Dee S.
Scout
ScoutFrank C Jones King Hill Area
Only two spots, not meant for RVs. Tent camping only and lot says no overnight. Room to turn around but a waste of time for an RVer. Sharp turn and steep grade. Pretty spot to chill or tent camp.
Dispersed Camping near Bliss, ID
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Dispersed camping near Bliss, Idaho concentrates along the Snake River corridor with several free primitive sites including Frank C Jones King Hill Area and Rickett's RV Camp in Snake River Canyons Park. These Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed campsites provide basic facilities with minimal amenities, making them well-suited for self-sufficient campers who prefer primitive conditions over developed campgrounds. Additional backcountry options exist further from town at Little Camas Reservoir and Ice Cave Boondock areas, where primitive camping is permitted on public land.
Access roads to most dispersed sites are a mix of gravel and dirt, with some areas requiring slow navigation due to washboard surfaces or moon dust conditions. Frank C Jones features a boat ramp and vault toilet but no drinking water, while Snake River Canyons Park includes designated sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Most areas permit camping for up to 10 days, though specific limits vary by location. Cell service is inconsistent, with reviewers noting spotty coverage at King Hill Area and better connectivity at Snake River Canyons. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months.
The Snake River provides a scenic backdrop for many camping areas, though noise from passing trains affects some riverfront sites. At Frank C Jones King Hill Area, the proximity to water attracts fishing and boating visitors. The relatively flat terrain makes these sites accessible for various vehicle types, though larger rigs may encounter challenges. A camper at King Hill noted, "There are only few spaces for tent. But I park in the dirt parking lot next to boat ramp and slept in my car." At Snake River Canyons Park, visitors appreciate the balance of seclusion and convenience. As one reviewer commented, "Very easily accessible location with a few pull through spots and back in spots. All with fire rings and a picnic table." Wildlife sightings, including owls, are relatively common, especially at riverside locations.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Bliss (17)
1. Frank C Jones King Hill Area
"This is a great little spot with a boat landing & 5 small campsites surrounded by trees and the river."
"As previous reviews kinda have stated the area looks to have been recently redone and there aren’t very many spots available at least for tent camping."
2. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
"No hook ups, trash, or such, but it does have pit toilets. It is very well maintained with designated large gravel spots and a large circle over flow lot."
"Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls."
3. Little Camas Reservoir
"Perfect for an overnight stop during a long drive. The access road also serves residential property some distance away so is well maintained."
"This is a clearly dispersed location. There is a single pit toilet. Camped right next to the lake. Lots of bugs being close to water but seemingly few mosquitoes"
4. SUMIT 38
5. Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
"This site is across the highway from the entrance to the Shoshone Ice Cave attraction on highway 75. If you are heading north on 75, turn right at the gift shop on the right side of the road."
6. Mormon Reservoir North
7. Thorn Creek Reservoir Dispersed
9. Sawtooth National Forest
10. Ice Springs
Drive Time
- 35 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 1 hr 8 min from Boise, ID
- 1 hr 54 min from Pocatello, ID
- 2 hrs 27 min from Idaho Falls, ID
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bliss, ID
60 Photos of 17 Bliss Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bliss, ID
76 Reviews of 17 Bliss Campgrounds
Byron S.
GuideLittle Camas Reservoir
Dusty and no water in lake.
Early September. Dust, dust, dust. The lake has a strip of green grass down the middle. There's not much more than a puddle of actual water. Big area so people can have their own space. Everything I own is covered in dust. Has a pit toilet. Lots of stars
Quinn H.ScoutFrank C Jones King Hill Area
Cozy and nice spot
There's a few spots to the right and one to the left, I'm here in August and it's very hot, there's a breeze when the train goes by and the creek settles things a little bit, lotta bugs near the creek to be expected too. Overall a fine cozy spot with a boat launch too which is cool
Carla L.GuideFrank C Jones King Hill Area
Overnight Parking
Great overnight - quiet, clean and plenty of room. Directions via Google Maps will bring you in from 84 E that will force a sharp left turn into the parking area - can turn around a little further past the entrance in order to avoid awkward turn into parking area - which would have been difficult for our 32 foot with trailer. Local man was nice enough to provide directions and ww had no trouble. A few tents in one site as we came in, otherwise empty. Large lot - easy in/out and parking. Very level and great internet speed. Limited Verizon service.
