The Visitor Center hours at Bruneau Dunes State Park vary, especially during the off-season. It’s best to call ahead at 208-366-7919 to confirm the hours before your visit. Generally, day-use areas are open from 7 am to 10 pm.
The entrance fee at Bruneau Dunes State Park is $7 per vehicle, with no per person fee. Camping fees are additional, ranging from $17 to $29 per night depending on the campsite type.
From Boise: Take I-84 E → Exit 90 → follow signs to ID-51 S. From Mountain Home: Take ID-51 S directly to the park. Closest airport: Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field).
At Bruneau Dunes State Park, there are two paved parking lots and a gravel parking lot at the Lake day use area. The Broken Wheel campground accommodates RVs up to 65 feet, while the Eagle Cove Campground has spaces for RVs and horse trailers. Overnight parking is allowed in the campgrounds, and a Motor Vehicle Entrance Fee is required. Motorcycles can park in these areas as well. No vehicles are permitted on the dunes themselves.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Bruneau Dunes State Park spans over 4,800 acres of high desert, lakes, and the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, at 470 feet. Visitors can hike, sandboard, fish, and explore by day—and by night, stargaze at Idaho’s largest public observatory. The Steele-Reese Education Center offers telescope views of star clusters and galaxies. Whether you’re after adrenaline-fueled dune descents or tranquil desert sunsets, this park invites every type of adventurer into its remarkable landscape.
- Area (mi²)
- 7.5
- Established year
- 1967
Top 3 Facts about Bruneau Dunes State Park
The dunes, formed near the center of a natural basin, have remained relatively stable for over 12,000 years, with prevailing winds from the southeast 28% and northwest 32% of the time, preventing them from drifting far.
Diverse ecosystem with mule deer, coyotes, birds, and desert flora.
Home to Idaho’s largest public observatory with a 25-inch telescope.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Scavenger Hunts
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check weather forecast and seasonal event times. Prepare for temperature extremes in desert terrain.
Pack Appropriately
Bring water, sunscreen, layered clothing, and protective gear for sandboarding.
Respect Wildlife
Respect all wildlife. Follow “Leave No Trace” and preserve fragile desert ecosystems.
Stay Informed
Check Idaho State Parks website for observatory hours, sandboard rentals, and weather updates.
Seasons
Mid-50s to high-70s temps, wildflowers, and fewer crowds make spring perfect for hiking, camping, and sandboarding.
Hot (90s°F), ideal for early hikes, sandboarding, and nighttime stargazing at the observatory.
60s–70s°F temps, colorful landscapes, and seasonal events; ideal for cozy camping and day hikes.
30s°F and quiet trails offer solitude; enjoy winter sledding or a frosty desert hike with fewer crowds.
