Shafer Butte

Star3.77
13 reviews
3080 Industrial Way
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...
Show more
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
Total Campsite Fees$10.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-587-7961

About this campground

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.
Weather and SeasonsAt 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.
ElevationAt 7,000 feet above sea level, Shafer Butte offers a true high-altitude experience where the air is crisp, the humidity vanishes, and every breath feels like pure mountain medicine. This elevated perch provides natural air conditioning even during summer months, creating an ideal retreat from valley heat. The thin air amplifies colors and sharpens mountain vistas, while cool temperatures persist year-round, making this a refreshing escape for those seeking respite from lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs and quaking aspens create a living cathedral around the campground, their branches offering dappled shade and gentle music as breezes stir the leaves. In summer, wildflower meadows burst into color, painting the landscape with nature's finest brushstrokes. Wildlife thrives in this mountain ecosystem—keep your eyes peeled for deer at dawn and birds of prey soaring on thermal currents. The true stars of the show are the sweeping vistas: three prominent summits frame the horizon while expansive valleys stretch below, creating a 360-degree theater of natural grandeur.
Geological RegionCrown jewel of the Boise Ridge Mountains, this 7,000-foot aerie sits adjacent to the popular Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, offering year-round mountain magic. The landscape tells an ancient story written in Douglas fir forests and aspen groves that shimmer gold each fall. From this commanding height, the geography unfolds like a living map—mountain summits pierce the sky while valleys carve dramatic corridors below. This unique position creates a rich tapestry of ecosystems where wildflowers dance in alpine meadows and wildlife roams freely through diverse habitats shaped by elevation and exposure.
Advertisement

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground and its facilities, including the group picnic areas and vault restrooms, are described as accessible. Paved pathways allow easier access to sites.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite #10 recommended for shade and privacy; site #9 noted for scenic views.
Best CampsitesSite #9 is praised for its views and accessibility. Site #10 offers shade and privacy and is first-come, first-served per reviews.

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.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are clustered close together with paved pathways. Vegetation provides limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 15 to September 30 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come, first-served. Reviews indicate high demand for shaded and private spots such as site #10.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations prior to check-in incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night's fee. Day-use sites forfeited if canceled within 14 days of arrival.

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.
Hiking
The 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.
Biking
Mountain biking is popular, with trails like those at Bogus Basin Recreation Area providing additional opportunities.
Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife inhabits the area, along with summer wildflowers. However, specific species are not mentioned in the available information.
Winter Activities
There is no information available on winter activities at this campground.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.
Advertisement

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires permitted within designated fire rings.
  • Quiet hours not specified.

Hazards

General hazardsNo 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.

Weather forecast

27
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 65%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 3.3 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Mountain Home, Idaho, has emergency services including hospitals and police stations approximately 40 miles away.

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 15 - September 30.
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features directly within the campground.
Common complaintsSites are small and lack privacy due to limited vegetation screening. Navigation challenges, such as unclear signage, are frequently cited.
HostHosts present but reportedly unhelpful according to reviews, especially regarding restroom issues.

Campground Map

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.

Camper 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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

Last updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Idaho

Campgrounds
Boise National Forest
Shafer Butte