Best Dispersed Camping near American Falls, ID

Looking for the best dispersed camping near American Falls? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of American Falls's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near American Falls, ID (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    1. Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    8 Reviews
    18 Photos
    116 Saves
    American Falls, Idaho

    Camping, fishing for trout and boating are the favorite activities along the Snake River from this semi-developed recreation site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    2. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    21 Photos
    165 Saves
    McCammon, Idaho

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    3. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    6 Reviews
    2 Photos
    61 Saves
    Inkom, Idaho

    The Blackrock Canyon is associated with the Chinese Peak – Blackrock Rock Trail System, providing non-motorized and motorized users over 40 miles of trails to utilize for OHV, equestrian, mountain biking and hiking. This site is equipped with sheltered picnic tables, fire rings, vaulted restrooms and 2 trailhead parking lots. Additionally, there is an ATV loading/unloading ramp at the lower lot. Site and trail rules and regulations are posted at the trailheads. The site is closed to shooting year around.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from McTucker Ponds Park

    4. McTucker Ponds Park

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    10 Saves
    Pocatello, Idaho
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      5. McClendon Spring Campground

      8 Reviews
      14 Saves
      Malta, Idaho

      Explore the Cotterel Mountains or hunt for upland birds and deer near this semi-developed camping destination. McClendon Spring was a favorite resting place for emigrants along the California Trail.

        • No image available
          • No image available
            Camper-submitted photo from Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access
            Camper-submitted photo from Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access

            8. Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access

            1 Review
            3 Photos
            9 Saves
            Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
            • Tents
            • Dispersed
            • Alcohol
            Camper-submitted photo from Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off

            9. Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off

            1 Review
            1 Photo
            5 Saves
            Bancroft, Idaho
            • Fires
            • Phone Service
            • RVs
            • Tents
            • Standard (Tent/RV)
            • Dispersed
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          Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

          Recent Dispersed Reviews in American Falls

          30 Reviews of 9 American Falls Campgrounds


          • Abby F.
            Camper-submitted photo from Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off
            Nov. 16, 2024

            Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off

            Dispersed but 50 yards from train tracks

            About 10 dispersed spots right next to the water/right off the road but holy shit it’s VERY ACTIVE TRAIN TRACKS about 50 yards from these spots. A train every 1-2 hours that blows its horn the whole night so not very peaceful

          • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
            Sep. 1, 2024

            Snake River Vista Recreation Site

            Great Spot!

            Great location just a few minutes off the highway with multiple sites. Offers great views of the river and several prebuilt fire rings around the area as well. 4 x 4 recommended to get down to some of the lower spots, but there’s sites up top as well that would be suitable for 2-Wheel drive vehicles. Bring bug spray if you visit in the hotter months

          • LThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
            Aug. 15, 2024

            Snake River Vista Recreation Site

            Massive confusion and deep ruts

            I don't know how people are finding the beautiful places they show here. I used the GPS coordinates from here and it led me to a maze of twisted little passages. Very deeply rutted roads challenging me and my 4wd led to a complex of turns and turnarounds. The only road that appeared to lead down to the river was dirt at about 45 degrees. There are many ways to go and I don't know how to could know which to take. Must be dumb luck to find a pretty place by the river.

            So, I left and went to the location that the BLM website gives for this named place. It's not the same place. The official location of this place is farther west. That is poorly identified, too. There's a signed turnoff but down the road there's a "Y". I went right. That led to confusion and nasty flies going into my nose and eyes. I left.

            Looking at the map later it appears that I should have gone LEFT at the "Y" instead of right. I have no idea what that's like.

            Basically, this place has many roads that intersect and go to unknown places. I don't know why there are so many roads, circles, "Y"s, along the river, perpendicular to the river.

            The BLM website isn't helpful. I called them and expected a call back but didn't get it.

            I wouldn't go here without one of the people here who submitted great reviews with beautiful photos. It's not worth the confusing directions (both my Garmin RV GPS and Google Maps were wrong in different places) and ambiguity of destinations.

          • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from McTucker Ponds Park
            Aug. 3, 2024

            McTucker Ponds Park

            Nice spot, lots of spots, most on the pondfront

            Nice little area with plenty of random spots. There is an outhouse at the entrance - probably a 10-20 minute walk from any site, but nice to have. There were some dumpsters when I was there for garbage too which was nice.

            Water in the ponds looked a bit scummy, too bad - would be nice for a swim otherwise! Good spot to spend a night while passing through.

