Tent camping opportunities near Ammon, Idaho range from 750 feet elevation along the Snake River to over 6,500 feet in the surrounding mountains. The climate varies significantly between these elevations, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F in river valleys while mountain areas remain 10-15 degrees cooler. Seasonal closures affect many campgrounds, with Warm Slough only permitting camping from October through January.
What to do
Fishing access points: South Tourist Park Campground offers convenient fishing along the Snake River, with multiple tent sites directly adjacent to the water. According to Jamie C., "A few nice spots right on the river. They have a potable water and a dump station. You need to park and go to the box near the host station to fill out the card and pay."
Float trips: Warm Slough provides direct access to Henry's Fork for water recreation. "Great place to fish, kayak, or float the river. Some campsites will have a picnic table," notes Miles G. The site serves as both a camping destination and river access point with multiple entry areas.
Mountain biking: Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping offers access to numerous mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels. "If you google Pine Creek Pass, that will show you how to get there. There's a pull off from the hwy that I've seen people camp at the base," explains Jamie C., who adds practical navigation advice: "To get into the dispersed camping you'll see the driveway in the corner. Take that."
Wildlife viewing: Eagle Park Campground tent sites provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. One camper noted: "Site is relatively unbusy with Campers but you may have locals walking a small trail pass by on main road or see others fly fishing in small stream that runs through park."
What campers like
High-elevation vistas: Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping offers expansive mountain views from campsites at higher elevations. Dylan B. reports: "Views of the three Tetons, Palisades, and Baldy plus sunsets and sunrises. There are two fir rings I know if, but I haven't explored everywhere."
Cost-effective options: Several free or low-cost tent camping options exist near Ammon. Trevor S. notes about Warm Slough: "Good for the price($0). As many free sites are it hasn't been maintained or respected by those who use it. There's trash all over and broken glass in the pit toilet. But there's some picnic tables and fire pits and plenty of space."
Riverside camping: South Tourist Park Campground provides tent sites with direct water access. Kenyon comments, "Nice little gem of a bare bones city camp site next to Snake River. No hook ups. There is a dump site, fresh water and toilets. There is a small boat launch."
Secluded spots: Eagle Park offers quieter camping despite its proximity to town. Jacob W. explains: "This campground is ran by the local lions club and Boy Scouts of the area. $10 a night isn't bad. Overall a good campground, but overgrown and cramped roads and campsites."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Camping availability varies significantly by season. About Warm Slough, Johnothan R. notes: "Great to go float river or fishing. Camping only allowed Oct 1 to Jan 31. 10 days max."
Navigation challenges: Finding some campgrounds requires precise directions. Kelda C. shares about Warm Slough: "This place was hard to find - I almost gave up. The GPS directions and coordinates on this app are both wrong. Take Warm Slough Rd off 4000 N. Ignore the no trespassing signs- they refer to the land on either side of the road."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping sites often involves rough roads. Faith D. describes reaching Pine Creek Pass: "When you pull off into the gravel lot take the road in the left corner up to the top. There are a few pull outs along the way or a lot of space at the top."
Facility limitations: Bathroom maintenance varies widely at tent sites near Ammon. Katie H. warns: "There are 2 pit toilets. The one at the front is truly disgusting. The one further in by the boat launch is clean, but no TP."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety precautions: River camping requires vigilance with children. At Eagle Park Campground, families should note Miles G.'s warning: "Next to teton river and paths to explore."
Weather preparation: Mountain camping requires extra clothing layers even in summer. VanRumschpringa V. describes Pine Creek Pass conditions: "I enjoyed watching the rain fall and thunder roll over a distant mountain range, the sunset and then the sunrise."
Urban proximity benefits: South Tourist Park offers convenience when camping with children. Jamie C. notes: "There is a bike path right from the campground that follows the river and leads to downtown Riverwalk area."
Morning noise considerations: Early risers may not mind maintenance schedules. Jamie C. shares: "Fairly cheap for a couple nights stay. Only issue was the mowing service was out and about at 6:30am. Luckily we're early risers, but we just thought it was a little strange."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Morgans Bridge Campground accommodates smaller recreational vehicles with specific site restrictions. One camper explains: "3 RV slips for smaller rigs ~30'. Plenty of picnic tables including an ADA table."
Maneuvering space: Eagle Park Campground presents challenges for larger vehicles. Jacob W. cautions: "No big RV's allowed. You don't want to take an RV down that road. Not very good turnaround spots."
Water access points: RV campers seeking river access should consider South Tourist Park. Ginger Y. notes: "I found out they have drinking water to refill with. It's right along the Snake River. I love that there is a RV dump in the campground."
