City of Rocks National Reserve is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—City of Rocks National Reserve is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Idaho camping adventure.
$14 / night
"There are pit toilets but no other amenities, not even trash, so please take your trash out with you.
Camp sites are scattered all along the main road, and broken up into area numbers."
"The campsite according to the map is an entirely different campsite; so ignore all the information, pictures and reviews.
These are all FREE campsites."
"Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers."
"Easy access on a gravel road, open field with 5 stone firepits. Relatively hard to find a level spot, but not terrible."
"We ended up finding this spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring."
"Really long gravel from highway to site. So far off the highway that it is complete quiet and serenity. Had firewood there and a fire ring to build a fire. Also a picnic table. Beautiful views."
"Well maintained dirt road and toilet! Great hanging with all the cows. Amazing views! Don’t use Apple Maps. Google will get you there on the easiest road."
"What a great find during our travels through Southern Idaho. Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful."
"Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon."
"On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be"
LegendThis was a really really small camping area that's located along the creek road going through the south hills of Idaho. There are absolutely no amenities here however so take care of business at one of the more developed campgrounds along the road! It had wonderful shade everywhere but there wasn't any flat ground to be able to lay out a tent. There were also only 2 maybe 3 campgrounds if you squeezed it in and it required a high clearance vehicle to get to 2 of them. Good thing is if you get these sites you will have no one around you and personal access to a great hiking trail and in the winter snowshoeing back country skiing trail!
GuideHUGE disappointment. We drive 3 miles with our TT on a long steep dirt road, to find an overgrown site with no "spring". The trees and grass have taken over and the spring was dry. You could see exposed pipes, maybe the re-route that water in the summer? There are two sites (supposedly there are 5), one of which is completely exposed to the sun, the other is located close to the "spring" within a mangled mess of weeds and overgrown trees. With the hot temperatures and high winds, we didn't want to risk it. If you have travel trailer, 4x4 is recommended as the road is rough and steep in places. The turn off the highway is VERY tight, watch out of the cattle guard if you have low clearance.
TravelerWasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.
GuideRight on the Snake River. On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be angry if the beach was covered in campers, so just respect the multiple uses. Bring bug spray! Had verizon service.
GuideFantastic views of the canyon, both above and from within. Steep dirt road down. Several spots along the dirt path on the way down to the river bed of varying degrees of difficulty. No amenities save for a rock fire pit or two. Had full cell service w At&t. Looks like people have driven right onto the sand by the water. Hundreds of birds flying around the canyon walls and rocks. Could hear the cows at the nearby farm, and occasionally smell them when the wind was right. I visited in April and the water level was low.
GuideBeautiful and peaceful, right on the river's edge. Lots to explore. No amenities so be prepared for that. Great place if the road in wasn't so stetchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way! If you come in August, bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad). ✌️
GuideWe ended up finding this spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring. I recommend anyone coming in with a trailer or Rv to come in from the Elba side opposed to the Oakley Side. If your looking for a nice quiet location located a few miles from a nice hike to the lakes this is the place. This is one of those hidden spots for those wanting to stay a few days hiking or taking out their ATV/UTV.
TravelerThis is a very beautiful area to camp out in. Not far off the river with places to drive right up to the edge of the water (with the right vehicle). Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night. Dirt road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding, but it’s all doable. The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn with large rocks, depressions, and soft silt. I managed to get down in my Ford Transit Connect (pretty sketchy), but I had to try a couple times before I could make it back up and out the next day. So BE AWARE: gravity can probably help you down without getting stuck, but remember that you will have to get back up, and if your vehicle is 2wd and particularly heavy or low or is bad with hills, it may not be a breeze. (Maybe I’m just being dramatic though lol) I probably won’t risk it again, the stress was too much for my poor nerves.
GuideEasy site to get to..rolled in at night. Back, overlooking the river gorge, which offers great morning view and the winds blow from the sides so I was able to open up the rear of my rtt. Continue past the sign if you have high clearance... lots more beautiful sites
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those seeking solitude and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping areas in City of Rocks National Reserve?
Dispersed camping sites at City of Rocks are scattered along the main road throughout the reserve. These primitive sites offer beautiful views of the unique rock formations and a peaceful atmosphere. The sites have minimal amenities - only pit toilets are available, with no trash service, so pack out all waste. For more seclusion, check out Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground in the nearby Sawtooth National Forest, which offers larger sites suitable for multiple vehicles and comes equipped with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Most dispersed sites are accessible via the main park roads, but some may require high-clearance vehicles.
Is there free camping available near City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho?
Yes, free camping is available near City of Rocks National Reserve. City of Rocks Dispersed offers completely free campsites on surrounding BLM public land. These sites don't require permits or reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. For a free alternative with water access, Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed provides scenic camping along the Snake River. While free, these sites are primitive with no established amenities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal solutions. The road to Cauldron Linn is steep and rough, generally requiring 4WD vehicles, especially after weather events.
What camping options are available near City of Rocks National Reserve?
The City of Rocks area offers diverse camping options for all preferences. For primitive experiences, Wahlstrom Hollow provides shaded sites along creek roads in the South Hills, though without amenities. McClendon Spring Campground is accessible via dirt roads but can be overgrown seasonally. Additional options include Lower Goose Creek Reservoir with basic toilet facilities and the nearby Sawtooth National Forest campgrounds. Most sites are accessible for tents and small trailers, while some BLM areas can accommodate RVs. Be prepared for variable conditions and limited facilities at most locations, especially during shoulder seasons. Some areas require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD for access.
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