Best Dispersed Camping near Downey, ID

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the area surrounding Downey, Idaho, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands. Several free primitive sites are accessible within a short drive of town, including Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping, Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, and Snake River Vista Recreation Site. Most locations are managed by BLM with standard dispersed camping regulations allowing visitors to stay in undeveloped areas. Primitive sites are typically found along secondary roads, often providing access to natural features like rivers or rock formations.

Many access roads leading to dispersed camping areas contain potholes and uneven surfaces requiring careful navigation. Several visitors note Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping has a "potholed but drivable" road that doesn't require 4x4 capabilities, while Snake River Vista features more challenging terrain. According to one camper, "4x4 recommended to get down to some of the lower spots" at Snake River Vista, though sites remain accessible at higher elevations for standard vehicles. Most locations provide no amenities beyond occasional fire rings, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Camping is generally permitted for up to 14 days, following standard BLM regulations.

These primitive sites range from small gravel pull-offs to more spacious clearings with varying levels of privacy. Indian Rocks serves primarily as an overnight stop for travelers, with one visitor describing it as a "decent BLM boondock" that's "good for one night while passing through." The site sits relatively close to I-15, making highway noise noticeable though "quiet enough and secluded." Snake River Vista Recreation Site provides more expansive scenery, with one review noting "great views of the river and several prebuilt fire rings." Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site features a well-maintained parking area with toilet facilities, though reviewers indicate camping is restricted to the right side of the parking area, with the left designated for day use only. Summer temperatures can be extreme in some locations, particularly at lower elevations near the river.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Downey, Idaho (15)

    1. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    McCammon, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes."

    "Just a quick turn off from the main Highway on a flat and smooth dirt road. The site is one huge Loop so stop and park wherever you want. There's one tree that I parked under for shade."

    2. Heart Mountain Spring

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

    3. Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access

    1 Review
    Lava Hot Springs, ID
    16 miles

    "Easy access from Lava with about 10 designated spots, most with room for two vehicles and one(?) pull through spot that fit my truck/30foot TT."

    4. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    8 Reviews
    Inkom, ID
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 478-6340

    "A short dirt road that’s well maintained leads up to a rock/gravel parking lot. As another reviewer said, the right is for camping, while the left is day use only."

    "Nice spot in a gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby. Park on the right as camping is prohibited on the left."

    7. Green Canyon Dispersed Campground

    16 Reviews
    North Logan, UT
    49 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."

    8. Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, UT
    43 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."

    10. Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    11 Reviews
    American Falls, ID
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 677-6600

    "Great location just a few minutes off the highway with multiple sites."

    "You are in the High Desert of Idaho so this site is amongst sagebrush but has good shade trees also."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Downey, ID

69 Reviews of 15 Downey Campgrounds


  • S
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Decent BLM Boondock

    GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes. Was traveling late from Idaho to SLC and was a good stopping point. Can hear the highway still but quiet enough and secluded. No amenities whatsoever but there are some weathered petroglyphs to see. As an option there is a formal rest area off the highway a few miles south.

  • 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.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Great Spot!

    Great location just a few minutes off the highway with multiple sites. Offers great views of the river and several prebuilt fire rings around the area as well. 4 x 4 recommended to get down to some of the lower spots, but there’s sites up top as well that would be suitable for 2-Wheel drive vehicles. Bring bug spray if you visit in the hotter months

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Massive confusion and deep ruts

    I don't know how people are finding the beautiful places they show here. I used the GPS coordinates from here and it led me to a maze of twisted little passages. Very deeply rutted roads challenging me and my 4wd led to a complex of turns and turnarounds. The only road that appeared to lead down to the river was dirt at about 45 degrees. There are many ways to go and I don't know how to could know which to take. Must be dumb luck to find a pretty place by the river.

    So, I left and went to the location that the BLM website gives for this named place. It's not the same place. The official location of this place is farther west. That is poorly identified, too. There's a signed turnoff but down the road there's a "Y". I went right. That led to confusion and nasty flies going into my nose and eyes. I left.

    Looking at the map later it appears that I should have gone LEFT at the "Y" instead of right. I have no idea what that's like.

    Basically, this place has many roads that intersect and go to unknown places. I don't know why there are so many roads, circles, "Y"s, along the river, perpendicular to the river.

    The BLM website isn't helpful. I called them and expected a call back but didn't get it.

    I wouldn't go here without one of the people here who submitted great reviews with beautiful photos. It's not worth the confusing directions (both my Garmin RV GPS and Google Maps were wrong in different places) and ambiguity of destinations.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Close to road, easy short-stay

    Just a quick turn off from the main Highway on a flat and smooth dirt road. The site is one huge Loop so stop and park wherever you want. There's one tree that I parked under for shade. No services just a big flat field. But nice Vistas around.

  • 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!

