Lower Penstemon
Lower Penstemon Campground is located along the scenic Rock Creek Road, in southern Idaho, at an elevation of 6,600 feet. Visitors come to the area to enjoy its abundant trails and natural beauty.
More like this: reservable in Idaho · pets allowed in Idaho
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 6 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 30 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
6 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 |
| 002 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 |
| 003 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 |
| 004 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 |
| 005 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 |
| 006 | Back-in | 30 | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 2 |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 10:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 30 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
The campground contains single-family campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel. Because the campground is situated along the main road, some noise from passing cars is to be expected.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Season | May 15-20 |
| Forest | Sawtooth National Forest |
| Fees | This is a fee campground. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance. |
| Rules | Occupancy: The following act is prohibited within the Minidoka Ranger District: Pursuant to 36 CFR 262.58 (a), camping in any area including a developed recreation site or an undeveloped/dispersed recreation site for more than 14 (fourteen) days in a 28 (twenty-eight) day period. |
Weather by month
Getting there
Travel south on Twin Falls County Road G3 which becomes Forest Road 515, commonly known as Rock Creek Road, for approximately 27 miles from Hansen.
| Nearest town | Burley, Idaho |
| Coordinates | 42.1953° N, 114.2833° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedStinson Creek Rx 2026
30 mi from the campground · 450 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Xtreme RV ↗ | 26.4 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 34.1 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Worth a stop
- 7.3 mi
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miPenstemon Loop2.8 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.2 miPenstemon Short Loop0.4 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.6 miShort Loop1.5 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.7 miTrail Canyon1.6 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 0.7 miWahlstrom Loop4 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
- 0.8 miRock Creek Loop2 mi trail · snowshoe, ski
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Natural features
The campground is situated in a mixed conifer and aspen forest, just off Rock Creek Road. Most sites have partial shade. Summer wildflowers dot the landscape and wildlife can be seen frequently in the surrounding area.
Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the surrounding area. Third Fork, Pike Mountain, Rim View and Porcupine Spring trails all begin nearby. Rock Creek runs along the campground, offering good trout fishing.
Guidebooks for Idaho
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Lower Penstemon?
Sites at Lower Penstemon are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Lower Penstemon?
This is a fee campground. Fee envelopes and a collection box are provided near the entrance.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Lower Penstemon?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 10:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Lower Penstemon open right now?
Open as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 15-20.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Lower Penstemon have?
7 sites, including 6 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Lower Penstemon?
The longest site here provides 30 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Lower Penstemon?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lower Penstemon. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Lower Penstemon?
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the surrounding area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Lower Penstemon?
Burley, Idaho.
Source: Getting there
What if Lower Penstemon is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Upper Penstemon Campground (0.1 mi, first-come), Pettit Campground (0.9 mi, first-come), and Diamondfield Jack Campground (1.7 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby