The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bonneville Point in Idaho is a recreational area named for US Army Captain Benjamin Bonneville, who first discovered the point that overlooks the Boise River Valley in 1833. This area is historically significant because it was once a stop along the historic Oregon Trail. Today, visitors can walk the same path that people traveling to Oregon took by following the interpretive signs at Bonneville Point. There is also a monument in the area that was built in 1927 and commemorates the individuals who once walked the same land.
Bonneville Point is owned and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that ensures that the recreational area is preserved as naturally as possible for current and future generations. At Bonneville Point, visitors can hike, bike, picnic, camp, and view the wildlife and scenery.
This marked trail follows the original path that people used when traveling through Idaho on the historic Oregon Trail. This section of the historic trail is quite rocky and dry, so be prepared with lots of bottled water when hiking in the summer.
Length: 9.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
On the Bonneville Point land is a marked trail that is one piece of the full historic Oregon Trail that is open to the public. The full length of this trail section is quite difficult to navigate because there are many rocks and steep inclines along the way. However, this gives trail users the same experience as the individuals who passed through during the 1800s. Along the trail are some marked gravesites as well.
Length: 6.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
In nearby Boise is the Adelmann Mine Trail, which is a popular trail for both hikers in the summer and snowshoe walkers in the winter. At the end of the trail is the historic Adelmann Mine on top of a mountain with breathtaking views of the valley below.
Length: 4.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Bonneville Point overlooks the entire Treasure Valley, making it the perfect place for photographing the scenic forests and native vegetation. Bonneville Point is also a top destination for viewing and photographing wildlife since woodland caribou, North American lynx, and gray wolves all reside in the nearby woods. Some smaller animals that you may encounter include pygmy rabbits, striped skunks, and various songbirds native to Idaho.
Horseback riding is permitted everywhere at Bonneville Point, though it is most popular along the marked paths. Horseback riders may enjoy riding the rougher dirt paths as well since they follow wagon ruts that were created over years of use of the Historic Oregon Trail.
Picnicking is a popular activity at Bonneville Point since there is a picnic area set up at the observation point that overlooks the valley below and provides a breathtaking view of the forest treetops. However, there are no trash bins, so you will need to bring your own trash bags to store any leftover food and containers or wrappers after you have finished eating.
If you're interested in RV camping with full electrical hookups, consider staying at an RV campground or park not on BLM-owned land since most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are primitive only. One option is Mountain View RV Park in Boise, which has full hookups, water lines, and free Wi-Fi. You may also like Gowen Field RV Park, also in Boise, which provides full-service hookups and water as well as concrete campsite pads for big rigs.
The Bonneville Point BLM land area is day-use-only, meaning that you cannot camp overnight there. However, there are some other nearby National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management free camping options that you can still check out. If you search for "BLM camping near me," you will likely come across Deer Flat Campground on Lucky Peak Lake. This campground charges no fees. However, it is a primitive campground, so you will need to bring your own water and power while camping in your RV. You could also try Cottonwood Campground, which is a no-fee campground near the Middle Fork Boise River and Arrowrock Reservoir. This campground is also primitive and offers only three open campsites at a time.
When planning to visit Bonneville Point, be sure to pack for the weather accordingly. Idaho experiences extremely cold winters, mild spring and autumn months, and hot and dry summers. Anytime you visit Bonneville Point, be sure to bring enough drinking water for yourself and your group because there are no water outlets on the land. When hiking the trails, the BLM recommends having at least two quarts of water per person.
If you plan on camping at one of the nearby free BLM-owned campsites, be sure to also pack everything you will need to cook and relax without electricity. This can include fire starters and battery-operated fans or heaters. Remember, though, that camping at a primitive BLM campground can bring you closer than ever to the beautiful, natural environment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When you visit Bonneville Point in Idaho, you will be asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines. These guidelines are put in place so that visitors can help protect the natural environment. Some of the guidelines include keeping your distance from the wildlife and picking up any trash you create in the area.
To reach Bonneville Point from Boise, Idaho, start by taking the Blacks Creek Exit 64 off Interstate 84. Then drive north on Blacks Creek Road for about four miles before you enter the Bonneville Point area. There will be signs to direct you to parking areas.
Ready to visit Bonneville Point? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night, where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
