Best Dispersed Camping near Bloomington, ID
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.