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The best camping in Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, ID

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Discover the serene beauty of Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge.  

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • City of Rocks RV
  • City of Rocks RV
  • City of Rocks RV

City of Rocks RV

97%
(36)
42mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 29 sites · Tents, RVs · Oakley, 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 now have free wifi. Seasonal heated outdoor shower is free to guests May-October. 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 hope to see you soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
  • City of Rocks Camp & Climb
  • City of Rocks Camp & Climb
  • City of Rocks Camp & Climb

City of Rocks Camp & Climb

89%
(18)
41mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 65 sites · Tents, RVs · Almo, ID
City of Rocks Camp and Climb offers big spaces located off the main highway across the street from the City of Rocks National Reserve Headquarters. We are centrally located between the City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. We offer back in partial hook-up (power (20/30/50) and water) spots, pull through dry camp spots and tent spots. We have two self- contained toilets and showers and free Wi-Fi. 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 privately owned and not affiliated with the City of Rocks National Reserve.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night
  • 🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕
  • 🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕
  • 🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕

🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕

91%
(32)
17mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Heyburn, ID
The River Lodge Resort property is just under 4 acres on the river with 200 feet of river frontage. There is a dock for guest use and a shallow area with stairs to it for wading and kayak/Paddleboard launch. There are lifejackets, towels, chairs and tables in the small barn by the river for guest use. Lots of pine trees for tent camping and plenty of gravel area for RV parking. There are two private homes on the property as well (owners and guest house). Learn more about this land: Riverside camping has 200 feet of river frontage. You can camp away from the river’s edge & enjoy playing in river some terrain is sloped. Loose gravel RV parking also available. There is one outdoor, half bathroom (no shower). We have a dock available for guest use. We have three kayaks and two paddle boards available for guest use as well as lifejackets. No lifeguard on duty! There is a designated fire pit by the river. Sunsets are beautiful and mornings are peaceful, afternoons sound like a little bit of a party with all the boats on the water. You definitely get the feeling you’re on vacation here. Close to City of Rocks, mountainous bike trails, side-by-side riding, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, golf course just across the river and plenty of water sports. No boat launch on property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night
  • View outside the cabin
  • Hales Hideaway
  • View outside the cabin

Hales Hideaway

100%
(16)
36mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Lodging · Oakley, ID
Learn more about this land: Oakley is a Great town to visit. Oakley features Victorian style houses built in the 1800s which are very amazing to look at. There’s also a great new swimming pool and park to visit with a playground. We are also located 15 minutes away from the world famous City of Rocks National Park and Castle Rocks National Park. We have beautiful sunsets almost every night. We also are 10 minutes away from the Oakley Reservoir which has great fishing and kayaking there’s plenty of mountain roads to adventure on and see wildlife.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$81
 / night
  • Rock Wren Hideway
  • Rock Wren Hideway
  • Rock Wren Hideway

Rock Wren Hideway

100%
(3)
33mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 6 sites · Lodging · Elba, ID
READY TO CAMP WITHOUT THE HASSLE?Our staff at Rock Wren Hideaway is here to take care of the details so you can play your heart out! Our campground is an idyllic stretch of southern Idaho and we aim to take care of the necessities so you can be free to experience the gorgeous natural scenery and more fully and deeply connect with your loved ones. Come see why Rock Wren Hideaway is a great place to spend some time away from it all.
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$113
 / night
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Stories from the community

