Castle Rocks State Park

Star4.22
123 reviews
729 East Smoky Mountain Drive, Almo, Idaho, 83312, United States

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

$31 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Idaho State Parks site

Official Website
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Castle Rocks State Park
$31.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fees range between $31 and $48 per night. Idaho residents may receive discounted rates. Additional costs include a $7 Motor Vehicle...
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Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$38.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 123 reviews

110 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingsites

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, amenities, and natural beauty. Some concerns include management and infrastructure issues, particularly in the equestrian area. The location's proximity to City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park is frequently praised."

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Campground Map

729 East Smoky Mountain Drive, Almo, Idaho, 83312, United States

Castle Rocks State Park

729 East Smoky Mountain Drive, Almo, Idaho, 83312, United States

Driving directionsTo Smoky Mountain Campground: From Boise take I-84 to exit 216 (Declo); go south on Idaho 77 to Conner Creek Junction, then southwest on the Elba-Almo Road. One half mile south of the visitor center in Almo, turn right (west) onto 3075 South for 500 feet, then turn left (south) onto Smoky Mountain Drive for 1.2 miles to 729 E and campground entrance. From Pocatello and Idaho Falls, take I-86 and I-84 to exit 216 and proceed as above. From Salt Lake City take I-84 to exit 245 (Sublett/Malta) then head west toward Malta. Turn left (south) onto highway 81 for .2 miles to Highway 77, then turn right (west). At Connor Creek Junction, follow directions above toward Almo.
Roads to the campground are paved and accessible year-round, with detailed directions provided from major highways. Seasonal closures may occur for water availability.
Nearby places
Almo (2 miles), City of Rocks National Reserve (6 miles), Malta (approximately 20 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, firewood, and basic camping essentials are available in Almo, approximately 2 miles away. More extensive shopping is over 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Castle Rocks State Park

The campground transforms with each passing season, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring awakens the forest with mild temperatures and wildflower blooms, while summer provides warm, dry days perfect for exploration. Fall paints the landscape in golden hues with crisp, comfortable nights. Winter brings a dramatic change, blanketing the area in snow and plunging temperatures that create a pristine wonderland best suited for the most adventurous cold-weather enthusiasts. Most visitors find the sweet spot between spring and fall, when Mother Nature shows her gentler side.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

May–Oct services (showers, water) available; summer is peak season with full amenities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant weather and is favored by reviewers; full services through Oct.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 11% in ID

Spring brings mild temps and wildflower blooms; reviewers favor spring thru fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter camping possible but only vault toilets; limited services reduce appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Showers, water, and restrooms are unavailable until May 1. Recommended camping periods coincide with peak water availability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Flush toilets and showers are available from May 1 to October, while pit toilets are available year-round. Power is available throughout the year.
  • Current Alerts: Water and restrooms are only available seasonally. Winter closures for water facilities may impact usability.

About Castle Rocks State Park

Nestled within the enchanting Castle Rocks State Park, Smoky Mountain Campground invites you to experience Idaho's wilderness in comfort. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature, offering paved roads, convenient parking, and full water and electrical hookups at semi-private sites. Clean restrooms and refreshing showers ensure a comfortable stay, while the surrounding canopy of Idaho's most extensive pinyon pine forest creates an intimate, peaceful atmosphere that campers consistently rave about.
Castle Rocks State Park accommodates various camping styles, including RV, tent, equestrian, and glamping options. The campground is primarily set up for RVs but does cater to tent campers and equestrians with separate areas.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Reservations are limited to consecutive nights only. Water and restroom facilities are not available year round.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Castle Rocks State Park offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and stargazing. The campground’s proximity to City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park provides additional outdoor activities such as fishing and scenic drives.
HikingMultiple trails with varied difficulty levels are accessible from the campground. Maps of the trails are available for $2. Users have noted that after 3-4 days of hiking, most trails within 20 miles can be covered.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available in nearby City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park. However, details on the types of fish or specific fishing spots are not provided.
BikingMountain biking trails are available, but specific details on trail types and their difficulty are not mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are ample due to the campground being nestled in Idaho's largest pinyon pine forest. Specific wildlife species commonly observed were not mentioned.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNature programs are available onsite, but specific topics or schedules were not detailed.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome hazards mentioned in user reviews include active cattle grazing in the area, which can result in noise and wandering cattle. Additionally, some users note the presence of flies.
Active AlertsWater and restrooms are only available seasonally. Winter closures for water facilities may impact usability.

Weather at Castle Rocks State Park

Reviews

4.2
123 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Castle Rocks State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, amenities, and natural beauty. Some concerns include management and infrastructure issues, particularly in the equestrian area. The location's proximity to City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park is frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 123 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious and private campsites, and excellent hiking trails are commonly praised. The campground's natural beauty and dark skies for stargazing are also highlighted.
Based on 123 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include poor management of equestrian facilities, uneven campsite leveling, and the campground's location being a 10-15 minute drive from major attractions. Seasonal water...
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Based on 123 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend visiting during the reservation season to avoid equestrian area mismanagement. Bringing extra water during colder months is advised due to water shutoffs. Site 35 is mentioned as one...
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Based on 123 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring to fall is the favored camping season due to the availability of water, showers, and flush toilets. Winter camping is possible but limited to vault toilets and electric hookups. Flies are a...
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Based on 123 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The scenery makes up for it.' 2. 'Great RV park to visit City of Rocks & Castle Rocks N.P.' 3. 'Dark skies are great for viewing the stars.'
Based on 123 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 35 is mentioned as being less private and poorly located. Site 36 is noted as sharing space with site 37, making it suitable only for groups.
Based on 123 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is considered adequate for ADA-compliant facilities in yurts, cabins, and group areas. No proof of disability is required.
Based on 123 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. They are prohibited in certain areas, such as beaches, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Based on 123 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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