The best camping near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

96%

(286)

Country Camping close to town

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Twin Falls, ID

We have 3 acres perfect for tent camping

100%

(18)

City of Rocks RV

29 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Almo, ID

City of Rocks RV offers wide open mountain views at the entrance to the City of Rocks National Reserve. We provide partial hookups (water and electric 20/30/50), "Big Rig" pull-thru sites, Pioneer Bathrooms (rustic outhouse), and the beauty and seclusion of the Silent City of Rocks and the Almo Valley. We also have tent sites available. Enjoy our new enclosed, leash free, dog play area. We are conveniently located just outside the entrance to the Park on the City of Rocks Road. Big Rig access has always been limited in the City of Rocks so we made every site large with pull thru access. Public RV dump station is only 1 mile away. Whether you are here to climb, camp, hike, snowshoe, bird, fish, hunt, stargaze, relax, or all the above, we offer the ideal base-camp. We newly opened April of 2020 and as a result we don't yet have mature shade trees and the landscaping is scattered native grasses. We are continuously working on landscaping improvements to make your future stays even better. New for 2024, expanded wind fences and plug in electric at each tent site! We hope to see you soon!

95%

(10)

City of Rocks Camp & Climb

65 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Almo, ID

City of Rocks RV offers wide open mountain views at the entrance to the City of Rocks National Reserve. We provide partial hookups (water and electric 20/30/50), "Big Rig" pull-thru sites, two self contained restrooms , showers and the beauty and seclusion of the Silent City of Rocks and the Almo Valley. We also have tent sites available.. We are conveniently located right off the main highway. Public RV dump station is only 1 mile away. Whether you are here to climb, camp, hike, snowshoe, bird, fish, hunt, stargaze, relax, or all the above, we offer the ideal base-camp. We are continuously working on landscaping improvements to make your future stays even better. We are building shower and a pickleball court for added essentials. *We are privately owned and not affiliated with the City of Rocks National Reserve.

97%

(208)

City of Rocks Retreat sites 8,9,10

4 sites · Tents5 acres · Almo, ID

The Retreat Juniper Tent/Van sites sit at the base of Green's Mountain nestled among the Junipers and Pinion pines. You will stay just outside the entrance to the City of Rocks National Reserve off the road that connects it to Castle Rocks State Park. Enjoy all the fun of camping under the stars with an amazing secluded location at the entrance to the City of Rocks. Enjoy Rock Climbing, Bouldering, Hiking, Biking, Fishing, and Hot Springs, all within a 5 minute drive! The Park is full all summer but you will have your own quiet base camp 2 minutes away. Sit around the fire pit at night and gaze at the amazing star filled sky. Sites 8, 9, and 10 are all in the same private forested area and great for groups but still separated for plenty of privacy. Each site has a level tent pad, parking area for a car or van (car/van camping ok), and access to potable water, bathrooms, and garbage. We have now added a 15amp plug to each site to provide power for things like phone and laptop charging, air pump, medical devices, or other basics at no charge. Camper vans, or other vehicles that want to plug in to the power will need to pay an additional $5/day electric fee. No EV charging. Parking is allowed right at camp but no vehicles bigger than a van (20ft), and no trailers. No mosquitos here! PET FRIENDLY! This land has been in our family over 100 years. The Retreat has the closest campsites to the City of Rocks.

96%

(14)

Pasture Oasis, Tent & RV Camping 🏔

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Shoshone, ID

Learn more about this land:Welcome to our pasture oasis! Our property is 4 miles down the road from BLM, where you are able to do any outdoor activities you desire. Personally, I love to ride horses and hike there. You may be greeted by horses or dogs on our property, and it's quite possible that you will hear coyotes at night (light sleepers take this into account). If you are a horse or dog lover, you are able to interact with our animals on the property! I am on the property, as well, for any questions/issues/concerns. There is a runoff river that runs through the property but rarely has water. We like to use it for campfires instead! Please reach out with questions and we look forward to your visit!

92%

(39)

Country Flare

4 sites · RVs65 acres · Rupert, ID

Minidoka County Fairgrounds: The fairgrounds are located East of Rupert encompassing an area of approximately sixty-five acres. The grounds includes a rodeo arena, display buildings (antique building, a commercial building, 4-H building), and open air pavilion for livestock shows, family reunions, and other community events. Hidden behind the main grounds is our small and quaint campground in a groomed grassy field. with a spectacular view of Mount Harrison. The Minidoka County Fair held the first week in August and includes a full week of events including entertainment, open class exhibits, food, rodeo, 4-H and FFA livestock shows. Numerous events are held at the fairgrounds throughout the year including Moto-X races, rodeos, auctions, 4-H events. weddings, horseshows, family reunions, and more. Note-Dates have been blocked for these events. We are fortunate to have this multi-purpose facility for use in our community.

The best camping near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge guide

Overview

About

Experience the allure of a Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge camping adventure, located on the Snake River Plain in the heart of south-central Idaho. This expansive refuge, situated just 12 miles northeast of Rupert, encompasses 80 miles of captivating shoreline surrounding Lake Walcott. Extending upstream for roughly 25 miles from Minidoka Dam, the refuge offers a diverse array of landscapes to explore. Lake Walcott introduces a unique dimension to your camping trip, with its waters reflecting the untouched beauty of the Idaho wilderness. Beyond the stunning lakeside view, a host of outdoor activities await to complement your Minidoka camping experience. Whether you are an angler seeking the thrill of the catch, a birdwatcher with an appreciation for avian diversity, or a hiker ready to traverse the scenic trails, this refuge provides an idyllic backdrop for your pursuits. Camping near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge provides an immersion into the serenity and splendor of south-central Idaho's natural landscape. This unique location promises an unforgettable outdoor experience, marked by abundant wildlife, captivating views, and endless adventure opportunities.

When to go

The best time to visit Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migrations, when the area teems with birdlife. Summer brings nesting pelicans and grebes, while winter offers a quiet, frosty landscape. Avoid peak summer heat for the most comfortable experience.

Know before you go

Check the weather before your visit, as conditions can vary in this semi-arid region.
Be aware of wildlife, especially during nesting and molting seasons when disturbances are minimized.
Access to certain areas may be restricted to protect habitat and species; obey all signage.
While the refuge is open from dawn to dusk, Lake Walcott State Park has its own hours and fees.
Remember to bring water and sun protection, as amenities are limited in the refuge's natural setting.