Official Government Website
Bruneau Dunes State Park
PARK UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2025:
Domestic water will be turned off for the winter season beginning Wednesday 10/22/2025.
Fire restrictions have been lifted at the Equestrian sites.
Eagle Cove and Broken Wheel do not have restrictions.
- The Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee is required for park entry. 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 a Citation or Surcharge (IDAPA 26.01.20).
- View our campground maps before making a reservation.
- Broken Wheel and Eagle Cove campgrounds are available for reservations. Reserve and pay for sites online or call 1-888-922-6743.
- The Equestrian Campground is first-come first-serve through the self-pay tube in that campground or payment can be made at the Visitor Center when open.
- Sandboard rentals are available at the Visitor Center. Rentals stop when the temperature reaches 80°F or 3 pm, whichever happens first.
- Winter Daytime School Planetarium Programs November-February on select Wednesdays. Capped at 25 students. See our Facebook for more information or the IDPR website calendar.
- Winter Public Observatory Programs November – February on select Friday and Saturday nights. Capped at 25 people per program night. Advance tickets sales required. See our Facebook for more information or the IDPR website calendar.
Please note: UAV/Drone use is only permitted in the designated UAV area (contact the park for location). Flight outside of the designated area is strictly prohibited.
The park has day-use areas, including the dunes, which are only open to the public from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please refer to IDAPA code 26.01.20.
Park Reservations
Additional Links
39°F
Contact the Park
Street Address:
Mountain Home, ID 83647
Mailing Address:
Phone:
Hours of Operation:
Upcoming Events
With one of the longest camping seasons in the Idaho Parks system, Bruneau Dunes State Park offers camping opportunities throughout the year. Campsites and cabins are available with plenty of first-come, first-served sites too.
Bruneau Dunes park boasts the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America with a peak rising 470 feet above the surrounding desert floor. Explore the dunes in your hiking boots or rent a sandboard from the Visitor Center, but off-road vehicles are only permitted on the main road. You can also fish for bluegill and bass in the lakes at the foot of the dune; unlock the mystery of the desert with a breathtaking hike or horseback ride; plan a group picnic or visit the Bruneau Dunes Observatory and gaze at the night sky through the Observatory’s collection of telescopes.
- Hike
- Bike
- Horse
- ADA Cabin
- ADA Campsite
- ADA Restroom
- 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
- Swimming – Lake/River
Bruneau Dunes Observatory
2025 Public Observatory Schedule and Hours
The Observatory is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays evenings March 21 through October 12. Please refer to the following schedule which changes based on month and sunset times.
Private Observatory tours are available depending on staff availability. Please contact the park for availability and pricing (208) 366-7919.
Observatory tours and solar viewing (through a specially adapted telescope) begin one hour before sunset. Following that, visitors can enjoy a short orientation program before experiencing the observatory’s collection of telescopes.
Please note: The park reserves the right to close the observatory early due to weather or lack of attendance. A Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee of $7 per vehicle is required to enter Bruneau Dunes State Park.
Tours and Solar Viewing
March and October: 6 p.m.
April, May, August and September : 6:30 p.m.
June and July: 7:30 p.m.
Astronomy Presentations
Enjoy a 25-minute astronomy presentation at the Steele-Reese Education Center, followed by telescope viewing through the Observatory’s telescope collection. Presentations have a limited seating of 80 people per presentation.
March and October: 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
April and September: 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
May and August: 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
June and July: 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Telescope Viewing
March and October: 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
April and September: 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
May and August: 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
June and July: 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Program Fees
The fee includes the planetarium, tours of both observatories, a presentation, and viewing through the telescopes. The price is the same to attend one or all of the events.
Individual $5
Family $20 (Parents with their minor children)
Children (5 and under) Free
Student (on school field trip) $3
Current weather conditions at the observatory.
Observatory Info
In 1998 our first observatory was dedicated in cooperation with the Boise Astronomical Society. They chose this site because of its limited light pollution. The 25” Obsession reflecting telescope was donated by BAS, and has provided amazing views to thousands of visitors each year. In 2023 a second observatory was built, housing a Planewave CDK700 telescope that provides imaging and remote use capabilities. The dome of the new observatory is also used as a planetarium, providing programs during the day and on cloudy nights.
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has identified the resource of our beautiful dark skies as a treasure to be protected. Many of our Parks and Natural spaces in Idaho are striving to increase awareness of the dangers of light pollution, to reduce their impact on the night sky environment and obtain Dark Sky certifications where appropriate through the International Dark-Sky Association. Please visit www.darksky.org for more information on this initiative and how you can make an impact!
What is light pollution?
Inappropriate or access use of artificial light.
Why is light pollution having a negative effect on Idaho?
- Plants and animals depend on daily light cycles to sustain life preserving behaviors, such as migratory patterns and feeding cycles, artificial light at night has negative and even deadly effects on many wildlife species.
- Nighttime viewing of astronomy is severely inhibited by “Sky glow” a phenomenon produced by large emissions of artificial light at night, additionally your natural night vision is briefly inhibited by white artificial light.
- Many Americans sleep in an environment that’s punctuated with some form of artificial light — whether it’s coming from an intrusive streetlight, outdoor camper lighting or flashlights. New research suggests that one night of sleep with just a moderate amount of light may have adverse effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Steps you can take to preserve night sky’s while enjoying your stay at any Idaho State Campground:
- Swap outdoor lighting on your camper to an amber lensed fixture.
- Change out high admitting bulbs to bulbs emitting under 500 lumens.
- Make efforts to direct fixtures toward the ground and apply shields preventing vertical light emission.
- Keep all lighting targeted in the direction it is needed and avoid unnecessary artificial light at night whenever possible.
General Accommodations
- Cabins
- RV Campsites
- Tent Campsites
General Information
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!
- 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
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.
Main Observatory season runs every weekend March 15-October 15. Winter hours may vary, please contact the park for more information.
Sand board rentals run year-round.
The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week during season. Hours vary during winter, please contact the park for more information.
Water in most park facilities will be turned off mid-October. Water is available year-round in the Equestrian Campground from 3 frost-free spigots.