Massacre Rocks State Park

4.24

133 reviews

3592 Park Ln, American Falls, Idaho, 83211-5556, United States

Quick Facts

4,291 ft

Price

$25 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Massacre Rocks State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,291 ft

Price

$25 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Massacre Rocks State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Massacre Rocks State Park

$25.00 - $36.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites range from $25 to $36 per night, depending on amenities and season. There is also a $7 Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee (MVEF) per...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

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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Provider

2085482672

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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 133 reviews

552 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the park's scenic beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the clean facilities, well-maintained campsites, and friendly staff. However, there are complaints about proximity to the freeway, maintenance issues, and occasional high winds."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3592 Park Ln, American Falls, Idaho, 83211-5556, United States

Massacre Rocks State Park

3592 Park Ln, American Falls, Idaho, 83211-5556, United States

Driving directionsMassacre Rocks State Park is located off of I-86 at exit #28, 10 miles west of the city of American Falls, Idaho.

Road access is paved and easily accessible, located just off Interstate 86. While nearby reviews mention it's close to the freeway, increasing convenience, some users noted noise from this proximity.

Nearby places

American Falls (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Pocatello (27 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Twin Falls (98 miles, approximately 1.5 hours).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and other essentials can be purchased in American Falls, 10 miles away. The visitor center sells ice, wood, and some items for camping at reasonable prices.

Best Time to Camp at Massacre Rocks State Park

Experience the dramatic beauty of high desert seasons at Massacre Rocks, where summer days bask in golden sunshine while refreshing breezes sweep across the sagebrush plains, offering natural relief from the warmth. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms with cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration. Winter brings a serene quietude to the park, occasionally dusting the ancient rocks with snow and creating a stark, beautiful contrast against the desert terrain. Spring awakens the desert with wildflowers and ideal temperatures, making it, along with summer, the perfect season for outdoor adventures and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season March–September; warm weather and active recreational use in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Pleasant shoulder season with fewer crowds and good hiking conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 11% in ID

Spring is a preferred season with milder weather and reopening of activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but reduced staffing and limited visitor services in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring and summer (March-September) are preferred for optimal weather and seasonal activities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round camping available. Winter months feature reduced staffing and limited hours at the visitor center.
Current Alerts: Limited staffing and operational hours in winter. Some paths and trails may be gated or blocked during holidays.

About Massacre Rocks State Park

Where pioneers once crossed treacherous terrain on the Oregon Trail, Massacre Rocks State Park now welcomes modern adventurers seeking connection with America's frontier heritage. This captivating high desert oasis offers something for every traveler: traditional tent camping for those who love sleeping under the stars, cozy cabins equipped with modern amenities for comfort seekers, and full-service RV sites with water and electrical hookups. Campers discover an unexpected sanctuary of privacy among the park's dramatic rock formations, while breathtaking vistas of the winding Snake River create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

Massacre Rocks State Park accommodates a range of campers with tent, RV, and cabin options. Group camping is also available.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this pivotal Oregon Trail landmark, where the echoes of wagon wheels still seem to whisper across the desert wind. Register Rock stands as a limestone journal, bearing the carved names of pioneers who passed this way over 150 years ago, their hopes and dreams etched forever in stone. Well-preserved wagon ruts cut deep grooves in the earth, testament to the thousands of families who journeyed west seeking new beginnings. Throughout the park, thoughtfully designed interpretive displays and historical trails invite visitors to explore the complex narrative of westward expansion, including the profound impacts on Native American communities who called this land home for millennia before the first wagon arrived.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert seasons at Massacre Rocks, where summer days bask in golden sunshine while refreshing breezes sweep across the sagebrush plains, offering natural relief from the warmth. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms with cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration. Winter brings a serene quietude to the park, occasionally dusting the ancient rocks with snow and creating a stark, beautiful contrast against the desert terrain. Spring awakens the desert with wildflowers and ideal temperatures, making it, along with summer, the perfect season for outdoor adventures and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.

ElevationPerched in Idaho's captivating high desert country, the campground's elevation creates a unique environment where expansive views stretch for miles across the Snake River Plain. This elevated position not only provides stunning panoramic vistas that photographers dream about, but also supports a fascinating ecosystem of hardy desert plants and wildlife perfectly adapted to thrive in this dramatic landscape. The elevation ensures cooler evenings even during summer months, making for comfortable camping conditions and spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Massacre Rocks reads like pages from an ancient geological storybook, where towering rock formations rise from seas of silver-green sagebrush and gnarled juniper trees dot the horizon. The mighty Snake River carves its way through this high desert canvas, creating ribbons of blue that contrast beautifully with the earthen tones of the surrounding terrain. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in spotting American white pelicans gliding gracefully above the water, while careful observers might glimpse sunbathing snakes and colorful geckos among the rocks. As day turns to dusk, the setting sun paints the rock formations in shades of gold and crimson, creating a natural amphitheater of color that reminds visitors why this rugged landscape has captivated travelers for generations.

