Best Campgrounds near Almo, ID

The rural landscape surrounding Almo, Idaho includes numerous camping areas within City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park, both renowned for their distinctive granite formations. Campground options range from established sites with basic amenities at City of Rocks Campground to more developed facilities at Smoky Mountain Campground in Castle Rocks State Park. The region supports diverse accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, yurts, and glamping options. Several dispersed camping areas exist on public lands near the rock formations, particularly along the outskirts of the reserve where free camping is permitted.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles to access. Most developed campgrounds near Almo fill quickly during peak season from late spring through early fall. "Book your site early! The sites fill up quick, there's close to 0% chance you'll get a walking site from May-October," noted one visitor. Winter camping remains available at several year-round sites, though water sources may be turned off during colder months. Cell reception is limited throughout the area, with some visitors reporting minimal Verizon coverage in higher elevation spots. The small town of Almo provides basic services including a general store, limited dining options, and gasoline, though Sunday closures are common.

Rock climbing opportunities represent the primary recreational draw for many campers visiting the Almo area. Numerous developed campgrounds position visitors within walking distance to climbing routes on the distinctive granite formations. According to reviews, campsites vary significantly in privacy and setting, with some providing secluded spots tucked against rock walls while others offer expansive views. The higher elevation campsites (above 7,000 feet) experience temperature differences of approximately 10 degrees cooler than in Almo. Visitors frequently mention the exceptional night sky viewing conditions, with minimal light pollution creating ideal stargazing opportunities. Pit toilets are available at most developed campgrounds, though showers are limited to certain facilities like Smoky Mountain Campground when seasonally operational.

Best Camping Sites Near Almo, Idaho (53)

    1. City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve

    25 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 824-5901

    "Being right next to the Breadloaves you have close to 100 routes to choose from with a combo of both traditional and sport."

    "There are bathrooms interspersed throughout and the closest amenities are in Almo. There is also a restaurant in Almo where you can get a burger and beer after a hard day of sending!"

    2. Smoky Mountain Campground — Castle Rocks State Park

    16 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 824-5901

    "Close to City of Rocks and the small town of Almo. Hot springs in Almo."

    "Located about a 7-mile drive/walk to the entrance of City of Rocks, Smoky Mountain Campground is situated above the valley providing a wonderful view from many sites including space #19 where I parked"

    3. Scruffy Buffalo Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 431-5511

    $50 - $99 / night

    "Camping right by the old California Trail near the city of rocks is memory I will never forget. The hosts made it so welcoming and comforting."

    "I could actually get away from everything and just relax. Very well managed and very well put together. Highly recommend"

    4. City of Rocks

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    3 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "Small campground surrounded by very scenic rock perimeter. Fairly level electric sites that are easily reserved online. Very quiet night with almost zero traffic."

    "It is just outside of town and goes up the hill. 

    There are probably 15 or so campsites ranging from single use to a few group sites. The road is very bad. Cobbles, ruts, some large rocks."

    5. City of Rocks Camp and Climb

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 431-5575

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Walking distance to the ranger station and town. Close to the entrance of the City of Rocks. Onsite informal manager and owner both stopped by to ensure we did not need anything. A great experience."

    "Within walking distance to town and to the entrance to The City of Rocks National Park.  

    Town includes a Steak house, a grocery store, hot springs, pizza and the City of Rocks headquarters.  "

    6. Bread Loaves Group Campsite — City of Rocks National Reserve

    3 Reviews
    City of Rocks National Reserve, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "The site is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot so bring something to haul your stuff in. The walls nearby face east and provide an excellent opportunity for some night or moonlight climbing."

    "The breadloaves has one large group site right next to the bathrooms and parking and numerous dispersed tent sites, some with long approaches so check the map on the Gov [website](https://www.nps.gov/ciro"

    7. Independence Lakes Campground

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    8 miles
    Website

    "Loved hearing the creek as we tucked in for the night. The hike the next morning to the lake was a great challenge! There is an unmarked fork at about a mile and half in... go right!"

