City of Rocks Dispersed camping is located on BLM land approximately 2 miles outside City of Rocks National Reserve. The camping area sits at around 5,500 feet elevation in an open field landscape that experiences typical high desert temperature fluctuations between day and night. Visitors can find multiple stone fire rings spaced throughout the area with adequate room for both tents and RVs.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Take your pets on trails around City of Rocks National Reserve where pets are welcome throughout the park. "We stopped at the visitor center on the way up and got lots of helpful info from the rangers on duty," notes one visitor who appreciated the pet-friendly trails.
Climbing access: Stay at City of Rocks Camp and Climb for easy access to climbing areas. "Great place to stay very spacious sites and the view of Castle Rocks State Park are amazing. Within walking distance to town and to the entrance to The City of Rocks National Park," reports a camper.
Dark sky viewing: The National Reserve is a designated dark sky park offering excellent stargazing opportunities. "The park is a designated dark sky park, which is cool, but from our site (#63) the lights from the town of Oakley were pretty bright on the horizon, though the stars in the sky were still amazing."
What campers like
Level sites: City of Rocks RV offers well-maintained level pull-through sites with hookups. A reviewer mentions, "Super flat pull through sites with water and electric. Clean pit toilets. Super close to the City of Rocks for exploring and beautiful views."
Cell service in higher areas: Some areas within the reserve offer better connectivity than others. "The highest sites towards the end of the road do have cell signal for both verizon and ATT, but everywhere else in the park there was no reception. There is wifi at the visitor center."
Quiet weekday camping: For a more peaceful pet-friendly camping experience near Almo, visit mid-week. "We are in a 26ft class c and there were plenty of sites to choose from when we visited mid week in July. Very few other campers there when we were there."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many sites in the area must be reserved through Reserve America. "Sites are $14/night, so we paid $24 for one night... when you are reserving on Reserve America, 'City of Rocks RV, ID' is a private RV park in the area. The park you want to choose is City of Rocks National Reserve, ID."
Road conditions: Some camping areas have challenging access roads. "The road is very bad. Cobbles, ruts, some large rocks. There were RV's and some sedans so it is possible just warning you this road is rough," reports a camper at City of Rocks Dispersed.
Limited amenities: Most dispersed camping areas lack facilities. "Each campsite had a fire ring and almost all of the sites have a picnic table. There was some construction going on so it looks like they are adding more sites possibly. There is no running water and no bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible creek play: Bennett Springs offers kid-friendly water access. "Our favorite site has a little creek right next to it. Great for kids to play in. There's also a trail that goes along the creek which starts at the bottom most campsite."
Yurt options: Consider glamping in yurts for families wanting more comfort. A camper at Scruffy Buffalo Ranch shared, "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."
Pack extra water: The high desert environment requires additional hydration planning. "It's a trash in/trash out campsite. We loved our stay and got great pictures," notes a visitor who came prepared with supplies.
Tips from RVers
EV charging available: Electric vehicle owners can find charging options at Thompson Flat Campground. "You are in direct line with a tower on another mountain peek to the East and we got excellent signal for both cell and tv. Lake Cleveland is approximately 2 miles away and has great fishing opportunities."
Dump station access: Find dump stations near established campgrounds. "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."
Site selection strategy: For RVs with shorter cords or hoses, choose even-numbered sites at some campgrounds. "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."
