Camper submitted image from Celebration Park - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Celebration Park - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Celebration Park - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Celebration Park - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Celebration Park - 5
Water

Established Camping

Celebration Park

Review Campground Win Gear

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

Celebration Park, near Melba, Idaho, is a solid choice for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors with some unique features. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, all with stunning views of the surrounding terrain and the Snake River, making it a picturesque spot for your next adventure.

The facilities include picnic tables and vault toilets, ensuring you have the basics covered. Visitors have noted that the area is well-maintained, with trash cans at each site, which helps keep the place tidy. One camper mentioned, “The views are stupendous,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you here.

For those who love to explore, there’s a fantastic hiking trail leading to Halverson Lake, forming a scenic 3.9-mile loop. You can also check out the petroglyphs nearby or take a stroll across the historic rail bridge for some great photo ops. Just be prepared for some heat during the summer months, as it can get pretty warm without much shade.

While the campground can get busy with day users, especially near the river, the overall vibe is friendly and laid-back. Whether you're planning a quick day trip or a longer stay, Celebration Park has plenty to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

Description

County

Situated along the Snake River, Celebration Park was established as Idaho’s only archaeological park in 1989. A walk through the huge basalt melon gravels deposited by the Bonneville flood reveals petroglyphs 100 to 10,000 years old. Visitors learn about the Paleolithic and Archaic lifeways and enjoy throwing a dart with an atlatl. Experience a walking tour of the historic Guffey Railroad Bridge and be captivated by southwest Idaho’s early mining and railroad history.

Fee Info

$5 per/night $2 for day use Day use and camping fees are payable by envelopes in fee boxes (one located on the south border of the main parking lot; one located just west of the Visitor Center, and one located at the entrance to East End Campground).

Reservation Info

3-day camping limit (within a 30-day period) Camping areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Groups of more than 50 people must obtain a special permit from the Director of Canyon County Parks to camp overnight.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Celebration Park is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions from Boise: Heading west on I-84 take the Meridian/Kuna exit. Turn left onto S Meridian Rd. Continue onto E Avalon. Turn left onto Swan Falls Rd. Turn right onto Victory Ln. Continue onto Warren Spur Rd. Turn left onto Sinker Rd. Turn left at Historic Guffey Railroad Bridge.

Coordinates

43.30075981486964 N
116.52504819860161 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

37%
46%
10%
10%
0%

4.0

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed May. 20, 2024

Great place! New upgraded campsites.

I reside approximately five miles from this campground and frequently visit. I've camped there back when it was merely dirt campsites. I'm providing some updated photos for future campers, 13 sites first come first serve. There's a large area at the road's end for turning around, though the approach to the gated campsites is somewhat rough; thus, campers with higher clearance are advised. If space permits, you can also park your camper in the main lot by the river's edge for the same fee. This area is fully paved and equipped with picnic tables and vault toilets, but it may get crowded with day users. Once you head towards the improved campsites, you're essentially committed to entering, but turning around is possible. Additionally, there's an excellent hiking trail leading to Halverson Lake not far in, forming a 3.9-mile loop. For a more extensive hike, follow the river trail to discover old stone mini huts—some are intact enough to enter, while others are just rubble, yet they're all intriguing to explore. It's believed they once served as shelters for trappers.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Norm F., May 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Norm F., May 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Norm F., May 20, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2023

The view

Such a clear beautiful night. Site is a bit uneven and a burn ban.

SiteE6
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2022

Great option for low fee

Sites are next to the river and have amazing views of the surrounding terrain.

Trash cans are located at each designated site as well as a level area to set up.

There is cell reception in case you are interested but the wifi was poor.

The fire pits are locked during fire season.

Unfortunately, my site was a victim of irresponsible campers who left trash and urinated near the tent site. Obviously not the campground’s fault but something to be aware of.

$5 fee with dropbox. 3 night max (within 30 day period.)

SiteE13
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Lisa L., October 10, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2021

Beautiful, Interesting, Well Maintained, but

it is very hot during the day, which I love...just warning.  We stayed alongside two homeless families with their rigs parked in the parking lot.  All was fine, except for the 4 children left unattended during the day. The kids were well mannered, but I had a difficult time taking my eyes off them while they swam (elementary school age) in the Snake.  Silly me, if their parents weren't worried, why should I be?  

