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Balanced Rock County Park

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Balanced Rock County Park, near Castleford, Idaho, is a charming spot for those looking to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars without spending a dime. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and simplicity, with picnic tables and a lovely stream running through the area, making it a great place to unwind.

The park allows for overnight camping, with a maximum stay of seven nights. Visitors appreciate the free access and the quiet atmosphere, perfect for a quick pit stop or a longer retreat. One camper noted, “Such a sweet free campground,” highlighting the appeal of its no-cost stay.

While the amenities are basic—think picnic tables and a pit toilet—there's a lot to love about the surroundings. The nearby Balanced Rock is a must-see, and the hiking opportunities offer stunning views. Some campers have mentioned the beauty of the area, with one saying, “It’s so pretty to look at,” especially when the sun sets.

Keep in mind that the park can get busy, especially during peak times, so choosing your spot wisely is key. If you're traveling with pets, they’re welcome here, adding to the park's friendly vibe. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Balanced Rock County Park is a solid choice for a night of camping in Idaho's beautiful landscape.

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Location

Balanced Rock County Park is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.54325684 N
114.94977882 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Balanced Rock County Park needs a permit.

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

26 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2024

Awesome Spot!

Such a sweet free campground. I didn't use the toilets, but really appreciated the trash service. It's a popular site - so expect lots of other folks there. Also I have mounted solar panels and starlink. Choose your spot carefully if you have either of these. The rock walls and trees will cause obstructions. So pretty to look at, tho!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Kelda C., June 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Kelda C., June 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Kelda C., June 27, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2024

Balanced for a pit stop

Whilst a little eerie due to its location—you will be (hopefully) alone off a farm road, had a quiet, good night here. The hike up to the rock is awesome too, with a great view. This spot’s just a picnic table and a trash can (no facilities of any kind) but for a free spot on a long road trip, it’s sweet.

Siten/a
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Marasha , June 21, 2024
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Marasha , June 21, 2024
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Marasha , June 21, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2023

Quaint

Arrived late night on a Friday(no sprinklers on). Most sites were taken but we found a picnic table and set up.

Super quiet and peaceful. Balanced rock is right down the road. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

I’ll add if your looking for a quick stop near a highway, this isn’t the place. Took awhile to get there but overall worth the stay.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2023

Beautiful and free!

Excellent free place to stop over for a night or two. It doesn't really have a campground feel or setup, but rather it's a park that allows overnight camping for 7 nights.

Tents are ok but not allowed to stay on the grass during the week, because the sprinklers are on all night long (and will also spray your vehicle if you park along the grass).  There aren't any designated or numbered camp spots, but it seems that each picnic bench and grill sort of counts as an individual spot.  But I'd say if you have a small vehicle and all the "spots" are taken it would be fine to just squeeze in somewhere for the night.

No cell service down here.  There are trash bins and a pit toilet.  Nice river running through and a lot of people come here for the day to fish and picnic. There's also a little playground for kids.

Easy access for medium-ish RVs, not sure if I'd attempt to bring something huge down here.  The park is a long road with a small turnaround area at the end but when we were there a big class A was blocking a lot of the turnaround area (because they didn't parallel park at the site and pulled in straight instead).  Also a lot of low hanging branches scraped as we drove through, so something taller or bigger might have issues.

Siten/a
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Laura M., July 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Laura M., July 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Laura M., July 28, 2023
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2022

Small & day trip worthy

Pit stopped here on a road-trip w/ my 2 pups & they loved it. Bathrooms were rough but it Was a bit crowded when we went. Water is right there, pretty scenery. Spots are small & your pretty close to neighbors so I personally wouldn’t camp here but was a fun place to visit! Plus balanced rock was a cool site to visit & hike around. I’d visit again given a chance!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Mo S., October 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Mo S., October 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Mo S., October 12, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2022

Beautiful location

The camp area is small you can park next to a bench and sleep over night. You are allowed 7 night max. Stream runs through the site. Looks more like a day camp but overnights are ok. The 2 Biggest spots are at the end of the drive, but a small trailer would be fine. There is only 1 pit toilet located tword the entrance.

SiteI picked a picnic table close to the pit toilet.
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Matthew S., September 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Matthew S., September 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Matthew S., September 10, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2022

Cool little spot

I stayed here for a night while passing through. A nice free spot to camp if you’re in need near Twin Falls. Easily accessible by any car it seems like (I have a Nissan Versa) and there were camper vans and RVs  there too. Picnic tables at every sight, plenty of birds flying around and I think there might be at least two beavers in the creek. I tent camped and the grass was a luxury! (Was here on a Friday so didn’t have to worry about the sprinklers, they go off every morning Monday-Thursday)

Reviewed Jan. 28, 2022

Nice!

This was a fine campground, I got there when it was dark and was the only person there on a Wednesday night in January. The roads to get there were icy and the road down to the campground isn’t plowed, so I’d say you need 4wd in winter.

The Balanced Rock pullout was nearby and cool to see, I also saw a herd of elk there early in the morning.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Andrea , January 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Andrea , January 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Andrea , January 28, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2021

Camp next to the river!

Easy pull in/out. Picnic areas. Bathrooms were clean. Don't camp on the grass, you will get wet! Sprinklers come on during the night. Easy walk up to balanced rock.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Shainna M., August 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Shainna M., August 24, 2021
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Shainna M., August 24, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Perfect and stunning quiet spot

We rolled through on a Wednesday. There was two sets of campers at opposite ends. We chose a spot near the end that worked well for our car top camper. Bathrooms were VERY warm. Trash cans at each site. Sprinklers run during the days that say no camping allowed on grass. Make sure to pack away anything you don’t want getting wet. The creek that runs through is gorgeous. We didn’t swim but our neighbors did. Noise travels very well here due to the canyon nature. At dusk, lots of mosquitos, at night as many bats, in the morning dragon flies and fish jumping! Perfect little pit spot.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Alieta , July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Alieta , July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Alieta , July 8, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2021

Nice and clean

This place was beautiful and the campers very respectful. Very nice stay. There are sprinklers for the grass.

