Shafer Butte

Star3.77
13 reviews
3080 Industrial Way

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open June 15 to Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Boise National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Shafer Butte
$10.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range between $10 for overnight walk-in sites and up to $75 for group picnic areas. Reservation fees may include a non-refundable service fee of...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
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
208-587-7961
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What Campers Say

3.77

Mixed Reviews

Based on 13 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

Some mention

small

"User reviews for Shafer Butte are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.57. While some appreciate the scenic views and convenient location near Boise, others criticize the lack of signage, privacy, and water facilities."

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Campground Map

3080 Industrial Way

Shafer Butte

3080 Industrial Way

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel along Bogus Basin Road for approximately 20 miles. The last three miles are on a gravel road. Turn right (east) on the signed gravel road and travel just over a mile to the campground and picnic area.
Access involves paved roads for the majority of the journey, with the last three miles on gravel. User reviews indicate challenging terrain closer to the campground, requiring careful navigation.
Nearby places
Boise (20 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Boise provides access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Shafer Butte

At this lofty elevation, Mother Nature paints with a dramatic palette. Summer brings a delightful paradox of crisp mountain air, where daytime temperatures climb to a refreshing 40°F while nights dip to a brisk 20°F—perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. The high-altitude climate keeps precipitation at bay, though occasional snow flurries remind visitors of the mountain's wild heart. Moderate winds whisper through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and the promise of adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open June 15–Sept 30; popular in summer with crisp days but some sites lack afternoon shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 30); aspens offer fall color but season is short.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 15, so spring camping not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; winter sports occur at nearby Bogus Basin but not here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 15 to September 30 annually.
  • Current Alerts: No running water in the campground due to system failure. Reviews mention lack of notice about restroom issues.

About Shafer Butte

Perched high in the Boise Ridge Mountains, Shafer Butte beckons adventurers seeking an elevated escape. This mountain sanctuary features intimate walk-in campsites where you'll wake to panoramic views of three majestic peaks: Deer Point, Mores Mountain, and the commanding Shafer Butte summit. Whether gathering with friends at the spacious group picnic areas or settling in for the night beside your campfire ring, you'll find yourself immersed in Idaho's high-country splendor. Thoughtfully designed paved pathways wind through the campground, making this alpine retreat accessible while preserving its wild character.
Shafer Butte caters to tent campers with walk-in sites and group picnic areas. The lack of electricity and water facilities suggests a more primitive camping style.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time not provided.
Check-out
Check-out time not provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Shafer Butte offers outdoor activities primarily centered around hiking and biking. The Mores Mountain Trail, a two-mile interpretive nature trail, begins within the campground and is noted as family-friendly. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity.
HikingThe Mores Mountain Trail is a key feature, offering a 2-mile interpretive loop that's family-friendly. Nearby, additional trails at Bogus Basin Recreation Area extend options for both hiking and biking.
BikingMountain biking is popular, with trails like those at Bogus Basin Recreation Area providing additional opportunities.
Wildlife viewingAbundant wildlife inhabits the area, along with summer wildflowers. However, specific species are not mentioned in the available information.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo water system operational; campers must bring potable water. Vault toilets available but may be unreliable during seasonal overflow.
Active AlertsNo running water in the campground due to system failure. Reviews mention lack of notice about restroom issues.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Shafer Butte

Reviews

3.8
13 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Shafer Butte has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Shafer Butte are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.57. While some appreciate the scenic views and convenient location near Boise, others criticize the lack of signage, privacy, and water facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the natural beauty, accessibility to hiking trails, and proximity to Boise. One said, 'So gorgeous! We had such a fun time.'
Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include sites being too close together, lack of potable water, inadequate signage, and vault toilets being out of service at times. One user commented, 'The restrooms were...
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Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing adequate water and being prepared for basic facilities, with one noting, 'This site does have a bathroom, but however, no running water anywhere.'
Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season. Some complaints arise about heat and lack of shade in certain sites during hot weather (e.g., 'We stayed at 11, and there was no afternoon shade, so it was very...
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Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'No running water or trash service, so be prepared!' 2. 'Sites are too close together; no privacy.' 3. 'This site does have a bathroom, but no running water.' 4. 'Gorgeous views and great hikes...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 received mixed reviews, being described as clean and quiet but also challenging to locate. Sites #10 and #12 were praised for their views, but their proximity to others was criticized.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users noted that the paved pathways and accessible vault toilets were beneficial. 'Accessible vault restrooms are provided, but there is no electricity.'
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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