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City Of Rocks National Reserve: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
City Of Rocks National Reserve is a National Reserve in Idaho that is part of the U.S. National Park System[5]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park with no entrance fee[1].
Entrance fees and passes
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for City Of Rocks National Reserve[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.
When to visit and hours
NPS says the reserve is open every day of the year, around the clock[6]. In winter many roads are not maintained, and some may be impassable from late November through May[6]. NPS describes April through October as a pleasant stretch for outdoor activities[7]. It also notes that thunderstorms are common from June to August[7]. In 2025 the busiest month was June with 15,109 recreation visits, and the quietest was February with 969[2]. Check the Visitor Center or the NPS alerts for current conditions before you go[6].
Show visits by month
| Month, 2025 | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 1,201 |
| February | 969 |
| March | 2,433 |
| April | 6,401 |
| May | 13,854 |
| June | 15,109 |
| July | 10,735 |
| August | 10,921 |
| September | 11,914 |
| October | 9,248 |
| November | 5,713 |
| December | 2,400 |
Camping
NPS and Recreation.gov list 2 campgrounds here[4]. City of Rocks Campground has 67 sites and Smoky Mountain Campground has 38 sites[4]. Nightly fees for individual sites listed by NPS range from $3 to $31[4]. NPS also lists Winter Camping as a thing to do[8].
- City of Rocks Campground, 67 sites[4]
- Smoky Mountain Campground, 38 sites
Pets and dogs
The national NPS pet rule says that where pets are allowed, they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times[9]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches, with service animals excepted[9]. NPS lists pets as permitted on 25 of its 27 things to do here, and each park can close more areas to pets[8][9].
Before you go
- NPS lists no entrance fee here, but fees and rules can change, so confirm on the official park page before your trip[1].
- Campsite fees listed by NPS range from $3 to $31 per night, so check the details for the campground you choose[4].
- NPS says 4 of the things to do need a reservation, so check each activity page[8].
- The reserve has 1 visitor center, the City of Rocks Visitor Center[10].
- Winter road conditions can change, so ask at the Visitor Center or read NPS alerts[6].
Questions people ask
- Is there an entrance fee at City Of Rocks National Reserve?
- NPS lists City Of Rocks National Reserve as a fee-free park with no entrance fee[1]. Confirm on the official park page before you go.
- What is the best time to visit City Of Rocks National Reserve?
- NPS describes April through October as a pleasant stretch for outdoor activities[7]. In 2025 the busiest month was June[2].
- Are dogs allowed at City Of Rocks National Reserve?
- Where pets are allowed, the national NPS pet rule requires a leash no longer than six feet or a crate[9]. NPS lists pets as permitted on 25 of its 27 things to do here[8].
- Is City Of Rocks National Reserve open in winter?
- NPS says it is open every day of the year[6]. Many roads may become impassable in winter, from late November into May[6].
- How many campgrounds are at City Of Rocks National Reserve?
- NPS and Recreation.gov list 2 campgrounds, with 67 and 38 sites[4].
Facts and sources
- NPS lists City Of Rocks National Reserve as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
- NPS recreation visits by month, 2025 (chart on this page). NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- NPS recreation visits per year: 2021: 97,376, 2022: 83,996, 2023: 92,059, 2024: 89,949, 2025: 90,898. NPS Visitor Use Statistics
- Campgrounds in City Of Rocks National Reserve (list on this page). National Park Service
- City Of Rocks National Reserve is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Reserve) in Idaho. National Park Service
- Operating hours, City of Rocks National Reserve: The National Reserve is open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24hrs/day. Many roads are not maintained during the winter and may become impassable from late November through May. For current conditions... National Park Service
- NPS weather and seasons overview for City Of Rocks National Reserve. National Park Service
- NPS lists 27 things to do at City Of Rocks National Reserve: Winter Camping, Explore the Night Sky, Become a City of Rocks Junior Ranger, Geologic & Historic Sites Driving Tour, Disc Golf at Castle Rocks, Rock Climbing in City of Rocks and Castle Rocks,... National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (City of Rocks Visitor Center). National Park Service