Scruffy Buffalo Ranch and Rock Wren Hideaway offer unique glamping experiences near City of Rocks National Reserve, providing peaceful yurt accommodations with stunning mountain views. These sites feature comfortable sleeping arrangements, picnic tables, and trash service for a more refined outdoor experience than traditional camping. "I had the adventure of a lifetime here! 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," one guest shared. Both locations provide easy access to the natural beauty of Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks, where visitors can immerse themselves in Idaho's scenic landscapes while enjoying more comfortable accommodations than standard tent sites.
The dramatic rock formations surrounding these glamping sites create ideal conditions for rock climbing, hiking, and spectacular stargazing opportunities. According to a camper, "DARK skies! A star gazer's dream." Visitors can explore nearby attractions including Register Rock along the California Trail or take in panoramic views from hiking trails that wind through the ancient granite formations. The small town of Almo offers dining options at Tracy's General Store Cafe, which even serves vegan options, and City of Rocks Pizza. These glamping accommodations are available year-round, though winter visitors should note that some water facilities close during colder months. For the best experience, guests should book well in advance, especially during peak summer season when the combination of comfortable canvas accommodations and access to outdoor adventure makes these glamping sites particularly popular.
"Some on the sites you have a little walk to. All have fire pits and picnic table."
"We literally stumbled upon this gem of a camping area while driving through Idaho."
"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"
"Beautiful sites, electric and water. Bathrooms and showers adequate. Simply crazy noisy during our stay. It was like camping in an elementary and middle school playground."
"From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I was captivated by the beauty, comfort, and tranquility that this place offered."
"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."
from $50 - $99 / night
"The beds were super comfy! And the Bates are the nicest people ever- they know all about the parks and their place is very close to City of Rocks and Castle Rocks!"
"We found this site on the Dyrt in looking for a stopover between Park city Utah and Boise Idaho. Wow, Bennet Springs is a hidden gem!"
"It only has 4 sites but it is free and it has a bathroom. Our favorite site has a little creek right next to it. Great for kids to play in."
"Just a short walk away brings you to incredible views and cool rock formations. There is an outhouse but no running water and it’s a trash in/trash out campsite."
"This is another great campsite on the road that heads up to Lake Cleveland and Mt Harrison. "
from $5 / night
"This is a State Park with beautiful landscaping and walking trails. There are plenty of RV and tent sites. The lake is absolutely beautiful with views of mountains in the distance."
"The bathrooms are also well cleaned even on a high use weekend but small, 2 stalls each- all showers were working."
"A great campground in the South Hills of Idaho that feels like an oasis in the desert! This is one of a few developed campgrounds that you encounter as you head up Rock Creek Rd. "
"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."
"The campsite was convenient for us because it was close to the freeway. On the flip side that comes with vehicle traffic noise. There were places for both RV’s/campers and tents."
"The noise from the highway was not a problem. The bathrooms were clean and satisfactory."
GuideBeautiful sites, electric and water. Bathrooms and showers adequate. Simply crazy noisy during our stay. It was like camping in an elementary and middle school playground. Decent multi use trail on site. Great hiking and climbing nearby. No information offered regarding trails do depended on AllTrails.
ScoutThis Campground is very nice... It has its own uniqueness. I recommend rolling in before dark to find your camping spot... But once you do, they're spaced out really well... A little windy last night but that's okay
GuideLove 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.
GuideI really liked camping here. The area was generally quiet despite 4th of July fireworks and one guy who decided to have a screaming argument via his cellphone one night.
The campground is well kept- no garbage or nasty smells. The bathrooms are also well cleaned even on a high use weekend but small, 2 stalls each- all showers were working. The only real problem is the lack of a sink for tent campers- we couldn't wash our dishes after meals. There is water but it's for the RV sites so bring water to drink and a camp sink for the washing up.
The Camp Host was exceptionally polite and communicated very well. Our group of 9 reserved sites 26 and 25- when we arrived we realized 25 juts out into the public area so there was no privacy at all. We decided to use the space next to site 26- there was a 6 table dining pavilion right in front of both sites which might be a problem if other visitors use it and you are there just trying to relax. The tables in the pavilion were damaged and splintered so we did not use them- the wood is not safe unless really well covered. Also there is a colony of Swifts that uses the pavilion for nesting so there are mounds of poop everywhere- this is probably why no one used the space the entire time we were there.
The park is a wild life refuge so we saw Deer and Racoons at night. We kept all food items in out car to avoid issues. This is not the place for those with Insect phobias. There were non stinging flying insects all up in our face and flying up our nose. We got a few Mosquito bites but nothing above normal for a summer evening- the insects go away if you start a smoky fire.
The park is also part of an electric dam project so you'll hear an alarm every once in a while but it's not very loud.
I recommend staying here- it's peaceful even in high use summer holiday weekends and the staff is doing their best to provide a clean and safe experience for campers of all kinds. There are many spots to choose from and lots to see in the park itself. There are also life jackets provided for those who may not have their own so bring a canoe to enjoy the water.
ScoutMade a reservation a couple hours ahead of time. Kind of wish they had informed me prior to making it that they had no WiFi. Had to call the after hours number for the WiFi password to be told it’s currently out. I feel like it would have been courteous to know this ahead of time since it’s advertised that WiFi is available.
