Best Campgrounds near Bruneau, ID

Campgrounds near Bruneau, Idaho include a variety of sites from well-maintained state parks to free dispersed camping areas. Bruneau Dunes State Park offers developed tent and RV camping with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and reservable sites. The park features the largest active sand dune structure in North America and cabins for those seeking more comfort. Other options include Jack's Creek Campground, a free primitive camping area along the Bruneau Arm of the Snake River, and several campgrounds around CJ Strike Reservoir that provide waterfront access for both tent and RV camping.

Road conditions and facilities vary significantly between campgrounds in the Bruneau area, with most accessible by standard vehicles but some requiring travel on gravel roads. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, making spring and fall more comfortable for camping. "It does get super windy though. And although we have only been in the fall and spring, I have heard you really cannot walk on the sand in the summer-too hot!" noted one camper about Bruneau Dunes. Winter camping is possible at several year-round sites, though services like showers may be closed seasonally. Cell reception varies by location and carrier, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than other networks in the more remote areas.

Waterfront camping draws many visitors to the region, particularly at CJ Strike Reservoir and Jack's Creek Campground. These areas provide fishing opportunities, with visitors reporting good catches and wildlife viewing. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the spacious sites along the reservoir with "camping literally on the water's edge." Visitors frequently mention wildlife viewing as a highlight, with reports of pelicans, fish, and various birds. Cleanliness receives mixed reviews, with some campers noting well-maintained facilities while others report issues like cigarette butts in fire rings. Ticks can be problematic in spring at some locations, especially for those with pets. Several campgrounds in the area feature reservable sites with picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary widely from basic vault toilets to full-service facilities with electric hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Bruneau, Idaho (60)

    1. Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-7919

    $29 - $39 / night

    "Bruneau Dunes State Park is a hidden gem in Idaho just 20 min off I-84 in Idaho not far from Boise."

    "My first time in Idaho and talk about diversity and beauty. Bruneau Dunes is just another example of the variety of experiences to be had within this state!"

    2. Mountain Home RV Park

    29 Reviews
    Mountain Home, ID
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 580-1211

    "Walking distance to Walmart."

    "This RV park is a little close to the highway, but was actually very quiet and is close to plenty of recreation. It was super clean, had great showers, and a really lovely staff."

    3. Cottonwood CJ Strike Reservoir Idaho Power

    8 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 388-6778

    "We camped just outside of Cottonwood Campground. There is an access road to the West that follows the shoreline. Beautiful area and it was great to camp right on the water."

    "Some sites had fire pits and a few had direct access to the water. Vault toilets present. Most spots have some level privacy. There was a store/restaurant about 10 mins west. Great spot for free."

    4. Jacks Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bruneau, ID
    4 miles

    "Several sites along reservoir with camping literally on the water's edge. Out of probably a dozen sites, most are rv friendly, even a couple of sites for big rigs."

    "About 8 spots right on the shore of the lake - each site has a cutout “step” down through the weeds and into the lake. Ideal for fishing or wading."

    5. Scout CJ Strike Reservoir Idaho Power

    6 Reviews
    Grand View, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 388-6778

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Idaho Power and Owyhee County Sheriff patrolling multiple times during the day this past weekend (4/5/19-4/7/19). Idaho Power does a great job of maintaining the grounds and keeping them clean."

    "There is also an electric hydro-power plant as a part of the dam complex. you can approach this site from either side of CJ Strike lake on good paved roads."

    6. Cove at CJ Strike Reservoir - BLM

    5 Reviews
    Grand View, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 384-3300

    "RVs can fill water and dump at the WMA office about 10 minutes away, or the Idaho Power Campground."

    "All sites near the water.  Not much shade in the heat of the summer and the campsites are fairly close together."

    7. Three Island Crossing State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Glenns Ferry, ID
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 366-2394

    "There is a picnic table and fire ring for having an enjoyable outdoor experience. there is a huge grass open area adjacent to the site which is nice for outdoor sports."

    "Many of these are also more private, facing away from other sites. The cabins are walk-in with parking 50 to 100 ft away."

    8. North Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Grand View, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 388-2323

    "Lots of fishing with easy access to the water. The only drawback for us was how close the sites are."

    "There is a boat launch right next to it so boating access from the campground is excellent!  Great for families with RV's and campers, less great for tent camping."

    9. Jack's Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Bruneau, ID
    4 miles

    "Nice campground, level gravel parking areas, vault toilets, next to a large reservoir"

    10. CJ Strike Area - Cottonwood Park

    1 Review
    Bruneau, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 388-2231

    $8 - $75 / night

    "Right by the lake. Could be advertised as a weight loss spa because of the heat wave. But we're having fun regardless since the sand dunes are just a couple miles down the road."

