September 2021 Update:
Beginning Friday September 24th, fire restrictions at Bruneau Dunes State Park will be lifted. Wood fires and charcoal will be allowed, but we encourage visitors to only construct the minimum fire necessary as we are still very dry in the park and campgrounds. All fires must be within the designated fire ring in your campsite.
Observatory update (September 2021): In order to make needed repairs on the building, we have decided to close the Observatory a little early this season. We apologize to those hoping to reserve a spot in October. We hope to resume normal programs in the spring and to see you here!
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.
Current weather conditions at the observatory.
You’re invited to star gaze at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory! See the night sky as you’ve never seen it before. Observatory tours and solar viewing (through a specially adapted telescope) begin one hour before sunset, and are free of cost.
Following that, visitors can view short orientation program and then have the chance to survey the heavens through the observatory’s collection of telescopes. There is a per person viewing fee (children 5 and under are free of cost). Check event listings for fees.
The observatory is open to the public from early April through mid-October on Friday and Saturday nights only, weather permitting. For presentation times, call 208-366-7919, or check the kiosk when you arrive at the park.
*Observatory nights are only held on Friday and Saturday nights, with the exception of 3-day holiday weekends.
Current Conditions
Address: 27608 Sand Dunes Rd
Bruneau, 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.
