Dispersed camping sites around Wolverine Canyon provide accessible options for tent and RV campers near Blackfoot, Idaho. Located in southeastern Idaho at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, the area features a combination of desert and mountain terrain with year-round access to outdoor recreation. Temperature extremes range from below freezing in winter to over 90°F in summer months.
What to do
Fishing near campgrounds: At Kelly Island Campground, sites directly along the Snake River provide excellent fishing access. "Near a river! Easily accessible and had an awesome time here," notes Diana S. about the campground's river proximity.
Day trips to Lava Hot Springs: Located about 45 minutes southeast of Blackfoot, the town offers natural hot springs and river recreation. "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable options. They have canoeing, rubber tubes, evokes, vespas and four wheelers available," shares Louis L. from Lava Hot Springs West KOA.
Disc golf and hiking: Massacre Rocks State Park Campground features both disc golf and historical trails. "Paved roads in, plenty of trails that lead to even greater views. Clean bathrooms and showers," writes Peggy/Mark C. The park includes access to Oregon Trail wagon ruts for hiking.
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: Campers at Indian Springs Resort and RV enjoy the on-site hot spring pool. "We enjoyed the hot spring fed pool. Again, we were the only ones there. The pool is huge!" reports Kellie, who visited after Labor Day when crowds had thinned.
Riverfront camping: Lower Portneuf campground sits beside the Portneuf River with small waterfalls. "This place is gorgeous! We parked our 34 ft motor home right next to a river waterfall and did some fishing. A fire pit was already established. Excellent spot right outside of town with good cell service," notes Chelsey M.
Secluded yurt options: Wolverine Canyon offers dispersed camping with peaceful settings for yurt camping near Blackfoot, Idaho. "About thirty minutes outside of Blackfoot before you hit gravel road. We only drove a short distance on gravel before we parked in a wide spot that had a fire pit. We could hear the babbling creek all night. So soothing. So quiet," shares Mary M., describing the serene camping experience.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Blackfoot experience train noise. "The tracks are only about 100' from most of the spots. The real kicker is, because there's a crossing to get into the campground, the trains blast their horn literally right as they pass you," warns Brett T. about Lower Portneuf campground.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. "We were excited to find this CG on Dyrt and that it wasn't difficult to find; but when we arrived, the gate was pad-locked. Sign indicated open hours; but not that it would be closed for the season," reports H S. about Kelly Island Campground.
Free dispersed camping options: Wolverine Canyon provides no-cost camping with established sites. "Lots of dispersed camping options. We needed a spot to spend the night on our way back to Montana. Our timing worked out for the Idaho Falls area and Wolverine Canyon came up as an option," shares Julie, noting the accessible gravel roads suitable for trailers up to 30 feet.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and recreation access: Snake River RV Park & Campground has amenities for children. "The park for the kids was perfect and the pool was open too! Beautiful grounds and close to everything in town. We would stay here again!" writes Katie H., highlighting the family-friendly facilities.
Child-friendly yurt camping: When yurt camping near Blackfoot with children, bring extra padding for sleeping comfort. Portable water containers are essential as most dispersed sites lack water hookups.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "Reservations are suggested during the summer season for a shaded and grassy RV site. Playground. Dog area. Cabins too," notes Karla B. about Snake River RV Park's amenities for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: South Tourist Park Campground offers waterfront sites. "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," advises Jamie C. about the self-registration process.
Big rig considerations: Many campgrounds accommodate large RVs, but access roads vary. "Easy to get in and out of. Beautiful location and great host's," mentions Layne L. about Indian Springs Resort, noting its accessibility for larger vehicles.
Utilities and hookups: Pay attention to available hookup options at each site. "The site we got was one nice and a good size. We had a view from f the river down towards the lower loop which was closed due to weather," shares Shani C. about Massacre Rocks State Park's seasonal availability.
