How much does camping cost at Shafer Butte?

Camping fees at Shafer Butte range from $20-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shafer Butte first-come first-served or reservation?

Shafer Butte accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Shafer Butte before I book?

Yes! Shafer Butte has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Shafer Butte?

Shafer Butte is open June 15 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Shafer Butte?

Shafer Butte does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Shafer Butte have?

Shafer Butte has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shafer Butte?

Pets are not allowed at Shafer Butte. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Shafer Butte?

Shafer Butte offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Shafer Butte?

Popular activities at Shafer Butte include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Shafer Butte

Q: Can I have a campfire at Shafer Butte?

Fire policies at Shafer Butte: Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.77

13 reviews

3080 Industrial Way

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$20 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open June 15 to Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$20 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open June 15 to Sept...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Boise National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Shafer Butte

$20.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA-$75: $75.00; GROUP PICNIC AREA: $50.00; WALK TO: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-587-7961

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3080 Industrial Way

Shafer Butte

3080 Industrial Way

Nearby places

Boise (20 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive)

Weather at Shafer Butte

Current alerts(4)

Additional day-use picnic sites and campsites are not listed for reservation and are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Click here for more information on the Boise National Forest
Idaho OHV Safety Message
Water system is shut down - no estimated timeline for completion of repair. No potable water available at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Shafer Butte

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Shafer Butte because the campground is officially open (June 15–Sept 30) and trails, meadows, and viewpoints are fully accessible with long daylight and stable weather. Expect daytime highs typically in the 60s–mid-70s°F and crisp nights around 30–40°F, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, and stargazing from 7,000 ft. Wildflower displays and clear panoramic views are at their peak, while crowds are moderate—busy on summer weekends and quieter Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open June 15–Sep 30; wildflowers, pleasant daytime temps and trail access make summer prime season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 15 to September 30 annually.

About Shafer Butte

Shafer Butte sits at 7,000 feet in Boise National Forest, offering high-elevation alpine camping within reach of Mountain Home. This small, seasonally operated campground run by the Forest Service provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for tent and primitive campers. Visitors come for the hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and access to trails and meadows under big skies.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Shafer Butte because the campground is officially open (June 15–Sept 30) and trails, meadows, and viewpoints are fully accessible with long daylight and stable weather. Expect daytime highs typically in the 60s–mid-70s°F and crisp nights around 30–40°F, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, wildflower viewing, and stargazing from 7,000 ft. Wildflower displays and clear panoramic views are at their peak, while crowds are moderate—busy on summer weekends and quieter Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas fir forests and aspen groves cover the slopes, with the aspens turning gold in fall. Wildflower meadows bloom in summer at this elevation. The views span multiple mountain summits and the valley corridors below. Wildlife moves through regularly. Deer, birds of prey, and other species adapted to this high-altitude mix of forest and open terrain. The landscape shifts with elevation and exposure, creating distinct pockets of habitat across the site.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodges or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact limits not provided
reviews suggest campsites are small and may accommodate less than standard limits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground and its facilities, including the group picnic areas and vault restrooms, are described as accessible. Paved pathways allow easier access to sites.

Site SizeSites include tent pads, though some reviewers mentioned they were small. One stated the 'tent pads are smaller' and others noted limited space for larger families.

PrivacyThe campsites are clustered close together, with minimal vegetation providing privacy. One review noted, 'Spots were right next to each other. No privacy.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #10 recommended for shade and privacy; site #9 noted for scenic views.

Best CampsitesSite #9 gets mentioned for views and accessibility. Site #10 offers more shade and privacy and operates as first-come, first-served.

Need help booking Shafer Butte?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Shafer Butte provides a range of basic amenities suitable for hikers, bikers, and campers. While it lacks electricity and potable water, it offers accessible vault restrooms and paved pathways. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and many also feature tent pads. Reviewers frequently noted the absence of water and electricity, with one user advising, "No running water or trash service, so be prepared!"

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. Vault toilets are the only restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no trash or recycling service available, and campers are advised to pack out their waste. "No running water or trash service, so be prepared!" was a common sentiment in user reviews.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate inconsistent cellphone reception, with one reviewer mentioning, "Cellphone signal is in and out throughout the day."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

13 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...

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

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...

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...

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

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Go if

You want summer mountain camping close to Boise with excellent hiking and biking access.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or clear signage for easy arrival after dark.

Nearby Campgrounds

Grayback sits in mid-elevation Boise National Forest near Idaho City, operated by the Idaho City Ranger District. This small seasonal campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike forest trails, fish nearby streams, and watch for wildlife during summer months when crisp mornings give way to warm afternoons.