City of Rocks National Reserve is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—City of Rocks National Reserve is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Idaho camping adventure.
Camping in City of Rocks is a great way to enjoy being out in nature. Relax beneath the cool shade of aspen, juniper, mountain mahogany, or pine. Spend the night surrounded by impressive granite formations and starry skies. There are 64 standard campsites and 3 group sites to choose from with easy access to climbing, hiking trails, and vistas.
There are 38 campsites available, 9 of which are pull-through. Sites 11 and 24 are designated ADA accessible. A separate loop with 6 sites accommodates equestrian campers. - water service May-September - 30 amp electrical hook-ups - fire-ring/ground grill - picnic table - partial shade There are flush toilets and showers open May-September and a vault toilet open year-round at the equestrian trail head. An RV dump station is provided near the campground entrance.
Glamping right next to City of Rocks!
We currently offer 2 Dome's and 3 Bell tents
$50 - $100 / night
Spacious RV and Tent campground located in the shadow of the Castle Rock State Park and near the entrance to the City of Rocks National Reserve. Featuring RV camping with power and water hook-up, picnic tables and fire rings. Dry Camping and tents sites with picnic tables and fire rings. On site restroom. Beautiful view and lots of space, town within walking distance.
$15 - $30 / night
Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between July through October. Sites are handicapped accessible. Campground amenities include 9 tables and grills, toilets, and livestock facilities. No drinking water or trash service is available. Nearby Independence Lakes Trail (#35) is 3.1 miles to the Lake. Only non-motorized travel is authorized. The first mile is rocky, however the remainder is a reasonable grade with switchbacks to the first of four lakes in the alpine cirque basin.Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Non-motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait;
Thompson Flat Campground is located high in the Albion Mountain Range of southern Idaho, near the towns of Declo and Albion. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trails, alpine lakes and scenic beauty.
The Twin Lakes Campground area is located just outside the campground and across the road. It offers picnic areas, horse corrals and access to a variety of trails. Lake Cleveland is a two-mile drive from the campground, offering fishing, canoeing and trail opportunities. Several additional hiking, mountain biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are on the mountain.
The Twin Lakes Campground area is located just outside the campground and across the road. It offers picnic areas, horse corrals and access to a variety of trails. Lake Cleveland is a two-mile drive from the campground, offering fishing, canoeing and trail opportunities. Several additional hiking, mountain biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are on the mountain.
The campground is situated in a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow lined with tall pine and fir trees, on the eastern slope of Mount Harrison. It sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet.
A visit up the road to the Mount Harrison Lookout offers interesting area information and breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys below. Pomerelle Ski Area, just below Thompson Flat, offers lift-served hiking and mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides and a few dining options, generally on weekends.
$16 / night
Explore the Cotterel Mountains or hunt for upland birds and deer near this semi-developed camping destination. McClendon Spring was a favorite resting place for emigrants along the California Trail.
Glamping right next to City of Rocks!
We currently offer 2 Dome's and 3 Bell tents
$50 - $100 / night
Spacious RV and Tent campground located in the shadow of the Castle Rock State Park and near the entrance to the City of Rocks National Reserve. Featuring RV camping with power and water hook-up, picnic tables and fire rings. Dry Camping and tents sites with picnic tables and fire rings. On site restroom. Beautiful view and lots of space, town within walking distance.
$15 - $30 / night
Thompson Flat Campground is located high in the Albion Mountain Range of southern Idaho, near the towns of Declo and Albion. Visitors enjoy the area for its abundant trails, alpine lakes and scenic beauty.
The Twin Lakes Campground area is located just outside the campground and across the road. It offers picnic areas, horse corrals and access to a variety of trails. Lake Cleveland is a two-mile drive from the campground, offering fishing, canoeing and trail opportunities. Several additional hiking, mountain biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are on the mountain.
The Twin Lakes Campground area is located just outside the campground and across the road. It offers picnic areas, horse corrals and access to a variety of trails. Lake Cleveland is a two-mile drive from the campground, offering fishing, canoeing and trail opportunities. Several additional hiking, mountain biking, horse and off-road vehicle trails are on the mountain.
The campground is situated in a beautiful wildflower-filled meadow lined with tall pine and fir trees, on the eastern slope of Mount Harrison. It sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet.
