Best Glamping near Kimberly, ID

TTo 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!

As the name suggests, this is an RV park only and our first disappointment with an Idaho county park. No tents are allowed but the price of $20 per night with water and electric hookups is very reasonable. There are two sections, both are separated from the day-use area. The first section is nicer and a bit more protected from the road directly above but can only accommodate smaller rigs. The next section is not as nice and closer to road noise but is suitable for larger RVs. Surprisingly, there were several open spots on the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend. Don't be put off by the access road - it looks like it will not lead to a park, but it does. This park might be nice if you were with a group of friends or just passing through.

A great campground in the South Hills of Idaho that feels like an oasis in the desert!  This is one of a few developed campgrounds that you encounter as you head up Rock Creek Rd.  Like the other sites in the canyon there are metal camp fire ring, picnic tables, and vault toilets.  There are not very many sites, around 5, so don't plan on getting a spot if you arrive after 3 on Friday through the weekend.  Any time during the week you should be fine to get a spot as I visited on a Wednesday around 6 and only saw 1 occupied site.  The fee per night is $5 and there is a wonderful stream right next to almost every campsite that you can fish in and hang your hammock over.  The creek was also low enough to cool off in the waters safely, even with smaller children.  Last thing I noticed was a ton of basalt cliffs and cracks that I'm pretty sure haven't been developed for climbing, so if anyone is feeling super ambitious, let me know and we can develop it together!

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.

We 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!

The 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.

Okay some nice sites, old but big pull thru well established trees price $45.00 okay. Big concert in town and no other places available.

Would give 5 stars but no dump station

Love this campground. It’s clean and quiet. I stayed during the week so I don’t really know what it’s like on the weekend. Water and power only, no dump or sewer connection. However TwinFalls has a free dump station close by. Sites 1 thru 9 are in the old section, they are back-in and there are plenty of mature trees. The newer section, not so much shade.