Off a forest road in the mountains above Boise, Shafer Butte sits within Boise National Forest at around 6,800 feet elevation, open from mid-June through September. Sites are tent-only, no RVs, and the campground stays relatively quiet even on holiday weekends. Campers arriving early in the season may find sites overgrown from winter, but the tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables are well-maintained once the season gets going.
Two sites have open sightlines toward the surrounding ridgelines and valley below. Those spots are first-come, first-served, and they go quickly. A kid-friendly hiking trail runs directly off the campground, and Bogus Basin ski area is nearby, offering mountain biking, a scenic chairlift, and a mountain coaster through the summer months. There is no lake or river access at the campground itself, which is worth knowing before arrival.
Come prepared on supplies. As Sam M. puts it: "Bring wood and water." There is no firewood for sale on-site, and water availability can be limited, so hauling both up the mountain is standard practice. Cell service is listed as available, which is a practical plus for a site this far up. Nearby dispersed options like Bluster Basin Road Parking and Stack Rock Pullout — Boise NF Dispersed give campers more flexibility if the campground fills. Those planning a longer stay in the region can browse campgrounds near Boise National Forest for a wider range of options.
Description
Overview
Shafer Butte is located atop the scenic Boise Ridge Mountains, near Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking on various trails in the surrounding area, and simply relaxing and taking in the area's beautiful views.
Recreation
Popular activities in the area include hiking and mountain biking, the Mores Mountain Trail begins in the campground. This 2-mile interpretive nature trail is family friendly.
Facilities
Shafer Butte contains single-family tent campsites and two day-use, group picnic areas, all of which are accessible. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, and many of the overnight campsites have tent pads. The overnight sites are walk-in and are clustered close together, with limited vegetation screening for privacy. Accessible vault restrooms are provided, but there is no electricity. Parking spurs and pathways within the campground are paved, and each site can be accessed via a short walking path from the parking area.
Natural Features
Shafer Butte offers scenic views of Deer Point, Mores Mountain and Shafer Butte summits, as well as the expansive valley below. The campground is situated among Douglas fir and aspen trees, which offer partial shade in most sites. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is close by and offers more hiking and biking trails, as well as other summer activities, check out this link for more information http://bogusbasin.org. The Ridge to River trail system is near by as well, check out this link for more information http://www.ridgetorivers.org
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShafer Butte is located in Idaho near Horseshoe Bend
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, travel along Bogus Basin Road for approximately 20 miles. The last three miles are on a gravel road. Turn right (east) on the signed gravel road and travel just over a mile to the campground and picnic area.
Address
3080 Industrial Way
Mountain home, ID 83647
Coordinates
43.7830556 N
116.0841667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 50 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 25 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 4 hrs 44 min from Pocatello, ID
- 5 hrs 44 min from Lewiston, ID