A visit up the road to the Mount Harrison Lookout offers interesting area information and breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys below. Pomerelle Ski Area, just below Thompson Flat, offers lift-served hiking and mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides and a few dining options, generally on weekends.
$16 / night
$10 - $50 / night
Guide
No fire ring
Guide
Stayed three nights in mid-October. Got real cold at night, but having electric made it bearable. Not to far from Twin Falls and all it has to offer. Much less expensive than parks closer to town.
Traveler
Friendly, lots of shade very clean restrooms with showers. They have a laundry facility pool and park right on the river. Also, laundry facilities. Located next to the philip s66 off the I84 so a bit of traffic noise
Ranger
Paid$15/night for a site right by the Snake River,#13. Pit toilets and trashcans. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings and are spaced out fairly well. Quiet. Houses are visible on the opposite side of the river. ------>>Don't go in the east entrance due to 11ft bridge over the road.
TravelerThis place is beautiful! We arrived on a Monday morning around 9am. Before driving down the hill we got out and walked it to make sure we could make it. We’re driving a one ton GMC with Artic Fox truck camper. We made it down no problem. We stayed for 2 nights and only one night was there another camper who decided to stay up high and not make the drive down. We few cars came and went. But what surprised me the most, is that nobody who drove down, went to see the waterfall which is probably the best part! So, if you visit, find a trail anywhere to the right of the Cauldron Linn sign and follow it. There are many and most of them lead to the waterfalls eventually. My husband was nervous about the drive out but we made it out with no issues!
ScoutIn the summer when the area is busier I think we would have love this more. Happy we were able to find free camping in this area. It’s a recreation area, so when we arrived we saw some in the distance fishing and another person bike riding. We were the only ones camping, and there was some unknown activities of others who came and went that we were unsure of. We would have felt better if someone else was camping somewhere. Nothing happened though and it was a cool spot. Definitely think when other campers are around this would be a great spot!
LegendUncrowded. Fire pits and bbq. Clean and well stocked Pit toilets. Lots of space between sites. Lake front. Fish jumping. Few bugs. Quiet. Bright lights on the dam. Full LTE service
ScoutBeautiful camp site super easy to access, we got by fine without 4WD. Unfortunately people have kind of trashed some of the sites there was broken glass and lots of other litter
ScoutThe campground was very nice. The only negative is the ground and grass areas are pitted with holes from gophers. If tent camping bring a good ground cover to put tent on
TravelerThis is a very beautiful area to camp out in. Not far off the river with places to drive right up to the edge of the water (with the right vehicle). Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night. Dirt road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding, but it’s all doable. The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn with large rocks, depressions, and soft silt. I managed to get down in my Ford Transit Connect (pretty sketchy), but I had to try a couple times before I could make it back up and out the next day. So BE AWARE: gravity can probably help you down without getting stuck, but remember that you will have to get back up, and if your vehicle is 2wd and particularly heavy or low or is bad with hills, it may not be a breeze. (Maybe I’m just being dramatic though lol) I probably won’t risk it again, the stress was too much for my poor nerves.
ScoutIt is literally hidden out in the hay and corn fields. The road down into the canyon is ok for small trailers, vans, trucks. The water was out so the bank was a dusty desert and at the waters edge was a thick swampy mess with gross stinky mud foam…. So swimming was out of the question. We found a pull in area under a cluster of trees that was perfectly serene. Will definitely go back. Large black beetles are bad there and bugs as expected. Nothing to cause a big issue, we brought a bug zapper and net enclosed canopy!
Guide
Easy access on a gravel road, open field with 5 stone firepits. 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. Stayed midweek in August and was alone the entire time.
Outhouses available in the park about 5-10 min drive away if you need them.
TravelerBeautiful spots and surrounding area. We sadly had to turn around because of a sketchy looking encampment. We did report to BLM so hopefully this spot will be more approachable in the future!
GuideWe camped in the Trout loop and had a great time here. Got here on a Friday afternoon and there were only a few spots left, so I’d recommend going earlier if you can.
We landed a spot right on the water (Snake River). The river here is calm enough to paddle board on. We spent lots of time on the water and even paddled across to some rocks and did a little cliff jumping (they aren’t too high).
