Scruffy Buffalo Ranch houses premium yurts nestled in the scenic landscapes near Almo, Idaho, providing a perfect glamping base to explore the nearby City of Rocks National Reserve. These fully furnished canvas accommodations combine rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring real beds with quality linens, electricity, and heating for year-round enjoyment. One guest shared, "From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I was captivated by the beauty, comfort, and tranquility that this place offered." Rock Wren Hideaway, located in Elba, offers another upscale glamping experience with two exclusive sites that provide picnic tables, toilet facilities, and drinking water in a stunning natural setting that earned perfect 5-star ratings from visitors.
The unique rock formations surrounding these glamping destinations create an otherworldly backdrop for outdoor adventures. Hiking trails wind through City of Rocks National Reserve, offering glampers easy access to breathtaking geological features and wildlife viewing opportunities. The area boasts excellent stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution, making evening relaxation on private decks especially memorable. According to a camper, "If you're looking for a magical escape where comfort meets adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend this glamping site." Visitors should note that most luxury sites in this region are open year-round, though some seasonal considerations apply with winter bringing occasional snow to higher elevations. Reservations are required for these premium accommodations, with advance booking highly recommended during peak summer months.
"Some on the sites you have a little walk to. All have fire pits and picnic table."
"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."
"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"
"Beautiful sites, electric and water. Bathrooms and showers adequate. Simply crazy noisy during our stay. It was like camping in an elementary and middle school playground."
"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!"
"It only has 4 sites but it is free and it has a bathroom. Our favorite site has a little creek right next to it. Great for kids to play in."
"Just a short walk away brings you to incredible views and cool rock formations. There is an outhouse but no running water and it’s a trash in/trash out campsite."
"This is another great campsite on the road that heads up to Lake Cleveland and Mt Harrison. "
from $5 / night
"Stayed on the upper loop, lots of hiking, great campsites with fire pits. Very nice staff and we'll maintained facilities."
"Bathrooms and showers were very clean. You definitely want a lower loop site to get away from the freeway noise, plus you will have more shade during peak summer heat."
"The beds were super comfy! And the Bates are the nicest people ever- they know all about the parks and their place is very close to City of Rocks and Castle Rocks!"
"This is a State Park with beautiful landscaping and walking trails. There are plenty of RV and tent sites. The lake is absolutely beautiful with views of mountains in the distance."
"The bathrooms are also well cleaned even on a high use weekend but small, 2 stalls each- all showers were working."
"From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I was captivated by the beauty, comfort, and tranquility that this place offered."
"Camping right by the old California Trail near the city of rocks is memory I will never forget. The hosts made it so welcoming and comforting."
from $50 - $99 / night
"We arrived the Wednesday after Labor Day. We were given a full hookup spot in a giant field area all to ourselves! Our spot backed up to a small running creek filled with fish."
"I booked Indian Springs last minute because nearby campgrounds with reviews were full. But Indian Springs deserves a review! Spacious, full facilities."
"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. "
"Vault toilets (not available in winter) and water available, no trash service so be prepared to pack it out. As others have said it's right along the road so you do get the occasional traffic noise."
LegendI have really enjoyed my one night stop here. Go to the lower campground so that you stay away from the noise of the road. But if you're a trail person and a view person, this is by far the nicest state park so far. Unfortunately I camped in the upper campground. The water was on, but the bathrooms were closed. The lower bathrooms were still open. But they're old and not well maintained.
GuideBeautiful sites, electric and water. Bathrooms and showers adequate. Simply crazy noisy during our stay. It was like camping in an elementary and middle school playground. Decent multi use trail on site. Great hiking and climbing nearby. No information offered regarding trails do depended on AllTrails.
ScoutThis Campground is very nice... It has its own uniqueness. I recommend rolling in before dark to find your camping spot... But once you do, they're spaced out really well... A little windy last night but that's okay
ScoutThis is the best little campground ever with all amenities, Reasonable prices and very wonderful staff. It’s very clean and quiet. We enjoyed our stay here very much. They also have a wonderful gift shop with food options like a grill and ice cream and drinks. I don’t wanna forget to mention the very large swimming pool that’s there also but you have to pay for that separately. It’s not included with your stay.