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
            Jul. 30, 2024

            Snake River Vista Recreation Site

            Stunner

            Such easy access off 86, so it’s the perfect pull out for a road trip. We were traveling from Colorado to Oregon and found this spot late in the evening of our 2nd day and couldn’t have been happier. We rolled in amongst the thunderstorms, which blew over just in time for a beautiful sunset. There was a little noise from the road, but once we crawled in the tent it was hard to distinguish the traffic noise from that of the river.

            Very clean, lots of spots, 10 out of 10 would stay here again.

          • Chris A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access
            Jul. 7, 2024

            Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access

            Quick Overnight Pullover

            Easy access from Lava with about 10 designated spots, most with room for two vehicles and one(?) pull through spot that fit my truck/30foot TT. Most had either a metal fire ring or picnic table or both. Pretty enough area, but right off the road and even closer to a train that passed through multiple times at night.

            Pulled in at 10:30 pm Saturday night July Fourth weekend and was able to snag the last spot so very clutch!

            NOTE - Google satellite photos are NOT accurate, the area is fenced off and sites are limited, no longer the free for all it appears to have been

          • AThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
            May. 9, 2024

            Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

            Passing through

            May 2024 - This is a good stopping point for those who are passing through. There is a Flying J truck stop on the opposite side of I-15. They have fuel, propane, dump station ($10) and water. The road into dispersed camping is full of pot holes so go slow with a Class A RV or if you have low clearance. The noise from the freeway is minimal. I would stay here again.

          • CThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
            Oct. 9, 2023

            Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

            Great Spot!

            Nice spot in a gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby. Park on the right as camping is prohibited on the left.

            As others have mentioned, dirt bikes and four wheelers are driving by at night & you can just barely hear the cars from the highway. I’m sure I’ll sleep juuuuust fine 😌

          • Cory M.
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
            Sep. 26, 2023

            Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

            Former Indian Rocks State Park

            This site is at an abandoned state park. The coordinates navigate just past the entrance and we got a bit confused at first. Mapping to Indian Rocks State Park will provide more accurate directions.

            The site is very accessible - the road is washboard with lots of potholes, slow going for us with a 24' travel trailer, but totally doable. Plenty of sites - we snagged a mostly level pull through and stayed hitched. Great views. Traffic noise isn't ideal, but fine for a quick stop.

          • MThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
            Jul. 13, 2023

            Snake River Vista Recreation Site

            Looked like a goat trail

            The road down to it was silt. We were afraid we wouldn't make it back out. It was like an old goat trail. The camp spots were not near the water and people burned garbage on them. I really don't recommend this spot. There were wood pallets and an old headboard people were trying to burn.

          • Violeta A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 1, 2023

            Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

            Great location

            After a long drive this place was perfect. This location is very close the freeway exit. We got lucky to find a pretty leveled pull through site. It looked liked there were only about 10 sites in total. The road in was unpaved but not too rough. Some cars drove past during our stay faster than that we thought was correct. The views to the mountain were awesome. We had some cows come and visit our site early the morning we were leaving. Not sure about why they are free roaming but we liked having them visit.

          • GThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
            Jul. 1, 2023

            Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

            Great BLM spot

            Found a perfect spot here and this particular one was quite level! A tree for some shade, quiet, but above all, spectacular views. Road is slightly washboard along with occasional pot holes but accessible for my 24 ft. RV.

          • Aubz2themax The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
            Jun. 25, 2023

            Snake River Vista Recreation Site

            Beautiful & Secluded

            What an amazing find! This camp site had 4-5 sites, some on the hill others near the water. There was even a little beach that could be see from the road near the river. We found the perfect shady spot with fire pits built and the sound of the river in the background. Only 1 other person was there overnight. It was quiet and relaxing!

          • Keith S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
            Jun. 25, 2023

            Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

            Great over night stay

            Close to the interstate so some traffic noise but we had a good nights sleep. 8+ spots. We stoped here on our way to Yellowstone. This is an abandoned state park so some sites are over grown.

          • Robin B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
            Jun. 19, 2023

            Snake River Vista Recreation Site

            Wonderful secluded spot

            This site is right above the snake River so you can hear the water, wonderful way to fall asleep! You are in the High Desert of Idaho so this site is amongst sagebrush but has good shade trees also. When I was there I could start a tent but this ground does tend to get pretty hard during dry season so staking may be a bit more difficult.

