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Best Dispersed Camping near Bancroft, ID

32 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options exist around Bancroft, Idaho, with Indian Rocks being the most reviewed area. Located just off I-15, this former state park now under BLM management offers approximately 10 primitive sites accessible via a gravel road with potholes. The road is navigable without 4WD but requires slow driving, especially for larger rigs. Most sites are relatively level with mountain views, though highway noise is noticeable. A review noted, "Beautiful views, easy access to the highway. We got three bars of Verizon out of five total bars."

Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site provides another dispersed option with vault toilets and picnic tables. The area has undergone recent changes with certain sections now designated as day-use only. A recent visitor explained, "There are 2 BLM camping areas—one across from the parking lot in a deeply graveled area, and another about 1/4 mile further where the road loops back." Other primitive sites include Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access and Pebble Creek areas, though reviews mention frequent train noise at these locations. Most dispersed sites in the region have fire rings but no drinking water, and 14-day stay limits typically apply.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bancroft, Idaho (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bancroft, ID

20 Photos of 13 Bancroft Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bancroft, ID

32 Reviews of 13 Bancroft Campgrounds

  • S
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Decent BLM Boondock

    GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes. Was traveling late from Idaho to SLC and was a good stopping point. Can hear the highway still but quiet enough and secluded. No amenities whatsoever but there are some weathered petroglyphs to see. As an option there is a formal rest area off the highway a few miles south.

  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.

  • Erin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Typical One Night Stand

    Close to highway, easy driven dirt road with plenty of flat spots to park. Good for one night while passing through.

  • Dana V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Nice & Easy Access

    This place is right off the highway so it made it a super easy spot to get to for a quick overnight stay. There were other campers and everyone was quiet and respectful, the spaces are spread out a nice distance so that we aren't right next to our neighbors. You can hear highway noise but it wasn't too bad, and the view is a pretty rolling hills.

  • Cory M.
    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.

  • Carrie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Palisades Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Awesome dispersed camping spot!

    I camped here during a Snake River float trip. Easy to get to launch quickly and close proximity to Alpine WY where you can pick up supplies. There are no amenities at the campground. It is just across the Idaho/Wyoming boarder and on the banks of the Palisades Reservoir. There are trees along the banks. Only fire pits available. No tables, bathrooms, nothing. So please practice good camping etiquette and pack out everything. Gets pretty

  • A
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    Quiet parking lot tucked in rolling hills conveniently located

    A short dirt road that’s well maintained leads up to a rock/gravel parking lot. As another reviewer said, the right is for camping, while the left is day use only. There’s a very clean toilet well stocked with toilet paper. A friendly ranger stopped by to say hi, otherwise there was no one around camping or using the site. There’s a cute little stream that runs below the site as well.

  • Eric A.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 Bancroft

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bancroft, Idaho, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several well-reviewed spots perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Bancroft, Idaho

  • When visiting Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access, be aware that the area is close to a train track, which may lead to some noise during the night.
  • The road leading to Blackrock Canyon can be rough with potholes, so it's advisable to drive slowly, especially if you're in a larger vehicle.
  • Make sure to bring your own water and supplies when camping at Heart Mountain Spring, as there are no amenities available on-site.

Activities While Free Camping Near Bancroft

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find trails nearby the Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, offering opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Fishing is a popular activity at Palisades Reservoir Dispersed Camping, where anglers can cast their lines in a serene environment.
  • For those looking to enjoy a night under the stars, the McTucker Ponds Park provides a peaceful setting with plenty of spots along the pondfront, perfect for stargazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bancroft, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bancroft, ID is Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bancroft, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Bancroft, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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