Do you love the outdoors and horses? If you're looking for a rustic but comfortable experience, horse camping in City of Rocks National Reserve is the way to go. It's easy to find City of Rocks National Reserve campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. Find our top-rated horse campsites from other campers like you. Plan the perfect trip in minutes.
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.
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;
$10 - $50 / night
Bennett Springs Campground is a primitive, non-fee, non-reservation campground located in the Albion Mountains. It is composed of 6 campsites that can accommodate up to 8 visitors per campsite. This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between June through October and campground amenities include chemical toilets. Fishing is available in the creek. Drinking water is not available. The campground is well suited for tent camping.
$5 / night
Legend
City Of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho
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. The signage is good, 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. The sites are well spaced out, intermixed with the rock formations. Our site was huge, with a picnic table, tent pad and fire ring. There was a rock formation on the back side that you can walk up on and see the surrounding area. There were several rock climbers on Practice Rock across from our site. The dogs were permitted , on leash, on the trails however I was concerned about the numerous cactus so we stayed to the dirt roads mostly.
GuideI spent one night in the City of Rocks National Reserve Campground. Nabbed spot 15 - the best one I saw - which had fantastic views from the front and back of my campervan. Sweeping view of valley and mountains beyond from the front, massive rocks through the window over my bed. There is a picnic table and fire ring on the nearly level site which is also very private, tucked away as it was between large rocks. I camped in February so I could have been the only camper in the park that night, though there are campsites extending up the main road for what must be half a mile, so there is room for many campers both RV and tents. I saw no one other than the ranger during my stay. The bathroom is a pit toilet, very clean and supplied with paper. There are no amenities like power or water at the site. I left my campervan parked and hiked all around the reserve. Million dollar views for dollars a night.
Ranger
We stayed here midway through a two-week adventure visiting national parks out West. This just so happened to be on our route after leaving Glacier, and it ended up being our favorite campground we visited during this journey.
We had a little trouble finding the campground, but that was because of human error when selecting the route via Google Maps. After stopping and scratching our heads a bit, we figured out our error and easily found our way. We didn’t realize that we had booked an “equestrian site” complete with a horse pen but had some fun with our friends later (good place for corralling the husbands). Our friends were in Site 34, and there was a small trail connecting our two sites.
We easily set up camp and made a quick meal before touring the campground. It was so quiet that we didn’t think there were any others camping there, so we were surprised during our walk to see so many fellow campers. The sites are HUGE and really offer a great deal of privacy and seclusion. The only issue we had was that there were so many bugs (gnats and flies)! This forced us inside sooner than we would have liked, but we were tired from the long journey that day anyway. We went to bed early and 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. We awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the distant mountains. It was the most beautiful view from our trailer to date!
We begrudgingly left Castle Rocks after only one night wishing that we could have stayed much longer. If we are ever fortunate enough to be in the area again, we will definitely revisit this campground . . . hopefully for a longer stay next time!
LegendCaution: Save yourself some time, dust and frustration and enter Smoky Mountain Campground into your GPS and not Castle Rock State Park like we did. Haha.
We were so surprised when we got to this campground. Private sites. Clean. Paved, not gravel. Not the most level we've been in but totally workable. Bathrooms were clean. Men and women's toliets are on one side of the building and individual shower rooms on the other. All handicapped accessible and plenty of places to put you stuff so it stays dry. There is also an equestrian loop with individual corrals.
Also, DARK skies!!! A star gazer's dream.
Be sure you have gas before Sunday rolls around because the one place to get gas, Tracy's General Store, is not open on Sundays. Tracy's also has a nice Cafe. They even offered a VEGAN burger. Progressive in this outof the way spoy. The pizza at City of Rocks Pizza is supposed to be really good, but only offered outdoor seating. It was 95 degrees, so we passed. But, they do serve beer and have a small grocery.
GuideThe relationship between City of Rocks National Preserve and Castle Rocks State Park is still not clear to me as this campground appears on the National Park Service website, although it is an Idaho State Park. That said, the park rangers seem to work cooperatively. This campground is delightful. 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 my campervan. I believe the walking distance to the reserve could be shorter by taking any of the hiking trails from the campgrounds rather than going along the paved roads which first go away from the City of Rocks then back up again, making a big "U".
During my one-night stay in February, water, showers and bathrooms in the campground were closed for the winter season. A very clean, pit toilet is located in the equestrian parking lot across from the campground entrance. The distance from the campsites to the bathroom will vary from quite close to about 1/4 mile max. And during the winter season, there won't be much competition for the spaces close to the bathroom, as I was the sole user during my time there.
In addition to the breathtaking views, the sites offer privacy from 3 sides though all face the loop access road. There are picnic tables, fire rings and electrical power. I did not note if water was available as it would have been shut off in February in any event. There is a dump station about 1 mile down the road toward the exit. I do not know if it is open in the winter.
Check-in during the off-season is accomplished by envelope collected at the entrance or directly to the ranger who came by in the morning to check-in. The rate was $27 per night. Definitely worth the money to stay in this tranquil campground so close to the magnificent City of Rocks.
