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Best Dispersed Camping near Filer, ID

82 Reviews

The Snake River region surrounding Filer, Idaho features predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with several free sites offering basic amenities. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, located just north of Twin Falls, provides 13 designated sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets without requiring fees or reservations. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed camping area offers riverside sites with canyon views approximately 20 miles east of Filer. Most camping areas in this region support both tent and RV camping, though amenities are minimal and hookups nonexistent. The landscape varies from open desert terrain to dramatic river canyons, with the Snake River serving as the primary geographic feature influencing camping locations.

Road conditions and vehicle requirements vary significantly between camping areas near Filer. Cauldron Linn access requires navigating steep dirt roads with large rocks and soft silt, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for reaching the most desirable sites. As one camper noted, "The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn... gravity can probably help you down without getting stuck, but remember that you will have to get back up." Cell service is generally available at Snake River Canyons Park but can be spotty or nonexistent at more remote locations like Frank C Jones King Hill Area. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical BLM stay limits of 14 days. Weather conditions range from hot, dry summers to occasionally snowy winters, with spring and fall offering the most moderate temperatures.

Riverside camping locations receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic value and fishing opportunities. Campers at Cauldron Linn report excellent wildlife viewing, including birds along canyon walls, rabbits, quail, and occasional larger wildlife. Sites closer to Twin Falls, like Snake River Canyons Park, are praised for convenience and safety. According to one visitor, "It's safe and clean - plus there are cute cows to look at. The sites filled up most nights but emptied out during the day." Some remote areas experience occasional nighttime traffic that makes solo campers uncomfortable. Visitors frequently mention the quality of sunsets and stargazing opportunities throughout the region. Mosquitoes can be problematic near the river during summer months, with several reviewers recommending bug spray as an essential item.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Filer, Idaho (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Filer, ID

77 Photos of 9 Filer Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Filer, ID

82 Reviews of 9 Filer Campgrounds

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)

    More Shady Camping Right by the Namesake Trailhead

    This 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!

  • M
    May. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Perfect location along the river

    Wasn’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.

  • Roean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Simple but nice views

    Right 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    The views are what make the site

    Fantastic 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Great free BLM camp sites

    Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls. This fee-free primitive BLM camp offers 2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own) and 13 level RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups. There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great campground, not great road

    Beautiful 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). ✌️

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Clean, convenient and free!

    It’s hard to believe this place is free. Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on! It was a quiet stay and convenient to see Shoshone Falls, and resupply at Costco or Walmart just to the north in Jerome. Don’t skip the scenic overlooks at the bridge on highway 93, beautiful views, and we even watched a couple base jumpers there

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Beautiful Area! Sketchy Roads

    This 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.

  • 5 STAR X P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2024

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great camping spot in January

    Easy 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

Guide to Filer

Dispersed camping near Filer, Idaho provides access to diverse terrains ranging from sage-covered desert to dramatic river canyons. Most sites sit between 3,000-4,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F during July and August. During spring and fall camping seasons, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly compared to daytime highs, requiring campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, you can catch multiple fish species in the Snake River. "Great fishing, caught at least 4 fish a day while camping (small bass, there were several bigger fish but I didn't have the right lures)," reports camper Levi J.

Hiking trails: Access numerous trails directly from camping areas. At Frank C Jones King Hill Area, you'll find riverside paths. "Nice view of the river. The only negative was the trains going by at night. Quite loud," notes Andrew S. who still gave the site five stars despite the train noise.

Wildlife viewing: Many dispersed sites offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We had an owl also visit the tree above us and serenaded us for a good 1/2 hr in the middle of the night (very cool)," shares Marne F. about their experience at Frank C Jones King Hill Area.

What campers like

Easy access: Many free camping areas near Filer provide convenient stopover options for travelers. "Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp just north of Twin Falls. This fee-free primitive BLM camp offers 2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own) and 13 level RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups," explains Gary P.

Swimming spots: When water levels are appropriate, several areas offer swimming opportunities. At Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, "swimming in the pools near the waterfall made the trek so worth it," according to Ibeya A., who visited in early August when river levels were low.

Stargazing: The relatively remote locations provide excellent night sky viewing. "Peaceful camping away from most road noise and good spacing from other campers," notes Ibeya A. about Cauldron Linn, highlighting the uninterrupted views available at many dispersed sites.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many of the best camping spots require navigating challenging roads. For Cauldron Linn, camper Andy S. warns: "Beautiful 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 sketchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van."

Site limitations: While free camping is abundant, not all areas have developed sites. At Grey's Landing, Patricia F. notes: "Nice but there seems to be only one real spot. We stayed along the gravel road since 'the' spot was taken."

Water safety: Water quality issues can affect swimming plans. Cora S. reported about Grey's Landing: "Beautiful and quiet. Stayed on a Tuesday night. No one else was camping but there were a few people fishing. There is a toxic algae bloom in the lake so we couldn't swim which was a disappointment."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose areas with amenities appropriate for children. "Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp has each space with a picnic table and fire ring, and there are drop toilets and trash bins. All the sites look pretty level. Easy to find off the highway," recommends Kendra T.

Insects: Be prepared for seasonal bugs, especially near water. "If you come in August, bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad)," advises Andy S. about Cauldron Linn, a consideration particularly important for families.

Bathroom access: When camping with children, toilet facilities become more important. At Lower Goose Creek Reservoir, "the campgrounds are right on the reservoir and open and spacious," says Cody E., making it easier to keep track of children while still accessing facilities.

Tips from RVers

Parking considerations: RVers should scout sites before committing, especially at remote locations. "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," advises Ronda D. about accessing Cauldron Linn.

Level sites: Look for areas that offer naturally level parking. At Snake River Canyons Park, Kristie C. found "large sites with table and fire ring and quite. Sites are free," making it ideal for RVs that need relatively flat ground.

Turn-around space: Check for adequate maneuvering room, especially with larger rigs. "My camper is 32' long. There is a small turnaround on the left fork. The dirt is 'moon dust' and got stuck," warns Cyndy & Selena R. about Frank C Jones King Hill Area, advising to "Turn right there is a paved turn around area."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Filer, ID is Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Filer, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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