Over 100 years ago, emigrants on the Oregon Trail passed through what is now the Milner Historic Recreation Area, creating ruts as they traveled through the soft soil of the area. Some of the emigrants chose to camp here, resting before continuing the long journey ahead. The historic recreation area preserves these still visible Oregon Trail ruts. Just north of the recreation area's west entrance is an interpretive shelter and a hiking trail that leads to some of the Oregon Trail ruts. Centered within the historic recreation area is a 1.3-mile paved ADA walking path that follows the historic ruts with interpretive panels along the way discussing the history of the area. Milner Historic Recreation Area also offers ample opportunities for recreation, including four miles of Snake River shoreline making it the largest accessible section of public land along the river in the entire Magic Valley. Enjoying this shoreline is made easier with access to two boat ramps within the recreation area, one of which includes a kayak/canoe launch to assist in use of non-motorized watercraft. Fishing the Snake River for bass, perch, catfish, trout and carp is popular whether from boat or shore. The area's basalt cliffs and surrounding sagebrush/grassland are a year-round haven for songbirds, waterfowl, upland birds, rabbits, and reptiles. Mule deer can often be seen along the tree lines and near the river. Scattered through the historic recreation area are 26 campsites with moderate development such as fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilets located nearby. Some campsites situated near the river's edge have docks from which campers can swim, fish or boat. One of the boat ramps includes a picnic area with shade structures, picnic tables, grills, and horseshoe pits. This is a US fee site that currently has a $5 day use fee and $15 per night camping fee to include 2 vehicles. Additional vehicles will be charged $5 per night per vehicle. Annual passes are available by contacting the Burley Field Office. Idaho State Park Passes are not accepted. No reservations are available, and all sites are first come, first served. Camping allowed only in numbered and designated sites. Currently no water, electric hook ups, or dump station on site. RV's and large trailers are recommended to use the west entrance into the historic recreation area due to low clearance on the east end. While there are camp sites that can accommodate larger RV's, not all sites are RV friendly, enter with caution. Bring your own firewood as cutting of vegetation on site is prohibited. Shooting of firearms is prohibited within 100 yards of any picnic, camping, scenic viewing, boat ramp, or gathering site. Annual Pass: $50 for unlimited day use at Milner Historic Recreation Area and Lud Drexler Park. Reduces camping rate to $5 per site per night, to include two vehicles. Available at the Burley Field Office and Twin Falls District Office.
The description, directions and fees are the Bureau of Land Management’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area