Bruneau Dunes State Park

Our small (11’ 3” square) camper cabins are situated with an excellent view of the dunes and sleeps five on a bunk bed and futon.  From the large front porch, you can sit on the swing and gaze out at the dunes.   The cabins are furnished with a small table, two small benches, electricity, and an A/C & heating unit.  Each cabin has a picnic table and fire ring.  Guests must bring their own bedding.

Mid-October through mid-March; water and restroom/shower facilities are not available.  Vault toilets are located nearby.

The charge for cabin rental is $87 – $97 per night.  Reservations can be made by calling 888-922-6743 or booking online at https://getoutside.idaho.gov

For same day cabins stays please call the park ahead of arrival to ensure availability. No Walk-Ins will be accepted for Cabins after 3pm MST.

Here’s a list of great activities and adventure ideas at Bruneau Dunes State Park.

Start your visit to at the Visitor Center located to the right past the entrance kiosk. Find park maps, trail guides, campground registration, natural history displays and a gift shop offering a variety of unique souvenir items. Plus sandboard rentals!

1. Field Trips

A Group Use Permit may be required.
Contact Park for additional information.
Interpreter-led talks if staffing is available.
Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee or Idaho Parks Passport applies if not in State Exempt transportation.

2. Picnic Shelter Reservations

A Group Use Permit required for reserving, in addition to shelter fees.
Contact Park for application and additional information.
Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee or Idaho Park Passport applies to applicant and guests.

Shelter Information

• Eagle Cove Shelter
• Big Dune Shelter
• Equestrian Shelter

3. Groups and Events

Group Use Permit required for reserving in addition to shelter fees.
Contact Park for application and additional information.
Shelter Information and amenities link (coming soon)
Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee or Idaho Park Passport applies to applicant and guests.

General Group Information

• A Group Use Permit is necessary for gatherings of 25 persons or more, including reservations of shelters, school tours, private observatory viewings or any other group activity requiring special considerations or deviations form park rules or policies. This permit does not pertain to group campsites.  Bruneau Dunes does not offer group campsites.
• Must be applied for 30 days in advance.
• Group Use Permits are available by contacting the park bru@idpr.idaho.gov or calling 208-366-7919.
• Group Use Fees- $25 is due upon submittal and are non-refundable, even if your permit is denied. Other fees may be applicable and due upon approval.
• All non-tax-exempt motor vehicles entering the park must pay the $7 entrance fee or display a valid Idaho State Park Passport and or annual Motor Vehicle Entry Fee pass.
• Day Use hours are 7 am to 10 pm.
• Many trash cans and several dumpsters have been placed throughout the park for your use.
• Cleanup of table and shelter area is the responsibility of the reserving party.
• Amplified music shall not exceed a maximum of 65 decibels at 100 feet distance and must follow quiet hour policy.
• Pets are welcome but must always be on a leash and owners are responsible for cleanup.
• The person making this reservation is responsible for informing all group members, caterers, and rental companies of the above information.
• Liability insurance may be required.

Those possibly needing a Group Use Permit (list is not cumulative):

• Field trips for Schools and Organizations
• Family Reunions
• Company picnics
• Weddings
• Private Observatory Viewings
• Shelter reservations

To start the process, select associated link for application or contact the park at 208-366-7919 or emailing bru@idpr.idaho.gov .

Group Use application fee must be paid when submitting application. 

Copy of Certificate of Insurance may be required, contact Park for more information.

4. Private Night Sky Viewing

This is a fee-based program and requires Group Use Permit in addition to Viewing fees.
Contact Park for additional information.
Reservations are based on staff availability.

Base Viewing Fees covers up to 15 people.  Each additional person is $10.00 each.

No refunds given due to bad weather/viewing conditions.
Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee or Idaho Park Passport applies to applicant and guests.

5. Photography/Filming

Filming Permit may be required.
Contact Park for application and additional information.
Must be applied for  in advance.
Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee or Idaho Park Passport applies to applicant and guests.

6. Drone Usage/Remote Control

Allowed only within boundaries of designated area in the park. Area is posted and located between the Visitor Center and the Broken Wheel campground.

7. Fishing

Fish in the two lakes located in the park. Fish for Blue Gill and Large Mouth Bass. Loaner Fishing poles and tackle boxes are available for those under age 13. All Idaho fishing rules and guidelines apply while fishing in the park.

8. Boating

Electric motors are allowed.  No gas-powered motors are permitted.  There are boat ramps located at both lakes.

9. Kayaking/Swimming

Kayaking and swimming in both lakes are allowed.
No lifeguard on duty. Enter at your own risk. Loaner Life Jacket station located at the Big Lake in the Day Use area.

10. Trail Hiking/Biking

There are several established trails in the park for hiking and horseback riding. Practicing basic trail etiquette can ensure an enjoyable hike. Check the Maps tab below.

11. Off-Leash Dog Park

Located across from the Broken Wheel campground. Area is not fenced in.

12. Flowers in Bloom

Click here for a list of wildflowers found in the park!

13. Scorpion Walks

Guided summer Friday and Saturday nighttime activity when night air temperatures reach 70 degrees. Bruneau Dunes is home to 3 types of scorpions.

14. Interpretive Talks and Activities

Call Park for current schedule: 208-366-7919. Generally, activities occur spring through fall.