Kyle M
January 12, 2020
Sites are too close together. We stayed at 11 and there was no afternoon shade so it was very hot.
Helpful
Featured amenities
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
About Shafer Butte
Shafer Butte is located atop the scenic Boise Ridge Mountains, near Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, at an elevation of 7 ft. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking on various trails in the surrounding area, and simply relaxing and taking in the area's beautiful views.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Missing information?
Reviews
281 reviews
Summary
Shafer Butte is praised for its excellent location and stunning views, making it a highly regarded destination. The overall atmosphere is positive, with visitors appreciating the scenic beauty. It's a recommended spot for those seeking a great experience.
Based on guest feedback
3.5
Overall rating
Based on 281 reviews
5 stars
35.6% (100)
4 stars
21.7% (61)
3 stars
21.4% (60)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
21.4% (60)
Showing 281 reviews
Sort by: Newest First
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Paul B
January 9, 2020
Our Search and Rescue training went very well at Shaffer Butte, we expect to be using this area again in the future.
This is close enough to Boise, yet remote enough to provide realistic situations and terrain not found in the valley.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Shafer Butte
3080 Industrial Way, Mountain Home, ID 83647 United States
Elevation: 2,031 ft
Getting There
From Boise, Idaho, travel along Bogus Basin Road for approximately 20 mi. The last three miles are on a gravel road. Turn right (east) on the signed gravel road and travel just over a mile to the campground and picnic area.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Visit the website for information on Boise National Forest.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
- Follow safety guidelines for Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) in Idaho.
Site capacity
- Day-use picnic sites and campsites are first-come, first-served.
Fires & fuel
- Do not move firewood to prevent pests; use firewood from the area only.
Utilities
- The water system is down; no potable water is available at the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Mountain Home, ID
Population: 16,493
Nearby city: Meridian, ID
Approx. 20 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 3,146 ft
Mountain Home, ID
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the USDA Forest Service