Geological RegionMassacre Rocks sits within the remarkable Snake River Plain, a vast volcanic province that tells a 15-million-year story written in basalt and rhyolite. This high desert wonderland showcases nature's sculptural artistry through its distinctive rock formations, carved by ancient floods and polished by centuries of wind. The characteristic sagebrush steppe ecosystem flourishes here, punctuated by resilient juniper trees that have adapted to thrive in this challenging environment. These geological treasures serve as more than scenic backdrops—they're tangible connections to the Oregon Trail era, when these same distinctive landmarks guided countless pioneers through the challenging terrain toward their dreams of a new life in the West.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No precise data provided.

Check-out

No precise data provided.

Stay Limit

Camping limited to designated areas only. RVs are disallowed in facilities like cabins or yurts
other stay limits unspecified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

General review mentions some cabins accommodating 5-6 people
other guest limit specifics are unclear.

Groups

Group sites accommodate multiple vehicles and larger groups
specific limits are unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of upper and lower loops, with cabins and RV sites spaced apart for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be booked online or by contacting the park directly. Phone numbers provided include 2085482672.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome reviews note walk-up availability; however, it is recommended to reserve online or call during winter months for cabins.

Cancellation PolicyNo clear data on cancellation rules; winter reviews recommend contacting the ranger station ahead of arrival due to limited staffing.

AccessibilityADA-accessible cabins and group facilities available; no proof of disability required.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate RVs with pull-through options.

PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced and surrounded by juniper trees for privacy.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews mention site 37 being tight with trees and lower loop sites offering better views and quieter conditions. Cabins are highly rated for comfort and amenities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Massacre Rocks State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, disc golf, and wildlife viewing. The park's historical significance adds an educational element, with Oregon Trail wagon ruts and a visitor center showcasing local history.

HikingSeveral hiking trails of varying difficulty are available, including the Wagon Rut Trail and trails along the Snake River. Trails feature unique rock formations and historical landmarks.

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 along the Snake River, which is known for bass. Some areas are more accessible than others.

BikingOpportunities for biking along access roads and trails.

BoatingThe park includes a boat launch ramp and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Rentals are available for non-motorized boats.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Some visitors report seeing pelicans and snakes.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnake sightings are common in warmer months. Other risks include ticks, high temperatures, and uneven terrain. Visitors are recommended to wear appropriate footwear and remain cautious.

Active AlertsLimited staffing and operational hours in winter. Some paths and trails may be gated or blocked during holidays.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only in designated fire rings. Collection and burning of downed limbs are permitted within these rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital: Power County Hospital in American Falls (approximately 15 minutes drive). Police and ranger station contact information not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection available; recycling facilities unspecified.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to the Snake River with access points for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Some campsites and cabins offer river views.

Camp HostSeveral reviews praise the campground hosts for being friendly, helpful, and maintaining the facility's cleanliness.

Weather at Massacre Rocks State Park

Reviews

4.2

133 reviews

Satisfactory

Massacre Rocks State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's scenic beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the clean facilities, well-maintained campsites, and friendly staff. However, there are complaints about proximity to the freeway, maintenance issues, and occasional high winds.

Review Summaries

Based on 133 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, historical landmarks, clean facilities, variety of recreational activities.

Based on 133 reviews

Common Concerns

Proximity to freeway noise, maintenance issues with showers, high winds, and occasional snake sightings.

Based on 133 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites in the lower loop for less freeway noise. Bring essentials when staying in cabins. Summer months can be hot, so plan accordingly.

Based on 133 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Hot weather, high activity. Winter: Quiet, limited staffing.

Based on 133 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views of the Snake River were incredible." "The bathrooms are clean, but showers need fixing." "Loved the disc golf course and historical displays."

Based on 133 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users recommend the lower loop for less highway noise. Site 32 noted as tight; lower loop sites offer better views.

Based on 133 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible cabins and facilities praised. No additional details provided.

Based on 133 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets allowed but must be leashed. Some reviews mention the presence of snakes, which could be a concern for pet owners.

Based on 133 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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