    "There is no access to dumping trash. It's a 2.5 mile hike to the first lake. It inclines all the way up."

    8. City of Rocks Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    7 miles

    "Nice large open area to camp outside the park, can get a bit windy as so open but much better than paying a lot for the campgrounds in city of rocks."

    "Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers."

    9. City Of Rocks RV

    1 Review
    Almo, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 261-1190

    $20 - $35 / night

    "Super close to the City of Rocks for exploring and beautiful views. Dump station is at the state park less than a mile away. $7 to dump."

    10. Twin Sisters Group Campsite — City of Rocks National Reserve

    1 Review
    City of Rocks National Reserve, ID
    6 miles
    Website

    "One group site and multiple walk in tent sites, each with a good level pad. Dark, quiet and starry at night with long views to the south. Lots to explore in locale. California Trail passed nearby."

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Recent Reviews near Almo, ID

273 Reviews of 53 Almo Campgrounds


  • Faye N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Wifi and solitude

    I am so surprised I have service! Car camping with my dog. Right by the water. Several very cool spots to pick from. You need a 4WD. My pup Wolfie loved it too!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Beautiful and private but watch out for the flys

    This site was a one night stop but I would’ve stayed a bit longer if I could’ve it was quiet with some good views of the Snake river and the surrounding canyon walls. The one downside is there is a large amount of flys at this site.

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great campground, not great road

    Beautiful and peaceful, right on the river's edge. Lots to explore. No amenities so be prepared for that. Great place if the road in wasn't so stetchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way! If you come in August, bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad). ✌️

  • Sarah J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Murtaugh Lake Park Campground

    Peaceful, clean, grassy campsites

    Birds are abundant, so is the sunshine and good vibes. A few families using the day use areas and boating out on the lake. I wanted to take my paddle board out but the lack of shower facilities had me hesitating.

  • Catherine  F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Earp & James Hitching Post

    Great for a stop over

    Last night of a 2 week 4,700 mile trip and we needed a place for the night. Very nice woman got us in and the place was very clean and well maintained. The price was $40 for full hookup. So glad we found it and could relax a bit. Our dog liked the walking area and the black cat that wandered around. Not a destination spot but a great overnighter.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    STUNNING

    One moment you are driving through farmland. The next moment a canyon appears out of nowhere. There is a beach there are waterfalls and the views are absolutely amazing. This is a hidden jem a must see… totally dispersed camping there is nothing here, but peace and beauty. There is one site that has a picnic table. Other than that it’s just amazing. The water falls are absolutely spectacular! You can park on a beach or higher up… every site is amazing. You need to walk up the rocks and follow the path to the water falls. It is an easy walk on the path or you can climb some rocks. It is a short walk to see the most amazing lava rock formations and the canyon

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Bear Gulch

    Worth the drive

    After a long drive down a washboard dirt road for about 40 minutes we finally made it to the campground. Secure what you can as your stuff will vibrate everywhere. No problem fitting our 33" motorhome and extra vehicle. The first two sites were taken but further down there are a handful of sites to choose from including some with some shade, and pit toilets. We came up here looking to escape the heat of the city and were not disappointed. It was a good 10 degrees cooler and cooled off quickly when the sun went down. A handful of flies and bees but haven't noticed mosquitoes as of yet. No cell service at all. Looks like someone has been building forts up here in a couple of the spots.

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Peaceful spot with some waterfall swimming

    Serene camping away from most road noise and good spacing from other campers. We visited in early August and the river was low enough that we camped out on the beach. A few parts of the road were dicey, especially pulling our 16' trailer. But swimming in the pools near the waterfall made the trek so worth it.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great spot away from *most* noise

    Only one spot that I saw with a picnic table. Dry camping, bring fresh water and toilet paper. Great fishing, caught at least 4 fish a day while camping (small bass, there were several bigger fish but I didn’t have the right lures)


Guide to Almo

Camping near Almo, Idaho centers around the distinctive granite formations at elevations reaching above 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures in this high desert environment can fluctuate 30 degrees between day and night, with sites at higher elevations experiencing temperatures approximately 10 degrees cooler than in town. The unpaved, rocky roads throughout much of the area require advance planning for vehicles with lower clearance.

What to do

Climbing nearby formations: Access climbing routes at City of Rocks Campground with numerous options for all skill levels. "Take your time in picking out a good camping spot. Shade is key in the summer months. Use the 'Shade Legend' on the NPS site. Some are more remote and some have boulder problems within them," notes Niki S.

Explore historic sites: Visit Register Rock and other California Trail markers throughout the reserve. "It was interesting to see the emigrants' names on the rocks and imagining them arrive in this small valley of strange formations," writes Scott H.

Hiking trails: The mountain bike trail at Smoky Mountain Campground provides excellent views. "Plenty of biking and hiking trails around and TONS of climbing. The RV sites are very private and nicely spread out with pine trees in between. Great views of City of Rocks," shares kristin S.

What campers like

Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates optimal night sky viewing. "We slept with van doors open. No noise. No bugs. Just peace and quiet," writes Lucy L. about her stay at site #22.

Privacy between sites: Bread Loaves Group Campsite offers secluded spots. "The site is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot so bring something to haul your stuff in. The walls nearby face east and provide an excellent opportunity for some night or moonlight climbing. It also provides a good respite from the wind," explains Alan B.

Seasonal temperature variations: Spring and fall offer milder conditions. "We stayed with our 2 dogs in April, it was definitely warm in the sun, but very cool at night and in the shade. It is high desert, summer months must be stifling!" notes Katherine B.

What you should know

Seasonal facility limitations: Water sources often shut down during colder months. "The park is beautiful, and the sites are well-maintained. But we were disappointed to find that all the water and restroom facilities were closed during the winter," reports Matthew K. from Castle Rocks State Park.

Reservation requirements: Secure sites early, especially during peak season. "Check the weather, of course, because we were told it was hot, hot, hot just the week before but for some reason it was a reasonable 80 and below for our one night there," advises Scott H.

Cell service constraints: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "Verizon 3G was poor. Elevation 5,567. No TV service through antenna," notes Annell N. after staying at Castle Rocks State Park.

Road quality concerns: Many roads require high-clearance vehicles. "Road is a little rough to get here. We set up camp in the early evening. Hot and the flies were pretty thick. Evening came and it was perfect!" explains Colette A. about Independence Lakes Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Pack for temperature swings: Bring layers for 30+ degree temperature drops at night. "It was such a clear night (and so dark in the campground) that we could see hundreds of stars and fell asleep looking at them. We awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the distant mountains," shares Layla D.

Consider walk-in site distances: Some campsites require hauling gear from parking areas. "We camped at site 58 that can be accessed from the parking lot for the Breadloaves group site. Within 100' of the site are ~20 routes and one of the mega classics of the City," shares Alan B.

Plan for limited amenities: Many sites have vault toilets only. "The sites are nicely spread out, with a few pit toilets and refuse cans between them. Check out the map on the NPS site and make a reservation to ensure you get the spot you want," advises Katherine B.

Tips from RVers

Site selection challenges: At City of Rocks Dispersed, finding level spots can be difficult. "Relatively hard to find a level spot, but not terrible. No shade, very open area - it's also open grazing land so you may have some cattle visitors," reports Evan W.

Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer only basic services. "All sites were quite nice, many pull-through, and most with shade and lots of privacy. All sites have hookups. Very easy access to City of Rocks," shares Elizabeth S.

Dump station locations: Use facilities at Castle Rocks when leaving the area. "Dump station is at the state park less than a mile away. $7 to dump. Owner is super nice and they are obviously continuing to improve the campground," notes Erin A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Almo, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, Almo, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 53 campgrounds and RV parks near Almo, ID and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Almo, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Almo, ID is City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve with a 4.9-star rating from 25 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Almo, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Almo, ID.