How much does camping cost at Porcupine Springs?

Camping fees at Porcupine Springs range from $10-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Porcupine Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Porcupine Springs 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 Porcupine Springs before I book?

Yes! Porcupine Springs has 8 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 Porcupine Springs?

Porcupine Springs is open May 22 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 Porcupine Springs?

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

Can I have a campfire at Porcupine Springs?

Fire policies at Porcupine Springs: 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.

How many campsites does Porcupine Springs have?

Porcupine Springs has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Porcupine Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Porcupine Springs. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Porcupine Springs?

Porcupine Springs offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Porcupine Springs?

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

Porcupine Springs

4.31

85 reviews

3560 S Overland Ave, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA

Tent Camping

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,950 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

May 22, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Minidoka Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,950 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

May 22, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Minidoka Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Porcupine Springs

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double S&P: $14.00; Double Site: $14.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $75.00; S&P Single: $10.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$75.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-678-0430

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3560 S Overland Ave, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA

Porcupine Springs

3560 S Overland Ave, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA

Nearby places

Hansen (31 miles), Burley (null miles)

Weather at Porcupine Springs

Current alerts(3)

Click here for more information on the Sawtooth National Forest
Due to a new well installation for the Rock Creek water system, there will be no water available until August 31th, 2019. Please plan accordingly and bring all the water you will need for your stay.
Idaho OHV Safety Message

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Springs

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather—expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s—so trails are snow-free and long daylight hours make hiking, biking, fishing, and stargazing ideal. This is when wildflower displays and active wildlife viewing peak and the campground facilities are fully open (May 22–Sept 30). Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August and be mindful of afternoon thunderstorms and seasonal wildfire restrictions. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Primary season: trails snow-free, wildflowers peak; busy weekends bring noise and maintenance issues.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 22, 2025 - September 30, 2025

About Porcupine Springs

Porcupine Springs sits in Sawtooth National Forest near Burley, managed by the Minidoka Ranger District. This small mid-elevation campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets and potable water, serving as a base for hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The setting draws families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking forest access, though ATV traffic can bring noise.

Porcupine Springs Campground provides options for individual tent and RV camping as well as accessible group camping sites. Some sites are reservable, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather—expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s—so trails are snow-free and long daylight hours make hiking, biking, fishing, and stargazing ideal. This is when wildflower displays and active wildlife viewing peak and the campground facilities are fully open (May 22–Sept 30). Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August and be mindful of afternoon thunderstorms and seasonal wildfire restrictions. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6950 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense pine and aspen stands cover the terrain at this elevation. Wildflowers bloom in summer. Indian paintbrush, lupine, mountain daisies. Moose wander through at dawn and dusk frequently enough that reviewers mention them. The forest feels thick overhead, filtering light through branches. You're in legitimate mountain country here, with the kind of scenery that justifies the drive in.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations at Porcupine Springs Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs offered at Porcupine Springs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during any single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each single-family campsite accommodates a number of guests (exact number unspecified).

Groups

The campground contains three large group sites that each accommodate up to 50-100 people. Group sites on Loop C include corrals for horses.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including its app and contact center.

AccessibilityGroup sites are described as accessible, and the campground facilities appear to have accessible vault toilets and trails.

Site SizeSeveral single-family campsites are available alongside three large group sites accommodating up to 50-100 people in each. Specific campsite sizes for tents or RVs are not detailed.

PrivacyReviews are mixed regarding privacy: 'Great tent spot private and it was just fun 🤣,' but others complain about campsites being close to each other and the road.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites with forest backing for privacy. Group sites accommodate large parties and offer horse corrals.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend the group sites (Loop C and Loop D) for amenities and space, especially if you're bringing horses. One reviewer called a tent site "private and fun," but others complain that sites sit close to each other and the road. Arrive early if you want a non-reservable site with more buffer.

Need help booking Porcupine Springs?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Porcupine Springs Campground offers both group and individual family sites, equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, grills, and utility tables. Vault toilets and drinking water spigots are available throughout the campground. Roads and parking spurs are gravel. Accessible facilities are present, and a campground host is located on-site. Reviewers have praised the picnic tables and firepits but noted issues with trash disposal and restrooms during busy times. Firewood is not explicitly mentioned as being available for purchase.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Porcupine Springs offers a rich variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Reviews highlight the area’s suitability for ATV riding and horseback camping, as well as opportunities to observe moose and other wildlife.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned; vault toilets are the primary restroom facilities at Porcupine Springs.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

85 reviews

Satisfactory

Porcupine Springs is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Porcupine Springs highlight its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and wildlife sightings but also raise concerns about campsite management and noise from ATVs. Sentiment averages 4.0588235294117645 for campground-specific reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the campground’s scenic setting, privacy in some sites, abundant wildlife, clean vault toilets, and suitability for outdoor recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, and ATV...

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes issues with campsite reservations not being enforced, trash left by campers, noise from ATVs and parties, and maintenance problems such as lack of water and toilet supplies...

Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group sites receive frequent praise for cleanliness and suitability for large groups. Individual sites like Campsite 15 and Loop D see mixed reviews due to issues like proximity to roads and slanted...

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions from users include arriving early to secure non-reservable sites, bringing water during dry periods, and packing out all trash. Quotes: 'Be aware you’ll drive a couple miles on gravel to...

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying warm weather and blooming wildflowers. However, peaks in visitor numbers lead to noise complaints and maintenance challenges. Winter data is...

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes: 'We camp with a large group every year and love the group sites at Porcupine Springs Campground.' 'Had an amazing experience. Encountered a mama and baby moose drinking from a puddle.'...

Based on 85 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are praised for group sites and vault toilets, though no specific details from disabled campers were shared.

Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Porcupine Springs is described as dog-friendly by reviewers. Quotes include 'Dog friendly' and 'Little dogs barking at everything.'

Based on 85 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a family-friendly forest base for hiking and wildlife viewing without needing full hookups.

Skip if

You're sensitive to ATV noise or need a camp host and trash service on-site.

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Campgrounds

Sawtooth National Forest

Porcupine Springs

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Porcupine Springs sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Porcupine Springs Campground is a developed campground composed of 12 individual units and 3 group units. One group area can accommodate up to 100 people and 1 group area can accommodate up to 50 people. This is a fee campground and reservations are required for group camping only. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the campground entrance. This area is suitable for trailer and tent camping and it is accessible for a season that varies usually between June and September. Campground amenities include water faucets, toilets, and an accessible Stock Transfer Station. Little Fork Trailhead (#163) is located at the campground and is an easy multi-use trail that accesses an extensive trail system. There is an additional trailhead at the end of Forest Road 504. Loop A is composed of 4 single and 2 double sites and one 2 unit toilet. Loop B is composed of 3 single sites, 3 double sites, one 2 unit toilet, and a horseman area. Loop C is composed of 3 single and 3 double sites and one 2 unit toilet. Loop D is composed of 18 new family units with faucets, and two 2 unit accessible toilets. The parking lot can accommodate up to 8 RVs.</p>

Open Season: May