            There are actually 2 sites you can pitch a tent or park a vehicle. There is also a firepit. I got really good cell reception. There are fun trails to explore with beautiful scenery. This would also be a great spot if you like to pole fish. You can walk to the river and cast in! This spot os about 8 miles to the American Falls Dam where you can kayak, SUP, fish, and picnic

            The directions were spot on. I recommend a vehicle with relatively high clearance. It os closer to the interstate than you would expect so you can hear vehicles but was super quiet at night

          • Erin H.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
            Aug. 5, 2022

            Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

            New Changes to this area??

            Blackrock Canyon BLM Pocatello, ID 8/4/22 DO NOT trust APP coordinates 42.8145, -112.3307 : Campendium 6/20/22 42.8146,-112.3307 : The Dyrt 6/30/22, 42.8142, -112.3306 : FREE Roam / 2019 These coordinates all lead to a reasonably level, fenced dirt parking lot on the left with a vault toilet and concrete walkway going across the road to a covered picnic/stream area. We were very excited. This is NOT the BLM camping area.... or rather more likely, 'no longer' is? There are 3 new looking signs stating Day Use Only, No Overnight Camping. However there is still a signboard by the toilet with the typical BLM rules/regs & 14 day limit? What's a gal to do? So I called the BLM office listed on the sign to clear up the conflicting sign info. Yep, the aforementioned parking lot is NOT FOR OVERNIGHTCAMPING - again, signs are shiney, no weathering, so this may be a new development? We were told there are 2 BLM camping areas. #1 is ACROSS from the aforementioned parking lot... big DEEPLY graveled area on the right as you come in that steeply slopes down to the picnic table area (our autolevel just laughed at us no matter what we did or where we positioned). #2 is about 1/4m further up where the road loops back on itself, and also has a vault toilet (no concrete walkway). This is a medium parking area inside the loop. Looked doable until we noticed the berm hiding under the grass. At 34' backed in, we'd have either lost the under carriage spare tire, or had our big butt sitting on the ground. So this too was a big nope for us. There is a pullout on the way to the 2nd area, but currently has a 'road closed' sign on it, and another pull out just before the 1st parking area. We could have squeezed into this one, but by this point we were wore out & the thought of all the dust ... just nope. We moved on. This is a GORGEOUS area, if you're a smaller footprint, and can get level. Verizon & ATT both usable but not very strong. Road in is a little washboard and hilly, but doable. I15 underpass ... we're 13'8" on truck & cleared both with no issues. Definitely recommend dropping your rig in the parking lot and scouting out this area 1st.

          • C
            Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
            Jun. 30, 2022

            Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

            Just a Side of road overnight

            Roads get narrow with up & down that was too much for my off-road trailer (16in clearance) so stayed on side of road. Quiet, clear unobstructed view of sky for my Starlink.

          • Eric A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
            Apr. 4, 2022

            Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

            Boondock pit stop

            Not a place we’d stay for long, but perfect for an overnight stop. Virtually no signage, but there is a BLM road marker just past the old brick pilings. Road is potholed, but drivable w/o 4x4. I believe there were 2 pull throughs and several fairly level dispersed sites. You’ll hear highway drone but not enough to keep you up. One spot down the turn around loop looked like a long time resident but didn’t have any issues.


          Guide to American Falls

          Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near American Falls, Idaho, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.

          Tips for free and dispersed camping near American Falls, Idaho

          • When visiting the Snake River Vista Recreation Site, be prepared for rough access roads; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for reaching lower spots.
          • Bring your own firewood and water, as amenities are limited at places like McTucker Ponds Park, which offers a peaceful setting but no drinking water.
          • Keep bug spray handy during the warmer months, especially at sites like Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, where mosquitoes can be a nuisance.

          Scenic views and activities while free camping near American Falls

          • The Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping area offers breathtaking mountain views and is a great spot for hiking and exploring the surrounding nature.
          • Enjoy fishing and wildlife watching at McClendon Spring Campground, where you might spot deer and other animals in their natural habitat.
          • For those who love sunsets, the Eagle Rock Access provides stunning views of the river, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation.

          Essential amenities and considerations for dispersed campers

          • While many dispersed camping spots like Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access have basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, be prepared to pack out all your trash as there are no trash services available.
          • Sites such as Blackrock Canyon may have vault toilets, but it's wise to bring your own sanitation supplies for a more comfortable stay.
          • Always check for updated access information, as some areas may have restrictions or changes in availability, particularly at locations like Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near American Falls, ID?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near American Falls, ID is Snake River Vista Recreation Site with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near American Falls, ID?

            TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near American Falls, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.