ScoutTook the long drive up and arrived at the campground at night. Didn’t see the snow and almost got stuck. Currently (5/10/24) there is snow blocking the entrance and impassible.
GuideClose to City of Rocks and the small town of Almo. Hot springs in Almo. Small market in town which makes their own ice cream and has a little restaurant across the street but not much in the way of groceries. Couple other restaurants in town but they were not open while we were there. Also water not yet turned on in the campground so bring your own water if you are coming through early in the season. But it was quiet and we were able to explore and hike without running into many people
ScoutI recently had the pleasure of staying at this site, and I must say it was an experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I was captivated by the beauty, comfort, and tranquility that this place offered. Nestled in the heart of nature, the glamping site was a true oasis of serenity. The location was perfect, surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Loved the city of Rocks!!! It provided an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing me to reconnect with nature in the most delightful way possible. The accommodation itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Inside, I found a haven of comfort and style. One of the highlights of my stay was the impeccable service provided by the staff. They were attentive, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure my comfort and satisfaction. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the personalized recommendations for nearby activities, their hospitality was truly exceptional. The amenities offered at the site were equally impressive. If you're looking for a magical escape where comfort meets adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend this glamping site. It's an absolute gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating.
ScoutI had the adventure of a lifetime here! 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. If you truly want to get away and have a real adventure in the mountains, run, don’t walk here.
City of Rocks National Reserve sits between 5,500-8,867 feet elevation in southern Idaho's Albion Mountains. The area features granite spires and monoliths formed 28 million years ago, creating distinctive formations unlike other camping destinations in Idaho. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days often reach 85°F with cooler nights in the 40-50°F range.
Rock climbing for all skill levels: City of Rocks National Reserve offers extensive climbing opportunities with routes for beginners to experts. The granite formations provide natural climbing challenges throughout the park. "This is a very popular area, but you can still find solitude if you want it. Plenty of activities as well; climb all day, check out Register Rock, or hike the City of Rocks Loop trail around the site to get a little bit of everything," notes Katherine B. from City of Rocks Campground.
Explore historical sites: Visit key landmarks along the California Trail where emigrants passed through in the mid-1800s. "It was interesting to see the emigrants' names on the rocks and imagining them arrive in this small valley of strange formations," shares Scott H. about his experience at City of Rocks.
Stargazing in dark skies: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing conditions away from light pollution. At Smoky Mountain Campground, Nancy C. describes the experience: "Also, DARK skies!!! A star gazer's dream."
Well-spaced campsites: Many campgrounds in the Almo area provide privacy between sites, allowing for a more secluded experience. "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," recommends Katherine B.
Yurt camping accommodations: Yurt camping near Almo, Idaho offers comfortable shelter with basic amenities. "I stayed for 4 days in the end of September. I enjoyed the ruggedness of it. The simplicity. But it was easy as well. Such a beautiful location for hiking and climbing," shares Danny D. about his experience at Scruffy Buffalo Ranch, which offers yurt accommodations.
Unique geological formations: The distinctive rock formations provide both visual interest and recreational opportunities. "Fascinating, desolate, historical State Park. The visitors center is out on the main road and has a short informational trail with some authentic pioneer wagons," notes Shelly S., describing the landscape at City of Rocks.
Weather variability: The high desert environment means significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, requiring appropriate gear. "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!" shares Katherine B.
Limited services: Come prepared with necessary supplies as services are limited in the remote area. "If you need water go to the dump site on the way in, there are no spigots at the campsites. When we visited the water was turned off so I was glad I always carry water with me," advises Shelly S.
Seasonal facility closures: Some campground facilities close during winter months. Matthew K. from Castle Rocks State Park notes: "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."
Hot springs access: After hiking or climbing, visit local hot springs for relaxation. "Durfee Hotsprings in Almo is a must on any visit. The Outpost for a good burger or Rock City for pizzas," recommends Corey K. about activities near City of Rocks.
Protected camping areas: Look for sites with natural wind protection, as the area can experience strong gusts. "City of Rocks is…well rocky, so definitely be prepared to use rocks or other heavy things to help stake out your tents/ezups, which trust me, you'll want to—the wind and lack of shade make those extra shelters a must!" advises Amy C. from City of Rocks.
Shade considerations: When reserving campsites, check for shade availability during summer months. Niki S. suggests: "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."
Campsite selection for larger vehicles: Some areas have limited space for larger RVs and trailers. "Smoky Mountain campground is very close to the entrance of City of Rocks NR and just slightly further is Castle Rocks SP, however, the grounds are managed by the state park. There are some RV/equestrian sites that have 30/50 amp power and water hookups," explains kristin S. about Smoky Mountain Campground.
Level site availability: While many sites are available, not all are perfectly level for RV camping. "We have bigger RV so some of the spots would not work. Make sure you use the filter to eliminate those with a smaller driveway," advises Russell B. about selecting sites at Smoky Mountain Campground.
Cell service limitations: Prepare for limited connectivity in some areas. "Verizon 3G was poor. Elevation 5,567. No TV service through antenna," notes Annell N. during her stay at Castle Rocks State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Almo, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Almo, ID is City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve with a 4.9-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Almo, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 glamping camping locations near Almo, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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