Smoky Mountain Campground
4.4749 reviewsCity of Rocks National Reserve/Castle Rocks State Park, PO Box 169, Almo, ID, 83312, USA
Smoky Mountain Campground
$31.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
Hookup Site Fee$38.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $31 per night for tent sites (non-ID residents) to $38 per night for RVs with hookups. An additional $10 reservation fee is applied when booking online.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Idaho's wilderness, Smoky Mountain Campground welcomes adventurers with 38 thoughtfully designed sites that cater to every camping style. Whether you're pulling a large RV through one of our 9 spacious pull-through spots or seeking an equestrian adventure at one of 6 dedicated horse-friendly campsites, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Our commitment to accessibility shines through sites 11 and 24, specially designed for all visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. From May through September, refresh under hot showers and enjoy modern flush toilets, while year-round vault facilities at the equestrian trailhead ensure comfort in every season. Each site comes equipped with 30-amp electrical hookups, seasonal water access, and the camping essentials: fire rings and picnic tables for those memorable outdoor meals under the stars.
Smoky Mountain Campground accommodates various camping styles, including RV camping with electric hookups, tent camping, and equestrian camping in a designated loop.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at this gateway to the legendary City of Rocks National Reserve. Here, massive granite spires stand as silent witnesses to the dreams and determination of thousands of emigrants who passed through on their westward journey. These ancient formations, some bearing the carved signatures of pioneers from the 1840s, create a natural museum where geology and human history intertwine. The surrounding landscape tells stories of Native American heritage, California Trail pioneers, and the enduring spirit of the American West, making every hike a journey through time.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the high desert landscape throughout the year. From May through September, gentle breezes and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for hiking, horseback riding, and lazy afternoons in camp. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons perfect for exploration. Winter transforms the landscape into a quieter wonderland, where occasional snowfall dusts the pinion pines and freezing temperatures create a stark beauty that rewards the hardy souls who venture out during the off-season. While some amenities hibernate during colder months, the raw beauty of the landscape remains accessible to those seeking solitude and adventure.
ElevationPositioned at a gentler elevation than its mountainous neighbors, Smoky Mountain Campground offers a unique high-desert camping experience where the air is crisp but not thin, and summer days bring the warmth of the Idaho sun. This lower elevation creates a longer camping season and makes it an ideal base for those acclimatizing to higher adventures. While summer afternoons can sizzle with desert heat, the elevation ensures cool, comfortable evenings perfect for campfire gatherings and stargazing.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the unexpected beauty of Idaho's largest pinion pine forest, where twisted, ancient trees frame spectacular views of distant mountain peaks and otherworldly rock formations. Stately junipers dot the landscape, offering welcome shade and the aromatic scent of the high desert. As daylight fades, the campground transforms into an astronomer's paradise – the exceptionally dark skies reveal a glittering tapestry of stars, planets, and the luminous band of the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. Morning light paints the granite formations in shades of gold and pink, while afternoon shadows create an ever-changing canvas of natural art.
Geological RegionDiscover a geological wonderland where Idaho's expansive pinion pine forest meets the extraordinary granite sculptures of City of Rocks National Reserve. This unique convergence creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in the American West, where 2.5-billion-year-old granite has been carved by time and weather into fantastic spires, domes, and pinnacles. The campground sits at the intersection of ancient geological forces, where volcanic activity, erosion, and tectonic movements have crafted a playground of stone that attracts climbers, photographers, and nature lovers from around the world. The surrounding pinion-juniper woodland represents one of the northernmost extensions of this distinctive ecosystem, creating a rare botanical and geological treasure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo sites (11 and 24) are ADA accessible. Additional details about accessibility features are not provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground offers sites of varied sizes, accommodating different setups. Some sites are large enough for 40’ 5th wheels, while others are described as semi-private with adequate spacing between sites.
