Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area
4.42205 reviewsEast 500 North, St. Anthony, ID 83445
Quick Facts
Price
$25 - $60/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
48 campsites
Season
Open April 21 to Oct...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$25 - $60/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
48 campsites
Season
Open April 21 to Oct...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectric
Get DirectionsEgin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area
$25.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $60/night for A sites, $30/night for B sites, and $25/night for C sites. RV dump station use costs $10. Day use fees are $5 per...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$60.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$115.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider208-524-7500BLM_ID_UpperSnakeOffice@blm.gov
What Campers Say
4.42
Recommended
Based on 205 reviews
257 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanrestroomsspaciouslocation
Some mention
noise
"User reviews highlight the campground's excellent proximity to the dunes and its spacious sites as major positives. However, there are mixed opinions regarding cleanliness, especially of the vault toilets, and the maintenance of the campground. Some users find the site overpriced given its facilities, while others praise the accessibility and setup for OHV use."
Fees & Passes at Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area
$25 - $60/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Premium Site
Best views or amenities
Stay Limit: 14-day camping limit within a 30-day period.
Cancellation: Cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's rate if made late. Reservations c...
Prices verified December 8, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official BLM Upper Snake Field Office website.
Best Time to Camp at Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area
Time your visit between spring's wildflower blooms and fall's golden light for the most comfortable camping experience. While summer brings long days perfect for extended adventures, be prepared for the desert's intensity – temperatures on the gleaming sand dunes can soar past 100 degrees, transforming the landscape into a shimmering sea of heat. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions with mild days, cool nights, and spectacular sunrises that paint the dunes in soft pastels.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: April 21 to October 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open April 21 to October 13, with reservations available starting June 20.
- Current Alerts: No ongoing alerts are mentioned.
About Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area
Adventure awaits at Egin Lakes Campground, where 48 thoughtfully developed sites welcome outdoor enthusiasts to experience the magic of Idaho's sand dune country. Whether you're bringing your off-highway vehicle for thrilling rides across the nearby St. Anthony Sand Dunes, planning scenic hikes through the desert landscape, or exploring the backcountry on horseback, this well-equipped basecamp has everything you need. Modern amenities include electric hookups at every site, fresh drinking water, convenient RV dump stations, shaded picnic shelters, and classic campfire rings perfect for evening gatherings. Plan ahead by reserving one of the 24 bookable sites on Recreation.gov, or try your luck with the remaining first-come, first-served spots that reward spontaneous adventurers.
The Egin Lakes Campground caters to a variety of campers, offering sites with electric hookups and spacious layouts. It is well-suited for RVs, though tent camping is also supported. Group sites are available, and reservations are possible for 26 of the 48 sites.
Historical SignificanceThese ancient dunes tell a story written in wind and sand, serving as both a natural playground and a crucial sanctuary for desert life. For generations, the area has drawn adventurers seeking the unique thrill of navigating massive sand formations on OHVs or exploring hidden valleys on horseback. Today, this landscape continues its dual role as a recreation destination and an irreplaceable habitat where specialized plants and animals have evolved to thrive in this challenging environment.
Weather and SeasonsTime your visit between spring's wildflower blooms and fall's golden light for the most comfortable camping experience. While summer brings long days perfect for extended adventures, be prepared for the desert's intensity – temperatures on the gleaming sand dunes can soar past 100 degrees, transforming the landscape into a shimmering sea of heat. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions with mild days, cool nights, and spectacular sunrises that paint the dunes in soft pastels.
ElevationPerched at a moderate elevation characteristic of Idaho's high desert, the campground offers a unique vantage point where the dramatic sand dunes meet the surrounding landscape. This positioning creates comfortable camping conditions with cooler evenings and breathtaking views of the towering dunes that rise majestically from the desert floor.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that seems transported from another world – the spectacular St. Anthony Sand Dunes stretch across 10,600 acres of pristine white quartz sand, creating an ever-changing canvas sculpted by wind and time. This mesmerizing sea of sand is embraced by a tapestry of native grasses, aromatic sagebrush, and hardy junipers that provide striking contrast to the pale dunes. Hidden within this unique ecosystem, rare treasures await discovery, including the delicate Saint Anthony evening primrose that blooms nowhere else on Earth, and two endemic beetle species that have made these shifting sands their exclusive home.
Geological RegionSet against the dramatic backdrop of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes on the eastern edge of Idaho's volcanic Snake River Plain, Egin Lakes Campground offers front-row seats to one of nature's most impressive geological performances. These magnificent dunes, composed of pure white quartz sand that sparkles like diamonds in the sunlight, tower between 50 and 400 feet high, creating a dynamic landscape that shifts and flows like frozen waves. This unique geological wonder formed over millennia as ancient winds carried sand particles from distant mountains, depositing them here to create one of the most stunning dune fields in the American West.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites, parking areas, and vault toilets.
Sites SizeSites are noted to be spacious, with most featuring covered picnic areas. Some reviews mention large sites suitable for groups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at sites varies. Some reviews describe sites as being close together, particularly first-come, first-serve areas.
