Burley camping options span across Idaho's Magic Valley at elevations ranging from 4,150 to 5,500 feet. The region features volcanic formations and high desert terrain with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during peak camping months. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, with most primitive sites closing from October through May.
What to do
Climbing opportunities: At City of Rocks Campground, rock formations provide numerous climbing routes for all skill levels. "Another amazing April camping trip down at City of Rocks. Spent four glorious days hanging out with the old rocks. Head down to the City if you're looking for some wide open space and solitude," noted a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Explore Lake Walcott State Park Campground to observe the area's diverse bird population. "The deer tend to come in in the early evening hours to enjoy the park too and are not very spooked by people. Just a short distance from the park is the overflow from the low dam where you can see a variety of birds enjoying the water," reports a camper.
Historical exploration: The Oregon Trail passed through this region, with visible wagon ruts near Massacre Rocks State Park. "We enjoyed the hike/walk out to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts. Sites have electric and water and there is a dump station," a camper shared about their experience.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Smoky Mountain Campground provides exceptional night viewing due to minimal light pollution. "We opened the blinds on the front stargazing window of our Lance. The view was breathtaking! 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," one reviewer described.
Off-grid experiences: Bennett Springs offers primitive camping just 30 minutes from Burley. "A surprise little campground in a mountain pass between two plains. The altitude gain is enough to get some cool air if you are down in the valley and hot. It's a nice basic campground, nothing fancy but it's pretty," notes a visitor.
Shaded sites: Twin Lakes Campground provides tree cover rare in this high desert region. "This is another great campsite on the road that heads up to Lake Cleveland. Definitely one of the best sites for lounging around in a hammock all day!" shared one camper who appreciated the shade.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many sites close during winter months, with Bennett Springs open June-October only. "We took 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," warned one spring visitor.
Fire restrictions: Several campgrounds prohibit open fires year-round. When staying at Anderson Camp RV Park, campers need to use propane stoves instead. The park offers alternative amenities: "There were places for both RV's/campers and tents. The place was clean, well kept up and had tons of amenities including flushing toilets, showers, laundry, 2 playgrounds and a pool."
Water access: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water, especially at primitive sites. At Twin Lakes Campground, "There is an outhouse but no running water and it's a trash in/trash out campsite," explains a reviewer.
Insect activity: Summer months bring increased insect populations. One Lake Walcott camper noted, "Just be prepared for lots of spiders in July, also this last time coming through we were struggling with chiggers."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: During hot summer months, several campgrounds offer water recreation. "The Rock Creek winds through the park past picnic tables and covered gathering areas. There are two playgrounds, multiple shelters, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and biking/walking path," reports a visitor to Rock Creek RV Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Anderson Camp offers structured recreation options. "Lots to do for young children with a large playground, two shallow (2-3ft?) small outdoor pools, one with a water slide, putt putt golf, and snack bar," notes a family camper.
Yurt camping near Burley, Idaho: For families seeking a middle ground between tents and cabins, yurt camping options exist at City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park. These circular, weatherproof structures provide protection from elements while maintaining a camping atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most developed campgrounds offer partial hookups. At Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, "Sites have electric and water and there is a dump station. During summer of 2020 the showers were closed due to Covid but they do have them. Bathrooms were clean."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. For Lake Walcott, a camper advised: "Our Garmin RV GPS and Google Maps had us exit earlier than exit 216 off of Interstate 84. The emailed state park instructions have you get off at exit 216. Since the roads looked RV-friendly on Google Maps, we took the earlier exit."
Site leveling: Be prepared to level your rig at certain campgrounds. At Twin Falls-Jerome KOA, one RVer noted, "My pool Throughs and the areas were relatively flat. We had no problems with water pressure, no problems with electricity. The only thing I would point out is that if you are on the last row, that makes you closest to the highway and you will hear the highway noise starting at about 5:30 in the morning."
