Porcupine Springs
4.4434 reviews3560 S Overland Ave, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA
Porcupine Springs
$10.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary by season. Standard Nonelectric sites range from $10 to $14 per night. Group sites are $75 per night. Reservation fees are an additional charge: $8 online/app, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
About this campground
Nestled along the winding Rock Creek Road in the heart of southern Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, Porcupine Springs Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. This beloved mountain retreat offers travelers a choice between intimate single-family sites for those seeking solitude and spacious group areas perfect for family reunions or outdoor gatherings. Here, where pristine trails branch out like nature's invitation to explore, visitors discover why this scenic campground has become a cherished basecamp for adventurers seeking the authentic Idaho wilderness experience.
Porcupine Springs Campground provides options for individual tent and RV camping as well as accessible group camping sites. Some sites are reservable, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives at Porcupine Springs with gentle warmth and refreshing mountain breezes, creating ideal conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing under crystal-clear skies. As autumn paints the aspens in brilliant gold, temperatures begin their descent, reminding visitors to pack layers. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with recorded snowfall reaching over 2 inches during peak season, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience for those prepared for the mountain's frosty embrace.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,950 feet above sea level, Porcupine Springs offers a natural escape from summer's heat, where afternoon temperatures remain refreshingly cool even during July and August. This high-altitude haven transforms with the seasons—from a wildflower-dotted summer paradise to a snow-kissed winter wonderland that challenges and rewards the adventurous souls who venture here when the mercury drops.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Come summer, the understory explodes with vibrant wildflowers—Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mountain daisies—creating a photographer's dream against the backdrop of quaking aspens. Keep your camera ready: majestic moose frequently wander through the campground at dawn and dusk, while smaller forest creatures provide endless entertainment for wildlife enthusiasts. This is nature's theater at its finest, where every sunrise brings new discoveries.
Geological RegionRising from the rugged terrain of southern Idaho's legendary Sawtooth National Forest, Porcupine Springs Campground sits at 6,950 feet in a remarkable geological tapestry. Here, ancient forces have sculpted a landscape where dense stands of pine and aspen thrive, creating a high-altitude ecosystem that showcases the raw beauty of Idaho's mountain country. This elevated sanctuary offers visitors a front-row seat to the dramatic interplay between forest and sky that defines the Sawtooth region's unforgettable character.
Campsite details
AccessibilityGroup sites are described as accessible, and the campground facilities appear to have accessible vault toilets and trails.
Sites SizeSeveral single-family campsites are available alongside three large group sites accommodating up to 50-100 people in each. Specific campsite sizes for tents or RVs are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyReviews are mixed regarding privacy: 'Great tent spot private and it was just fun 🤣,' but others complain about campsites being close to each other and the road.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites with forest backing for privacy. Group sites accommodate large parties and offer horse corrals.
Best CampsitesGroup sites are highly recommended for amenities and space. Reviews highlight Loop D and Loop C for large gatherings and horse camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during any single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each single-family campsite accommodates a number of guests (exact number unspecified).
Groups
The campground contains three large group sites that each accommodate up to 50-100 people. Group sites on Loop C include corrals for horses.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes gravel roads and parking spurs.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 22, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, including its app and contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityAdditional campsites not listed for reservation are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before the arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur the $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. Changes to reservations completely outside original dates have a $10 fee. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night’s 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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Porcupine Springs offers a rich variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Reviews highlight the area’s suitability for ATV riding and horseback camping, as well as opportunities to observe moose and other wildlife.
Hiking
Numerous trails are accessible from the campground, including Porcupine Springs, Ross Falls, Rim View, Pike Mountain, and Third Fork trails. The trails cater to various skill levels and activities such as hiking and ATV use.Fishing
Fishing is popular on Rock Creek, but specific details about fish types or conditions are not provided.Biking
Biking trails are mentioned as part of the recreational offerings, but terrain details are unspecified.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted in multiple reviews, with sightings of moose being particularly noted.Winter Activities
Not specifically mentioned, though the elevation of 6,950 feet may suggest potential for winter recreation.Water Sports
Activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated rings.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent use of ATV trails may pose noise and safety risks. Wildlife encounters, including moose, require caution. Gravel roads leading to the site may be challenging for navigation.
Active alertsNo water availability during certain periods due to system upgrades (historical record noted in 2019).
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 72%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Emergency services are located in Burley, Idaho. Contact the Minidoka Ranger District at 208-678-0430 for further assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates under a 'pack in, pack out' policy with no trash bins. Some reviews note issues with trash being left in fire pits.
Proximity to water featuresFishing opportunities at nearby Rock Creek.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of water, trash bins, and camp host presence. Noise due to ATVs is frequently mentioned.
HostA camp host is located on-site, praised in reviews for helpfulness and cleanliness maintenance.
Campground Map
3560 S Overland Ave, BURLEY, ID 83318, USA
Driving directionsFrom Hansen, Idaho, travel south on County Road G3 for approximately 31 miles. The road becomes Forest Road 515. Continue on FR 515 as it becomes gravel and turns into Forest Road 500. The Porcupine Springs Campground sign will be on the left.
The campground is accessible via County Road G3, transitioning into gravel Forest Roads 515 and 500. The gravel roads are manageable with regular vehicles, as noted by several users who did not require four-wheel drive. However, navigation may be challenging due to poorly labeled forest service roads.Nearby places
Hansen (31 miles), Burley (null miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Burley, Idaho.
Camper Reviews
4.4
34 reviews
Porcupine Springs is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Porcupine Springs highlight its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and wildlife sightings but also raise concerns about campsite management and noise from ATVs. Sentiment averages 4.0588235294117645 for campground-specific reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the campground’s scenic setting, privacy in some sites, abundant wildlife, clean vault toilets, and suitability for outdoor recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, and ATV...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes issues with campsite reservations not being enforced, trash left by campers, noise from ATVs and parties, and maintenance problems such as lack of water and toilet supplies...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Suggestions from users include arriving early to secure non-reservable sites, bringing water during dry periods, and packing out all trash. Quotes: 'Be aware you’ll drive a couple miles on gravel to...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with campers enjoying warm weather and blooming wildflowers. However, peaks in visitor numbers lead to noise complaints and maintenance challenges. Winter data is...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
Direct quotes: 'We camp with a large group every year and love the group sites at Porcupine Springs Campground.' 'Had an amazing experience. Encountered a mama and baby moose drinking from a puddle.'...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group sites receive frequent praise for cleanliness and suitability for large groups. Individual sites like Campsite 15 and Loop D see mixed reviews due to issues like proximity to roads and slanted...
Based on 34 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are praised for group sites and vault toilets, though no specific details from disabled campers were shared.
Based on 34 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Porcupine Springs is described as dog-friendly by reviewers. Quotes include 'Dog friendly' and 'Little dogs barking at everything.'
Based on 34 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025