Camping near Burley, Idaho provides access to diverse terrain ranging from riverside sites at 4,200 feet elevation to mountain forest campgrounds above 7,000 feet. The area experiences temperature variations of up to 30 degrees between lower and higher elevation sites during summer months. Road access to mountain campgrounds typically opens in late June with most higher elevation sites closing by mid-October due to snow.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Cleveland offers excellent trout fishing in crystal clear alpine water. A camper noted, "We could see fish swimming among the rocks from 20' above on the road! Walking down to the lake there were even more trout than we had initially seen" (Lake Cleveland - East Side).
Wildlife viewing: Free-range cattle often share the mountain camping areas with visitors. "High elevation experience with mountain and lake views. Might even see free range cattle in the area!" reports one visitor to Lake Cleveland. During evening hours, deer frequently visit campgrounds at lower elevations.
Wildflower hikes: Bennett Springs features creek-side trails through meadows with seasonal wildflowers. A visitor shared, "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" (Bennett Springs).
Waterfall swimming: The area offers unique swimming holes not mentioned in tourist brochures. A visitor to Cauldron Linn noted, "Swimming in the pools near the waterfall made the trek so worth it" (Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed). These natural pools form in the volcanic rock formations along the Snake River.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds near Burley offer affordable camping. Murtaugh Lake Park provides water-view sites at minimal cost. As one camper mentioned, "Can't believe tent spots are $5/night and RV with hookups is only $15" (Murtaugh Lake Park Campground).
Riverside camping: Sites along the Snake River provide water access and scenic views. A visitor to Milner Historic Recreation Area shared, "Incredible river views. Secluded in Muskrat Bend section. Lots of birds. Pit toilet clean and well stocked, even at the end of the holiday weekend."
Food delivery: Village of Trees RV Resort offers a unique service where campers can have meals delivered directly to their site. A reviewer noted, "They have a grill which will deliver breakfast, lunch or dinner to your site" and another mentioned, "Staff super friendly. All campsites shaded and campgrounds were well kept. Many amenities, including food delivery."
Cell service in remote areas: Several higher elevation campgrounds offer surprisingly good connectivity. At Thompson Flat Campground, a camper reported, "You are in direct line with a tower on another mountain peek to the East and we got excellent signal for both cell and tv" (Thompson Flat Campground).
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Cauldron Linn requires careful driving. A camper advised, "Great place if the road in wasn't so sketchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way!"
Weather preparedness: Summer mountain camping requires preparation for sudden temperature changes. Thompson Flat's elevation brings cooler temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms are common between July and September.
Seasonal insect activity: Several campgrounds experience seasonal insect issues. At Lake Walcott, a camper observed, "There were non-stinging flying insects all up in our face and flying up our nose. We got a few Mosquito bites but nothing above normal for a summer evening" (Lake Walcott State Park Campground).
Site spacing: Campground layouts vary significantly in terms of privacy. At Lake Cleveland East, a camper noted, "It's a very nice campground with reserveable sites but those that can be reserved are very close."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water areas: Certain riverside camping areas offer safer water access for children. At Heyburn Riverside RV Park, "There is a nice riverwalk/Park next to the campground. The campsites are nicely spaced apart."
Mountain camping alternatives: When higher elevation sites are still snow-covered in early summer, Bennett Springs provides a family-friendly alternative. A visitor explained, "When we can't get to the top of Mt. Harrison because there's still snow there, but we're itching to go camping, we come to Bennett Springs. 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."
Wildlife education: Lake Walcott provides opportunities for wildlife observation in a managed setting. A camper explained, "The park is a wild life refuge so we saw Deer and Racoons at night. We kept all food items in out car to avoid issues."
Watering schedule awareness: Some campgrounds run automatic sprinklers regardless of tent placement. A Murtaugh Lake camper cautioned, "Grass is green - which is great unless you are in a tent when they water Monday-Thursday then you'll either enjoy the sprinklers or run for cover."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At several campgrounds, utility placement requires planning. A visitor to Heyburn Riverside noted, "Utilities are placed more to the back of the space and worked fine with great water pressure so use a reducer. However, sewer is placed well back so you may need 15' to 20' of sewer hose."
Bridge clearance caution: Some access roads have low clearance restrictions. A Milner Historic Recreation Area visitor warned, "Don't go in the east entrance due to 11ft bridge over the road."
Site borders: Concrete edging at some campgrounds requires precise parking. A reviewer at Heyburn Riverside explained, "Both the back-in and pull throughs have cement borders so you have to be fairly precise getting in."
Pull-through convenience: Village of Trees RV Resort offers easy access for larger rigs. A camper reported, "Just what we wanted with our first night with a 36 foot RV Class A. Simple pull thru with clean facilities. Given its location - perfect overnight stop."
