Sawtooth National Forest and surrounding public lands near Bliss, Idaho offer several primitive tent camping options within an hour's drive. Five Points Campground and Pioneer Campground, both located near Fairfield, provide tent-only sites from May through September. These backcountry tent camping areas sit at higher elevations in the mountains east of Bliss, offering seclusion and natural settings without the amenities of developed campgrounds. Narrows Campground and Little Smoky Campground provide additional tent camping opportunities along creek corridors in the region.
Sites throughout the area typically feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal development. Most tent campgrounds lack amenities like potable water, trash collection, or firewood sales, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Elk Creek Boat Ramp, but many primitive tent sites have no facilities whatsoever. Roads to these backcountry areas may become difficult in wet weather, with one camper noting that "roads may be tight in bad weather" at Carrie Creek Campground. Most tent-only sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems in place.
Walk-in tent sites offer unique advantages for those seeking solitude. According to reviews, Five Points provides "serenity" with "a flowing creek that goes through the campground" and nearby hot springs access. Narrows Campground lies "near a beautiful stream and has seclusion all around," making it ideal for tent campers seeking quiet natural settings. Little Wilson Creek and Castle Creek campgrounds provide reservoir access but may not be optimal for tent camping compared to other options. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring the surrounding mountains, with Little Smoky serving as "a great spot if Five Points is full." The camping season generally runs May through September, with higher elevation sites potentially inaccessible until snowmelt completes in late spring.
"Since it is so remote you can also ride around on ATVs pretty much anywhere. A good escape if you dont feel like going a little deeper"
"Pretty amazing location. Up high in the mountains. Tons to do around- there's even a nice little hot spring off the side of the road not too far away from the campground."
"This campground lies near a beautiful stream and has seclusion all around you! The area is best explored by motorized vehicles as theres not many hiking trails."
"Theres hotsprings nearby to the east and a little outpost at the 5 points branching."
"Roads may be tight in bad weather. Nice creek nearby. May be some cattle at times. No facilities that i recall."
ScoutRicketts 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. There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9
TravelerWe camped here in June 2020. There are clean vault toilets but not much else. The reservoir was practically empty. There were not picnic tables and the roads off the main road were not maintained. It was hard to tell if there were campsites there at all, but there were fire rings so we pulled in next to one and set up. One other camper came in later and set up down by the lake, but otherwise it was really quiet. Nice place to get away from everyone during a pandemic.
GuideMy wife and I were forced to make last minute changes to our camping trip this year(thanks to the Wapiti 2024 fire in Stanley) and Dog Creek was the only campground available on the dates we had set aside. We had been up to Pine once before but had never explored past the town.
The campground itself is quiet and away from the main road but it is directly parallel to the South Fork of the Boise River. There are a TON of ponderosa pines and other various pine trees so the campground looks small because of the dense tree cover. From the main road, the main drive is a fairly narrow paved dirt/gravel road and not bumpy at all so most vehicles shouldn’t have an issue with it.
The camp sites themselves are a little close to each other but you’re not shoulder to shoulder or directly on top of each other. The camp host greeted us upon our arrival, filled us in on the fire restrictions and said to let him know if we needed anything.
We had reserved sites 10 and 11 but in reality, they might as well call it a group site because there is no separation between the two, you even share a"driveway”. There were fire rings, tent pads(at some sites) and picnic tables, along with shepherds hooks for hanging trash off of the ground. There were also metal tables at every site that we think are intended for camp stoves.(The picnic tables are wood)The fire rings were well cared for(none damaged that we saw and they all had adjustable grills)….but our fire ring was very close to the bushes which was a little sketchy.
This campground is nice and quiet and full of trees. But unfortunately, for us, that’s where the appeal ends. In order to get to the actual Dog Creek from the campground, you have to hope that sites 2 and 5 are not occupied and even then, the creek isn’t super exciting. It’s pretty but it’s a climb down into a ravine of sorts and it’s not deep enough to lay in and there aren’t any places to setup chairs to just enjoy it. The water flowing through the creek is clean and it is pretty to look at, but that’s about all it’s good for.
As for other things to do at the campground, there isn’t much. There are no hiking trails as far as we could tell, but if you go across the street to the river, you can actually enjoy your stay, assuming the banks of the river aren’t packed with dispersed campers and their ATV’s.
The campground does have water spigots and the water tasted fine. The restrooms(vault toilets) were impeccable in terms of cleanliness. Some of the nicest Forest Service campground restrooms we’ve used and the camp host does an awesome job of keeping them clean and bug free.
Speaking of bugs, we didn’t see many mosquitoes but we did see a good amount of bees, wasps and yellow jackets and there were traps setup throughout the campground so bring an epi pen if you’re allergic to any of them.
We lost cell service just after the reservoir (T-Mobile) but my satellite communicator worked fairly well at the campground.
There are dumpsters to take your trash just inside the entrance to the campground, which is a little annoying as you have to walk quite a ways to dump it, but there were also no critters hanging around the sites.
Dog Creek campground is the type of campground where you setup your camper or RV and leave for the day to do other things. Whether it’s boating at Anderson Ranch, taking the ATV’s up into the mountains or try to find hiking trails. The campground itself is very pretty BUT it doesn’t offer much in terms of things to do while there. However, if you are looking for some peace and quiet, with very little noise from the outside world, it’s great.
GuideVery 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.
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.
