Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp offers free dispersed camping approximately 5 miles north of Twin Falls. The area consists primarily of high desert terrain at roughly 3,700 feet elevation with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to over 90°F in summer. The landscape features sagebrush, rocky outcroppings, and rolling hills with limited natural shade, requiring campers to bring their own shelter from the elements.
What to do
Hiking local trails: The area around Snake River Canyons Park has several hiking paths accessible directly from camp. "There are 13 individual campsites with tables and fire rings. They filled up most nights but emptied out during the day," notes Kelda C. about Rickett's RV Camp.
Visit nearby Shoshone Falls: Located about 15 minutes from camp, these impressive waterfalls are especially beautiful in spring. "10 minute drive to Shoshone Falls which is beautiful this time of year," reports Jessica K. about her stay at Oregon Trail Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution makes this area excellent for night sky viewing. "The clearest night sky you could ask for makes some awesome stargazing. Also there's an observatory on the trail, but we didn't get a chance to visit," mentions C M. about Bruneau Dunes State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The vault toilets at Rickett's RV Camp are well-maintained. "Very clean bathrooms. Lots of late traffic (but it's free and nice) so perfect for a driving stop and sleep. Highly recommend," shares Kimberly D.
Proximity to town services: Campers appreciate the balance of seclusion with nearby access to supplies. "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," explains Bethany W.
Defined camping areas: The marked sites provide structure in an otherwise dispersed setting. "There are about 15 basic campsites and a few toilets. Decent spot, but sites are a bit closer together than other dispersed camping locations," notes Ibeya A. about Ricketts RV Camp.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The open landscape offers little protection from elements. "Nice location but no Shelter From the elements whatsoever," Steve M. points out. "Just a few miles outside of Twin Falls and somewhat near the river supposedly, there are several designated back in and a couple of pull-through campsites with picnic tables and fire pits."
Limited privacy between sites: The open terrain means neighbors are visible. "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. No trees, so little privacy," explains Kendra T.
Stay limits enforced: "Rickets has several pull-in (not through) RV campsites that are gravel driveways with a table and fire pit. There is OHV/Equestrian areas all around. Each night an officer from Twin Falls will verify licence plates but the campground is free with a 5 night maximum stay," advises Cory S. from Jerome County Fairgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Bring shade structures: Due to minimal natural shade, portable canopies are essential. "Showed up late October around 6. It's quiet, just out of town and there are toilets places I guess (didn't use) and a fire pit by my site. Didn't use either. Cold (34° last night) rainy, super windy, but felt safe and free is great," shares Brooke C.
Pack for temperature swings: Desert conditions mean hot days and cool nights. "It gets very cold at night and hot and dry during the day. The hike up to the top of the big one was hard but very rewarding," explains Easton S. about Twin Falls County Fairgrounds.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity means some traffic sounds. "You can hear/see the noise of traffic from HWY 93 but, no biggie. The campers before us left a bunch of trash (not sure why when there's a large trash can only a few 100 feet away?) but, we cleared it all up and the campground area overall was very clean," reports Bethany W.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing matters: For equestrians and those with horse trailers, early arrival ensures better site selection. "This campground has toilets but no water or electricity. The toilets are clean. It's better to arrive early because it's really popular. Surprisingly, I could still get a 5G signal from the campsite," advises mengxuan W.
Level sites available: The relatively flat terrain makes setup easier. "Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls. 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," explains Gary P.
Plan for dry camping: No hookups are available at horse campgrounds near Bliss, Idaho. "Found when we wanted to stay near Twin Falls Idaho. Free campground with multiple spots. There are two pit toilets. No water or dump. Limit to 7 days free camping. Very quiet at night," notes James B.