Site4
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2021

Balanced Rock Campground

Ohmygoodness. This place is THE BEST. I couldn’t believe we found it in the middle of nowhere. Camping along both sides of road beside river inside small canyon. Walking distance to Balanced Rock. Lots of natural features. Kayakers paddle up and then float back down. Lots of fishing but little catching. Definitely worth the drive. No cell signal In canyon though.

SiteFirst spot on the left when you drive in
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2021

Incredible camp spot

One of the coolest spots I’ve ever camped, and it was FREE! Definitely a hidden gem, pulled up late Sunday night around 830 and there was a few spots left. Bathroom out of TP but thankfully had our own. If you’re looking for a clean beautiful free spot, this is IT!

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Julie W., April 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Julie W., April 26, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 26, 2020

Quiet and clean

I spent a couple nights here the weekend before Thanksgiving. It was quiet and clean. There wasn’t any cell or wifi service or reception in the canyon.

  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Christopher J., November 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Christopher J., November 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Christopher J., November 26, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2020

Free and Pretty

The place is beautiful and you have a hiking trail through the canyon and the balance rock is 5 min by car. Thegood: It’s free, has water, trash cans, and bathroom pits, roofed picnic tables, fire grills, fire rings. Can stay 7 days, tent on grass only Thursday through Sunday (sprinkles during the week), camp near the river, kayak, fishing... The bad: limited space, flies are something out of this world (seriously, they won’t let you do anything outside), very windy because of the canyon walls, no service not even with boosters, fish tiny and bony.

  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Sofia A., September 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Sofia A., September 20, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

What a find!

This was the best find of our trip from San Francisco to Yellowstone. It’s a little off the beaten path and seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

Room for about 12-15 camping sites, many having fire pits, a few with tables. All are along a grassy area and river front.

We showed up at 4pm on a Saturday and found a spot for our 30’ RV. It seems like it’s heavily used during the days but most clear out around sunset.

We were able to fish, kayak, hike, have a killer campfire, and check out the stars. Great, free river front camping.

  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Jeff K., July 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Jeff K., July 24, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2019

Small and secluded

It is a long drive from Twin Falls to get to this park, so you’d better hope there is space when you get here! It was full when we arrived, but we would definitely come back at a less busy time. Primitive camping right on the water (bugs could be a problem) and most of the camping was in tents (although it was posted that tents are not allowed Monday through Thursday), however, you could park your van/RV alongside the water. I only saw pit toilets and they were reasonably clean (others mention bathrooms which to me mean flush toilets but maybe I missed them). Note that THE Balanced Rock is about a mile down the road from the campground.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Lee D., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Lee D., July 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Lee D., July 12, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2019

Balance Rock

I love getting away with the family here. No phone service.. I plan a trip here 2-3 times a year just for that reason. Nothing better than to put the distractions away for a couple days. One of the most beautiful and quiet places I have ever stayed. Little stream for kayaking or fishing. No power sites but the sites all have a grill and fire pit. Bathrooms but no showers.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2018

Close to BOI and Twin!

Vry cool camping area along the creek. Short drive or walk to the actual balanced rock. Picnic tables, awning, restrooms and even a horseshoe pit available. Swingset for kiddos. For day use or night use as firepits available. Great place for a weekend getaway!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Mary D., August 19, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2018

Spacious sites with great views

The park itself has roughly 10 sites (correct me if I'm wrong). A pavillion for day use, swing sets for kids, horshoepits, fire pits, and plenty of space within the canyon. The sites are along a creek with amazing rock formations all around. Very close to balanced rock itself which is an easy hike! Simple getaway from Boise or Twin!

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2018

High basalt cliffs near balanced rock

Ccamping here was a nice change of pace as we spent most of our time near and in the Snake River Gorge near the Perrine Bridge. There are fire rings and vault toilets. Balanced rock is a short car drive or medium walk away and is definitely worth a visit

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Alan B., June 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Alan B., June 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Alan B., June 12, 2018
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2018

Balanced rock

Awesome night at balanced rock. We had the camp ground to ourselves. Very peaceful and beautiful right on a creek. Lots of sounds of animals and surrounding critters at night. Perfect view of the night sky! The only downfall was that it was very windy at night. Especially since the camp ground is settled between a canyon.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Jess G., April 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Jess G., April 6, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2017

Well hello idaho

This place is pretty awesome for a county park. We were having an excellent time until we met this older gentlemen named philip. He's just been living out of his rig the past several years cruising from hot spring to hot spring living the dream.. Anyways we had been here a few days and out of our phone service range and he informed us that donald trump was elected president, things quickly went down hill.

Regardless the campground is small beautiful. We tried our luck trout fishing and the hiking up river into the gorge is really splendid.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 10, 2017

Beautiful Canyon

An absolutely beautiful canyon creek side campground. Water and bathroom available. Campsites have covered picnic table and fire rings. Unfortunately we left before the night was over due to the insane amount of flies. Worth a visit even if you aren't staying the night. The canyons walls are incredible.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2017

Balanced Rock

We hiked around and explored the rock formations, then we spent the night at the park/campground in the bottom of the canyon. Absolutely beautiful!

  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Anne V., March 28, 2017
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Anne V., March 28, 2017
  • Review photo of Balanced Rock County Park by Anne V., March 28, 2017
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Balanced Rock County Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Balanced Rock County Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.