Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping extends along miles of gravel roads northwest of Bloomington, Idaho, offering primitive camping options in both Utah and Idaho. The main road is 2WD accessible with numerous pull-off sites suitable for tents and campers. Many sites feature creek access with natural soundtracks from flowing water. The area becomes busier on summer weekends, with some visitors noting "claimed" sites held by unattended trailers.
The dispersed sites require self-sufficient camping as they provide no amenities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Sites range from large open areas suitable for groups to small roadside pull-outs for solo campers. A recent visitor noted, "You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views." Cell service is nonexistent throughout the basin. Several public land camping options exist in surrounding canyons including Smithfield Canyon, where spots are smaller but equally primitive, though some reviewers warn the narrow roads have limited turnaround areas for larger vehicles.
"You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing."
"While there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain."
"Very easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area."
"Pull in off thr highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area."
"About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon. Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn’t have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately!"
"Easy to find by putting the coordinates provided in Google Maps. Came in after dark and easily found a site about 1/4 mile or so up the road. Road is a bit bumpy but nothing major."
"Amazing place to camp right next to the river. The entrance you go across the bridge. It looks low, but a 13.5 RV can make it under no problem."
"After you've passed the Smithfield campground there are plenty of spots on both sides of the road where you can pull off and have dispersed camping."
"Stayed here for two nights, at the end of a dead end road, close to the creek. Real easy place to be."
"They also blocked the road that goes pass the site with their truck so we weren’t able to drive any further to see if there was anywhere else in the area, but upon looking at satellite view of the coordinates"
"As I was driving over Salt River Pass I noticed a small dirt road on the side of the highway."
"Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper"
"Beautiful and remote area 10 miles up the road from the Visitor’s Center. Paved road that turns to dirt- both in great condition. High clearance vehicle needed, especially on the BLM land."
"Travel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone."
GuideThis had amazing views, including a cool cave. However, the road is very bumpy and the spots are smaller. It would not be good for a larger RV. The spots fill up very quickly.
GuideThe camper sites are big. Kinda rough and weedy though. The trail along the river is awesome though!
TravelerNice level spots - interesting views by the river - toilet - close to lava hot springs but…the train went by several times during the night and blew its horn so many times it was a poor nights sleep
TravelerIt had rained so it was a little slick but not bad, we could not find any designated camp sites so we just found a level place. It was very quiet, we only seen one ORV the whole time we were there. Awesome views.
RangerVery easy access off 89. Very large sites with fire rings start about 1/4 off the main road. Only one other site being used that I saw. Pit toilet available at the large parking area. Clean and well kept. No cell service. Free range cows.
RangerTravel through Fossil Butte, and up the hill, then drive a while and cross into BLM, then drive through some dirt roads, and up a hill and there you are… all alone. I love it. 8000 feet and 360 views. No amenities.
ScoutWhile there are a lot of disbursed sites along the corridor, they were all completely filled due to a bike race happening at nearby Beaver Mountain. We continued up and finally found a nice camp site just on the south side of Utah border but it turned out to be on private property. There’s a small stretch of a private property near the state line marked by a sign posted cattle grate. The property owner stopped by, he was super polite, but explained the boundaries and asked us to move along.
In many spots on the road on the way up there were wide open areas where a single camper had claimed a large area, even sites that could comfortably accommodate several rigs, so just a few things to watch out for.
TravelerEasily accessible spot off FR 006. Found shady, mostly level spot to park van right off the road. Peaceful location. Fire pit in the camp area. No amenities.
GuideGood views, little to no mosquitoes, privacy, a great road, what more can you ask for! We stayed at the first spot past the gate (on the first road to the left at the first split in the road at the top) We saw several people going to the right, looks like there’s probably plenty of spots back there as well. Highly recommend!
Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping extends across miles of forest roads near Bloomington, Idaho, offering primitive sites at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-75°F with cool nights year-round. Sites become muddy during spring runoff, and high-clearance vehicles may be needed for accessing the most remote camping locations after recent precipitation.
Hiking historic routes: At Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, visitors can access old logging trails and a historic plane crash site. "I have grown up camping in the Franklin Basin area. It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more," notes reviewer Auston T.
Stargazing: Dark night skies away from city lights make this area ideal for astronomy. "This place is awesome. My boyfriend & I were the only 2 people probably in at least a mile radius. Complete privacy in a giant field of flowers that make the air smell absolutely amazing," says Makena W. about Salt River Pass, a similar rustic camping area within driving distance.