  • Robin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Wonderful secluded spot

    This site is right above the snake River so you can hear the water, wonderful way to fall asleep! You are in the High Desert of Idaho so this site is amongst sagebrush but has good shade trees also. When I was there I could start a tent but this ground does tend to get pretty hard during dry season so staking may be a bit more difficult.

    There are actually 2 sites you can pitch a tent or park a vehicle. There is also a firepit. I got really good cell reception. There are fun trails to explore with beautiful scenery. This would also be a great spot if you like to pole fish. You can walk to the river and cast in! This spot os about 8 miles to the American Falls Dam where you can kayak, SUP, fish, and picnic

    The directions were spot on. I recommend a vehicle with relatively high clearance. It os closer to the interstate than you would expect so you can hear vehicles but was super quiet at night

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    4x4 only

    Definitely a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle only now. It’s very rutted and low clearance would drag badly. We loved it though. Nice and quiet and amazing views

  • 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.


Guide to Downey

Primitive camping near Downey, Idaho provides access to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands with elevations ranging from 4,600 to 5,800 feet throughout the region. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F during July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Most dispersed sites require visitors to be self-sufficient with water supplies as natural sources can be unreliable during summer months.

What to do

Fishing access: 8 miles from town. Snake River Vista Recreation Site offers several spots for anglers with direct river access. "This would also be a great spot if you like to pole fish. You can walk to the river and cast in! This spot is about 8 miles to the American Falls Dam where you can kayak, SUP, fish, and picnic," notes a visitor at Snake River Vista Recreation Site.

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk optimal. The remote locations around Downey attract various wildlife. At Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, one camper mentioned, "There's a cute little stream that runs below the site as well," which attracts birds and small mammals. Early morning offers the best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Hiking exploration: Multiple difficulty levels. Several informal trails branch out from camping areas. "About 15 mins outside of Logan up a beautiful canyon... Lots of people camping, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVs," reports a visitor about nearby options. The terrain varies from flat riverside paths to more challenging hillside routes.

What campers like

River sounds: Natural sleep aid. Many campers appreciate camping spots near water. One reviewer at Snake River Vista noted, "This site is right above the Snake River so you can hear the water, wonderful way to fall asleep!" The sound provides a natural buffer to occasional highway noise.

Spacious campsites: Room to spread out. Several dispersed camping areas offer ample space between sites. "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," writes a camper at Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, which though farther away, shares similar terrain characteristics with Downey area sites.

Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution. The remote locations provide excellent stargazing opportunities. "Very dark at night and quiet. Road coming in is not bad at all," mentions a camper about their experience at Blackrock Canyon. Most dispersed sites around Downey are far enough from town to minimize light pollution.

What you should know

Access road conditions: Variable by season. Road quality can deteriorate quickly after rain. "Road is a little rough, but other than that it was great," noted one camper about access points. At Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping, a visitor warned, "Very nice sites. Trash in all the fire pits. Good cell service. Just go very slow. We did fine with the 27-foot trailer."

Seasonal closures: Winter restrictions. Some areas have limited winter access. "Road to dispersed camping is closed Dec 1 - April 15," shared one camper about similar sites in the region. Always check current status before departing, especially during shoulder seasons.

Cell service: Spotty coverage. Connectivity varies significantly by location and provider. "We had T-Mobile internet," reports a camper at Snake River Vista. Another mentioned, "We got three bars of Verizon out of five total bars," at a different location. Always have offline maps and emergency plans.

Tips for camping with families

Safety precautions: Wildlife awareness. Teach children about respecting wildlife from a distance. "Beware of cows! They will be in several sections of the road but are friendly to cars and move out of the way," notes a camper at Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping. While domestic livestock is common, wild animals require appropriate precautions.

Insect protection: Essential in warmer months. Bugs can be abundant, especially near water. "Bring bug spray if you visit in the hotter months," advises a visitor to Snake River Vista. Mosquitoes are particularly active at dawn and dusk during summer.

Temperature management: Prepare for extremes. The temperature swing between day and night can be significant. "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared," shares a camper about regional conditions. Pack layers and appropriate sleeping gear regardless of season.

Tips from RVers

Ground conditions: Plan for staking challenges. The soil becomes very firm during dry seasons. "This ground does tend to get pretty hard during dry season so staking may be a bit more difficult," notes a camper at Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off. Bring heavy-duty stakes and a mallet for tent camping.

Site selection: Arrive early for better options. The most level spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Nice stop, road is a little rough, but other than that it was great," mentions a camper about Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping. Weekday arrivals offer better selection of camping spots.

Clearance requirements: Check vehicle compatibility. Many roads require higher clearance vehicles. "Definitely a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle only now. It's very rutted and low clearance would drag badly," warns a camper about Snake River Vista's access road. Some areas have more accessible spots near entrance points for standard vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Downey, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Downey, ID is Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping with a 4.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Downey, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Downey, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.