RV rental City of Rocks National Reserve, ID:
Motorhome rentals, camper van rentals and more

City of Rocks National Reserve sprawls across 14,400 acres of some of Idaho’s most rugged terrains. Save for a few months in early spring; water is extremely scarce. The land is rolling, blanketed by desert-hardy plants like sagebrush and bitterbrush. Jags of rocks poke through the earth like splinters. Because the terrain is grueling and challenging to navigate, hikers and horseback riders should be experienced at orienteering.

There are over 22 miles of hiking trails, many of which lead to unusual geological features like pillars, spires, fins, and arches. Hikers and horseback riders can go off-trail into the backcountry. Bringing extra water is highly recommended, and though this isn’t bear country, practicing basic food storage likewise is recommended. Small critters like rabbits and chipmunks are notorious for chewing through soft containers to get to the food.

Due to an abundance of unusual rock shapes, the City of Rocks National Reserve is an extremely popular rock-climbing destination. There are over 600 established routes ranging from 5.6 (very easy) to 5.14a (extremely difficult). To put it in perspective, the hardest route in the world is rated 5.14d. Note that establishing new permanent anchors and bolts requires permits to be obtained from the park office, and drilling new bolts without permission carries a hefty fine. The park office operates introductory classes currently Monday through Sundays between April and September.

At a glance, City of Rocks National Reserve might seem like a barren wasteland. On the contrary, it teems with life. At night, in particular. Most animals avoid extreme heat by resting during the day and foraging at night. Photographers and nature lovers, bring low-light cameras and night-vision binoculars to enjoy moose, mountain cottontail, jackrabbit, and mule deer. There are coyotes and mountain lions in the area, but they tend to be difficult to find.

Being far from a motel, it’s practically a requirement to rent an RV to enjoy the City of Rocks National Reserve to its fullest. City of Rocks National Reserve RV campground has 64 sites, all of which are accompanied by fire rings and picnic tables. There are vault toilets, too. Though the campground does not have running water, there is drinking water available in the picnic area. Reservations are recommended.

Should space run out, which is common during the peak season, Smoky Mountain Campground in Almo, ID, has 38 sites with electric and water hookups. Most sites have parking pads, and also has flush toilets and showers, which is an unheard-of luxury in remote Idaho wilderness.

As enticing as City of Rocks National Reserve is, the small towns scattered across southern Idaho too are full of charm and history. Rupert operates Minidoka County Historical Museum, which has on display over 600 antique bottles and glass jars left behind by pioneers, rifles, and guns used by settlers in the late 1800s, Native American artifacts, and even fossils that were found locally. Also nearby is the Historic Wilson Theater, which was built at the height of Roaring 20s. In addition to hosting entertainment acts, concerts, and musicals, the venue also is open to tours.

Pomerelle Mountain Resort is one of the oldest ski resorts in the western USA. The small family-run facility has 24 runs that are designed to delight everyone from beginners to expert skiers alike. The facility is also open in summers. Ride a lift to the top and tackle the slopes on a mountain bike or on foot.

At the end of a long day of adventuring and exploring, retreat into a camper rental and enjoy the sounds of nature as you drift off to sleep, as you find your bliss in Idaho.