LegendSmoky 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. There is a dump station on the road to the grounds but it was closed for repairs when we visited. There are plenty of pit toilets around the area and the ones we used were quite clean. Spots are mostly back-in but pretty easy access. The camp hosts were very friendly and the camp reservation includes a parking pass for the State Park ($10 value). The RV sites are very private and nicely spread out with pine trees in between. Great views of City of Rocks. Plenty of biking and hiking trails around and TONS of climbing. The visitor center is about 2 miles away and a general store another half mile beyond that. There’s opportunity for gas and food on the way to the grounds (both Albion and Almo have options) but best to get what you need before you leave the major highway. Having hookups at a State Park with such awesome views was sweet and the grounds are very well maintained. Reservations seem hard to come by during the high season.
Traveler
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! We took the site at the eastern end and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Nice trail along the creek and wildflowers everywhere. The road is visible from camp but it it little traveled.
LegendTTo start off this is an Idaho state park and requires a fee to enter (was $10) This is a great place to go if theres swarms of climbers at the City of Rocks because of the fee which tends to drive away most dirtbag (endearing term for us) climbers haha. There are a multitude of fantastic routes there and some good bouldering to be had as well. Another one of the great things about this park is they have yurt, small house, RV, and tent sites, so no matter how you like to camp theyll be sure to get you into something comfy!
LegendWe literally stumbled upon this gem of a camping area while driving through Idaho. About an hour south of the Snake River, and Interstate 84, it rewards the modern traveler with a truly unique landscape of unsurpassed beauty, just as it greeted the wagon trains following the easily recognized formations over 150 years ago.
Rocks, rocks, rocks, everywhere are amazingly interesting granite towers and domes, though the mountains feel far away. The camping options are as unique as the formations, here. Rather than cluster the camping in a formal campground the park loop road links the small sites to the greater park and each other. Even on a busy day, this means that you can get enough solitude and quiet. Pit toilets, and water spigots are as fancy as the services get, but we found them clean and conveniently placed.
A hiker and rock climber’s dream the area offers bouldering, sport, and traditional climbing routes. If you’re not crazy about going vertical, you can easily link miles and miles of climber access trails for an hour or an all day adventure. The park also offers a few mountain biking trails, from easy to intermediate.
The small town of Almo, ID is the closest place to get gas, and pick up a few groceries, as well as grab a bite to eat. But come prepared to feed yourself, unless desperate, because Tracy’s General Store doesn’t offer much more than convenience or non-perishable food.
One hilarious and endearing quirk about this park is the pay envelopes at the iron ranger. They wanted cash, rather then check, which I can understand I mean, who doesn’t; but they had a very specific price, $12.72 and they wanted exact change!
GuideGreat family camping. Gets hot in July-August. Lots of hiking and exploring to do. Main recreation activity is rock climbing. Durfee Hotsprings in Almo is a must on any visit. The Outpost for a good burger or Rock City for pizzas.
TravelerBeautiful sites with many areas to rock climb. Pit houses don’t stink too bad. Good tent sites.
ScoutIt was interesting to see the emigrants' names on the rocks and imagining them arrive in this small valley of strange formations. I always wonder how we might better tell the stories of these migrations along with the competing stories of Indigenous First World People who had lived among them for so long and who lost their lives and land in these areas.
All this is to say, it's a wonderful park with gorgeous views. Check the weather, of course, because we were told it was hot, hot, hot just the week before but for some reason it was a reasonable 80 and below for our one night there.
GuideBe careful which site you book. Many are walk in tent sites or don’t have room for even a sprinter van. We had site number 29 which was beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in the 1-30 sites. Many back up to rocks but all are very different.
GuideVery good camp area. Great views.
RangerStayed: 5/13/2021
Cost: $14/night plus $10 reservation fee
Site: 61
Vehicle: Volkswagen Atlas
Equipment: Tent
AT&T and T-Mobile: No Service
This is a very unique campground. Sites are dispersed throughout the entire park, as opposed to being condensed into one central location. It makes for some very unique and private sites - no two alike.
We went for site 61 for two reasons. 1) It was the most private that was remaining, even though 2) it was very close to a bathroom. Most of the sites near bathrooms, were more grouped together. The bathroom itself is less than a 1 min walk from the site. We had one neighbor on the other side of us, but you could only see them if you walked by to go to the bathroom. I think that site 61 could be the most private of all, with site 63 having some of the most beautiful sunset views (pictured).
This site was also nice, because it is tucked-in next to a large rock wall, blocking the wind coming from the north. Do be aware, that Area 7 of the campground (sites 61-64), are at a much higher elevation. Driving to the site from the main part of the park, we climbed over 1,000 feet (up a winding, dirt road), ending at 7,000+ feet. So, the temperature is going to be a little different than it is when you’re checking the weather in Almo. It was about a 10º difference when we were there.
Overall, this is a very nice campground with a fire ring and picnic table. All pictures are from Site 61, with the exception of the sunset from Site 63.