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Recent Reviews near Bruneau, ID

303 Reviews of 60 Bruneau Campgrounds


  • Bill B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Bliss ID 812

    Conveniently near the freeway

    Traveling East from Oregon this place was a welcomed sight. We did not take advantage of all that was offered but we found everything we needed.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Swan Falls - Idaho Power

    Waterfront property

    Got a spot right by the water. It was a quiet Wednesday in September. Bugs were still very active. Definitely would stay here again for a quick overnight. Flush toilets at the dam parking lot and pit toilet at the boat ramp.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Little Camas Reservoir

    Good overnight stop

    This was a nice place to stop overnight. The views were very nice even though the reservoir is nearly dry (more like a pond). It’s only 2 miles off of the paved road on a decent gravel road with a little washboard. Has a vault toilet only, no other facilities or trash. Plenty of room for any size rv or tent.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Frank C Jones King Hill Area

    Awesome overnight spot on snake river.

    This is a great little spot with a boat landing & 5 small campsites surrounded by trees and the river. I so wanted the spot where I could literally open my door with nothing but greenery and the river to look at! It was the best sunset view and gurgling sound of the river I’ve seen in my relatively inexperienced boondocking life. But my truck and trailer couldn’t clear the tree branch overhangs. But still got a nice spot close to the landing, and still nice!

    The train is a bit noisy & hwy 84 is not too far away, but that’s kind of a plus thing too. Relatively easy access for small trailers/vans from I-84 (very narrow dirt road for about 1/4 mile or so from the frontage road & down a big hill). My truck and trailer are about 40’ feet long, and I had no problem turning around in the turn around area, but definitely too many trees and such to back in blind into a spot.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Trail Break RV Park & Campground

    Flies

    This location is really easy to find, not far off I84. People are very nice! The flies have been the only downside. But, a breeze has picked up, and they are gone. Nice and quiet! Well, hywy noise, but that doesn't bother us.

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

    Cottonwood CJ Strike Reservoir Idaho Power

    Great spot for privacy

    Had a great time for our first experience dry camping in our travel trailer. Weather went from sunny and blue sky to high winds and rain in a matter of hours, but the view of the storm was spectacular.

    Some sites had fire pits and a few had direct access to the water. Vault toilets present. Most spots have some level privacy.

    There was a store/restaurant about 10 mins west. Great spot for free.

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

    Billingsley Creek Campground

    Brand spanking new

    Fantastic campground. Road and sites are paved with full (50/30/120v) hookups. Gravel area next to each site for sitting/campfires. Has bathroom and showers (NFI). Sites are spaced out so minimal noise and more privacy. Short drive or walk into Hagerman. Only drawback was a lack of trees but it’s flat and in the middle of pasture land so..

  • Thomas R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Jack's Creek Campground

    Nice, quiet

    Nice campground, level gravel parking areas, vault toilets, next to a large reservoir


Guide to Bruneau

Camping sites near Bruneau, Idaho present a range of high-desert environments at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet. The region experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F during day and dropping below 60°F at night. Water levels at CJ Strike Reservoir fluctuate seasonally, affecting boat launch accessibility during drought periods.

What to do

Sandboarding opportunities: Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground offers unique recreation on North America's largest single-structured sand dune. "Sites are pretty standard, not many with shade, and I could see it getting pretty close on a busy weekend. Loved being able to walk to a s bike up the dunes... If you're hiking the dunes consider footwear. It looks like it would be fine to hike barefoot or in flip flops because it's not an ankle turner, but the sand can get burning hot, literally," notes a camper at Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground.

Astronomy viewing: The designated dark sky area at Bruneau Dunes makes it ideal for stargazing. "The clearest night sky you could ask for makes some awesome stargazing. Also there's an observatory on the trail, but we didn't get a chance to visit. We were there on an off day," reports one visitor. During summer months, the observatory hosts weekend programs.

Waterfront fishing: Cottonwood CJ Strike Reservoir Idaho Power provides direct water access for anglers. "Spacious campsites that have good buffers in between sites. Camped right on the reservoir. Quiet and peaceful," writes one reviewer. Bass fishing tends to be most productive during morning and evening hours when water temperatures cool.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: The riparian zones around North Park Campground provide habitat for diverse bird species. "This campground is an oasis in the middle of the desert. It gets hot here in the summer... Great for families with RV's and campers, less great for tent camping," says a camper. Morning hours offer the best viewing opportunities for waterfowl.