Lots to do and to see, quiet during the day but cows crying at night.  A stockyard is just down the road.  I would definitely stay again.

Reviewed Feb. 4, 2021

Everything a campground should be

Celebration Park is the perfect campground for basic boondocking (with bathrooms). It is remote and wild with non-stop views from every site and many outdoor activities nearby. At the entrance to the campground, there is a visitors center, many picnic tables, fire rings, an interpretive walk, and access to the riverfront. This is where the bathrooms are containing a single sink, electrical outlet and two toilets. No showers are available. The bathroom was exceptionally clean when I stayed there. The park adjoins BLM land. There are no hookups for power, water or sewer. Potable water is accessed from the bathrooms and spigots near the entrance. The camping area goes on for at least 1/4 mile along the river and more sites are away from the water. 

Some reviewers mention the bugs. Yes there were swarming gnats when I visited in February, not unbearable, but worth noting if that bothers you. Also note the wind coming down the gorge creates some showy sandstorms. (See video) Hey, it's the outdoors.

The county park is located on the Snake River Gorge about 25 miles from the nearest town. It is located on the northern fridge of the Morley Birds of Prey Sanctuary. You will awaken to the sound of the ducks and geese and can watch hawks and ravens soar on the winds rushing through the gorge. This is not the best place for watching the raptors, as I learned on staying there. Swan Falls south about 15 miles is for wildlife viewing, nevertheless, there was plenty to see and I spent two nights there. 

A walk up away from the river takes you to a large lake and you can also cross the historic rail bridge to the other bank of the river and climb to the top of the gorge. Excellent place for stargazing, but avoid the sites closest to the visitor center where the lights interfere with prevent perfect darkness.

SiteFirst site in from the visitors center
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Christine , February 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Christine , February 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Christine , February 4, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2021

Good Day Trip

Celebration Park is a nice place to spend the day but I have never spent the night there.  It is really hot in the summer without much shade.  There are a lot of activities there including hiking, swimming, fishing, the information center and atlatl throwing.  There are also petroglyphs in the area.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Amy S., January 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Amy S., January 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Amy S., January 3, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2020

Delightful getaway

This location is great for the fall or spring getaway.  Only half a dozen sites. No electric or water on site but water is available by visitors center as is an amazingly clean and modern restroom ! The views are stupendous and I recommend taking a hike at dark across the bridge and up the Mesa and stargaze. Good hiking that is pretty flat and mtn biking as well.

Reviewed Mar. 8, 2020

Great campsite

It was a good campsite but the only thing that was bad was the bugs. Ether than that it was a great place to camp.

Reviewed Feb. 9, 2020

Great views

Nice facilities... camp ground are close but there is enough coverage you don't notice others. The area has tons to do petroglyphs, fishing, hiking, geocaching, and semi-dark skies area.

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2016

Roughen it next to the snake

Fishing, camping, and lots of trails! If you're not a fan of Porta potties then this place is perfect for you! They have really nice and clean bathroom. It is a lovely area with places to BBQ or have a fire pit. Both are already made up for your convenience just bring wood. There is a beautiful bridge, originally a train track, open to the public to cross onto the other side of the river. Please do not swim in this section if the snake river it has under currents that will drag you down. The actual camp ground sites are areas that have the sage brush removed, nothing too fancy. Lots of tumble weeds that are pushed together to create a path to the different camp sites.

  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Stephanie L., September 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Stephanie L., September 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Celebration Park by Stephanie L., September 16, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2016

So Fun!

I love this place! It is awesome for having little bon fires, or just cat fishing in the Snake river. I do not recommend swimming In the Snake though, the stretch of river that flows through this park is dangerous and pulls people under. Enjoy the river from either a boat, or the land.. but the cliffs are beautiful! I go to this park at least once a month!!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Celebration Park?

    Camping at Celebration Park can cost between $2.00 and $5.00 depending on the site.

  • Are fires allowed at Celebration Park?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Celebration Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.