Antonio R.ScoutSnake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
Website is wrong. Not free!
The website is wrong, cost is $20 per night.
- NNancy M.
TravelerSnake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
Changes coming!
This is a safe place to park. It has an even surface in all the 13 sites. The bathroom was not clean, however, it had not been maintained since March and we visited in June. Most importantly, it will not stay free. In mid-June. It will cost you $20.00 per night. 😢
- JJoseph W.
RangerFrank C Jones King Hill Area
Not Very Many Spots
As previous reviews kinda have stated the area looks to have been recently redone and there aren’t very many spots available at least for tent camping. We were there on a Sunday night and somebody had already taken the spot on the left fork so we elected to the area right on the river on the right fork.
Overall it was a nice spot but the train definitely is a factor. Probably passed by around 4 times while we were there. So if you have trouble going back to sleep after being woken up this might not be the spot for you. Also, expect there to be boaters coming by to put in and fish.
If you are not tent camping there is a decent sized parking lot with multiple spots to pull in for the night. I put a more detailed video on YouTube titled: Idaho Campgrounds - Frank C Jones Access Area
Shawn S.
LegendSnake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
Impressive
This is a full blown campground! No hook ups, trash, or such, but it does have pit toilets. It is very well maintained with designated large gravel spots and a large circle over flow lot. We are in the over flow and it is perfect (except a little horse smell since it is bt horse corals). This is one of the best free camp spots I have found. It fills up by evening so get here before 5 is my recommendation. It is patrolled by security/ police and it looked like they were taking license plate numbers last night to make sure no one stays longer than the 5 days max.
- DDavid S.Traveler
Frank C Jones King Hill Area
Only Two Sweet Spots
The area has been turned into a nice boat launch with lots of parking and toilet. There is a nice spot down a side road that will accommodate one vehicle and makes it difficult for anyone else to turn around. As you come down the hill, you can see it off to your left. If someone is already there don’t bother to check it out. There is another beach spot right at the entrance to the lot that will fit a tent. Everyone else can needs to camp in the lot but it could fit many. Vehicles including big trailers.
Guide to Bliss
Dispersed camping near Bliss, Idaho takes place primarily within Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at elevations ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 feet. The area features a high desert climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters, creating seasonal camping conditions that vary dramatically. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for rustic camping without hookups or services.
What to do
Fishing the Snake River: At Frank C Jones King Hill Area, the boat ramp provides easy water access. "The river, on daylight inspection, was great and somewhat enticing, but I resisted the urge to bust out my kayak opting instead for a quick breakfast and an early day back on the road," notes Brandon S., highlighting the area's appeal to anglers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The river corridor attracts diverse wildlife. A camper at Frank C Jones reported a memorable encounter: "I woke up to the chattering of a crap-ton of birds. And I was not disappointed to find a large owl preening itself in the tree towering above my site." Many campers report owl sightings throughout the area.
Exploring lava formations: Near Ice Cave Boondock, visitors can examine ancient lava flows. One camper describes: "The site is next to an old lava flow which is incredible to see and explore. Wildlife we saw includes deer and owls, wood peckers and many other birds." The nearby Shoshone Ice Cave attraction offers guided tours for $12 per adult.
What campers like
Easy access from highways: Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp gets high marks for accessibility. "Very easily accessible location with a few pull through spots and back in spots. All with fire rings & a picnic table. 2 vault toilets available and trash cans," reports Bethany W., appreciating the convenience while still feeling removed from urban areas.
Well-maintained campsites: Unlike some primitive areas, Rickett's RV Camp offers defined spaces. Gary P. notes: "This fee-free primitive BLM camp offers 2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own) and 13 level RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups."
Night sky viewing: Away from city lights, rustic camping spots offer exceptional stargazing. At Little Camas Reservoir, Harry D. reports: "Beautiful scenery, easy drive in for most vehicles and surprisingly good phone service. Had the place all to myself and got some really nice long exposure shots of the night sky."