There’s an outhouse and it was honestly the cleanest outhouse I’ve ever used. Super impressed with that.
It was warm this time of year and our spot was nice and shady. Would definitely recommend visiting. It’s $15/night
GuidePulled up here last minute at about 2am for some quick sleep, the view I woke up to was incredible. Drive through pretty farmland to get there, easy to navigate.
GuideWe were really excited to stay here. The water and area is beautiful. There are 2 great shady spots right on the water. Unfortunately it looks like 2 guys are living down there and let’s say they don’t look like the friendliest for a couple of reasons. My boyfriend and I immediately got a bad vibe and decided it was best not to stay.
ScoutBasic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers. At least 3 rock fire pits spaced out for several different groups with plenty of room and flat areas for tents. Appears to be a similar area on the other side of the road too
RangerAwesome sites!! Had a blast with some people I met , I stayed at the first site at the top because I’m 2w drive sedan, but I think it COULD be achieved if needed. Would recommend 4wd to the bottom; but this is a beautiful place, there’s some waterfalls to check out and the views are great, not a lot of privacy, pack in pack out.
ScoutThe coordinates given on this campground are WRONG. It takes you down a dirt road to a No Trespassing sign onto private property. Whoever runs this website needs to fix the directions or remove it from the site.
TravelerCoordinates are accurate to location. I would not recommend for RV campers as much as I would for tent or van campers. The road was a little steep but we found a tree cave spot as mentioned in one of the previous comments. We arrived around 6pm and were the only ones there. The river was beautiful so we took a dip in the water. There is also a good size rapid. We saw a rabbit, quail, mouse, and a ferret. It did get busy after 8pm but overall great place to camp.
Travelerkind of an odd camping experience. showed up around 7pm, only other people were fishing, no other campers. all night, about 3-4 trucks circled through and left. at the latest, at 1am, that we’re aware of. felt kind of sketchy. otherwise, need a decent clearance and AWD but was easy to find. close to the river. no bugs until sunset.
Scout
The place is amazing and pretty cheap for the location. Got to see a lot of wildlife including moose.
TravelerMost of all sites have a Pavillon and the sites on the river has a direct lake access. In my opinion the campground is a little bit open and there is not so much privacy. All in all I would give the campground 4 stars BUT I'm very disappointed from the camp hosts work. He doesn't really care about the people and the campground. From beginning till end on our site was dog shit on the waterstation, all of the tables was very dirty and also trash on the sites. Also the sprinklers work absolutely random. When we woke up on the first day, our stuff was wet. We build a cone by ourself so we can use the site for three days. The camp host shows up the first time an hour before we left and he told us, that we can have a cone from him. Never the less the campground is beautiful rounded by murtaugh lake and the restrooms are mostly clean.
Ranger
Very close campsites, and quite busy on weekends. The pool is wonderful for family's and kids. The staff is excellent. Hardest working lifeguard at the pool I've ever seen. It was 95 and we needed to escape the heat and this did the trick with a 30amp site. Water and Dump on site too. Lots of picnic tables for day use and many tent spaces. But all very close together.
TravelerThe dirt road getting down to the river wasn’t bad, but larger vehicles might have a little trouble. I saw an RV parked at the top. I found a cool spot underneath trees like a little cave towards the end of the road. There was a campfire ring and it was shaded and private. The river is really pretty and there’s a little waterfall to see. The area was really beautiful and I felt like I was the only person there.
Guide
Stayed here two nights to do a little climbing. Clean and close to Alma.
Guide
This campground is nice and there are clear markings and signs. The road getting in isn’t bad and the only downside was the noise of the cows. They were getting frisky in the night and making a lot of noise. I would still recommend this place!
Camping near City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a little planning and awareness, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near City of Rocks National Reserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, City of Rocks National Reserve offers a wide range of camping options, with 52 campgrounds and RV parks near City of Rocks National Reserve and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near City of Rocks National Reserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near City of Rocks National Reserve 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 City of Rocks National Reserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near City of Rocks National Reserve.
What parks are near City of Rocks National Reserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near City of Rocks National Reserve that allow camping, notably Craters of the Moon National Monument and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.
