Camels Back Park
Rate this placeNearby: Gordon Bowen Park Mccauley Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Camel's Back Park is a popular outdoor recreational destination located in the city of Boise, Idaho.
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Summary
The park spans an area of 11.6 acres and is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and stunning views of the city. There are several reasons to visit this park, including its accessibility, family-friendly environment, and diverse range of activities.
One of the main points of interest at the park is the Camel's Back Reserve, which offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Boise Foothills and the cityscape from the top of the trails. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, a tennis court, and a community garden.
The park is named after a prominent rock formation located in the center of the park that resembles the back of a camel. Interesting facts about the area include its historic significance as a former mining site and its connection to the Boise River Greenbelt, a popular biking and hiking trail that runs along the Boise River.
The best time of year to visit Camel's Back Park is during the warmer months, from May to September, when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the winter months, when it is transformed into a winter wonderland with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Overall, Camel's Back Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a fun and family-friendly day out in Boise, Idaho.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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