The Observatory will be opening for the 2024 season on April 5th and programs will be every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 19th (weather permitting)
Spring/Summer 2024 Update:
- Camping reservation season is March 15, 2024 to October 20, 2024. Campsites and cabins located in Broken Wheel and Eagle Cove are available for reservations. Same day camping is available in the Equestrian campground and all unreserved sites.
- Reservations can be made 9 months in advance at idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-888-922-6743
- Sand board rentals are available at the Visitor Center. Due to limited staffing in the off season, please call ahead to verify VC hours of operation. Board rentals stop for the day when it reached 80° in the park.
- The Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee is required. It is the responsibility of the driver to bring cash or check as the Visitor Center and Entrance Kiosk hours vary. Failure to pay the MVEF will result in Citation or Surcharge (IDAPA 26.01.20)
Please note: UAV/Drone use is only permitted in the designated UAV area (contact the park for location). Flight outside of the designated are is strictly prohibited.
The park has day use areas, which include the dunes, which are only open to the public from 7 am to 10 pm. Please refer to IDAPA code 26.01.20.
Location: 64 miles south of Boise, ID | 259 miles northwest of Ogden, UT | 181 miles north of Elko, NV | 115 miles southeast of Ontario, OR
Amenities:
- Boat Ramp/Launch
- Charcoal Grills
- Dump station
- Electricity
- Equestrian Campsites
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Sales
- Flush toilets
- Group Picnic Shelter
- Indoor Restrooms
- Indoor Showers
- Life Jacket Loaner Station
- Picnic Areas
Accommodations:
- Cabins
- RV Campsites
- Tent Campsites
Boating: Ramps, electric motor boats only
Trail Types: Hike, bike, horse
ADA Accessibility features:
- ADA Cabin
- ADA Campsite
- ADA Restroom
Acreage: 4,800
Elevation: 2,470
Coordinates: 42.9100, -115.70972
Groups: Shelters, conference rooms
Overnight: 82 serviced; 35 standard; 2 ADA campsites; 2 cabins (1 ADA)
Nearby: Bruneau Canyon Overlook, CJ Strike Wildlife Management Area, Silver City historic mining town, Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Owyhee Uplands National Backcountry Byway
Rent or Buy: Sand boards are available for rent at the Visitors Center Nature Store for $15/day, and you can also purchase gifts, souvenirs, drinks and snacks there
Wifi Info: Wi-Fi hot spots are located at the Visitor Center and at the Observatory.
Learn: Guided walks, special programs, education center and observatory
Visitor Center: Yes
Museum Available: Yes
Current Conditions
Address: 27608 Sand Dunes Rd
Mountain Home, ID 83647
Phone: (208) 366-7919
Hours of Operation: Day-use locations within state parks are open from 7 am to 10 pm, per Idaho state code 26.01.20 (5). Day-use hours may change based on park manager discretion.
