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Idaho
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Idaho State Parks

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USA Parks
Idaho
Southwest Region
Bruneau Dunes State Park
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Bruneau Dunes State Park Sunrise on the Lake © Rick Otto
A beautiful sunrise lights up the island.
Bruneau Dunes State Park Reeds on fire © Rick Otto
An early morning sunrise lights up the reeds at the West end of the lake.
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Where I have been.
Bruneau Dunes State Park Owl © Larry Schwager
Wild life of the Sand Dunes
Bruneau Dunes State Park Wind and Sand © Larry Schwager
What the sand does with the help of the wind.
Bruneau Dunes State Park Water among Sand Dunes © Larry Schwager
The water brings life to the area around the Sand Dunes - sustaining wild life.
Bruneau Dunes State Park Sand Hill © Larry Schwager
Another hill to climb - and the wind is still blowing
Bruneau Dunes State Park Storm coming © Larry Schwager
The approaching of a summer storm
Bruneau Dunes State Park Bruneau Dune © Rick Otto
2 bushes frame a large sand dune in the park.
Bruneau Dunes State Park Bruneau Sunrise © Rick Otto
A beautiful sunrise over the lake.
Bruneau Dunes State Park Idaho Wind © Larry Schwager
Almost made it to the top - now I know what being sand blasted really means.
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Sunset colors
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Tracks and Shadows
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
The waters edge
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Observatory
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Another World
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Reflections
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
On the Edge
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
The Moon at Sunset
Bruneau Dunes State Park © Randall Gross
Boarding on sand.
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BRUNEAU DUNES STATE PARK
BRUNEAU DUNES STATE PARK
27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd
Bruneau, Idaho   83604
(lat:42.9112 lon:-115.7151) map location

Phone: (208) 366-7919
Reservations: 208-366-7919
The tallest single-structured sand dune in North America rises to 470 feet high above small lakes in the high desert south of Mountain Home. The state park includes desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat with opportunities to observe nocturnal species. Activities include fishing, birdwatching, camping, hiking, swimming and viewing the stars at Idaho's largest public observatory. Feel free to climb but no vehicles are allowed on the dunes. A visitor center offers information on all birds of prey, insects, fossils, wildlife and sand dunes and gift items for purchase. Two cabins are available for rent. Also 82 serviced with W/E and 16 standard sites.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
Bruneau Dunes has one of the longest camping seasons in Idaho's system. Campers often start coming in March and continue to enjoy the park's warm weather late into the fall. Shade trees and shelters are abundant in the campground. A new group camp area with shelter and 50 sites has been added. Two camping cabins are also available for rent in the park.
Swimming
1. Bruneau Dunes State Park offers a small lake for swimming.
2. The park's main attraction is the largest single-structured sand dune in North America, but it also has water activities.
3. Swimming at C. J Strike Reservoir nearby provides another option within close proximity to the state park.
4. Life jackets are recommended when swimming due to potential undercurrents and varying depths of waters across different areas.
5. There aren't any lifeguards on duty so swimmers should exercise caution while enjoying their swim sessions or other aquatic activities.
6. The best time for swimming is during summer months as temperatures can reach up into 90 degrees Fahrenheit making cooling off essential.
7. Swimming after sunset isn't allowed; visitors must adhere strictly with this rule enforced by Idaho Parks & Recreation Department.
Boating
The park offers a small lake where visitors can enjoy non-motorized boating activities. Canoeing and paddleboarding are popular choices, with rentals available on-site during the summer months for those who don't have their own equipment. Fishing is also permitted in the lake, providing another water-based activity option.
Fishing
Fishing:

The small lakes at the foot of the dunes provide an excellent bass and bluegill fishery. Sport fishing from non-motorized boats, canoes, rubber rafts and float tubes is a popular activity.


Location
Bruneau Dunes State Park is

Picnicking
Bruneau Dunes State Park offers picnic tables, grills and shelters. Enjoy food amidst sand dunes, lakes or observatory views.
Bicycling
Biking is permitted on the park's roads and trails, but caution should be exercised due to sandy conditions.

Mountain bikes are recommended for navigating rough terrains.

The 8-mile loop trail offers a moderate biking experience with scenic views of dunes and lakes.

Riders must respect wildlife habitats by sticking to designated paths only; off-trail riding is prohibited.

Helmets are strongly advised as safety measures against potential falls or collisions during rides in this area.

Ensure you carry enough water while cycling due to high temperatures that can lead to dehydration quickly.
Birding
The park offers a diverse bird population, ideal for birdwatching. Species include owls, hawks and songbirds among others. The observatory also provides opportunities to spot nocturnal birds like the Great Horned Owl.
Area Attractions
The Observatory

The Bruneau Dunes Observatory invites you to look at the stars. Take advantage of a unique opportunity to see the night sky like you never have before. Visitors will watch a short orientation program and then have a chance to survey the heavens through the observatory?s collection of telescopes.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 16 Great location for hiking and exploring
park review stars; one to five My family and I went on a small day trip to the sand dunes, and it was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed both hiking up the large dunes and exploring the prairie scenery around the park. We came in February, and it was perfect temperature-wise around 70 degrees or so. I highly recommend visiting the park, as the scenery alone is wonderful.
June 20 In the Nature but amenities of Home by Royal Ranger
park review stars; one to five Camped in a group campsite with tents on soft grass in the Broken Wheel Camp Area. 27 people for our Outpost Campout. The camp host and a park ranger stopped by to see if we needed an assistance or needed any firewood. Had running water and an electrical hookup, two picnic tables, a fire pit and several trees provided needed shade. June 17th and about 75 degrees. After trampling on the dunes and finding hidden ponds through the sagebrush and sand, the showers back at the campground were very refreshing. We saw jack rabbits, owls, lizards, horned-toad lizards and heard coyotes at night. Only bad thing was the wet spring brought out mosquitoes almost too much to bear.
July 20 Enjoyed to Star event
park review stars; one to five Went last week middle of July. Very hot in the afternoon but nice in the eveing. Lots of mosquitoes in the morning near the lake when we went for a hike on the trail to the sand dunes. Saw rabbits and lizards. I enjoyed the Star event they did a very good job.
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