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

    "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"

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

    3. City of Rocks Camp and Climb

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

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Electric and water taps are on even numbered sites and shared with the adjacent odd numbered site, so if your cord or hose is on the short side choose an even numbered site."

    "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."

    4. Scruffy Buffalo Ranch

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

    $50 - $99 / night

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

    "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."

    5. 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."

    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

278 Reviews of 53 Almo Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    City of Rocks Camp and Climb

    Great option for EVs

    The owner, Steve, is super accommodating and cool with charging your EV at the campsite. Electric and water taps are on even numbered sites and shared with the adjacent odd numbered site, so if your cord or hose is on the short side choose an even numbered site. No shade(yet) but great views of the surrounding hills. Close to everything, virtually no road noise. Dump station is a mile and a half away at the entrance to Smokey Mountain campground,$7 or an Idaho Park Pass sticker on your tow vehicle. 

    GPS coordinates on Dyrt are incorrect, should be 42.087665637904415,-113.63355364914494

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Village of Trees RV Resort

    Village of Trees

    Nice park right on the Snake River. Laundry and restaurant on site Staff is very friendly

  • Logan R.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    So. Many. Flies.

    The farm road out has a small patch of very rough road. It was just passable in my non-lifted Sprinter. There is a smallish open area to camp at the top, it’s very exposed and you will have approximately 15 flies in your car in 90 seconds. The road down to the water is beyond tore up- I don’t know how anyone makes it down. The water is very green/slimy, I had my dog jump in but I wouldn’t dunk myself. We didn’t stay.

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Steer Basin Campground

    Great spot

    Love this little campground, right along Rock Creek. Went in January as well as mid September and hardly any other people. Vault toilets (not available in winter) and water available, no trash service so be prepared to pack it out. As others have said it's right along the road so you do get the occasional traffic noise. Overall though a great campsite.

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Gorgeous but beware washed out roads

    Farm road to BLM awash with loads of potholes but can be navigated cautiously. Once at the Cauldron, do not go down to the river unless you have 4WD. Whilst you can get down, recent rains mean the doable steep climb back out is riddled with massive dips and rocks. While I did get out in a 2WD (small) van with a lift, it took a few tries and a kindly fellow camper who could watch and help me troubleshoot a doable path. Great hiking all around the Snake River offers serenity with dramatic rock formations and vegetation. Beautiful migration of myriad geese at night. Campers have left their marks in disappointing ways, so please pack out what you pack in. Sheriff came by around sunset—due to hazardous road and shady business on weekends.

  • 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.


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.