Best Tent Camping near Filer, ID

Tent camping options around Filer, Idaho include several established campgrounds in the nearby South Hills region. Bear Gulch near Kimberly and Third Fork Campground south of Twin Falls offer primitive tent sites with basic amenities. These tent-focused campgrounds operate seasonally, with Bear Gulch open from May to October and Third Fork Campground available year-round.

The primitive tent camping experience at these locations typically features rustic amenities. Third Fork Campground provides fire rings and picnic tables at each site, with many spots offering shade for tent setup. According to visitor reports, there is only one vault toilet near the information sign. Bear Gulch requires campers to travel approximately 40 minutes down a rough dirt road, making high-clearance vehicles advisable. One camper noted, "After a long drive down a washboard dirt road, we finally made it to the campground," indicating the remote nature of these sites. Both locations lack drinking water, so tent campers must bring their own supply.

These walk-in tent sites provide natural settings away from urban development. Third Fork Campground positions sites in a row along a creek with trees providing afternoon shade. A visitor commented that "each site has its own fire ring and picnic table with most also giving you a shady spot to set up a tent." The campground offers direct access to the Third Fork Trailhead, making it convenient for hikers. Bear Gulch provides a cooler alternative during summer months, with temperatures approximately 10 degrees lower than in town. The sites fill quickly on weekends, particularly at Third Fork where limited spots are available. Father And Sons and Bostetter campgrounds near Cassia offer additional primitive tent camping options, though these operate only from June to September.

Best Tent Sites Near Filer, Idaho (5)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Filer, ID

1 Photos of 5 Filer Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Filer, ID

286 Reviews of 5 Filer Campgrounds


  • 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

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

    Third Fork Campground

    More Great Creek Spots with Ample Parking!

    This is a no frills campground located in the South Hills of Idaho about 20 miles south of Twin Falls.  Each site has its own fire ring and picnic table with most also giving you a shady spot to set up a tent if you want.  There is only 1 vault toilet though near the info sign.  The campsites are all lined up in a row next to the creek and trees.  There are not many sites so get here early if you plan on coming during the weekend.  It also seems like you could just park your RV in the giant dirt area to the east of the creek.  This area will be hot in the morning and shady in the afternoon as there are no shade trees to the east of the campsites.  A bonus of staying at this campground is that you have walking access to the Third Fork Trailhead!

  • Bethany W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Close to town, but still secluded

    Very easily accessible location with a few pull through spots and back in spots. All with fire rings & a picnic table. 2 vault toilets available and trash cans.

    You can hear/see the noise of traffic from HWY 93 but, no biggie.

    The campers before us left a bunch of trash (not sure why when there’s a large trash can only a few 100 feet away?) but, we cleared it all up and the campground area overall was very clean.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Nice little spot

    Each space has 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. No trees, so little privacy.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Schipper Campground

    Great Oasis in the Desert but Very Small

    This is definitely the smallest campground that I encountered while traveling through the South Hills of Idaho that are about a half hour away from Twin Falls.  There were only 2 sites that I could find while driving along this narrow stretch of the river, but they were definitely some of the best sites in the canyon!  Each of the 2 sites had metal fire rings and picnic tables and a vault toilet right at the split between the 2 campsites.  Another bonus was the seclusion you get from the other campground but unfortunately not the road, which isn't too big of a problem as the traffic is pretty light in the canyon during the week.  At the campsite further to the south there were 2 little rocks pools that people had made in the stream that were perfect for cooling off in after a long hot day of hiking around in the hills.  There were also dozens of trout swimming in and around these pools that would make it super easy to fish from a chair within site of your campfire!

