Lower Penstemon
4.0317 reviews2306 HILAND AVE, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA
Lower Penstemon
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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
Facility rates during peak season (May 22, 2025 - September 30, 2025) are $8 per night for standard non-electric sites. Additional fees may apply for reservations made online, through the contact center, or in person.
About this campground
Nestled along the winding Rock Creek Road in southern Idaho's pristine backcountry, Lower Penstemon Campground offers an authentic mountain escape at 6,600 feet elevation. This tranquil retreat features thoughtfully spaced single-family campsites equipped with essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh drinking water, all connected by well-maintained gravel roads and parking spurs. Adventure seekers flock here to explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, saddle up for memorable horseback rides through the wilderness, or challenge themselves on the rugged off-road trails that crisscross this spectacular landscape.
"Lower Penstemon Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and standard campsites. Group camping, primitive sites, and luxury options like glamping are not available."
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings a delightful respite from valley heat, with pleasantly mild days perfect for outdoor adventures and refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. As autumn transitions to winter, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland where temperatures dip below freezing and light snowfall dusts the forest canopy. The winter months paint a picture of crisp, dry days punctuated by gentle snow showers, creating a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking solitude in nature's quiet season.
ElevationPerched at 6,600 feet above sea level, this mountain haven offers a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer's intensity. The elevation creates an alpine microclimate where temperatures remain comfortable even during the warmest months, while the thin mountain air adds a touch of exhilaration to every outdoor activity.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of towering conifers and shimmering aspens creates a dappled canopy overhead, offering campers the perfect balance of sunshine and shade throughout the day. Come summer, the forest floor erupts in a kaleidoscope of wildflowers - from delicate penstemons to vibrant Indian paintbrush - transforming the landscape into nature's own gallery. Keep your camera ready as deer, elk, and smaller woodland creatures frequently emerge from the forest shadows, while overhead, raptors circle on mountain thermals in search of their next meal.
Geological RegionLower Penstemon Campground sits in the heart of southern Idaho's mountainous terrain, where ancient geological forces have carved a landscape of remarkable beauty. Here, at 6,600 feet elevation, Rock Creek has etched its path through the mountains, creating a riparian corridor that supports a thriving ecosystem of mixed conifers and quaking aspens. This unique geological setting offers visitors a glimpse into the powerful forces that shaped Idaho's rugged backcountry over millions of years.
Campsite details
Accessibility"Accessibility features were not explicitly mentioned in the source materials or reviews. Vault toilets may pose challenges based on user feedback."
Sites Size"Mixed sizes available, with some sites offering more flat areas for tents versus others with limited parking space or uneven terrain."
Sites Privacy"Partial shade and mixed conifer and aspen forests provide some privacy for campers, though reviews indicate sites are clustered closely together. One user noted that hiking trails and creek access require walking through other campsites."
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 2 is preferred for larger groups due to its flat area, proximity to bathrooms, and parking space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is up to 14 nights.
Groups
"No group camping sites are explicitly available at Lower Penstemon Campground."
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are arranged in a small loop near vault toilets. The road layout is gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 22, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the scheduled arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and other penalties for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
"Lower Penstemon Campground provides recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, trout fishing, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle trails. However, user reviews highlight mixed experiences with these activities. 'The creek that supposedly offers great trout fishing is more like an irrigation ditch,' mentioned one camper. Trails such as Third Fork, Pike Mountain, Rim View, and Porcupine Spring originate nearby."
Hiking
"Hiking trails such as Third Fork, Pike Mountain, Rim View, and Porcupine Spring are accessible from the campground. One user described a trail along the ridge above the campground, recommending a steep climb of about 100 yards to observe deer grazing in the valley."Fishing
"Rock Creek runs along the campground, offering trout fishing. However, user feedback casts doubt on the quality of fishing, with one stating, 'The creek that supposedly offers great trout fishing is more like an irrigation ditch.'"Biking
Mountain biking trails are available, though specifics on trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.Wildlife viewing
"Wildlife sightings are frequent in the area, with moose being commonly spotted according to user reviews. 'We were surprised to see so many moose… it was awesome,' wrote one camper."Winter Activities
"Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews for this campground."Water Sports
"No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews."},Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated rings. Visitors are advised to follow firewood guidelines to prevent pest spread.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include heavy flies and poorly maintained vault toilets as noted by users, along with dusty gravel roads and lack of water availability.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Minidoka Ranger District, contactable at 208-678-0430.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recycling"User reviews mentioned garbage left by previous campers at some sites, which reportedly had to be cleaned by incoming visitors."},
Proximity to water featuresRock Creek runs along the campground, though users describe it as more of an irrigation ditch than a creek.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues with water availability, dirty picnic tables, unpleasant vault toilets, and difficulties finding the lower campground.
Campground Map
2306 HILAND AVE, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA
Driving directionsTravel south on Twin Falls County Road G3 which becomes Forest Road 515, commonly known as Rock Creek Road, for approximately 27 miles from Hansen.
The campground is accessible via Twin Falls County Road G3, transitioning into Forest Road 515 (Rock Creek Road), which is gravel for a significant portion. The road is described as dusty gravel and remote, about an hour off the highway.Nearby places
Hansen (27 miles)
Camper Reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Lower Penstemon is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
"User sentiment for Lower Penstemon Campground is mixed, with an average campground-specific review score of 3.35/5. Common themes include appreciation for the remote location and natural beauty, paired with frustrations about poor maintenance and cleanliness."
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
"Many campers praised the peacefulness, shade, and wildlife sightings at the campground. 'Quiet, peaceful campground,' wrote one user, and another mentioned their surprise at seeing moose during...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
"Frequent complaints included lack of potable water, poorly maintained vault toilets, and litter left by previous campers. 'No fresh water was available,' noted one visitor, while another described...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Multiple users recommend bringing your own water due to frequent issues with water pumps. Others suggested bringing toilet paper and cleaning supplies as bathrooms are often not stocked or clean."
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
"Summer months saw complaints about flies and odors from vault toilets, while the remote setting was appreciated for quiet camping experiences. Wildlife sightings were more common during summer."
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This site is not maintained at all. The pit vaults could be smelled several feet away from them and looked like they hadn’t been touched in weeks." "Quiet, peaceful campground." "We were surprised...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
"Site 002 and 004 received multiple mentions in reviews. Site 002 was described as dirty but quiet, whereas site 004 had mixed feedback, with one user loving the shade and another complaining about...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
"No specific reviews about accessibility features were provided, though issues with vault toilets and uneven terrain may present challenges."
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
"Pets are allowed, though no specific pet-related features or experiences were mentioned in the reviews."
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025