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Best Dispersed Camping near Bloomington, ID

45 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Bloomington, Idaho (17)

    1. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    19 miles
    +1 (435) 232-2674

    "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."

    "Amazing location especially because it’s close to bear lake! I heard it’s better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable."

    2. Franklin Basin Road

    1 Review
    Garden City, UT
    20 miles

    "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."

    3. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    16 Reviews
    North Logan, UT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    "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."

    4. Smithfield Dispersed Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Richmond, UT
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 320-8300

    "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."

    5. Salt River Pass

    6 Reviews
    Smoot, WY
    33 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    North Logan, UT
    30 miles

    "Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper"

    7. Heart Mountain Spring

    2 Reviews
    Downey, ID
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    8. High Creek

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    Richmond, UT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 755-3620

    9. Diamond Creek Guard Station

    3 Reviews
    Auburn, WY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 847-0375

    $35 / night

    "With a wood-burning stove, we stayed nice and toasty. There were plenty of cots to move close to the wood-burning stove for a cozy night sleep."

    "Dispersed camping with space for very large groups. Lots of dirt bike/quad trails. Beautiful views. Wish we could have stayed longer."

    10. Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    3 Reviews
    Kemmerer, WY
    39 miles

    "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."

    "Not a lot of info listed for this location so adding a review to hopefully help out! We didn’t get to camp here but it made me leave “stars”. The drive into the monument is easy, zero issues."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Bloomington, ID

21 Photos of 17 Bloomington Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Bloomington, ID

45 Reviews of 17 Bloomington Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2022

    Fossil Butte National Monument BLM

    Spectacular!

    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. Visitor’s Center provided a map showing the location of the dispersed camping (road off to the left at the top). Strong internet access. Spectacular views!

  • T
    Jul. 6, 2022

    Salt River Pass

    Pretty

    It’s a pretty spot, but we were unfortunately unable to stay here because a couple was already there and they asked us to leave because they wanted the spot to themselves - which we understood.

    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, the road seems to go on a bit further so if you have the chance to drive through there may be more potential sites.

    The road is a bit rough and you definitely need a high clearance vehicle to drive through.

    Tons of wildflowers and trees everywhere. A very private spot right off the highway.

    We ended up staying at Allred Flat campground just a mile or so up there road. It’s $10 a night - $5 if you have a pass - and in my opinion was even prettier than this site.

  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Salt River Pass

    Do not go here

    The suggestion that you need a high clearance vehicle is an understatement. The service road is incredibly rocky with one side a sheer drop. Went down with our campervan and barely made it down and back up in one piece. Looks like a nice spot but the other entrance was blocked so you’d have to get out via the same horrendous route in. Avoid.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Hobbit 2 Dispersed Site

    A one spot stop

    Didn’t stay, it’s right next to the road maybe for a camper van not for a truck and 30’ camper

  • Steven E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    Green Canyon Disbursed Campgrounds

    Green Canyon is one of Logan Utahs underrated and overused gems. The canyon itself is open for recreation of various kinds year-round.

    During the summer months when most of us like to go camping, there are between 15 and 25 sites available on a first-come first-serve basis. Some of these are groups sites that can accommodate large gatherings. Most sites have established fire rings, however the overall site condition as well as the condition of the fire ring is sometimes questionable. This is usually due to high volume. This Canyon is also notorious for high school Gatherings, so there is usually a lot of pallet wood burned. You will find on almost every trip Nails screws Staples and broken glass. Beer bottles beer cans and cigarette butts are also pretty common unfortunately. (Wear good shoes!) Aside from questionable condition of the campgrounds, it is easy to get to and free. And relatively close to Logan. So it's easy to see why I get so much use.

    Green Canyon is better known and more happily known for its trail that runs alongside the road. Local residents love this Trail for trail runs, or mountain biking. There are Vault toilets in the parking lot at the bottom, as well as at the very top where Green Canyon meets water shed Canyon.

    In the winter months the road is closed, and is groomed by a local group named Nordic United. They groom it for cross country skiing several times a week and after every good storm. Trail is also used during the winter for snowshoeing, as well as Fat Tire snow biking.

    To top it off in the winter at the top Powder Ridge ski touring also has a yurt you can rent if you are willing to cross country ski or Snowshoe to it. (See separate review).

    Overall Green Canyon only gets 3 out of 5 stars because of its high traffic and high litter volume. Remember to leave no trace and always leave it better than you found it!

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    Easy Access

    This canyon is within the Cache National Forest. Just outside of Logan, UT. Super easy access to a neat little canyon. My Honda Civic was able to navigate the gravel road far back into the canyon. There are two restrooms - one at the trailhead and one down into the canyon a bit. Several spots with picnic tables. Many pullouts / camping spots with stone fire rings on either side of the road. There were tons of mountain bikers around, as there is a mountain bike / trail running / hiking trail that goes through the canyon as well. Kinda crowded on the weekend. Lots of trucks, razors, and ATVs. BUT the canyon itself is cool and pretty. There is even a cave up on the left coming in and we saw some people bouldering up there. Overall not bad for a free place to stay! Met some super kind folks in there.

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    Amazing mnt views great road

    2wd friendly road for MILES. 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. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way. Just make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, dont turn off. The road turns to dirt in idaho but is still 2wd safe until you get to a ver clear turn around. Beware of cows! They will be in several sections of the road but are friendly to cars and move out of the way. The sites can be a little buggy but many have direct river access or beaver pond access. If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever

  • Maddie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    Great for big groups

    Amazing location especially because it’s close to bear lake!

    I heard it’s better in August, but if you camp way further down the mosquitos are absolutely miserable.

    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 which worked fine for me since I was car camping, but I would be cautious if you aren’t car camping to make sure you show up earlier than I did (6pm).

    Also if you keep driving for maybe 20-30min down the road there’s even more beautiful spots, but 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) lol. Bumper is now falling off and I think one of the rocks gave my tire a leak.

Guide to Bloomington

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Bloomington, Idaho, where nature awaits with stunning landscapes and serene spots to unwind. This area offers a variety of locations perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

  • [Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping](https://thedyrt.com/camping/utah/franklin-basin-dispersed-camping features ample space for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
  • Visitors have noted the breathtaking views and the peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.
  • Be prepared for a rugged road leading to the site, which adds to the adventure of reaching this hidden gem.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Bloomington, Idaho

  • Always check for permit requirements before heading out, as some areas like Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping require them.
  • Bring your own water and firewood, as many spots, including High Creek, do not provide these amenities.
  • Keep an eye out for claimed spots; some campers have reported finding areas occupied by empty trailers, so it’s wise to scout around.

Top activities while free camping near Bloomington

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails around Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, which offer beautiful canyon views and creek access.
  • For those interested in off-roading, the area surrounding Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping is popular among OHV riders, providing thrilling trails to explore.
  • Fishing and relaxing by the water are great options at High Creek, where many campsites are located right next to the river.

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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