About SHAFER BUTTE
Overview Shafer Butte is located atop the scenic Boise Ridge Mountains, near Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking on various trails in the surrounding area, and simply relaxing and taking in the area's beautiful views.Recreation Popular activities in the area include hiking and mountain biking, the Mores Mountain Trail begins in the campground. This 2-mile interpretive nature trail is family friendly. Facilities Shafer Butte contains single-family tent campsites and two day-use, group picnic areas, all of which are accessible. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, and many of the overnight campsites have tent pads. The overnight sites are walk-in and are clustered close together, with limited vegetation screening for privacy. Accessible vault restrooms are provided, but there is no electricity. Parking spurs and pathways within the campground are paved, and each site can be accessed via a short walking path from the parking area.Natural Features Shafer Butte offers scenic views of Deer Point, Mores Mountain and Shafer Butte summits, as well as the expansive valley below. The campground is situated among Douglas fir and aspen trees, which offer partial shade in most sites. Wildlife and summer wildflowers are abundant in the area. Nearby Attractions Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is close by and offers more hiking and biking trails, as well as other summer activities, check out this link for more information http://bogusbasin.org. The Ridge to River trail system is near by as well, check out this link for more information http://www.ridgetorivers.org
How to Get There
From Boise, Idaho, travel along Bogus Basin Road for approximately 20 miles. 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SHAFER BUTTE
Heading to SHAFER BUTTE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SHAFER BUTTE?
No central reservation system listed for SHAFER BUTTE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232218) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SHAFER BUTTE?
From Boise, Idaho, travel along Bogus Basin Road for approximately 20 miles. 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.
How do I contact SHAFER BUTTE?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-587-7961.
References & Official Resources