RangerI wish e could stay another night but we have to move on. This place is beautiful, peaceful,clean has great views of the lake, and has water and electricity!! Ot doesn’t get any better!
RangerEasy on/off the interstate, great views, camping with Snake River views. Clean and updated restrooms, trails and a disc golf course (maybe next time… if there is a next time…)
BUT, after paying a bit more than I like to for a state park, a $10 fee for registration online (you can’t pay in person and avoid it), a $7 fee for vehicle entry (even though we paid $52 for camping) I had the pleasure of paying $10 to dump (yes, registered campers must pay to dump). In 40 years of camping, I’ve never had to pay to dump at a campsite I had already paid for. If this is how Idaho is doing all state parks… I don’t think we’ll be exploring.
New tables, good fire rings, friendly hosts, up to you if it’s worth it.
GuideIt's a nice enough place, lots to explore, clean restrooms and showers. Has water electricity and a dump station But, the noise from the interstate is a little to much for me... people in the visitors station are very friendly and informative..
ScoutThis is a beautiful campsite along the banks of the snake river. It is nestled in the high desert terrain where is beautiful view of the cliffs across the river. It has full electric access at each site with the water Spigot and a dump station at the campground. We are here in late May and the weather is windy but pleasant. I imagine it gets pretty hot here in the summer months. We have excellent cell service with T-Mobile. I would highly recommend this campground and suggest you make reservations well in advance. There were only three campgrounds remaining when we made our reservation reservations.
GuideCame in here late after long drive. Can do same day book in and has pull through available. Longer campers beware. Sites are also not the most level. Good view of the river.
Malta, Idaho sits at the base of the Albion Mountains with surrounding elevations ranging from 4,200 to over 10,000 feet. The area features high desert landscape with scattered juniper trees and sagebrush, creating distinct temperature variations between seasons. Camping opportunities near Malta range from primitive sites to established campgrounds with full amenities, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F during daytime while dropping into the 50s at night.
Rock climbing at City of Rocks: City of Rocks National Reserve offers excellent climbing opportunities with hundreds of routes. "There is a lifetime worth of climbing here ranging from classic trad and run out sport routes to modern test pieces and 'safe' multi pitch sport routes," notes Alan B. about City of Rocks Campground.
Hiking scenic trails: The area features numerous hiking options from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. A visitor at Castle Rocks State Park shares, "Nice park with plenty of trees by the Lake Walcott reservoir on the Snake River... 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 and the shallower rapids for fishing."
Fishing in local waters: Streams and lakes near Malta provide fishing opportunities. At Steer Basin Campground, "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," according to Alan B's review of Steer Basin Campground.
Natural hot springs: The area offers access to natural hot springs for relaxation. A reviewer at Indian Springs Resort and RV states, "The pool is huge! We also enjoyed a great burger cooked at the grill in the office. Staff was friendly and helpful."
Dispersed camping options: Many appreciate the secluded camping opportunities. "Take your time in picking out a good camping spot. Shade is key in the summer months. Use the 'Shade Legend' on the NPS site," recommends Niki S. about camping at City of Rocks.
Wildlife viewing: The region provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. Carla P. notes at Lake Walcott State Park, "The deer tend to come in in the early evening hours to enjoy the park too and are not very spooked by people... This is a quiet campground that's away from the noise and hubbub of the cities."
Limited water access: Many campgrounds have restricted water availability, especially in remote areas. At Twin Lakes Campground, Dana A. reports, "There is an outhouse but no running water and it's a trash in/trash out campsite."
Weather variability: The area experiences significant temperature swings and unpredictable conditions. Jodie S. warns about City of Rocks, "Weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for rain and possible storm occasional which makes for amazing skys."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly in peak seasons. Alan B. advises, "BOOK YOUR SITE EARLY! The sites fill up quick there's close to 0% chance you'll get a walking site from May-Oct."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Malta, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Malta, ID is City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve with a 4.9-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Malta, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Malta, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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