Lake Walcott State Park provides lakefront camping opportunities located 25 miles from Rupert, Idaho at an elevation of 5,567 feet. The park features waterfront campsites with views of mountains in the distance and serves as a wildlife refuge where deer and raccoons are commonly spotted at night. Water temperatures remain cool throughout summer months, providing relief from southern Idaho's hot desert climate.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: At Castle Rocks State Park, visitors can access numerous hiking paths amid stunning rock formations. One visitor noted, "There's a variety of camping areas spaced out for varying needs. The deer tend to come in in the early evening hours to enjoy the park too and are not very spooked by people."
Visit historic sites: Register Rock near Massacre Rocks State Park preserves signatures from Oregon Trail pioneers. "Be sure to go up to Register Rock up the road! So much history here," recommends one camper. The park also features a visitor center with exhibits about the area's pioneer history.
Fish in Snake River: Anglers can access multiple fishing spots along the riverbanks. A recent visitor mentioned, "Amazing campground and beautiful views. Hardly anyone here! Great fishing in the Snake River." The river provides opportunities for catching bass, trout, and sturgeon depending on the season.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Lake Walcott State Park Campground offers sites with ample space between neighbors. "The space had its own bbq grill, fire pit, picnic table and full hook ups. The park was about 1/3 full and quiet," shared one reviewer who stayed at space #13 with lake views.
Dark night skies: Stargazing opportunities abound at Smoky Mountain Campground. A visitor reported, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple parks in the area serve as wildlife habitats. "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. This is a quiet campground that's away from the noise and hubbub of the cities," wrote one camper.
What you should know
Seasonal facilities: Many campgrounds limit services during off-season months. One visitor to Bennett Springs reported, "Took the long drive up and arrived at the campground at night. Didn't see the snow and almost got stuck. Currently (5/10/24) there is snow blocking the entrance and impassible."
Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent during summer months. "This last time coming through we were struggling with chiggers," warned one Lake Walcott visitor. Another mentioned, "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—the insects go away if you start a smoky fire."
Dam operations: Lake Walcott features dam infrastructure that occasionally creates noise. A camper explained, "As we have seen with COEs, there's a dam between the lake and the river, so when they open or close the floodgates, there's a siren that goes off until the process is completed. We had this happen our first night at 1:00 AM."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Anderson Camp RV Park offers family-friendly water features. "Lots to do for young children with a large playground, two shallow (2-3ft?) small outdoor pools, one with a water slide, putt putt golf, and snack bar," noted one family. The camp provides alternatives to natural swimming areas.
Free life jackets: Lake Walcott State Park provides safety equipment for water activities. A visitor observed, "There are also life jackets provided for those who may not have their own so bring a canoe to enjoy the water." This amenity makes glamping in Rupert, Idaho more accessible for families without complete water safety gear.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain play equipment for children. "It's a nice basic campground, nothing fancy but it's pretty," wrote one visitor about Bennett Springs. Another mentioned, "There was a pretty good park with play equipment for the kids during the midday hours" at Lake Walcott State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: When booking luxury glamping sites near Rupert, Idaho, verify your site can accommodate your equipment. A Castle Rocks visitor advised, "We have bigger RV so some of the spots would not work. Make sure you use the filter to eliminate those with a smaller driveway."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide onsite dump facilities. "There is a dump station located as you enter the CG area," noted a Lake Walcott camper. At Rock Creek, a visitor explained, "There is no dump onsite, but Twin Falls has a free one a mile away, so as long as you plan accordingly, you should be fine!"
Parking challenges: Some primitive glamping areas have limited parking. "Primitive camping requires hauling camping goods to site. No site parking for the tent people. RV parking is good with plenty of room," explained one Lake Walcott visitor, highlighting the importance of planning your setup strategy in advance.