Clean facilities: Scout CJ Strike maintains well-kept amenities according to visitors. "Great dry campground. Pads are fairly level. No water, power or sewer. Dump Station right there at the dam though. Idaho Power and Owyhee County Sheriff patrolling multiple times during the day," notes one reviewer at Scout CJ Strike Reservoir Idaho Power.

Large, level sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature practical camping pads. "Very clean, quiet and beautiful scenery. Great prices," mentions a Scout CJ Strike visitor. For tent campers, sites near shelters provide critical sun protection during hot months.

What you should know

Extreme temperatures: Summer heat makes morning activities essential. "Camping spots seem to be more catered to RV's. Hookups for each site which is great. We went to the sand dunes, there are both mosquitoes and spikes seeds if you go down by the plants," notes a Bruneau Dunes visitor. Temperatures often exceed 95°F by 10:00 AM in July and August.

Seasonal insect activity: Spring brings significant bug populations. "With some fire rings and in May, clean pit toilets. Lots of bugs, but then lots of birds! Right on the Bruneau arm of the snake," reports a visitor at Jacks Creek Campground. Mosquito activity peaks May through early July.

Toilet facilities vary: Most campgrounds feature vault toilets with varying maintenance. "The bathrooms were ok. Clean for the most part but nothing exciting. Vault toilets. There are also dumpsters for trash," writes one camper. Restocking of supplies can be inconsistent during peak summer weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Early morning activities: Schedule high-energy activities before heat peaks. "Arrived a bit late and didn't have a chance to explore but lovely landscapes. Enjoyed the protected shelters, but it was very windy. The showers and flush toilets were closed for the season, which kinda sucked but the pit toilets were clean," notes a Bruneau Dunes visitor.

Safety with pets: Tick prevention becomes crucial during spring months. "Do not come here during spring! We found 6 ticks within an hour of being there. You might have better luck at black sands RV resort down the road but a local said it's best to avoid bringing your pets there or camping at all there," warns a Jacks Creek visitor about seasonal pests.

Water activities planning: Three Island Crossing State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Such a great campground. Something for everyone, even folf!" mentions a visitor. The park maintains a designated swimming area with beach access safer for younger children than the reservoir shorelines.

Tips from RVers

Generator considerations: Many sites lack hookups, requiring self-sufficient power. "Not for the faint of heart in July without a generator. Woke up at 8am this morning and it's already 90 out. Decent sized spots. Right by the lake," reports an RVer at Cottonwood Camp.

Level parking surfaces: Most CJ Strike sites accommodate medium-sized RVs. "May 15-17, 2019 Very nice park and museum. Site 15 had electric and water. Park has a dump station, showers and flush toilets. Elevation 2,533," notes a Three Island Crossing visitor regarding the facilities.

Water tank preparation: Limited water access requires planning. "The campground has no hookups and where we were, needed a container for water. Lots of wind. Nice bathrooms and grassy areas," advises an RVer from North Park Campground. Most campsites need at least 5 gallons per person per day during summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cabins available for rent at Bruneau Sand Dunes?

No, Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground does not offer cabin rentals. The park primarily provides standard campsites with covered picnic tables. For those seeking alternative accommodations near Bruneau, Mountain Home RV Park in nearby Mountain Home might offer more developed facilities, though still no cabins. Visitors requiring indoor accommodations would need to look for hotels or motels in Mountain Home, approximately 20 minutes from the park.

What are the camping facilities like at Bruneau Dunes State Park?

Bruneau Dunes State Park Campground offers basic but functional campsites with covered picnic tables providing shade and protection from occasional rain. The campground features clean, well-maintained restrooms, a dog park within walking distance, and access to the observatory for stargazing programs during summer months. While sites are described as somewhat close together and sandy, the park compensates with unique attractions including North America's largest active sand dune structure and nearby lakes. The campground provides good access to hiking and sand sledding opportunities. Senior discounts are available for camping fees.

How do I find Broken Wheel Campground near Bruneau, Idaho?

Broken Wheel Campground doesn't appear in available listings near Bruneau. Instead, consider Jacks Creek Campground, a well-maintained utility-operated area by Idaho Power with several RV-friendly sites along the reservoir. Many sites offer camping right at the water's edge, making it perfect for fishing, kayaking and bird watching. For additional options, CJ Strike Area - Cottonwood Park near Bruneau offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Both are accessible via drive-in access and provide alternatives to the non-existent Broken Wheel Campground.