Camper submitted image from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed - 5
People

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, near Shoshone, Idaho, is a unique location that offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds. This area is perfect for those who appreciate a more rugged experience, with beautiful views and a serene river nearby.

The sites here are known for their stunning scenery, with some campers waking up to breathtaking views after arriving late at night. The river is a highlight, providing opportunities for a refreshing dip and a chance to explore nearby waterfalls. As one visitor noted, “The river was beautiful so we took a dip in the water.”

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or toilets—this location allows for campfires and is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for those traveling with furry companions. Reviewers have mentioned the need for decent clearance vehicles to navigate the roads, but many found the journey worthwhile for the privacy and peacefulness of the area.

Wildlife sightings are common, with campers enjoying encounters with rabbits and quail. If you're looking for a quiet escape where you can truly connect with nature, Cauldron Linn is worth considering for your next adventure.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.49667370695853 N
114.13119882355828 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

58%
25%
11%
10%
10%

4.5

out of 5

28 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 10, 2024

Amazing location!

This place is beautiful! We arrived on a Monday morning around 9am. Before driving down the hill we got out and walked it to make sure we could make it. We’re driving a one ton GMC with Artic Fox truck camper. We made it down no problem. We stayed for 2 nights and only one night was there another camper who decided to stay up high and not make the drive down. We few cars came and went. But what surprised me the most, is that nobody who drove down, went to see the waterfall which is probably the best part! So, if you visit, find a trail anywhere to the right of the Cauldron Linn sign and follow it. There are many and most of them lead to the waterfalls eventually. My husband was nervous about the drive out but we made it out with no issues!

Siteto the right of the Cauldron Linn sign
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ronda D., October 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ronda D., October 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ronda D., October 10, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2024

Pretty Area - Felt Uneasy

In the summer when the area is busier I think we would have love this more. Happy we were able to find free camping in this area. It’s a recreation area, so when we arrived we saw some in the distance fishing and another person bike riding. We were the only ones camping, and there was some unknown activities of others who came and went that we were unsure of. We would have felt better if someone else was camping somewhere. Nothing happened though and it was a cool spot. Definitely think when other campers are around this would be a great spot!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alissa D., September 21, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2024

Tent camping

Beautiful camp site super easy to access, we got by fine without 4WD. Unfortunately people have kind of trashed some of the sites there was broken glass and lots of other litter

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Fenya S., August 30, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2024

Beautiful Area! Sketchy Roads

This is a very beautiful area to camp out in. Not far off the river with places to drive right up to the edge of the water (with the right vehicle). Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night. Dirt road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding, but it’s all doable. The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn with large rocks, depressions, and soft silt. I managed to get down in my Ford Transit Connect (pretty sketchy), but I had to try a couple times before I could make it back up and out the next day. So BE AWARE: gravity can probably help you down without getting stuck, but remember that you will have to get back up, and if your vehicle is 2wd and particularly heavy or low or is bad with hills, it may not be a breeze. (Maybe I’m just being dramatic though lol) I probably won’t risk it again, the stress was too much for my poor nerves.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alex R., August 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alex R., August 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alex R., August 18, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2024

Beautiful Hidden Gem

It is literally hidden out in the hay and corn fields. The road down into the canyon is ok for small trailers, vans, trucks. The water was out so the bank was a dusty desert and at the waters edge was a thick swampy mess with gross stinky mud foam…. So swimming was out of the question. We found a pull in area under a cluster of trees that was perfectly serene. Will definitely go back. Large black beetles are bad there and bugs as expected. Nothing to cause a big issue, we brought a bug zapper and net enclosed canopy!

SiteLeft after decent, Right side before River Bank
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

encampment

Beautiful spots and surrounding area. We sadly had to turn around because of a sketchy looking encampment. We did report to BLM so hopefully this spot will be more approachable in the future!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2024

Views

Pulled up here last minute at about 2am for some quick sleep, the view I woke up to was incredible. Drive through pretty farmland to get there, easy to navigate.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Danielle S., July 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Danielle S., July 27, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2024

Didn’t end up staying

We were really excited to stay here. The water and area is beautiful. There are 2 great shady spots right on the water. Unfortunately it looks like 2 guys are living down there and let’s say they don’t look like the friendliest for a couple of reasons. My boyfriend and I immediately got a bad vibe and decided it was best not to stay.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2024

Beautiful

Awesome sites!! Had a blast with some people I met , I stayed at the first site at the top because I’m 2w drive sedan, but I think it COULD be achieved if needed. Would recommend 4wd to the bottom; but this is a beautiful place, there’s some waterfalls to check out and the views are great, not a lot of privacy, pack in pack out.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by samuel C., July 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by samuel C., July 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by samuel C., July 16, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2024

A little bit of everything

Coordinates are accurate to location. I would not recommend for RV campers as much as I would for tent or van campers. The road was a little steep but we found a tree cave spot as mentioned in one of the previous comments. We arrived around 6pm and were the only ones there. The river was beautiful so we took a dip in the water. There is also a good size rapid. We saw a rabbit, quail, mouse, and a ferret. It did get busy after 8pm but overall great place to camp.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2024

quiet

kind of an odd camping experience. showed up around 7pm, only other people were fishing, no other campers. all night, about 3-4 trucks circled through and left. at the latest, at 1am, that we’re aware of. felt kind of sketchy. otherwise, need a decent clearance and AWD but was easy to find. close to the river. no bugs until sunset.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2024

Perfect Spot

The dirt road getting down to the river wasn’t bad, but larger vehicles might have a little trouble. I saw an RV parked at the top. I found a cool spot underneath trees like a little cave towards the end of the road. There was a campfire ring and it was shaded and private. The river is really pretty and there’s a little waterfall to see. The area was really beautiful and I felt like I was the only person there.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Samantha B., June 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Samantha B., June 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Samantha B., June 29, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Cool spot!