Wildlife watching: The basin supports diverse wildlife including sheep herds that graze through meadows. "There are sheep everywhere and they love to talk (my boyfriend was a little annoyed when they woke him up in the morning but I thought it was cool)," adds Makena W. about her experience camping in the region.
Mountain solitude: Many campers seek the more remote sections for privacy. "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing," writes Kennedy F. about Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping.
Creek access: The sound of flowing water creates natural white noise for sleeping. "There is a creek that flows back and forth around the area, we had that for our soundtrack as we slept," explains a camper staying in the basin.
Variety of site sizes: The area accommodates different camping styles and group sizes. "Lots of spaces here. Big pull-in spots for camper rigs. And some small side pull outs for sedans who don't mind walk-in tent spots," notes Robert S. about Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, another primitive camping option in the region.
Road conditions vary: The main basin roads are generally passable but deteriorate farther in. "The road is dirt and bumpy so be prepared for that but I've never had a problem finding a spot," writes Keaton L. about Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, which has similar access challenges.
Weather preparedness: Early summer can bring cold nights even when days are warm. "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared," advises Kennedy F.
Site holding practices: During peak times, some campers mark sites as occupied even when not physically present. "Big areas are quickly taken on weekends, especially by Friday afternoon," notes one frequent camper.
Limited turnaround space: Roads narrow significantly in some sections with few places to turn larger vehicles. "No warning that the road narrows with no turn around about a mile into the campground, or the trees are overgrown which scratched up my sides," cautions sarah C.
Best timing for kids: Mosquito populations diminish later in summer. "I heard it's better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable," warns Maddie F. about Franklin Basin.
Creek safety: Spring runoff creates swift water conditions through June. Consider sites slightly away from waterways with small children.
Navigation markers: Bring physical maps as cell service is nonexistent. "If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever," notes a visitor to the area.
Firewood supply: Pack in all necessary firewood as gathering is restricted in many sections. Local stores in nearby towns sell bundles for $5-7.
Size limitations: Most suitable sites accommodate smaller trailers and campervans. "The only spaces large enough for my 23 ft RV were occupied, and all of the car-sized spots were also taken," reports Sarah C. about similar Smithfield Dispersed Camping.
Early arrival recommended: Secure spots early, especially for larger rigs. "I went by myself on a Friday afternoon and it was super busy but there were still some spots for just a car right off the side of the road," mentions Maddie F.
Low clearance concerns: Some attractive sites require careful navigation. "It's pretty rocky so be careful if you don't trust your car/have low clearance. I got my car stuck in a ditch trying to pull into one of the further spots (10/10 don't recommend)," cautions one camper.
Elevation considerations: Higher elevation means cooler temperatures and potential propane usage increases. Pack additional supplies compared to lower elevation camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there dispersed camping near Monroe Lake in Bloomington?
Dispersed camping directly on Monroe Lake is not permitted, as the shoreline is managed for developed recreation. However, dispersed camping options exist in nearby Hoosier National Forest areas. Similar to Heart Mountain Spring, which offers free primitive camping for up to 21 days, the forest areas surrounding Monroe Lake have designated dispersed camping zones. These sites are typically located away from the immediate lake shore but within a reasonable drive. For lakeside camping, consider the developed campgrounds at Paynetown or Hardin Ridge Recreation Areas, which offer traditional campsites with amenities.
What are the rules for free camping around Bloomington?
Free camping around Bloomington follows similar rules to other dispersed areas like Green Canyon Dispersed Campground. Stay limits are typically 14 days within a 30-day period. Camping is only allowed in designated dispersed areas. Practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and use existing fire rings only when fires are permitted. Most areas require camping at least 200 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roads. Check with the Hoosier National Forest office for current regulations and seasonal restrictions, as rules may change seasonally or during fire danger periods.
Where can I find dispersed camping in Bloomington, Indiana?
While the Bloomington area has limited true dispersed camping, the Hoosier National Forest surrounding Bloomington offers several dispersed camping opportunities. Similar to Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, which features spread-out sites along forest roads, Hoosier National Forest has designated areas where camping is permitted outside of developed campgrounds. Look for pull-offs along forest service roads south of Bloomington. Always camp in previously used sites to minimize environmental impact, and be prepared for primitive conditions with no facilities or amenities.
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