City of Rocks Campground — City of Rocks Natural Reserve

This is a great campground. All the 65 sites are spread out throughout the park. So you will have some sort of awesome rocks near your site. I felt like a kid in a huge playground. Sites are small. No trailers over 25’. No cell service.

We rolled in just for a night and I was pretty blown away by how beautiful the landscape is! Our map took us to the western entrance but we barely made it far down the road it was so gravely and wavy, our little trailer wasn’t handling it well. So we had to backtrack and drive an hour around the park to the other entrance. Only complaint is it was super difficult to find the pay station. We drove around a while looking for it. The views and little hike we took was awesome and we will definitely be back!

This place is unreal. We entered through the Western entrance and didn’t see a single soul the entire stay until we were driving out. The campsites are huge, and every one is unique. Depending on the type of lodging you have you’ll want to double check. We stayed in 38 (I can’t recall but it was in the high 30s) but it’s right by the famous window arch. We have a RTT and just backed up as close as we could to the camping area.

There’s bathrooms in the larger parking lots, and no amenities that are we could find. But the VIEWS from the upper campsites are amazing. You can literally walk right out onto the rocks! We had to keep an eye on the dog but he was fine. Highly recommend this place.

We only have one night here but what an amazing day. Huge assist to the perfect weather and lack of wildfire smoke, but the landscape of granite towers and ridges is a a nearly endless playground for all abled bodies to climb and explore. My kid brought her Bam Bam Flintstone and fit right in. Each campsite is thoughtfully placed within the park and most appear to have a perfect amount of privacy (we had 14). It’s probably been 20 years since we enjoyed such a great campground experience. Can’t recommend more highly.

I visited City of Rocks last year for a day trip and knew I had to go back to camp this year! It’s an awesome overnight stop if you’re on a road trip or a great little weekend trip if you’re nearby. We didn’t do any long hikes and the hiking opportunities leave a little bit to be desired but the campsites completely make up for it. If you’re a climber you MUST visit - the visitors center sells climbing maps with all the route options and great breakdowns of difficulties, etc. Highly recommend site 043 - it’s about a 200 ft walk from the parking lot but it’s shaded and right next to a perfect rock to climb on to have dinner or watch a sunset overlooking the gorgeous valley and rock faces.

This is my favorite place on the planet. The camp facilities are fairly primitive but there are pit/vault toilets available. I can not express how gorgeous the landscape is or how bright the stars are at night. Our campspot was #22. Not a ton of shade, but excellent views. You have to have cash to put in an envelope at Bath rock to pay for camping. I believe you can also reserve in advance if you are at least 4-5 days out. We slept with van doors open. No noise. No bugs. Just peace and quiet.

Stayed: 5/13/2021

Cost: $14/night plus $10 reservation fee 

Site: 61

Vehicle: Volkswagen Atlas

Equipment: Tent

AT&T and T-Mobile: No Service

This is a very unique campground. Sites are dispersed throughout the entire park, as opposed to being condensed into one central location. It makes for some very unique and private sites - no two alike.

We went for site 61 for two reasons. 1) It was the most private that was remaining, even though 2) it was very close to a bathroom. Most of the sites near bathrooms, were more grouped together. The bathroom itself is less than a 1 min walk from the site. We had one neighbor on the other side of us, but you could only see them if you walked by to go to the bathroom. I think that site 61 could be the most private of all, with site 63 having some of the most beautiful sunset views (pictured).

This site was also nice, because it is tucked-in next to a large rock wall, blocking the wind coming from the north. Do be aware, that Area 7 of the campground (sites 61-64), are at a much higher elevation. Driving to the site from the main part of the park, we climbed over 1,000 feet (up a winding, dirt road), ending at 7,000+ feet. So, the temperature is going to be a little different than it is when you’re checking the weather in Almo. It was about a 10º difference when we were there.

Overall, this is a very nice campground with a fire ring and picnic table. All pictures are from Site 61, with the exception of the sunset from Site 63.

#DareToEverywhere

Very good camp area. Great views.

Be careful which site you book. Many are walk in tent sites or don’t have room for even a sprinter van. We had site number 29 which was beautiful. Definitely recommend staying in the 1-30 sites. Many back up to rocks but all are very different.

I spent one night in the City of Rocks National Reserve Campground. Nabbed spot 15 - the best one I saw - which had fantastic views from the front and back of my campervan. Sweeping view of valley and mountains beyond from the front, massive rocks through the window over my bed. There is a picnic table and fire ring on the nearly level site which is also very private, tucked away as it was between large rocks.  I camped in February so I could have been the only camper in the park that night, though there are campsites extending up the main road for what must be half a mile, so there is room for many campers both RV and tents. I saw no one other than the ranger during my stay. The bathroom is a pit toilet, very clean and supplied with paper. There are no amenities like power or water at the site. I left my campervan parked and hiked all around the reserve. Million dollar views for dollars a night.

