Family-Friendly RV 10 Day Idaho Road Trip
Looking for some family fun time in the beautiful Pacific Northwest? Look no farther! Here is a 10-day itinerary for an RV road trip around the stunning state of Idaho.
Day 1: Bruneau Dunes State Park
What a super fun way to start your family road trip! Bruneau Dunes is the largest single-structured dune in the US, standing at 470 ft tall. Whether you rent boards and go sledding or put on some good hiking boots and climb, this is a fantastic family-friendly activity. There is also an observatory in the park that allows you to witness the mysteries of the night sky with dozens of different telescopes.
Where to Stay: Bruneau Dunes Campground or Bruneau Wild and Scenic River (BLM land)
Day 2: City of Rocks National Reserve (2hr 32 min from Bruneau via I-84 E)
This is a superb location to do some beginner rock climbing! Practice Rock and Elephant Rock are relatively easy for kids (and easy to set up top ropes). City of Rocks also offers day camps for kids that include plant and animal identification as well as an introduction to rock climbing course.
Where to Stay: BLM Land (south down Elba-Almo road and past a turnoff for City of Rocks, free) or Smokey Mountain Campground
Day 3 and 4: Ketchum (2 hr 58 min from City of Rocks)
Ketchum is such a fun area to spend some time in, so I highly recommend taking two days to enjoy the space. Roughly 12 minutes away is Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is a fantastic place to enjoy some hiking, fishing and canoeing. Trail Creek Road, which is a kid-friendly rock climbing spot, is only about 10 minutes away. There is also an incredible Dark Sky Reserve nearby.
Where to Stay: North Folk Campground or Warm Springs (free)
Day 5: Yellowstone Bear World (3hrs from Ketchum)
Located five miles south of Rexburg, this drive-thru wildlife park is a great family-friendly activity. The park is home to bison, mule deer, white-tail deer, moose, black bear, elk and grizzly bear. The park also has a petting zoo, amusement rides, and opportunities to bottle-feed bear cubs. Cress Creek Nature Trail is also located near the Rexburg area and is a fun easy walking trail for all ages.
Where to Stay: Warm Slough Campsite (free) or Wakeside Lake RV Park
Day 6: Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail (5 hr 49 min from Yellowstone Bear World via I 90 E & I 15 S)
The Hiawatha is a 15-mile-long bike path that operates on an abandoned railroad trestle. Comprised of 10 tunnels and 7 trestles, this bike path is an experience the whole family won’t want to miss out on. Don’t forget to buy a shuttle pass, otherwise, you will have to bike all the way back up to the beginning, which may be difficult for small children. Also, a friendly reminder to bring bright headlamps and to pack layers. The tunnels are very dark and can be damp, even in the summertime.
Where to Stay: East Lake or Hovey Lake Dispersed Campground (free)
Day 7 and 8: Coeur d’Alene (1hr 3 min via I 90 W from Hiawatha)
There is so much to do in this northern part of Idaho. Take a boat out on Lake Coeur d’Alene, bike the Coeur d’Alene bike path, go zip lining at Timberline Adventures or hike at Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail. There are also many options to fly fish and a white water raft as well. The list literally goes on and on. This area has a wealth of outdoor adventures to behold so I highly recommend staying at least two days.
Where to Stay: Kootenai County Fairgrounds or Huckleberry Campground
Day 9: Post Falls (15 min from Coeur d’Alene via I 90 W)
The Post Falls area is a great spot to enjoy some family rock climbing. Q’emiln Park is a 78-acre park located on the Spokane River and boasts over 100 climbing routes as well as hiking and biking trails as well as geocaching. Spokane, which is just a little way over the Idaho/Washington border, also has some fantastic indoor climbing gyms to help better your skills.
Where to Stay: River Walk RV Park or Q’emiln Park (special permit needed)
Day 10: Kirkham Hot Springs (6 hr 50 min from Post Falls)
What a way to end a road trip! It is quite a drive, but totally worth the trip! The hot springs are located along the Kirkham Ridge Trail and are at an elevation of 4000 feet. You can find the hot springs by following a set of stairs down to the river’s edge. If you feel like jumping around, there are other springs located along Highway 21, better known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. As of right now, Kirkham Hot Springs is only allowing day passes, but they do have a campground that will hopefully reopen soon!
Where to Stay: Sacajawea Hot Springs (free) or Haven Hot Springs
Emmanuel Lacoste