Rupert, Idaho sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation in south-central Idaho, offering campers access to both high desert terrain and alpine environments. The Snake River Plain dominates the landscape, with camping options ranging from reservoir shorelines to mountain settings. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F during daytime hours with nighttime lows in the 50s, creating significant temperature swings campers should prepare for.
What to do
Water activities at Murtaugh Lake Park: Campers can enjoy boating, fishing, and paddleboarding at this lakeside campground just 30 miles from Rupert. "The lake is beautiful... Really nice sunset over the lake," notes Donna R., who visited recently. Many sites face directly onto the water for easy lake access.
Mountain hiking near Independence Lakes: Visitors seeking higher elevations can explore the trail system at Independence Lakes Campground, located about 40 miles southeast of Rupert. "It's a 2.5 mile hike to the first lake. It inclines all the way up. You are treated with beautiful back country views, met with several switch backs before reaching the first lake," explains Vanessa H. The area features three alpine lakes with fishing opportunities.
Rock climbing at City of Rocks: The City of Rocks Campground offers world-class climbing approximately 60 miles southeast of Rupert. "Main recreation activity is rock climbing," reports Corey K., adding that despite this focus, there's "lots of hiking and exploring to do." Families can also visit historic sites like Register Rock, where emigrants wrote their names while traveling west.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Campers at Smoky Mountain Campground appreciate the well-spaced sites. "Private sites. Clean. Paved, not gravel," reports Nancy C., who visited the campground. Another camper, kristin S., noted "The RV sites are very private and nicely spread out with pine trees in between."
Dark skies for stargazing: Several campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Also, DARK skies!!! A star gazer's dream," enthuses Nancy C. about Smoky Mountain Campground. Layla D. describes their experience: "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."
Clean facilities at free sites: Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp provides clean amenities despite being a no-fee campground. "Clean vault toilets," reports Kelda C., while Kristie C. notes "Clean vault toilets, roads pretty well maintained. Large sites with table and fire ring and quite." The campground offers 13 designated sites with basic amenities.
What you should know
Weather and timing considerations: Some campgrounds have limited seasonal access due to weather conditions. At Bennett Springs, one camper 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."
Limited facilities at remote sites: Many campgrounds near Rupert have minimal amenities. For Pipeline Campground, Brittany D. notes "Having an outhouse is nice, though there was no toilet paper stocked." Similarly, when camping at Twin Lakes, Dana A. explains it's "a trash in/trash out campsite" with "an outhouse but no running water."
Reservation recommendations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. For tent camping at Murtaugh Lake Park, Kelly H. found "I'm the only one here so no issues with personal boundaries" but notes this may not be typical. Free campgrounds like Snake River Canyons Park tend to fill by evening, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Murtaugh Lake Park offers family-friendly water access. "We had our tent right by the lake... The morning view of the lake was a beautiful sight," reports Tuyen V., making it suitable for families wanting swimming and paddling options close to their campsite.
Easy wildlife viewing: Bennett Springs provides creek access perfect for children. Angela S. recommends: "Our favorite site has a little creek right next to it. Great for kids to play in. There's also a trail that goes along the creek which starts at the bottom most campsite." Pipeline Campground offers fishing opportunities with "Lots of sturgeon and 2' long trout swimming right on the riverbank, you can literally see them feet off the shore!" according to Reames C.
Educational opportunities: Twin Lakes Campground near Burley offers geology lessons amid unusual formations. Dana A. reports, "We had a quiet campground nestled in the trees. Just a short walk away brings you to incredible views and cool rock formations." Families can explore these features on short hikes suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: RVers seeking amenities should consider Oregon Trail Campground in Twin Falls. Jeff & Steff note, "This park is a FHU pull-thru site and also has back-in sites. Our site was flat and level and a snap to set up our fifth wheel." However, they caution about pet restrictions: "The only negative for us was that we had to take our pets to the pet area, which was at the far corner of the park."
Horse campgrounds near Rupert, Idaho: Smoky Mountain Campground at Castle Rocks State Park offers dedicated equestrian camping about 60 miles from Rupert. Some sites include special features for horse owners as kristin S. explains: "There are some RV/equestrian sites that have 30/50 amp power and water hookups." The campground provides direct trail access for riders.
Leveling challenges: Pipeline Campground offers riverside RV camping but requires preparation. Reames C. advises: "Sites are not level so I suggest bringing a shovel to dig under one side and blocks for the other side." For big rigs, they warn that "Longer trailers may have turning issues getting back the windy dirt road, but there is a turnaround at the back for anyone with a large trailer."