Private and peaceful situated inside snake river gorge Come cool water jumping spots… river is peaceful. Lots of wind! Road coming down slightly sketch and coming up will be difficult for non 4 x4 or low clearance vehicles. Super easy to find.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Sarah D., June 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Sarah D., June 16, 2024
Reviewed May. 25, 2024

Beautiful View

We camped on the terrace overlooking the river. We were in a 31' motorhome and would not be able to navigate the 120⁰ hairpin turn down to the river level. The walk down to the river and the falls was worth the effort.

SiteUpper Terrace
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Jenette B., May 25, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 8, 2024

Hidden Gem Along a Roadtrip

We found this spot last minute, late in the afternoon while on a multi day drive. Lots of spots, though we had the place to our on a Sunday night, early April.

Great little trail along the river and falls. Perfect after a long day of driving. The area was super clean (lets all continue this!) and beautiful.

If you do not have a car for high clearance (a Subaru would do fine) just use the upper two camp spots.

Our dogs loved it:)

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Laurin , April 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Laurin , April 8, 2024
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2024

Great camping spot in January

Easy site to get to..rolled in at night. Back, overlooking the river gorge, which offers great morning view and the winds blow from the sides so I was able to open up the rear of my rtt. Continue past the sign if you have high clearance... lots more beautiful sites

Sitecamped top - first flat off the road
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by 5 STAR X P., January 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by 5 STAR X P., January 2, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2023

Sweet spot

Ample amount of room, a handful of spots with various views,.. the river was really low due to farmers using it for irrigation,.. we chose to camp on the sandbar,.. no fire pit but the ground was tender enough to dig one out… no shade, lots of flys and hungry moths… people were picking stuff out of river but no one would give an actual answer to what it was they were picking up… cool rocks,..pretty tiny waterfalls.

SiteSandbar
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Lady Wandlust L., August 30, 2023
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2023

Beautiful spot

This is right along snake river. There look to be about 8 back in spots, but we didn’t explore very far down the road. The main downsides are the bugs and lack of fire pits, but worth it for the water. We fished and sat by the falls all evening. There were a few other people but very quiet.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alexandra O., June 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alexandra O., June 30, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2023

Beautiful

Easy to get to even in my Corolla. Was able to park right down by the river. Had a little service with ATT.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ashley D., June 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ashley D., June 15, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ashley D., June 15, 2023
Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Great free camping

There are only a few spots that I saw, and it’s first come first serve. There’s a river that a few people were fishing in, and a bank with plenty of space to hang out. The campsites are nicely spaced out so your not right next to anyone. There’s no designated trail that I could see, but there were some great areas for hiking and climbing.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Jarom B., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Jarom B., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Jarom B., May 30, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2023

Perfect location along the river

Wasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.

Sitecamped on the right side of the road towards the end of the path.
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Melissa R., May 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Melissa R., May 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Melissa R., May 29, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 13, 2023

Great spot

Excellent dispersed camping nice spaced out spots. Can hike along the river. Overall really liked this spot

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Syd S., May 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Syd S., May 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Syd S., May 13, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2023

The views are what make the site

Fantastic views of the canyon, both above and from within. Steep dirt road down. Several spots along the dirt path on the way down to the river bed of varying degrees of difficulty. No amenities save for a rock fire pit or two. Had full cell service w At&t. Looks like people have driven right onto the sand by the water. Hundreds of birds flying around the canyon walls and rocks. Could hear the cows at the nearby farm, and occasionally smell them when the wind was right. I visited in April and the water level was low.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2022

Perfect purpose

Great place to stop and sleep. I would consider one of the upper spots next time, strictly for the morning views.

Comfortable with River noise.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ryan I., August 7, 2022
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Ryan I., August 7, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2022

Cauldron Linn- BLM

The BLM Cauldron Linn camp site is breath taking. The drive out and down takes awhile but damn is it worth it! Bring everything you need because it is complete nature. I wouldn’t recommend taking anything longer than 22’ out here, twisty curves. Have some new art on my rig.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Kelly D., August 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Kelly D., August 2, 2022
  • Play button icon
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Awesome.

You could choose one of the spots on the drive down to the canyon so you can have a view from above, or you can camp right on the “beach” like we did. It is a bit of a rough and dusty drive, nothing the Subaru Outback couldn’t handle. There were local people swimming and fishing when we arrived but they all left by sunset. Small waterfalls across the river that you could hear, overall great spot but a windy road down.

Sitebeach
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alyson M., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alyson M., July 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Alyson M., July 21, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2022

Simple but nice views

Right on the Snake River. On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be angry if the beach was covered in campers, so just respect the multiple uses. Bring bug spray! Had verizon service.

SiteFirst pull-in
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Roean A., June 28, 2022
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed by Roean A., June 28, 2022
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.