#DareToEverywhere
RangerThis is my favorite place on the planet. The camp facilities are fairly primitive but there are pit/vault toilets available. I can not express how gorgeous the landscape is or how bright the stars are at night. Our campspot was #22. Not a ton of shade, but excellent views. You have to have cash to put in an envelope at Bath rock to pay for camping. I believe you can also reserve in advance if you are at least 4-5 days out. We slept with van doors open. No noise. No bugs. Just peace and quiet.
GuideI visited City of Rocks last year for a day trip and knew I had to go back to camp this year! It’s an awesome overnight stop if you’re on a road trip or a great little weekend trip if you’re nearby. We didn’t do any long hikes and the hiking opportunities leave a little bit to be desired but the campsites completely make up for it. If you’re a climber you MUST visit - the visitors center sells climbing maps with all the route options and great breakdowns of difficulties, etc. Highly recommend site 043 - it’s about a 200 ft walk from the parking lot but it’s shaded and right next to a perfect rock to climb on to have dinner or watch a sunset overlooking the gorgeous valley and rock faces.
ScoutWe only have one night here but what an amazing day. Huge assist to the perfect weather and lack of wildfire smoke, but the landscape of granite towers and ridges is a a nearly endless playground for all abled bodies to climb and explore. My kid brought her Bam Bam Flintstone and fit right in. Each campsite is thoughtfully placed within the park and most appear to have a perfect amount of privacy (we had 14). It’s probably been 20 years since we enjoyed such a great campground experience. Can’t recommend more highly.
GuideThis place is unreal. We entered through the Western entrance and didn’t see a single soul the entire stay until we were driving out. The campsites are huge, and every one is unique. Depending on the type of lodging you have you’ll want to double check. We stayed in 38 (I can’t recall but it was in the high 30s) but it’s right by the famous window arch. We have a RTT and just backed up as close as we could to the camping area.
There’s bathrooms in the larger parking lots, and no amenities that are we could find. But the VIEWS from the upper campsites are amazing. You can literally walk right out onto the rocks! We had to keep an eye on the dog but he was fine. Highly recommend this place.
TravelerWe rolled in just for a night and I was pretty blown away by how beautiful the landscape is! Our map took us to the western entrance but we barely made it far down the road it was so gravely and wavy, our little trailer wasn’t handling it well. So we had to backtrack and drive an hour around the park to the other entrance. Only complaint is it was super difficult to find the pay station. We drove around a while looking for it. The views and little hike we took was awesome and we will definitely be back!
LegendThis is a great campground. All the 65 sites are spread out throughout the park. So you will have some sort of awesome rocks near your site. I felt like a kid in a huge playground. Sites are small. No trailers over 25’. No cell service.
ScoutTake your time in picking out a good camping spot. Shade is key in the summer months. Use the "Shade Legend" on the NPS site: https://www.nps.gov/ciro/planyourvisit/upload/CIRO-Camping-Brochure-08-28-12.pdf
Some are more remote and some have boulder problems within them. Enjoy!
GuideAnother 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, the campground is SO spread out you will never notice if it’s full. 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! They have water and bathrooms spread throughout the reserve, we were about .25 miles away from the bathroom and .50 from water-no big deal. They have trash and recycling by the bathrooms (which are pit toilets but were clean and stocked while we visited!)
RangerThis 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. 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!
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.
LegendWe stayed up by the Breadloaves group camp for a night and was treated to the entire Rockford being lit up by the moon. Being right next to the Breadloaves you have close to 100 routes to choose from with a combo of both traditional and sport.
There's toilets nearby in the parking lot and the trees offer a nice respite from the wind. There are amenities in nearby Almo. The steakhouse has good diner food and Rock City has all your grocery shopping needs! All campsites have fire rings and picnic tables.
BOOK YOUR SITE EARLY! The sites fill up quick there's close to 0% chance you'll get a walking site from May-Oct.
TravelerDry camp that fits for small trailees and tent camping. Larger trailers have limted spots so check dimensions before reserving..Lots of trails nearby. Mountain bike trail as well. Weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for rain and possible storm occasional which makes for amazing skys.
TravelerThis is easily my favorite campground. Ever. The sites are clean and comfortable. All spots are well maintained but still feel organic and don't encroach on the wildlife. I especially like how close the sites are to the climbing, which is the main draw of City of Rocks for me. There is an excellent guide book you can pick up at Rock City in Almo but routes are also posted on Mnt. Project.
Water: There are two places to get water, which is free and tasty. The pump at Bath Rock is my go-to.
Toilets: There are pit toilets, which aren't gross and there is always plenty of toilet paper inside.
Trash: There are trash and recycling cans at Bath Rock.
Cell Reception: I get enough service (Verizon) up on top of Bath Rock to make phone calls.
Other stuff: The rangers are helpful and kind and sometimes there is an artist in residence you can meet up with. If you are a good, responsible camper who cares about protecting beautiful places, I highly recommend this campground! If you are a garbage leaving jerk, you should stay home. If sites are full, there is BLM camping nearby that isn't as pretty but does the trick.
Horse camping near City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho offers a unique opportunity to explore stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near City of Rocks National Reserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian 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.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near City of Rocks National Reserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near City of Rocks National Reserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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