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Railroad tracks run parallel to many riverside camping areas. At Frank C Jones, Marne F. advises: "Lots of train noise thru the night, tho. Pit toilet was out of TP, luckily we had spare. We had an owl also visit the tree above us and serenaded us for a good 1/2 hr in the middle of the night (very cool)."
Seasonal variations in water levels: Reservoirs can fluctuate significantly. Sam C. warns about Little Camas Reservoir: "Didn't end up staying since the water was so low." Planning visits in spring typically offers better water levels at reservoir-based campgrounds.
Weather exposure concerns: Many sites lack natural protection from elements. At Birdie Creek Campground, Laura R. notes: "Big area off the road, easy to get in and out. Could be a great group spot and fit 3 or 4 trailers. Lots of trees for shade." However, other sites offer minimal cover from sun or wind.
Tips for camping with families
Find sites with river access: For family-friendly activities, consider spots with water features. Laura R. describes Birdie Creek: "Short 2 minute walk down to the river. River was about knee deep in most places and was perfect for putting in a chair and relaxing. Wildlife all around, from eagles, deer and chipmunks."
Pack sun protection: The high desert environment offers little natural shade. A camper at Snake River Canyons Park reports: "No trees, so little privacy." Bring portable shelters, hats, and sunscreen for daytime comfort.
Plan for bathroom situations: Facilities vary widely across primitive camping sites. At Ice Springs, amenities can be unpredictable. Tiffany M. says: "I thought it was beautiful here. There are places to barbecue and have a fire and there is a river right below the camp sites. Very quiet." However, other reviewers note facilities are sometimes unavailable.
Tips from RVers
Soft ground cautions: Some areas have challenging soil conditions. At Frank C Jones, one RVer warns: "My camper is 32' long. There is a small turnaround on the left fork. The dirt is 'moon dust' and got stuck. Turn right there is a paved turn around area."
Space considerations: While dispersed camping allows flexibility, some spots work better for smaller rigs. Cheryl W. shares: "I so wanted the spot where I could literally open my door with nothing but greenery and the river to look at! But my truck and trailer couldn't clear the tree branch overhangs."
Level parking availability: Snake River Canyons Park offers better options for level parking. Kendra T. observes: "Each space has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are drop toilets and trash bins. All the sites look pretty level. Easy to find off the highway."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bliss dispersed camping area located?
Where is Bliss dispersed camping area located?
Bliss dispersed camping refers to several undeveloped camping areas in the Bliss region of Idaho. The primary sites include Little Camas Reservoir, located off a well-maintained access road that serves residential property but provides camping spots buffered from highway noise. Another popular option is Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp just north of Twin Falls, which offers more structured dispersed camping. Both locations provide beautiful views of Idaho's natural landscapes, with Little Camas offering lakeside spots and Rickett's featuring canyon vistas.
Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Bliss?
Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Bliss?
No permits are required for dispersed camping in the Bliss area. Bruneau Canyon Overlook and other BLM-managed dispersed camping locations follow standard Bureau of Land Management regulations. These typically allow free camping for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. While permits aren't needed, campers should follow Leave No Trace principles, properly manage campfires (where allowed), and pack out all trash. During fire season, additional restrictions may apply, so it's advisable to check with the local BLM office for current regulations before your trip.
When is the best time of year to camp at Bliss?
When is the best time of year to camp at Bliss?
The best time to camp in the Bliss area is spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are moderate. Summer months can be extremely hot in this region of Idaho, particularly at lower-elevation sites like Ice Springs. Thorn Creek Reservoir Dispersed offers higher elevation camping with cooler summer temperatures. Be aware that spring camping near reservoirs means dealing with more insects, particularly near Little Camas Reservoir. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to potential snow and freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly during wet weather.
What amenities are available at Bliss dispersed camping?
What amenities are available at Bliss dispersed camping?
Amenities at Bliss dispersed camping areas are minimal, as is typical with dispersed sites. Little Camas Reservoir offers a single vault toilet but no other facilities. At Frank C Jones King Hill Area, you'll find primitive sites with basic fire rings. For slightly more amenities, Rickett's RV Camp provides vault toilets (reportedly clean and some even with night lights), designated parking pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. None of these locations offer water, electricity, or dump stations, so campers need to be fully self-sufficient and prepared to pack out all waste.
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