TravelerThe whole area around the Anderson Ranch Reservoir is mostly used by hunters and fisherman. We needed a spot to camp after Craters of the Moon and this was not exactly what we were looking for. All of the accessible spots around the dam were taken so we took a spot at this “Resort.” The Fall Creek campground had some water access spots that were all “reserved” so we opted for the hillside with cramped picnic tables and fire rings. There were a couple trailers that looked like they just set up for a few weeks and come and go. There is also a full bar with pool tables at the campground (?!). There may have been other facilities but we only used the vault toilet near the closest boat ramp. It’s a beautiful area and if you’re lucky to snag a spot along the water, it would be enjoyable. However, keep in mind that there are lots of ATVs and UTVs and the scene is deer hunters, not really our thing.
ScoutFree. Very few people so nice and quiet. Picnic tables and fire rings. 2 vault toilets, but byo TP.
GuideEach 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.
LegendThis campground sits right off of Hwy 20 along the Big Wood River. It is a dispersed campground with varying degrees of levelness and sizes. No real privacy here despite being surrounded by trees, mostly aspens which were starting to change color in September and give the place a little bit of a peaceful atmosphere. There were a few campers there with trailers when we were there that seemed to keep to themselves and only one of the trailers looked a little rundown and sketchy.
There is river access which is nice and easy. There is road noise as it sits fairly close to the highway.
There are pit toilets and a few of the “sites” have stone pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. There are no garbage cans or dumpsters so pack in and pack out. Also there were no water spigots that we found, so filter from the river or bring water. Overall this is a dusty fairly noisy stop good for a night. I wouldn’t make it a destination but if you’re tired of driving and need a place to crash it’s free and easily accessed.
There is a 10 day limit on camping within a 30 day period. Weak Verizon, good ATT and no TMobile cell reception.
LegendWe followed our GPS plus there is great signage leading you to the Y Knot Winery, which is the same route to go to Three Island Crossing State Park. The state park is adjacent to the winery campground(CG). You first come to the older CG across from the winery building, which is better suited for smaller rigs. We were in the newer CG a little further up the road in pull-through site 26 with FHUs. As we had a reservation with an assigned site number, we went straight to our site, set up, and then walked back over to the winery to register. The sites have an interesting layout as they are long, yet the front and back of site not really defined. You have to adjust your rig on the gravel pad to fit your rig to the utilities towards the back of the site. You then ensure that either side of your rig isn’t too far on the gravel road. The CG is bare bones with no picnic tables, fire pits, nor WiFi(saw a review for$6 Wifi but didn’t see any networks in the new area). It was no issue for us as we were enjoying the winery and golf course. Since the CG is new, the trees have not matured and you have no problem with satellite. We got one bar on Verizon. Their water pressure is high so you will need a reducer. We got an end cap site and enjoyed the large yard. The CG info states there’s a pet area, but there’s no sign or fenced in area. The pet area is a grassy area along the golf course side of the CG according to the map. There was no road noise, but there was a distant train or two during the night. There’s a lot to like about this CG: nice sites, wine tasting, decent food, and a fun golf course.
Primitive tent camping options near Bliss, Idaho offer backcountry experiences in the Sawtooth National Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, with access roads that often require high-clearance vehicles. The camping season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with temperatures ranging from 40°F at night to 80°F during summer days.
Hot springs exploration: Several natural hot springs are accessible near Little Smoky Campground. "Theres hotsprings nearby to the east and a little outpost at the 5 points branching," notes Alan B. in his review of Little Smoky.
Off-road adventures: The terrain surrounding Pioneer Campground allows for extensive ATV riding. According to camper Alan B., "Since it is so remote you can also ride around on ATVs pretty much anywhere. A good escape if you dont feel like going a little deeper."
Water activities: Boat launches at Elk Creek Boat Ramp provide reservoir access. Amy S. describes it as "pretty much a large parking lot meant for day use/boat launch. There is a vault toilet and water access."
Solitude and quiet: Narrows Campground provides isolation for those seeking the best tent camping near Bliss, Idaho. Alan B. notes it "has seclusion all around you! The area is best explored by motorized vehicles as theres not many hiking trails."
Mining history: Little Smoky Campground offers access to historical sites. "If you have an ATV you can cross the creek to the north which has a pretty washed out roadbut leads to old mines and beautiful views," according to Alan B.
Mountain location: Pioneer Campground gives campers an alternative to more crowded areas. "WWith this campground you'll get solitude most weekends as most people heading into the Sawtooths go to the Sun Valley Area," writes reviewer Alan B.
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent camping areas near Bliss lack amenities. At Carrie Creek Campground, Steve S. reports "No facilities that i recall," adding that "Roads may be tight in bad weather. Nice creek nearby. May be some cattle at times."
Water availability: Pack in all water needed for your stay. While creeks run through some campgrounds, potable water is not provided at any of the primitive sites.
Road conditions: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing most tent camping locations. Many access roads become difficult or impassable after rainfall or early in the season.
Creek access: Choose campgrounds with water features for natural entertainment. Simran D. describes Five Points: "Sleeping was easy with the flowing creek that goes through the campground."
Toilet considerations: Only a few locations offer vault toilets. Amy S. notes Elk Creek has "a vault toilet and water access but not a great camping spot."
Wildlife awareness: Cattle grazing occurs in some areas. Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters including deer, small mammals, and occasionally larger predators.
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Bliss are not suitable for larger RVs. Castle Creek Campground "is best for campers or small RV's, you could tent camp her but it would not be my first choice in places to go," according to Amy S.
Alternative camping styles: Consider reservoir-adjacent options for RV camping. Some areas like Castle Creek offer "Great access to the water but not really great for hiking," notes Amy S., making them better suited to RV camping than tent camping.
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