📷 Photo by Fabrizio Coco on UnsplashBalanced Rock
Castleford, ID
A 15 m rock that balances on a narrow pedestal above Salmon Falls Creek Canyon, south of Buhl. The last stretch of road winds steeply into the canyon; there is a small park with picnic tables below.
Balanced Rock is a rock formation in Salmon Falls Creek Canyon south of Buhl in southern Idaho that balances on a tiny pedestal. The rock stands over 48 feet (nearly 15 m) tall, weighs about 40 tons and rests on a pedestal of only about 3 feet by 17 inches (roughly 90 cm by 43 cm).
Below the rock lies Balanced Rock Park, managed by Twin Falls County Parks and Waterways. According to the county, the park is open around the clock; the Fritz Bybee Pavilion is the only picnic pavilion that can be rented.
For road-trippers: the park has tent and RV sites, but without hookups. They are first come, first served and cannot be reserved (as of October 2026, check with the park office in advance).
- Nearest town
- Castleford, ID
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 42.5440, -114.9540
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Oasis Stop and GoMotorhome stopover11 mi from Balanced RockMotorhomes
- Rustic Edge RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Balanced RockCaravansMotorhomes
- Twin Falls 93 RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Balanced RockMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Legacy Fields RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Balanced RockMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Hagerman RV VillageMotorhome stopover20 mi from Balanced RockCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Rock Creek RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Balanced RockMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Idaho · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Balanced Rock?
Balanced Rock is in Castleford, ID, at GPS 42.5440, -114.9540. It is about 19 mi from Hagerman Fossil Beds.
Can you camp near Balanced Rock?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Balanced Rock Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Balanced Rock?
Balanced Rock is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Snake River Canyon: Bruneau Dunes to Shoshone Falls and City of Rocks.
What is there to see near Balanced Rock?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (17 mi), Malad Gorge State Park (23 mi), Perrine Bridge (26 mi) and Shoshone Falls (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Balanced Rock?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)