If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near City of Rocks National Reserve, look no further. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Explore the Cotterel Mountains or hunt for upland birds and deer near this semi-developed camping destination. McClendon Spring was a favorite resting place for emigrants along the California Trail.
Guide
No fire ring
TravelerThis place is beautiful! We arrived on a Monday morning around 9am. Before driving down the hill we got out and walked it to make sure we could make it. We’re driving a one ton GMC with Artic Fox truck camper. We made it down no problem. We stayed for 2 nights and only one night was there another camper who decided to stay up high and not make the drive down. We few cars came and went. But what surprised me the most, is that nobody who drove down, went to see the waterfall which is probably the best part! So, if you visit, find a trail anywhere to the right of the Cauldron Linn sign and follow it. There are many and most of them lead to the waterfalls eventually. My husband was nervous about the drive out but we made it out with no issues!
ScoutIn the summer when the area is busier I think we would have love this more. Happy we were able to find free camping in this area. It’s a recreation area, so when we arrived we saw some in the distance fishing and another person bike riding. We were the only ones camping, and there was some unknown activities of others who came and went that we were unsure of. We would have felt better if someone else was camping somewhere. Nothing happened though and it was a cool spot. Definitely think when other campers are around this would be a great spot!
ScoutBeautiful camp site super easy to access, we got by fine without 4WD. Unfortunately people have kind of trashed some of the sites there was broken glass and lots of other litter
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.
ScoutIt is literally hidden out in the hay and corn fields. The road down into the canyon is ok for small trailers, vans, trucks. The water was out so the bank was a dusty desert and at the waters edge was a thick swampy mess with gross stinky mud foam…. So swimming was out of the question. We found a pull in area under a cluster of trees that was perfectly serene. Will definitely go back. Large black beetles are bad there and bugs as expected. Nothing to cause a big issue, we brought a bug zapper and net enclosed canopy!
Guide
Easy access on a gravel road, open field with 5 stone firepits. Relatively hard to find a level spot, but not terrible. No shade, very open area - it’s also open grazing land so you may have some cattle visitors. Stayed midweek in August and was alone the entire time.
Outhouses available in the park about 5-10 min drive away if you need them.
TravelerBeautiful spots and surrounding area. We sadly had to turn around because of a sketchy looking encampment. We did report to BLM so hopefully this spot will be more approachable in the future!
GuidePulled up here last minute at about 2am for some quick sleep, the view I woke up to was incredible. Drive through pretty farmland to get there, easy to navigate.
GuideWe were really excited to stay here. The water and area is beautiful. There are 2 great shady spots right on the water. Unfortunately it looks like 2 guys are living down there and let’s say they don’t look like the friendliest for a couple of reasons. My boyfriend and I immediately got a bad vibe and decided it was best not to stay.
ScoutBasic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers. At least 3 rock fire pits spaced out for several different groups with plenty of room and flat areas for tents. Appears to be a similar area on the other side of the road too
RangerAwesome sites!! Had a blast with some people I met , I stayed at the first site at the top because I’m 2w drive sedan, but I think it COULD be achieved if needed. Would recommend 4wd to the bottom; but this is a beautiful place, there’s some waterfalls to check out and the views are great, not a lot of privacy, pack in pack out.
TravelerCoordinates are accurate to location. I would not recommend for RV campers as much as I would for tent or van campers. The road was a little steep but we found a tree cave spot as mentioned in one of the previous comments. We arrived around 6pm and were the only ones there. The river was beautiful so we took a dip in the water. There is also a good size rapid. We saw a rabbit, quail, mouse, and a ferret. It did get busy after 8pm but overall great place to camp.
Travelerkind of an odd camping experience. showed up around 7pm, only other people were fishing, no other campers. all night, about 3-4 trucks circled through and left. at the latest, at 1am, that we’re aware of. felt kind of sketchy. otherwise, need a decent clearance and AWD but was easy to find. close to the river. no bugs until sunset.
TravelerThe dirt road getting down to the river wasn’t bad, but larger vehicles might have a little trouble. I saw an RV parked at the top. I found a cool spot underneath trees like a little cave towards the end of the road. There was a campfire ring and it was shaded and private. The river is really pretty and there’s a little waterfall to see. The area was really beautiful and I felt like I was the only person there.
ScoutBeautiful views, solitude, and, with a little work, a level camp spot for our camper. Trek up the road a ways to see Teepee Rocks - amazing!
ScoutPrivate and peaceful situated inside snake river gorge Come cool water jumping spots… river is peaceful. Lots of wind! Road coming down slightly sketch and coming up will be difficult for non 4 x4 or low clearance vehicles. Super easy to find.
ScoutDefinitely NOT big rig friendly and No where to turn around!!
ScoutWe camped on the terrace overlooking the river. We were in a 31' motorhome and would not be able to navigate the 120⁰ hairpin turn down to the river level. The walk down to the river and the falls was worth the effort.
ScoutWe found this spot last minute, late in the afternoon while on a multi day drive. Lots of spots, though we had the place to our on a Sunday night, early April.
Great little trail along the river and falls. Perfect after a long day of driving. The area was super clean (lets all continue this!) and beautiful.
If you do not have a car for high clearance (a Subaru would do fine) just use the upper two camp spots.
Our dogs loved it:)
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
TravelerAmple amount of room, a handful of spots with various views,.. the river was really low due to farmers using it for irrigation,.. we chose to camp on the sandbar,.. no fire pit but the ground was tender enough to dig one out… no shade, lots of flys and hungry moths… people were picking stuff out of river but no one would give an actual answer to what it was they were picking up… cool rocks,..pretty tiny waterfalls.
TravelerThis is right along snake river. There look to be about 8 back in spots, but we didn’t explore very far down the road. The main downsides are the bugs and lack of fire pits, but worth it for the water. We fished and sat by the falls all evening. There were a few other people but very quiet.
ScoutEasy to get to even in my Corolla. Was able to park right down by the river. Had a little service with ATT.
TravelerThere are only a few spots that I saw, and it’s first come first serve. There’s a river that a few people were fishing in, and a bank with plenty of space to hang out. The campsites are nicely spaced out so your not right next to anyone. There’s no designated trail that I could see, but there were some great areas for hiking and climbing.
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.
TravelerExcellent dispersed camping nice spaced out spots. Can hike along the river. Overall really liked this spot
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near City of Rocks National Reserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near City of Rocks National Reserve is Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near City of Rocks National Reserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near City of Rocks National Reserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
