Set near Idaho’s southern border with Utah, Curlew National Grassland has nearly 50,000 acres of scenic land for you to explore during your next RV camping trip. Dozens of miles of trails take you across the wildflower-covered fields, where you’ll be able to spot hundreds of species of birds. Many of the trails can be used for horseback riding and biking as well, and cyclists can take advantage of the hundreds of miles of paved roads in the area.
There are a number of angling opportunities awaiting RV campers at the grasslands. Curlew Campground is located on the waters of Stone Reservoir, where you’ll find excellent bluegill, largemouth bass, and yellow perch fishing. Most of the grasslands are open to hunting as well, with game such as deer, rabbit, and waterfowl. Bird watchers will be delighted to take their binoculars out of the campervan and spot blackbirds, loons, sparrows, grouse, and hawks. Curlew National Grassland offers some of the most scenic driving in this part of the country, with endless views of rolling hills and countryside.
There is only one main RV campground in the grasslands, Curlew Campground, located along the shores of Stone Reservoir. The campground offers sites with picnic shelters, fire pits, and tables. Read on for more details.
Located along Idaho’s southern border with Utah, Curlew National Grassland can be reached from a number of major cities in the region, including Boise and Salt Lake City. The area is RV-friendly, with wide, straight roads that should present few problems to large rigs. However, wintertime visitors may run into ice on the roads.
Driving from Boise, take I-84 east out of the city and you’ll get to the grasslands in a little under four hours. Coming from Salt Lake City, take I-15 north to I-84 and you’ll arrive in just under two hours.
ID-38 and North Arbor Valley Road are the two main roadways that cut across the grasslands. These two-lane roads may be a bit narrow in certain spots, but they are relatively straight and easy to navigate. There are a number of smaller dirt roads within the grasslands, so use caution in these areas if you are driving a big rig.
Curlew Campground sits right on the waters of Stone Reservoir, so it's known for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing. There is a boat launch that is easy to access from the RV sites, as well as a small swimming area.
There is one 200-person group camping area, in addition to 32 single sites. All of the sites have fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, and most come with a shelter. You’ll have access to drinking water from a number of points in the campground, and some of the sites have their own spigots as well. There are vault toilets located throughout the campground. The maximum RV length is 35 feet.
All of the sites can be booked in advance. As there are only a few individual sites, try to book as early as possible to save a spot if you are visiting during peak times in the spring and fall.
There are dozens of miles of hiking trails that weave their way across the open expanses of the grasslands. The rolling hills and fields of the grasslands come alive with wildflowers during the spring, making this one of the best times to hike. You can find trails near Curlew Campground, the main RV campground in the area. Although hiking is still excellent during the summer, you should be prepared for high temperatures. Set out in the morning and bring plenty of fluids with you.
The dozens of miles of trails and hundreds of miles of roads give mountain bikers and cyclists plenty to do while visiting the grasslands. Enjoy long rides through the wildflower in the spring, or take a trip in the fall to enjoy the area’s forests blanketed in autumn colors. There are no rentals at the main RV campground and the nearest large town is about an hour away, so make sure you bring your own bike along with your rig.
You’ll also find plenty to do out on the water while visiting the grasslands. Stone Reservoir has a boat ramp that makes it easy to get out onto the water. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, so you can water and jet ski. The long shoreline of the lake also makes for great canoe and kayak rides in the spring and fall. Rentals are not offered at Curlew Campground, so you’ll need to bring your own vessel along with your campervan or trailer.
There are several lakes in the area, giving anglers a number of opportunities while visiting the grasslands. The main fishing area is Stone Reservoir, which is located right next to the largest RV campground in the area. You’ll be able to fish for crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. You can also fish from the shore of one of the streams that cuts through the grasslands. You’ll need a valid Idaho state fishing license if you plan on fishing anywhere in the grasslands.
Curlew National Grassland is recognized as one of the best areas in the state for birdwatching. You’ll be able to spot a wide variety of species throughout the year, many of them unique to the area. Keep an eye out for sage thresher and vesper sparrow at the beginning of summer, and for sharp-tailed grouse Scott’s oriole, and ash throated flycatcher in the spring. You’ll also be able to see a number of hawk species nesting in the grasslands.
Keep your rod and reel ready to go in your rig if you visit during the winter. When the lakes freeze over in Curlew National Grassland, the fish stay active in the water, making it a great area for ice fishing. You’ll be able to catch crappie, yellow perch, and bluegill throughout the winter at Stone Reservoir.
Park officials do not guarantee the safety of the ice, so venture out onto any of the lakes at your own peril. Make sure to get up to date information on the ice conditions, as they can change quickly.