Total Campsites48 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quieter stays, avoid weekends during peak seasons. Sites in the B loop are praised for their spacious layouts.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
14-day camping limit within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum tow vehicle/camper length is 72 feet
Groups
Group sites are available, though specific capacity and vehicle limits are not detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with a mix of double and single sites. Site layouts include concrete pads and steel shade canopies.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 21 to October 13, with reservations available starting June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in Availability22 of the 48 campsites are available for walk-up/first-come, first-served visitors.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's rate if made late. Reservations canceled after check-in cannot be refunded. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Egin Lakes Campground provides access to a wide range of activities including OHV riding, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Its location next to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes makes it a favorite for sand sports enthusiasts.
Hiking
There are opportunities for hiking in the surrounding sand dunes and nearby areas. Specific trail details are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is possible in nearby lakes, although some smaller ponds may contain leeches according to user reviews.Biking
Biking is available, though additional trail specifics are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Reviewers and official sources note opportunities to view wildlife such as sage-grouse, elk, mule deer, and moose. The surrounding habitat also supports other flora and fauna, including unique plants like the Saint Anthony evening primrose.Winter Activities
Winter activities include sledding on the sand dunes, although the campground itself is closed during winter.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not explicitly mentioned. Focus is mainly on OHV and land-based activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 11 PM to 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include high temperatures during summer, speeding vehicles within the campground, and mosquito infestations. The sand paddles of OHVs can be damaged by paved roads.
Active alertsNo ongoing alerts are mentioned.
Weather at Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area
40
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 5.4 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Law enforcement, EMS, and Idaho Air Rescue services are available at the contact station area near the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 21 to October 13
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are limited, with only one trash facility for the entire campground. Reviewers have expressed frustration over the removal of previously dispersed dumpsters, leading to occasional littering issues.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near lakes, with thigh-length water depth suitable for picnics and swimming.
Common complaintsSome user reviews cite cleanliness issues, with bathrooms often lacking toilet paper and occasional garbage accumulation. Noise complaints from vehicle activity are common.
HostThe campground has undergone managerial changes, with recent hosts receiving mixed reviews. Earlier hosts like Sand Crab were positively reviewed for their diligent upkeep.
Campground Map
East 500 North, St. Anthony, ID 83445
Driving directionsFrom US-20 northbound, take the North Rexburg #337 exit. Turn left onto 1900 E. (Salem Highway). Travel 6.3 miles north to the 2nd flashing light (at the 4-way) to St. Anthony Sand Dunes. Turn left and travel 0.85 miles to the split in the road. Stay right, over the railroad tracks and continue on 500 N for 2.9 miles. At the Egin Lakes Access sign, turn right onto the paved access road. From US-20 southbound, take exit #346 (Saint Anthony City Center). Turn right onto Bridge Street and continue through the stop light to West 4th N. Turn left onto West 4th N, which turns into 600 N after you leave city limits. Follow 600 N approximately 3 miles until you reach the intersection with Red Road. Turn left to go to Egin Lakes access or right to the parking and dispersed camping areas along Red Road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, and the last portion includes crossing railroad tracks and following a paved access road. It is located 35 miles north of Idaho Falls.Nearby places
St. Anthony: 8 miles (~15 minutes), Idaho Falls: 35 miles (~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The Pit Stop concession located on-site offers items like repair parts, ice cream, and camper supplies. Additional supplies can be found in St. Anthony (8 miles away), including fuel and groceries.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
205 reviews
Egin Lakes Campground/Day Use Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's excellent proximity to the dunes and its spacious sites as major positives. However, there are mixed opinions regarding cleanliness, especially of the vault toilets, and the maintenance of the campground. Some users find the site overpriced given its facilities, while others praise the accessibility and setup for OHV use.
Review Summaries
Based on 205 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive remarks emphasize the location near the dunes, spacious campsites with covered picnic areas, and the presence of electric hookups. Some reviewers appreciated friendly hosts and clean...
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include unclean bathrooms, lack of consistent trash services, speeding vehicles, noise from OHVs, and occasional unresponsiveness of camp hosts. Several users have noted a decline in...
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own toilet paper and trash bags as supplies may run out. Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers due to OHV noise at night. Ensure vehicles are equipped with the proper safety gear as...
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring through fall is identified as the best time to visit, with summer being particularly busy and hot. Winter visitors have noted the lack of open facilities but enjoyed sledding on the dunes....
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The best part is that it’s the closest place to the big dunes." - Can am x3 Greg
"The vault toilets were out of TP and dirty. Bring your own supplies!" - Oldguy Parker
"Having power and a dump...
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site A-6 is described as spacious and well-maintained, though expensive due to being a double site. Site B-14 has been noted as needing better trash management. Some sites like A-2 are reported to...
Based on 205 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible amenities like vault toilets and parking areas are noted, though no detailed accounts from users with disabilities are available.
Based on 205 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users must keep them on a leash. There are no specific mentions of pet-friendly features beyond general allowance.
Based on 205 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 8, 2025
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