Shafer Butte Campground & Picnic Areas

Shafer Butte Campground & Picnic Areas offers an incredible escape from city life, providing a refreshing mountain experience just a short drive from Boise. Situated high atop the scenic Boise Ridge Mountains at an elevation of around 7,000 feet, this is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it’s a destination for breathtaking views, tranquil serenity, and outdoor adventure. The campground is a beautiful spot where Douglas fir and aspen trees offer partial shade and a feeling of seclusion, all while providing stunning panoramic views of the expansive valley below. It's a place that perfectly balances a rustic outdoor experience with accessibility, making it a great option for families, hikers, and anyone looking for a quick and scenic getaway.

The atmosphere at Shafer Butte is both peaceful and invigorating. Visitors are greeted with a quiet environment and a "beautiful mountain" setting that is perfect for unwinding. While some of the facilities may require a bit of upkeep, the natural beauty and the well-maintained campsites with their amenities are the real draw. This is a place where you can feel connected to the wilderness without being too far from home. Whether you are coming for an overnight camping trip or a day-use picnic, Shafer Butte provides a clean, welcoming, and spectacularly scenic setting that highlights the best of Idaho’s natural landscapes.

Shafer Butte Campground & Picnic Areas are located within the Boise National Forest, with an address of Forest Rd 374E, Boise, ID 83716, USA. Its accessibility is a key feature, especially for those living in or visiting the Boise area. Directions from Boise are straightforward: take Bogus Basin Road approximately 20 miles. The last 3 miles will be on a gravel road. A reviewer provided a helpful tip for the final stretch, noting that instead of taking a sharp right up to the ski lodge, you should "stay straight on the dirt road." After 2.7 miles, make a right turn, and then continue on another dirt road for 1.5 miles directly to the campsite.

The high elevation provides incredible views of Deer Point, Mores Mountain, and other peaks, but it's important to be prepared for mountain weather. The campground is generally open from mid-June to the end of September, with its seasonal operation dependent on snow. While the roads leading to the campground are well-documented, it's always wise to check current conditions before you go, especially later in the season. The on-site parking and relatively easy access to the campsites themselves make getting set up a simple process once you arrive. The convenient access from Boise means you can quickly transition from city life to mountain solitude.

Shafer Butte Campground and its adjacent picnic areas offer a range of essential services to make your outdoor experience comfortable and convenient. These amenities are designed to support a self-sufficient camping style while providing key comforts. The services offered include:

• Picnic tables and fire pits: Each campsite and picnic area is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, making it easy to enjoy meals and evenings around a fire. Some sites also have a grill.
• Public restrooms: Accessible vault restrooms are available for use by campers and picnickers. While one reviewer mentioned they could use a little attention, the presence of a restroom is a significant convenience.
• Running water: A notable feature is the presence of running water, with one camper mentioning a "cold spring coming out of a pipe just behind campsite #8." This provides a useful source for rinsing off and other needs, though a filter is recommended if you plan to use it for drinking.
• Tent sites: The campground is set up for tent camping, with seven single campsites available, along with two day-use group picnic areas. Some of the overnight sites have established tent pads.
• On-site parking: Parking spurs are available, with a short, paved path from the parking area to each walk-in site, which adds to the accessibility of the campground.

These services, while rustic, provide the necessary foundation for an enjoyable and low-stress camping or picnic experience. The availability of water and restrooms is a key factor that makes a trip to Shafer Butte more comfortable and convenient for all visitors.

Shafer Butte Campground & Picnic Areas are filled with highlights that make it a compelling destination. These features are why so many people make the trek up the mountain for a visit. The highlights include:

• Incredible valley views: A major draw is the "Extremely beautiful view of the valley on both sides." The high elevation ensures that visitors are treated to stunning, expansive vistas of the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for photography or simply relaxing and taking it all in.
• Family-friendly hikes: The campground is a great base for hiking, with the "Mores Mountain Trail" beginning right at the site. This two-mile trail is an "interpretive nature trail" that is also "family friendly," making it perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Accessibility: The campground offers a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and all reservable sites and restrooms are accessible. This commitment to accessibility ensures that more people can enjoy the beauty of this location.
• Proximity to Bogus Basin: Shafer Butte is located near Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, which offers additional summer activities like a mountain coaster, disc golf, and more hiking and biking trails. This proximity means there's a huge variety of recreation options to choose from.
• Cold spring: The unique presence of a cold spring near a campsite, as mentioned by a reviewer, adds a special, natural touch to the campground, offering a place to cool off or rinse off after a day of hiking.

These highlights, from the stunning views to the family-friendly activities, make Shafer Butte a versatile and attractive option for a day trip or a longer camping stay.

For more information about Shafer Butte Campground and Picnic Areas, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Boise National Forest, Forest Rd 374E, Boise, ID 83716, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

Since the campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it is always a good idea to contact the Boise National Forest or the Idaho City Ranger District for the most current information regarding road conditions, site availability, and any fire restrictions. A quick phone call can help you plan your trip more effectively and ensure a smooth journey to this mountain retreat. Remember, while a parks pass can offer a discount, it's a good idea to bring cash for the camping fee just in case.

Shafer Butte Campground is a worthwhile choice for your next outdoor adventure for several compelling reasons. Its spectacular location and "Extremely beautiful view of the valley" are arguably its biggest draws, offering a scenic experience that is hard to beat. The convenience of its proximity to Boise means you can quickly escape the city and be immersed in a peaceful mountain environment. For families, the "kid-friendly hikes" and natural surroundings make it an ideal place to introduce children to the joys of the outdoors in a safe and accessible way.

The campground’s accessibility, including wheelchair accessible parking and sites, makes it an inclusive option for a wider range of visitors. The amenities, such as picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms, provide the essential comforts needed for a pleasant stay. The cold spring mentioned by a reviewer is a small but unique feature that adds to the charm. While there are minor complaints about maintenance, the overall consensus is that this is a "very nice and clean" campground. The combination of easy access, stunning views, and family-friendly amenities makes Shafer Butte Campground a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway in the heart of Idaho's beautiful mountains.

Shafer Butte Campground & Picnic Areas

Boise National Forest, Forest Rd 374E, Boise, ID 83716, USA