Curlew Campground
4.0944 reviews4350 CLIFFS DRIVE
Curlew Campground
$20.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary by season and include individual sites priced between $20 and $60 per night during peak season. Group sites are available at $80 per night with an additional $40 for weekend use. A $5 fee applies for extra vehicles parked in campsites.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil embrace of Curlew Campground, where the vast expanse of Curlew National Grassland unfolds before you. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers year-round with its diverse camping options—from intimate single-family sites to spacious triple-family areas and accommodating group spaces. Nestled near the shimmering waters of Stone Reservoir, this rustic retreat offers the perfect balance of basic comforts and authentic wilderness charm, inviting you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures.
Curlew Campground accommodates a variety of camping setups, including single sites, a triple-family campsite, and a large group site for up to 200 people.
Historical SignificanceWhile the official records may be silent, the land itself whispers stories of the ages, inviting visitors to create their own legacy of memories in this timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert weather at Curlew, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, though evening winds sweep across the grasslands with a refreshing coolness that makes campfire gatherings all the more memorable. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a serene wonderland, occasionally dusted with delicate snowfall while crisp, freezing temperatures create crystal-clear night skies ideal for stargazing.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 4,700 feet above sea level, Curlew Campground offers visitors a true high desert adventure. This elevated position not only provides cooler temperatures during summer months but also delivers breathtaking vistas and that distinctive, crisp mountain air that makes every breath feel refreshingly pure.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the high desert, where endless skies meet rolling sagebrush plains in a landscape that captures the essence of the American West. While the campground's manicured lawns offer comfortable gathering spaces, it's the surrounding wilderness that steals the show. Bird enthusiasts will discover a paradise here, where the haunting melodies of Sage Thrashers fill spring mornings and majestic Canada geese paint autumn skies. The minimal tree cover means unobstructed views of spectacular sunrises and sunsets that paint the desert canvas in brilliant hues.
Geological RegionCurlew Campground serves as your gateway to the remarkable Curlew National Grassland, a vast ecosystem where ancient geological forces have sculpted an open desert wonderland. Adjacent to the life-giving waters of Stone Reservoir, this unique landscape showcases nature's resilience, with hardy sagebrush communities creating a silver-green sea that stretches to the horizon. This distinctive high desert terrain offers visitors an authentic glimpse into one of America's most underappreciated ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySite 14 is fully accessible with a cement site pad and paved parking spur. Accessible vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites vary from single sites to triple-family campsites and a large group site accommodating up to 200 people.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as open, with limited natural shade and privacy due to sparse tree cover.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 002 offers privacy, Site 014 is accessible, and the large group site is ideal for reunions.
Best CampsitesSite 002 is praised for its spaciousness and privacy; Site 014 is noted for its accessibility and paved parking spur.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Single sites allow one vehicle
- double and triple sites allow two and three vehicles respectively.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 200 people and includes picnic shelters, grills, and a serving table.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes a mix of single-family, triple-family, and group sites, along with accessible vault toilets and gravel parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with peak season running from May 22 to September 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Scan and Pay is available for first-come, first-serve sites.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites are available. Visitors may check the kiosk board for campsite availability and pay using the fee tube.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations, defined as those occurring after midnight one calendar day before check-in, also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Curlew Campground offers opportunities for birding, hiking, horseback riding, and general wildlife viewing. Stone Reservoir adjacent to the campground is restricted to shore fishing due to invasive species, and motorized watercraft are prohibited.
Fishing
Shore fishing is allowed at Stone Reservoir, but no motorized or non-motorized boats are permitted due to invasive species restrictions.Biking
The campground area features off-road vehicle trails that are suitable for biking.Wildlife viewing
Curlew National Grassland provides excellent birding opportunities year-round. Sightings include Sage Thrasher, Vesper Sparrow, and Mountain Bluebird. Sharp-tailed grouse are prominent in spring, and Canada geese are seen in fall.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Water Sports
Water-based recreation is extremely limited. Due to restrictions on watercraft, traditional water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not allowed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings only.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but reviews describe the campground as quiet after sundown.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area has ticks, mosquitoes, rodents, and thorny vegetation. Reviews mention issues with insects and rodents infiltrating camp setups.
Active alertsStone Reservoir is closed to all motor crafts, boats, and watercraft due to invasive species.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 17.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Snowville, Utah, approximately 7 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 to September 20.
Trash and recyclingNo centralized dumpsters are available, and campers are required to pack out their trash. This has been noted as an inconvenience by users.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Stone Reservoir, but access is limited to shore fishing and swimming due to invasive species restrictions.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention dirty restrooms, lack of dumpsters, overgrown areas near the reservoir, insect issues, and maintenance concerns.
HostCampground hosts are generally described as helpful and friendly. Some reviews call them 'legends' while others criticize their handling of maintenance and rule enforcement.
Campground Map
4350 CLIFFS DRIVE
Driving directionsFrom the Snowville, Utah, exit off Interstate 84, drive northwest for 6.5 miles on the paved highway. Then turn left (north) at the Curlew Campground sign, and proceed another half-mile on a gravel road to the campground. From Holbrook, Idaho, travel 24 miles west of Malad, then head south for 7.5 miles on the paved highway. Turn right (west) following the same highway and continue almost 2 miles to the Curlew Campground turnoff. Finally, turn right (north) onto a gravel road and drive a half-mile to the campground.
The route to Curlew Campground is relatively easy for RVs, with a combination of paved highways and a short segment of gravel road. Roads are accessible year-round.Nearby places
Snowville, Utah: approximately 7 miles
Holbrook, Idaho: approximately 10 miles.
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be found in Snowville, Utah, approximately 7 miles away. For more extensive options, visitors may need to travel to larger towns or cities like Pocatello, Idaho.
Camper Reviews
4.1
44 reviews
Curlew Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Curlew Campground are mixed, with some praising the quiet, remote location and clean facilities, while others criticize the maintenance, lack of shade, and mosquito presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets; friendly and helpful camp hosts; quiet and scenic atmosphere; good birding opportunities; accessible sites such as Site 14.
Based on 44 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of centralized trash disposal; presence of rodents; limited shade; maintenance issues like overgrown areas and broken locks on toilets; restrictions on reservoir use.
Based on 44 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring insect repellent due to mosquitoes and ticks. For tent campers, secure your equipment against wind. Pack out all trash as there are no dumpsters.
Based on 44 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring is ideal for birding, particularly for spotting sharp-tailed grouse. Summer can bring mosquitoes and high temperatures, while fall offers quieter stays with good wildlife viewing. Winter...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'A hidden gem, far from the maddening crowd.' - Michael Lewis
- 'Nice enough campground, well spaced, very chatty camp hosts and super well kept vault toilets.' - Madeline Madsen
- 'The reservoir...
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Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 14: Known for accessibility features including a cement pad and paved spur.
- Group area (Site 15): Appreciated for its large pavilion, shade, and water access.
- Site 2: Highlighted for...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Site 14 is particularly noted for its accessibility, featuring a cement site pad and paved parking spur. Vault toilets are also accessible.
Based on 44 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users note the need to be cautious about thistles and rodents when bringing dogs.
Based on 44 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025