Tent camping in the Firth, Idaho area offers a mix of riverside and primitive sites with elevations ranging from 4,500-5,200 feet. Located along the eastern Snake River Plain, most tent sites feature sagebrush terrain with limited natural shade. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during July and August with cooler 45-55°F nights in spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide direct river access for anglers seeking trout. At Warm Slough near Rexburg, one camper noted it's a "Great place to fish, kayak, or float the river. Some campsites will have a picnic table." The location offers both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with proximity to Henry's Fork of the Snake River.
Water recreation: The Snake River corridor offers kayaking and floating opportunities from multiple access points. At Eagle Park Campground, campers appreciate being "Next to teton river and paths to explore" despite its proximity to a wastewater treatment facility. Most water access points have unpaved or natural launches without developed boat ramps.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Fall and winter camping periods provide better wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor to Warm Slough mentioned the area has a "resident moose" while others report deer sightings. October through January camping periods generally offer the best wildlife observation opportunities with fewer crowds.
What campers like
Basic amenities: While facilities are limited, some sites offer essential services. At South Tourist Park Campground in Idaho Falls, a camper reported it's a "nice little gem of a bare bones city camp site next to Snake River. No hook ups. There is a dump site, fresh water and toilets. There is a small boat launch."
Privacy between sites: Despite primitive conditions, several locations offer good site separation. One Warm Slough visitor appreciated that "Each site has a fire ring and plenty of privacy." Most dispersed sites along the Snake River provide natural vegetation buffers between camping areas, especially at locations farther from developed areas.
Budget-friendly options: Many tent sites in the area are either free or low-cost. A camper at South Tourist Park noted, "Fairly cheap for a couple nights stay" though they mentioned early morning maintenance noise. Several free camping options require campers to pack out all waste and provide their own water supplies.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. A recent visitor to Warm Slough reported, "Camping only allowed Oct 1 to Jan 31. 10 days max," which differs from many other area campgrounds that close during winter months. Verify current regulations before planning trips, especially during shoulder seasons.
Site access challenges: Some locations have difficult access roads or confusing directions. One camper warned about Warm Slough: "This place was hard to find - I almost gave up. The GPS directions and coordinates on this app are both wrong. Take Warm Slough Rd off 4000 N. Ignore the no trespassing signs."
Facility conditions: Maintenance varies significantly between locations. At Eagle Park, a visitor observed the area is "overgrown and cramped roads and campsites. But it just needs work and it seems they are working on clearing brush and fixing maintenance work." Many sites lack reliable toilet facilities or have seasonal maintenance issues.
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise disruptions. At South Tourist Park, a camper cautioned about "a VERY LOUD train that went by a few times during the night, blowing its whistle. Light sleepers may not be happy." Most riverside sites away from towns offer quieter alternatives for families with small children.
Walk-in tent sites: At Morgans Bridge Campground in Firth, a visitor mentioned "Two walk in only camp spots, expect rough ground" alongside the "3 RV slips for smaller rigs ~30'." These tent-specific sites typically require carrying equipment 25-100 feet from parking areas over uneven terrain.
Best times for family visits: Fall camping provides more comfortable conditions for families. One South Tourist Park visitor described "beautiful sunset on the water" during their stay, with access to "a bike path right from the campground that follows the river and leads to downtown Riverwalk area."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. A camper at Eagle Park Campground warned, "No big RV's allowed. You don't want to take an RV down that road. Not very good turnaround spots." Most sites suitable for tent camping near Firth can only accommodate RVs under 30 feet with limited maneuverability.