Sites PrivacyMost sites are reported to be semi-private, with large, shaded areas providing some seclusion. One user remarked, 'Each spot is nestled away from your neighbors giving lovely isolated locations.'
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 35 due to awkward placement. Sites 36 and 37 are ideal for groups.
Best CampsitesSites 11 and 24 are ADA-accessible. Site 35 is in the middle of the road and not recommended. Sites 36 and 37 are best for groups.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are laid out with a mix of pull-through and back-in configurations. Equine-specific sites are in a separate loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with limited amenities during winter. Bathrooms and showers are operational May 1st through October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during non-peak months. Approximately 10 sites were open for walk-ups during user-reported visits.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be canceled after midnight on the day prior to check-in. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit one night's stay.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideally located for various activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby natural attractions like City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. Seasonal activities such as stargazing are highly recommended due to the area's dark skies.
Hiking
Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the campground. Maps of local trails are available for purchase at $2, and the variety of trails is praised by users. 'Nice variety of trails. After about 3-4 days, you’ll have done all the trails within 20 miles,' one reviewer noted.Wildlife viewing
The campground is a good spot for wildlife observation, though specific species are not mentioned in the source materials.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible with vault toilets available year-round. One reviewer mentioned snow during their visit but noted that the campground still had one spigot operational for water.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include active cattle grazing in some areas, wildlife interactions, and extreme temperatures during winter.
Active alertsWater service is shut off during winter. Some reviews noted issues with campsite reservations being mismanaged.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest emergency services are located in Almo, approximately 2 miles away. This includes basic supplies and a visitor center. The nearest hospital is located in Burley, ID, about 38 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1st through October.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site. One user commented positively on this feature: 'There is trash and recycling available, and the bathrooms are nice and clean.'
Proximity to water featuresNo natural water features, but water hookups are available seasonally.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include mismanagement of equestrian sites, lack of level RV pads, and poor water availability during winter.
HostCamp hosts are friendly and helpful, as per user reviews.
Campground Map
City of Rocks National Reserve/Castle Rocks State Park, PO Box 169, Almo, ID, 83312, USA
Driving directionsDirections and information about Smoky Mountain Campground are available at https://www.nps.gov/ciro/planyourvisit/smoky-mountain-campground.htm.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. It is located near City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park, approximately 2 miles south of Almo.Nearby places
Almo: 2 miles (approximately 5 minutes drive). Closest larger population center is Burley, ID: 38 miles (approximately 45 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be found at the general store in Almo, 2 miles away. Larger grocery and fuel options are available in Burley, ID, 38 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
49 reviews
Smoky Mountain Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally praised for its cleanliness, beautiful setting, and convenient location near City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. However, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the management of equestrian sites and the seasonal availability of water services.
Review Summaries
Based on 49 reviews
What Campers Love
1. Clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and showers. 2. Semi-private, shaded campsites. 3. Convenient access to hiking trails and nearby attractions. 4. Availability of electric...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
1. Issues with equestrian site management, including non-equestrians occupying these spots. 2. Seasonal shutdown of water services and restrooms. 3. High fees for non-residents. 4. Limited...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Visit during the reservation season to avoid equestrian site management issues. 2. Bring leveling blocks for RVs due to uneven sites. 3. Purchase trail maps at the campground for $2 to explore...
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Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer when water and restrooms are operational. Winter visits are quieter but come with limited amenities. Spring is noted for cooler temperatures and the...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Showers had hot water and good pressure.' 2. 'Each spot is nestled away from your neighbors giving lovely isolated locations.' 3. 'Nice variety of trails. After about 3-4 days, you’ll have done...
Based on 49 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site 35: 'Avoid, as it is kind of in the middle of the road.' 2. Site 36 and 37: 'Odd setup where campers had to share space; better suited for groups.' 3. ADA sites 11 and 24 are highlighted for...
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Accessibility Features
ADA-accessible sites (11 and 24) are available, but no further details about accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 49 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025