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.

It was interesting to see the emigrants' names on the rocks and imagining them arrive in this small valley of strange formations. I always wonder how we might better tell the stories of these migrations along with the competing stories of Indigenous First World People who had lived among them for so long and who lost their lives and land in these areas.

All this is to say, it's a wonderful park with gorgeous views. Check the weather, of course, because we were told it was hot, hot, hot just the week before but for some reason it was a reasonable 80 and below for our one night there.

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!

Beautiful sites with many areas to rock climb. Pit houses don’t stink too bad. Good tent sites.

Great family camping. Gets hot in July-August. Lots of hiking and exploring to do. Main recreation activity is rock climbing. Durfee Hotsprings in Almo is a must on any visit. The Outpost for a good burger or Rock City for pizzas.

I have camped here a couple of times here it is very windy and can be cold. The most recent time I went there was a huge storm. Nice camp sites some are secluded whilst others are a little to close for comfort. There is some nice rock climbing.

First off there are bathrooms scattered throughout the campsites.  Some are in groups some are isolated.  A few of the isolated campsites have decent walks between parking so make sure where your campsite is on the Gov website.

There are 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 mountain project is good place to start planning climbs ie bath rock, breadloaves.

Only $12.50, but no water or showers etc. The sites are sectioned into small groups and spread up through City of Rocks. Some on the sites you have a little walk to. All have fire pits and picnic table.

One of the best no approach climbing areas in the country! We've come here numerous times and never get tired of it. There are bathrooms interspersed throughout and the closest amenities are in Almo. There is also a restaurant in Almo where you can get a burger and beer after a hard day of sending!

This is easily my favorite campground. Ever. The sites are clean and comfortable. All spots are well maintained but still feel organic and don't encroach on the wildlife. I especially like how close the sites are to the climbing, which is the main draw of City of Rocks for me. There is an excellent guide book you can pick up at Rock City in Almo but routes are also posted on Mnt. Project.

Water: There are two places to get water, which is free and tasty. The pump at Bath Rock is my go-to.

Toilets: There are pit toilets, which aren't gross and there is always plenty of toilet paper inside.

Trash: There are trash and recycling cans at Bath Rock.

Cell Reception: I get enough service (Verizon) up on top of Bath Rock to make phone calls.

Other stuff: The rangers are helpful and kind and sometimes there is an artist in residence you can meet up with. If you are a good, responsible camper who cares about protecting beautiful places, I highly recommend this campground! If you are a garbage leaving jerk, you should stay home. If sites are full, there is BLM camping nearby that isn't as pretty but does the trick.

Dry camp that fits for small trailees and tent camping. Larger trailers have limted spots so check dimensions before reserving..Lots of trails nearby. Mountain bike trail as well. Weather can be unpredictable so be prepared for rain and possible storm occasional which makes for amazing skys.

We stayed up by the Breadloaves group camp for a night and was treated to the entire Rockford being lit up by the moon. Being right next to the Breadloaves you have close to 100 routes to choose from with a combo of both traditional and sport.

There's toilets nearby in the parking lot and the trees offer a nice respite from the wind. There are amenities in nearby Almo. The steakhouse has good diner food and Rock City has all your grocery shopping needs! All campsites have fire rings and picnic tables.

BOOK YOUR SITE EARLY! The sites fill up quick there's close to 0% chance you'll get a walking site from May-Oct.

This is a very popular area, but you can still find solitude if you want it. Plenty of activities as well; climb all day, check out Register Rock, or hike the City of Rocks Loop trail around the site to get a little bit of everything. We stayed with our 2 dogs in April, it was definitely warm in the sun, but very cool at night and in the shade. It is high desert, summer months must be stifling!

The sites are nicely spread out, with a few pit toilets and refuse cans between them. Check out the map on the NPS site and make a reservation to ensure you get the spot you want.

Another amazing April camping trip down at City of Rocks. Spent four glorious days hanging out with the old rocks. Head down to the City if you’re looking for some wide open space and solitude, the campground is SO spread out you will never notice if it’s full. City of Rocks is…well rocky, so definitely be prepared to use rocks or other heavy things to help stake out your tents/ezups, which trust me, you’ll want to—the wind and lack of shade make those extra shelters a must! 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. They have trash and recycling by the bathrooms (which are pit toilets but were clean and stocked while we visited!)

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: https://www.nps.gov/ciro/planyourvisit/upload/CIRO-Camping-Brochure-08-28-12.pdf

Some are more remote and some have boulder problems within them. Enjoy!