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.
Check out the drop down list below for 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!
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.
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
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 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.
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.
This is a fee-based program and requires Group Use Permit in addition to Viewing fees.
Contact Park for additional information.
Availability is based on staff availability.
Base Viewing Fees covers up to 15 people. Each additional person is $5.00 each.
No refunds given due to bad weather/viewing conditions.
Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee or Idaho Park Passport applies to applicant and guests.
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.
Allowed only within boundaries of designated area in the park. Area is posted and located between the Visitor Center and the Broken Wheel campground.
Fish in the two lakes located in the park. Fish for Blue Gill, Large Mouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. 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.
Electric motors are allowed. No gas-powered motors are permitted. There are boat ramps located at both lakes.
Kayaking and swimming in both lakes is allowed.
No lifeguard on duty. Enter at your own risk. Loaner Life Jacket station located at the Big Lake in the Day Use area.
Click here for park trail maps.
There are several established trails in the park for hiking and horseback riding. Practicing basic trail etiquette can ensure an enjoyable hike.
Located across from the Broken Wheel campground. Area is not fenced in.
Guided summer Friday and Saturday nighttime activity when night air temperatures reach 70 degrees. Bruneau Dunes is home to 3 types of scorpions.
Call Park for current schedule: 208-366-7919. Generally, activities occur spring through fall.
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.
