The best camping in Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, ID

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Discover the serene beauty of Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge.  

Camper favorites near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

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Top-rated campgrounds near Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge

Country Flare

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

🌲 River Lodge Resort 🏕

91%
(32)
17mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night

City of Rocks RV

97%
(36)
42mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 29 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

Brasil Beef RV & Tent Camping 🏔

95%
(30)
50mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 15 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$19
 / night

City of Rocks Camp & Climb

89%
(19)
41mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 65 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night

Heyburn Riverside RV Park

17mi from Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge · 30 sites
Discover the unique charm of Heyburn Riverside RV Park, nestled along the picturesque Snake River, where nature meets comfort. This inviting campground offers 29 full-service sites, including 13 back-in sites, 9 pull-through sites, and 7 pull-in sites, ensuring a perfect fit for every RV traveler. Our dedicated Camp Hosts are conveniently located in sites #12 and #13, ready to assist you during your stay. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including clean and well-maintained showers and restrooms. The park boasts stunning views of the Snake River, providing a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Explore the paved riverfront hiking trail, perfect for leisurely strolls or invigorating walks. For boating enthusiasts, we offer convenient boat slips, making it easy to access the river. Fishing aficionados will be delighted by the exceptional bass fishing opportunities available right from the park. Additionally, the nearby Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center can provide you with information on local attractions, restaurants, and shops to enhance your visit. Please note that Heyburn Riverside RV Park is closed from December 1st through March 1st. We encourage you to drive safely during your travels and look forward to welcoming you soon for an unforgettable experience by the river.

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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