Best Glamping near Minidoka, 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!

This is a surprise off the 84 in Idaho so if you are looking for a campground off the main freeway this is it it's got a dump station it's got rv camping tent camping it is got a great history and it's got a section of the original organ trail that you can check out and if you're into birding definitely a place to go and you can fish the river upstairs that go down to it and it's just got Frisbee golf course as well so I definitely recommend it

This beautiful state park is located right off of the freeway about 7 miles outside of American Falls, Idaho. There is a little bit of road noise at the park because of the proximity to the freeway but it wasn't a bother at all. The views of the river are beautiful and the sunset was amazing. There are a lot of trails to walk on here, and since the park is pet friendly our three big dogs walked the trails with us. There is a disc golf course, although we didn't try it out. The camp host was great. The bathrooms were clean, although only half of them are open in the off season. The only draw back we could see is that the spots aren't very spacious, so if you're new at parking your rig, or if you have a really large rig, it could be a tight fit. We were in a 33 ft TT and the pull through spot (17) was plenty long, but kind of narrow. Spot has 50 and 30 amp hook ups as well as water if you camp during the summer-no water in the off season.

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.

We had stayed in cabin Coyote on the lower loop and even though the view was beautiful the area around was unpleasant. No trees, no shade at all. Thankfully we had our canopy! The cabin itself was nice, had a futon, bunk bed (twin on top, full on bottom), had a window a/c, heater, table and 2 folding chairs. A mini frige and a stand to store items under he frige. The front porch had a cute little chair and it must of been made for kids because it was super low to the ground. We did have to bring our own bedding. The cabins had enough lighting and was clean. The bathrooms were across the way and they too were clean and well taken care of. Showers were super ok and clean. Next time we will try and get the one next to it which is Cottontail. Shade and trees on that site.

Our 1st camping experience here was good. The site we got was one nice and a good size. We had a view from f the river down towards the lower loop which was closed due to weather. Pros were good location, close to the bathrooms/showers which were kept clean at all times. The camp host was super polite. Overall it was a nice 1st time trip . Cons were we could hear some traffic from the freeway,other than that we will go back and try the lower tent camping..

This trip we had a site in the lower camping sites. Now before we went we had gone to google earth and saw the site. However, it was larger looking than n google earth then it was the n person. We had a nice view, a little shade and we plenty of walking paths down to the river. We had water and electric hook ups. The bathrooms/showers weren’t too far. Overall had a nice trip.

We showed up during the week so it wasn’t too packed. Brought our fishing poles and although we didn’t catch anything, was well worth it. Be sure to go up to Register Rock up the road! So much history here. Highly recommend!

This this was our first time at Massacre Rocks State Park unique and beautiful we drove around the campground to our site which was the pull through with a lower picnic area not much space where we parked but lots of trails picnic tables and the Great Snake River to keep us busy we had just stopped for the night on our way to Lake Walcott and we plan on going back the end of this month to spend more time and Adventure on!

This campground is near hiking and rock climbing and has a disc golf course within. We enjoyed the hike/walk out to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts. 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. There is a visitor's center but is was closed in July 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

This is our second time to Massacre Rocks. The first time was a few years ago in site 32 which is small and not very private, but we still enjoyed it. The site across the way was prime, huge pull through with a large picnic area…site 31. Everything has been great EXCEPT the sites aren’t clearly marked and we’ve had several people walk through our site at #31. Def takes away from the privacy.

We camped here the beginning of June. The weather was beautiful, cool nights and gorgeous days. The camp sites were very clean and fire pits and camp tables present at each camp site. The restrooms and showers were very well maintained. We stayed in the lower loop, which I would highly recommend as it is closest to the river with beautiful views. The only downside was that it was right off the high way and you could hear traffic, but only if you were really listening for it. If you are there to fish Ineould recommend a boat. We tried fishing off shore and did not catch anything, but the people in boats were having great luck catching small mouth bass.

Stayed on the upper loop, lots of hiking, great campsites with fire pits. Very nice staff and we'll maintained facilities.

We arrived at this campground just before dark without a reservation. and were lucky to get a site with a beautiful view of the snake river. Our site was complete with a picnic table, electric and water hook ups. Although we’re only here for a night, I could imagine it would be wonderful to stay several nights.

Easy getaway as we're from Pocatello. It was hot, but we had a great time. The camp hosts were very helpful and super friendly. Bathrooms and showers were close and clean. Lots to do with the visitor center, hiking trails, the Snake River, and historical sites like Register Rock and Oregon Trail sites. We had a camp trailer. Water and electrical hookups were great and the dump station is fairly close. We'd come back again when it's not so hot.

Very Easy to find off the freeway. We arrived after office hours but had no problem getting a spot since you can do it online and there’s a bulletin board with all the information one would need to be able to do so. The camp hosts came by and were very kind, informative and helpful. The surroundings are beautiful!

Easy access from the hwy. clean, full service setup. You can here some hwy noise but not see it. Campsites are well-spaced and private-feeling.

The disc golf was great and challenging. The campsite was very nice and had everything we needed.

A great camping spot if you can get closer to the river. The south end of the camp butts up with the interstate and can be quite noisy. Walking trails around the camp and along the river. Overall a fun spot.

PROS:

• Easy access to the interstate
• Host and Visitor Center worker were extremely nice
• All sites have E/W
• Sites were private, generous and clean
• A lot of the sites have great views of the Snake River and canyon wall
• Great historic area on the Oregon Trail
• Disc golf
• Easy access to the River at the sperate boat launch area 1 mile away
• Day use area away from campground
• Bathhouse on both upper and lower loop. Showers. (Very dated, but clean)
• Hubby said to mention there are ample Pokémon opportunities.
• There are a couple of cabins with great views.

CONS:

• Not a lot of shade
• Closest shopping is American Falls which is very limited. Pocatello is about 40 min away but has great breweries, food, Gander RV (large retail store) and large town stores.
• Bathhouse is dates and has heavy oxidation in the shower which makes them appear dirty, but they are not.
• If in the upper loop, you do hear the Interstate noise. Not in the lower loop at all.

We would definitely stay again

I spent 2 days/nights in a 27’ camper. My original site was to small even though it was rated to fit my camper. The camp host came over and switched me without being asked and was very helpful. The landscape is beautiful and the park is large. There is no swimming in the river which was a disappointment. The experience here was good and even though some of the RV sites are small we were able to get something more suited for our needs without paying extra or even asking.

Absolutely beautiful views of the Snake river. Very friendly and helpful staff member and a history rich visitor center. Miles of hiking paths. The upper loop does have some traffic noise from the nearby highway but fantastic views the lower loop is quieter and some sites have a clear view of the river. I'll be coming back!

A pleasant surprise. Large sites. Many with views of the Snake River. You can hike and fish. The visitor center has a great historical exhibit about the Oregon Trail.