurant is a longtime favorite for dinner.

If you enjoy whitewater rafting, outfitters in town offer trips on the Salmon River ranging from family floats to Class III and IV rapids.

Explore from Stanley to Banks on Highway 21

Highway 21 follows the South Fork of the Payette River through miles of national forest. One of the highlights is Kirkham Hot Springs. Located directly beside the river, the hot pools cascade down a rock wall into a series of soaking pools. Arrive early during summer because it gets busy.

Wild swimmers should look for calmer sections of the South Fork Payette near campground access points. Water temperatures remain refreshingly cold even during August.

Several excellent campgrounds line the route, including:

• Riverside Campground
• Kirkham Campground
• Bonneville Campground

At Banks, stop at the historic Banks Store. Their burgers, fries, milkshakes, and ice cream have become a ritual for generations of river runners.

North of Banks, Highway 55 follows the North Fork Payette River, one of North America's premier whitewater rivers. Pullouts near Smiths Ferry often provide opportunities to watch kayakers tackle famous rapids.

Escape the Heat at Granite Mountain

For travelers seeking cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, Forest Service Road 446 leads toward Granite Mountain.

The Granite Mountain Lookout hike is one of central Idaho's hidden gems. The trail climbs through wildflower meadows to a historic fire lookout with panoramic views across the Boise and Payette National Forests.

Dispersed camping opportunities are abundant along the road, and nighttime temperatures can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the river valleys below.

Cool Off in Cascade

The Kellys Whitewater Park is a great stop for an afternoon at the river. There you can try your hand at river surfing, kayaking or tubing down the play park. It’s safe and gentle but lots and lots of fun. Nearby Lake Cascade offers some of the best swimming in Idaho.

Favorite camping areas near Cascade include:

• Van Wyck Campground
• Tamarack Resort Area Campgrounds
• Crown Point Campground

Favorite camping areas near Cascade include:

• Van Wyck Campground
• Tamarack Resort Area Campgrounds
• Crown Point Campground

For a sandy beach and excellent swimming, head to Lake Cascade State Park's North Beach area. The lake is also popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and fishing for perch, trout, and kokanee salmon.

For food, Lakefront Bar & Grill offers outdoor seating with views of the water.

Visit McCall for a Classic Mountain Resort Town

McCall is Idaho's classic mountain resort town. Start with a stroll along the Payette Lake waterfront and visit Legacy Park, one of the area's best swimming beaches.

Favorite hikes near McCall include:

• Boulder Lake Trail
• Goose Creek Falls
• Brundage Mountain Trails
• Bear Basin Trail System

For a memorable view without a long hike, drive to Brundage Mountain Resort and take in the scenery overlooking the surrounding mountains.

Campgrounds near McCall include:

• Ponderosa State Park
• North Beach Campground
• Upper Payette Lake Campgrounds

Downtown McCall highlights include:

• Ice Cream Alley
• Mountain Monkey Business toy store
• McCall Brewing Company
• Salmon River Brewery

Explore the River Canyon of Riggins, Idaho

The drive from McCall to Riggins descends nearly 4,000 feet into one of the deepest river canyons in North America, and it is the launching point for many multi-day Main Salmon River rafting trips.

For food in Riggins, check out:

• Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse
• Summerville's Restaurant
• Two Rivers Coffee

Campers in Riggins should look at:

• Hammer Creek Recreation Site
• Spring Bar Campground
• Pine Bar Campground

A worthwhile side trip follows the Salmon River Road to Vinegar Creek Boat Ramp. The drive provides access to spectacular river scenery and often offers opportunities to watch jet boats, rafters, and anglers.

Complete Your Idaho RV Trip in Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene is one of the Northwest's premier lake towns, and it is a great place to finish your Idaho RV trip!

Spend time walking Sherman Avenue, the city's vibrant downtown corridor filled with restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and coffee shops.

Recommended stops around Coeur d'Alene include:

• Crafted Tap House
• Hudson's Hamburgers
• Dockside Restaurant

Outdoor highlights near Coeur d'Alene include:

• Tubbs Hill Trail
• Coeur d'Alene Lake Cruise
• City Beach
• Mineral Ridge Trail

Campers in Coeur d'Alene can choose from:

• Beauty Creek Campground
• Blackwell Island RV Park
• Wolf Lodge Campground

Our Final Encouragement to RV Through Idaho!

After nearly 700 miles of winding mountain highways, wild rivers, alpine lakes, and towering forests, you'll understand why Idaho remains one of the West's best-kept secrets. This journey delivers many of the same breathtaking landscapes found in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, but with fewer crowds, quieter campgrounds, and a greater sense of discovery. 

From the jagged peaks of the Sawtooths to the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene, this route showcases an Idaho that still feels untamed, authentic, and wonderfully overlooked!

For more RV destination inspiration, check out the travel section of the GoLife Blog!