We were on a 4-day adventure exploring our 15th US State, Idaho, and were looking for the best spots to camp and stargaze. That is when we came across Bruneau Dunes State Park, located just an hour’s drive from Boise City.
Bruneau Dunes is a hidden gem in South Idaho known for its enormous dunes and dark skies. This place is designated as one of the best spots for stargazing by DarkSky International, making it a perfect spot for an overnight adventure. If you don’t feel like camping, worry not! You can also do a day-trip and still experience the park to its fullest, I’ll share more details below on how you can make the most of your time at Bruneau Dunes State Park.
In this blog post, I will share my entire itinerary and experience at this state park and some tips to help you plan your ultimate adventure.
Why visit Bruneau Dunes State Park?
This was my first question when I came across this location during my research phase. But after reading about it on various websites, I was super impressed and surprised how underrated this spot is.
Bruneau Dunes is home to North America’s tallest single-structured dune, standing 470 feet tall. Located in Owyhee County, these dunes formed due to their unique position near the center of a natural basin, unlike most dunes, which are typically found at the edges. This central location created a natural trap, allowing them to accumulate sand from the neighboring Bonneville Floods.
This state park offers a great opportunity to experience desert landscapes and wildlife up close, from serene lakes to towering dunes and the nocturnal species that call this place their home. Here are some top activities you can enjoy at the park.
Top Activities at Bruneau Dunes State Park
Climbing the Dunes
Dune hike is a popular activity in the park great for all age groups, especially the kids. We saw so many kids tirelessly running up and down the hill several times, while us adults were done climbing once. 🤣
There are several dunes you can choose from depending on your energy levels, from the tallest one that is completely flaunt-worthy to mid-ranged ones that we attempted to climb to the tiniest ones for the vibe. Do give this a try, it is a fun activity to try and the view from the top is rewarding, especially during sunset.
We climbed the enormous dune near the Dunes Lake picnic area, and the view from the top was incredible. From up there, we could see both lakes, the largest dune, and the observatory. Totally worth burning off all the potatoes we ate at Boise Fry Company before heading to the park! 😆
Big Dune Trail
The Big Dune Trail is a moderately challenging hike around the Dune Lake and a steep climb on the largest dune. The trail offers amazing views of the surrounding landscapes and challenges you in all possible ways.
Bruneau Dunes Observatory
Bruneau Dunes State Park is known for its dark skies, making it a fantastic place for stargazing. The public observatory offers telescopes and guided star tours, giving a close-up view of planets, galaxies, and constellations. You can check out the tour schedule here.
We attended the observatory presentation that was followed by a quick tour to find scorpions with our UV light torches. We didn’t find scorpions but we did spot a few reptiles, like the horned lizard and bull frogs.
After the tour ended we headed to the telescope viewing zone and saw the Andromeda galaxy, Saturn and its largest moon Titan and many other stars. We had an amazing time at the observatory watching millions of stars with our naked eye and exploring our vast galaxy through the telescopes. 😍
Camping at Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park has three campgrounds, Eagle Cove, Broken Wheel and Equestrian offering tent sites with electricity, RVs and cabins (mainly at Broken Wheel).
We stayed at Eagle Cove campground that was merely a 10 minute walk from the public observatory and had a huge area with private picnic tables, water source, electric pole and fire pit. Plus, the view of the towering dunes was stunning, especially during sunrise. Plus, there was little to no light pollution, that allowed us to continue our stargaze session right from our tent.
All campsites at Bruneau Dunes State Park are well-equipped with a range of amenities like electricity hookups, well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets and shower areas, and potable water suitable for drinking and cooking.
For people with RVs, they have a convenient dump station available near the camp location and it is pet-friendly: However, pets must be kept on a leash.
You can check for availability here.
Visitor center
Stop by the visitor center to gather information about sandboard rentals or to simply explore educational exhibits on the park’s unique ecosystem. You can also pick up maps and souvenirs here. Although not large, the center features an impressive display of the various species found in the park. I was impressed by this visitor center, especially looking at the rich exhibits. I highly recommend stopping by for a quick visit.
Other Fun Activities at Bruneau Dunes
Sandboarding
Sandboarding is a thrilling activity to explore the steep sand dunes, just like snowboarding but on sand. You can rent a sandboard from the visitor center at $15 for one board or $25 for two. There are two kinds of board you can rent, stand up and sled.
Please note: The last time for renting a board is at 3 PM and boards must be returned by 4 PM. Moreover, the board rentals stop when the temperature reaches 80 degrees.
Fishing & Boating
Bruneau Dunes Lake is a popular spot for fishing thanks to a healthy population of bluegill and bass. Alternatively, you can simply unwind on the lake shores, surrounded by the stunning dunes and enjoy the tranquil ambience.
Picnicking
The park has several well-maintained picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal while observing the peaceful desert landscapes. Two of our favorites were the ones by Dunes Lake and next to the visitor center.
Travel Tips for Bruneau Dunes State Park
Best time to visit the park
Summer can get quite hot, so the best time to visit Bruneau Dunes would be Spring and Fall, when the temperatures are milder, suitable for hiking and climbing the dunes.
Bring Water & Snacks
The park is located in a remote area with limited facilities, aside from a shop at the visitor center and a nearby restaurant, Bruneau One Stop, a few miles south of the state park. So bring supplies like water and snacks. However, be cautious of wildlife and ensure all food and items are securely stored in your vehicle.
Wear comfortable desert clothes
Sand can get everywhere and anywhere, so wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sandals or sneakers for a comfortable time at the park. Plus, carry a jacket if you’re planning to stay for the stargazing tour, as the temperature drops quickly at night.
Watch for Wildlife
The park is home to a large variety of wildlife, including birds, lizards, and coyotes. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of their habitat and stay on the designated trail.
Park Entry Fee: $5 per vehicle
Bruneau Dunes State Park is a great place for a well-rounded experience, combining thrilling adventures with serene opportunities like stargazing. Moreover, it’s an excellent destination for wildlifers who want to observe nocturnal species and photographers to capture the park’s unique landscapes. This park is definitely a must-visit when exploring Southern Idaho.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions, and check out Bruneau Dunes State Park video showcasing our time at the park. 😍