City of Rocks RV
M
Melissa
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to City of Rocks RV
The location was really close to the park entrance. Owner was super friendly and I was able to plug my motorcycle trickle charge in at the tent site since they provide 15amp plugs. I'd totally stay again when I come back to the area.
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City of Rocks RV
N
Nicole
October 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
1 night at City of Rocks RV
Amazing! Beautiful location, extremely well maintained, the facilities were super clean. The host was responsive and they sold wood.
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Rock Wren Hideway
L
Lisa
October 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Rock Wren Hideway
Rock Wren is absolutely beautiful! The tent feels luxurious with lots of personal touches to help guests feel comfortable. The night we spent was really cold, and the hosts provided extra blankets. We were super cozy. Would love to come back!
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City of Rocks Camp & Climb
J
Joshua
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to City of Rocks Camp & Climb
Nice spot to camp when driving in late at night. I would stay there again. Easy to find once I knew it was across the street from Rock City Pizza.
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Country Camping close to town
B
Brittany
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With kids
Weekend Trip to Country Camping close to town
Cute property, great hosts and communication! We just stayed for a quick overnight and it was perfect! Thank you again!
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Country Camping close to town
C
Coral
October 2025
16 ft car
2 nights at Country Camping close to town
Great hospitality and communication! We received not only a warm greeting, but also a basket of delicious farm-fresh eggs.
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Country Camping close to town
B
Bridget
September 2025
16 ft car
Weekend Trip to Country Camping close to town
I was just passing through on a road trip. It was a nice and safe place to stay for the evening. Directions were clear.
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City of Rocks RV
N
Nicole
September 2025
24 ft travel trailer
With kids
3 nights at City of Rocks RV
Really quiet! Super dark which made for great stargazing. They have decent WiFi while there is no reception around…
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Country Camping close to town
C
Carey
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Country Camping close to town
This spot was easy to get to and instructions were spot on. Communication was good. If you are looking for something more remote this isn’t your place, but I was on a cross country trip home and it was a great place to crash.
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City of Rocks Camp & Climb
L
Lisa
September 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Weekend Trip to City of Rocks Camp & Climb
Well laid out, we moved to smaller site once we arrived. Great views, easy set up, great showers. Steve, the host, helped us find our way in the dark on late arrival and came over to make sure we got hooked up ok. Highly recommend- right next door to city of rocks.
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Country Camping close to town
Avatar
Kyler
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Country Camping close to town
Very nice, only complaint from my friends were bugs, but to be expected when there’s land and they have horses. Put out a citronella candle and your good!
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City of Rocks RV
L
Lauri
September 2025
Tent
1 night at City of Rocks RV
Very, very close to City of Rocks and an excellent, quiet campsite. There is a shower area for campers to use. I would camp there again!
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Country Camping close to town
C
Caroline
September 2025
Tent
1 night at Country Camping close to town
Great stay!! Easy peasy. Nice place. Warm and communicative host. Would stay again for sure!!
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Country Camping close to town
L
Lola
August 2025
Tent
1 night at Country Camping close to town
We loved spending the night here!! It’s super accessible, easy and safe.. we had some car troubles and had to extend our trip. They were super accommodating and quickly responded. 10/10 would come back again!
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Country Camping close to town
K
Kelly
August 2025
Tent
1 night at Country Camping close to town
Linda was so friendly and helpful! The site is also very easy to get to and quiet, except for the occasional goat sounds! Very safe and very beautiful!
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City of Rocks RV
D
Dylan
August 2025
43 ft fifth wheel
With pets
1 night at City of Rocks RV
We were able to fit out 43ft 5th wheel in no problem. Outhouses were clean, their is 24hr gas or diesel nearby attached to a general store. Would stay again.
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🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕
R
Ryan
August 2025
20 ft campervan
With kids
3 nights at 🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕
Eric and his wife were great hosts. Beautiful green grass and on the river. The fishing off the dock is great. I will definitely be staying here again as long as it’s on Hipcamp! Swimming was amazing.
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Country Camping close to town
N
Nick
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Country Camping close to town
Great camping spot, dog, friendly, host was wonderful and communicated well five stars
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Country Camping close to town
Avatar
Trevor
August 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Country Camping close to town
This was a great place for a quick overnight as we roadtripped through the Twin Falls area. The offering of a bathroom and water was really nice. The space was flat for a tent. We enjoyed playing with one of the cats, who was very friendly. The goats were fun, and quiet at night. For directions, using the address via copy/past was correct in Google Maps but for some reason the loaded link through Hip Camp took as a way that ended at a different farm (could have been user error on our part!)
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Country Camping close to town
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Krystal
August 2025
Tent
With kids
1 night at Country Camping close to town
Shane was really sweet. And very welcoming. The kids enjoyed the Goats and Chickens.
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Top-rated campgrounds

  • Bring boots for the dogs, the desert ground is not always friendly.
  • Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔
  • Bring boots for the dogs, the desert ground is not always friendly.

Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔

95%
(30)
50mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Shoshone, ID
Welcome to Brasil Beef high desert pasture 🏜️ 🌵 Our property is 4 miles from BLM, 5 miles from the Mammoth caves and 10 miles from the Ice Caves. You may be greeted by horses, cattle or dogs on our property, and it's quite possible that you will encounter snakes 🐍 and hear coyotes at night (light sleepers take this into account). We do not have designated areas but, please don’t block the turn around area to the far south, please park wherever you desire, walk your route as this virgin ground has many rocks. 🪨 If leveling is an issue & you need to block the road, let’s verify we have no other campers coming. There is a runoff river that runs through the property in the early spring but, rarely has water, however, it has amazing lava rock (similar to Black Magic Canyon which isn’t far away); We also like to use it for campfires! Do not drive into the river bottom unless you have 4WD. Please reach out with questions and we look forward to your visit! Check out all of our extras! We raise Wagyu beef & offer liver dog treats, sourdough bread, we often have dozens of eggs on hand from a local chicken farmer and I make tallow lotion with a dear friend! I am happy to help you source anything you may be interested in while in our little community! 🚌-40ft+ Class A motorhome, traveling East down the 520N you need to turn left on the gravel road (North 250E) and right on 670N-at the stop sign turn right on 3 mile rd E and it will connect you to 520N where you will turn left into the property as the gate is angled to enter this way.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$19
 / night
  • Country Camping close to town
  • Country Camping close to town
  • Country Camping close to town

Country Camping close to town

96%
(322)
48mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · Twin Falls, ID
We have 3 acres perfect for tent camping
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
  • Country Flare
  • Castle of Rocks -44 mi
  • Country Flare

Country Flare

92%
(50)
9.8mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · RVs · 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.
Pets
Trash
from 
$25
 / night

The best camping in Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, ID 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.
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Top national wildlife refuges near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Camas National Wildlife Refuge
Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge

Top parks near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Golden Spike National Historic Site
Burley Field Office
Antelope Island State Park
Hyrum State Park
Grand Teton National Park
Fossil Butte National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Catherine Creek State Park

Top points of interest near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Bald Mountain
Banbury Hot Springs
Fall Creek Falls
Mesa Falls
American Fork Canyon
Baker Lake Trail
Black Canyon
Bridal Veil Falls

Top cities near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Idaho Falls
Blackfoot
Driggs
Brigham City
Salt Lake City
Eagle Mountain
Provo
Bozeman

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