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Steer Basin Campground

    Great Spot by a Bend in the Creek

    A great campground in the South Hills of Idaho that feels like an oasis in the desert!  This is one of a few developed campgrounds that you encounter as you head up Rock Creek Rd.  Like the other sites in the canyon there are metal camp fire ring, picnic tables, and vault toilets.  There are not very many sites, around 5, so don't plan on getting a spot if you arrive after 3 on Friday through the weekend.  Any time during the week you should be fine to get a spot as I visited on a Wednesday around 6 and only saw 1 occupied site.  The fee per night is $5 and there is a wonderful stream right next to almost every campsite that you can fish in and hang your hammock over.  The creek was also low enough to cool off in the waters safely, even with smaller children.  Last thing I noticed was a ton of basalt cliffs and cracks that I'm pretty sure haven't been developed for climbing, so if anyone is feeling super ambitious, let me know and we can develop it together!

  • Sofia A.
    Sep. 20, 2020

    Balanced Rock County Park

    Free and Pretty

    The place is beautiful and you have a hiking trail through the canyon and the balance rock is 5 min by car. Thegood: It’s free, has water, trash cans, and bathroom pits, roofed picnic tables, fire grills, fire rings. Can stay 7 days, tent on grass only Thursday through Sunday (sprinkles during the week), camp near the river, kayak, fishing... The bad: limited space, flies are something out of this world (seriously, they won’t let you do anything outside), very windy because of the canyon walls, no service not even with boosters, fish tiny and bony.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Carmela RV Park at Y Knot Winery

    Really Liked Y Knot

    We followed our GPS plus there is great signage leading you to the Y Knot Winery, which is the same route to go to Three Island Crossing State Park. The state park is adjacent to the winery campground(CG). You first come to the older CG across from the winery building, which is better suited for smaller rigs. We were in the newer CG a little further up the road in pull-through site 26 with FHUs. As we had a reservation with an assigned site number, we went straight to our site, set up, and then walked back over to the winery to register. The sites have an interesting layout as they are long, yet the front and back of site not really defined. You have to adjust your rig on the gravel pad to fit your rig to the utilities towards the back of the site. You then ensure that either side of your rig isn’t too far on the gravel road. The CG is bare bones with no picnic tables, fire pits, nor WiFi(saw a review for$6 Wifi but didn’t see any networks in the new area). It was no issue for us as we were enjoying the winery and golf course. Since the CG is new, the trees have not matured and you have no problem with satellite. We got one bar on Verizon. Their water pressure is high so you will need a reducer. We got an end cap site and enjoyed the large yard. The CG info states there’s a pet area, but there’s no sign or fenced in area. The pet area is a grassy area along the golf course side of the CG according to the map. There was no road noise, but there was a distant train or two during the night. There’s a lot to like about this CG: nice sites, wine tasting, decent food, and a fun golf course.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Milner Historic Recreation Area

    Right on snake river

    This is a nice spot to camp right on the Snake river. No shade. Close to town with Walmart. 5 spots. Fire rings and tables. Vault toilet and dumpster. Local hangout. Mostly fishing.


Guide to Filer

Tent camping near Filer, Idaho offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with several well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Filer

  • For a peaceful experience, consider staying at Grey's Landing, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the area, though be prepared for limited spots.
  • Arrive early at Third Fork Campground to secure a site, especially on weekends, as it has a few shaded areas perfect for setting up your tent.
  • If you're looking for a more rugged experience, Bear Gulch offers a secluded environment, but keep in mind that amenities are minimal.

Tent campers should check out Third Fork Campground

  • This campground features individual fire rings and picnic tables, making it a great spot for cooking and enjoying meals outdoors.
  • Located near the creek, Third Fork Campground provides a refreshing atmosphere, especially during warmer months.
  • With walking access to the Third Fork Trailhead, this site is ideal for those looking to explore the surrounding trails.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the serene environment at Grey's Landing, where you can cast a line and enjoy the quiet.
  • Hiking opportunities abound near Third Fork Campground, with trails that lead you through beautiful landscapes.
  • While swimming may not be an option due to conditions at Grey's Landing, the area is perfect for relaxing by the water and enjoying nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Filer, ID is Bear Gulch with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Filer, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.