Bogus Basin State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Idaho’s Bogus Basin State Park has been a beloved non-profit, community-driven recreational area since it opened in 1942. In the cold season, guests can access 10 ski lifts that service 86 runs and over 2,600 acres. You don't want to miss riding down the 800-foot-high tubing hill or checking out the snowshoeing Frontier Point Trail System. Bogus Basin State Park also hosts a variety of free and paid-for events like the exciting Community Race Series. If you're interested in visiting in the summer, look forward to ample mountain biking, climbing, and hiking opportunities.
Spring 26-63 F
Summer 45-93 F
Fall 66-91 F
Winter 24-46 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bogus Basin State Park
The Pioneer Condos are within walking distance of the Bogus Basin’s slopes and the Pioneer Lodge. They're open year-round and guarantee comfort, privacy, and convenience. Their best features include high-speed internet, fireplaces, hot tubs, and one-of-a-kind mountain views. You'll have access to a full kitchen, cable TV, and free shared laundry facilities.
What to Do at
Bogus Basin State Park
Nordic skiing, similar to traditional hiking, is a great way to enjoy the terrain during the winter. The Bogus Basin is also home to the only mountain coaster in the state, which spans 4,330 feet of exhilarating twists and turns. The beginner-friendly Terrain Park, which opens in November every year, offers specialty and expert features.
Geocaching
There's a traditional geocache hidden along Bogus Basin Road. Near the vehicle pull-off, you'll find a drop into the forest leading you to a coffee container stashed with commemorative items. Be careful in this area as there's often heavy traffic.
Nature Watching
The Bogus Basin hosts free Guided Snowshoe Programs that allow you to track different types of mountain wildlife. You’ll learn how to identify the prints of shrews, white-tailed deer, red squirrels, raccoons, and foxes. There's even a chance you could spot signs of mountain lions or elk.
Stargazing
The Boise Astronomical Society hosts the Annual Bogus Basin Public Stargazing Party in the fall. It begins in the afternoon with a potluck, allowing attendees to observe the solar sphere and, later, the nighttime sky. Telescopes are provided, and it's recommended to dress warmly as the temperatures can sink below freezing.
Flora and Fauna
Visiting the Bogus Basin is a great time to see local perennial and herbaceous plants begin to wake up. The lodge offers guided snowshoeing programs through the mountains that include identifying common fauna species such as white-tailed deer, foxes, and squirrels. Once the snow has melted, you can see wildflowers like buttercups, rabbitbrush, yellow bells, woodland stars, spring beauties, and lupines.
Hiking
Most multi-use trails here permit horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. A few of the most popular options include the Brewer's Byway, Bogus Creek Loop, Lodge Cat Road, and the Packing Trail. Hikers should avoid traversing wet trails and stick to marked paths. Always yield to any horses and keep your pets leashed for the safety of wildlife and other recreationists.
Climbing
The Stack Rock is a 32-foot climbing wall structure with four different routes. There's an experience here for climbers of every skill level. After you reach the top, you'll ring the buzzer to let the auto-belay system get you back to solid ground. A 15-minute climbing session costs $12. For unlimited climbing, consider snagging an Explorer Base Camp Day Pass.
Biking
The Basin Gravity Park is an exclusive multi-use trail network perfect for mountain biking. The 14 trails included vary in length, style, and difficulty. If you don't have a mountain bike, you can rent one, as well as any necessary helmets or safety gear. All bikes used in this area must be designated for off-road use only. Participants must sign a liability waiver and wear a helmet while within the gravity park.
How to Get to
Bogus Basin State Park
Bogus Basin is 16 miles from Boise and 20 miles from the Boise International Airport. If you're driving eastbound on I-84, take the River Street Exit until you can turn left onto northbound 15th Street. Head west on Hayes Street and then north on Harrison Boulevard. After two miles, this boulevard will become Bogus Basin Road. Drive for another 16 miles until you reach the recreation area.
Entering Bogus Basin State Park
Bogus Basin State Park keeps Bogus Basin Road plowed and sanded during the winter. However, all vehicles traveling here should be equipped with snow tires or four-wheel drive. There's a free Park and Ride lot in Boise that's available to carpoolers. Of the six public parking lots, #1 and #3 are the most popular. If you're bringing your equipment, you should park at the ski-in/ski-out lot. During the peak winter season, Bogus Basin also has a priority parking lot for vehicles with three or more passengers. Public shuttles up to the mountain run daily in the winter.
Day ski passes : $26.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Bogus Basin State Park
To make the most of the trails, tubing hills, and lifts, consider visiting in the winter. You'll be able to ski, snowshoe, and track the wildlife freely while getting grand views of the Boise National Forest.
You may spot cottontails, red and gray squirrels, foxes, muskrats, pronghorns, porcupines, and marmots. A few of the sensitive bird species in the region include white-headed woodpeckers, northern goshawks, and flammulated owls.
While there are no RV campgrounds within Bogus Basin, you'll find excellent nearby camping opportunities at the Boise Riverside RV Park and Mountain View RV Park. These campgrounds have amenities like full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
To stay at the Pioneer Condos, it's best to reserve a spot well before your visit, as these limited facilities will fill up fast during the winter. Expect to pay the full cost of your stay at the time of reservation.
Pets are permitted on the trails but not within the climbing or mountain biking area. Be sure to keep your pet under control when meeting equestrians, as it’s easy for small animals to spook horses.