Dispersed camping near Hamer, Idaho offers free overnight stays on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land with various terrain options from 4,800-6,000 feet elevation. Most sites are accessible May through October, with seasonal closures during winter months due to snow and mud conditions. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with minimal shade at many locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Wolf Flats Recreation Area, visitors report regular wildlife encounters. "We watched marmots and foxes along the rocks," notes Jamie C., who stayed near the cliff areas. Coyote sightings are also common in early morning hours.
Lava field exploration: The Lava Hiking Trailhead provides direct access to Hells Half Acre hiking trails. "Easy access to the lava field hiking trails," explains Abner H., who adds that the site has "a fire ring, picnic tables under a shelter, metal charcoal grill" despite being primarily a boondocking area.
River fishing: Multiple sites offer fishing access along Henry's Fork and Snake River. "Good fly fishing spot," reports one camper about Henry's Fork Rivercamp, though they caution water levels fluctuate seasonally. Local anglers recommend morning hours for best results, particularly for trout species.
What campers like
Mountain views: The area provides spectacular mountain scenery from most sites. Jenny and Tobias P. describe Henry's Fork Rivercamp as "surrounded by mountains" with "numerous gravel spots in the forest or under open sky." Rex W. notes you can "see the Tetons to the east at sunrise" from West Dubois Pulloff.
Secluded camping options: Many locations offer privacy away from crowds. "If you follow the dirt road, there's more secluded spots within the trees," Sophie P. mentions about Henry's Fork Rivercamp. Several free camping areas near Hamer provide isolation despite their proximity to highways.
Internet connectivity: Several sites have surprisingly good cell coverage. At Lava Hiking Trailhead, Abner H. reports, "AT&T has 2 bars of LTE," while "T-Mobile has 3 bars and my hotspot was able to achieve 18.85Mbps download." This makes these locations viable for remote workers needing basic connectivity.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful driving. At S Antelope Flat Road, Mary Ann F. warns "The potholes coming in are huge." Sophie P. describes Henry's Fork Rivercamp's road as "a bit rocky, but our sedan made it through with some careful maneuvering."
Limited amenities: Most sites lack basic facilities. Near Shelley, the Snake River Dispersed camping area has no toilets or water sources. Abner H. describes it as "Nice BLM area right next to the Snake River and only 10 minutes from Shelley," but campers must bring all supplies.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings extreme heat while spring often means mud. "This is a decent spot if you need a place to stop in between Idaho Falls and Salmon," James W. says about Birch Creek Camp, though the area experiences temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with river access: The Snake River Dispersed camping area provides safer water recreation options. Angela M. notes there are "opportunities to be right next to the river with an AWD vehicle." Water depth varies significantly, so scout swimming areas carefully before allowing children in.
Avoid high-traffic locations: Some popular areas experience disruptive traffic. Kayland G. warns about Wolf Flats: "Everyone drives fast past camp sites. Not an ideal place for a family outing." Instead, seek sites farther from boat launches and day-use areas.
Pack for temperature variations: Daily temperature swings of 40+ degrees are common. One camper advises bringing layers even in summer as "nights can drop below 50°F when days were in the 90s." Afternoon shade is limited at many sites, so portable shade structures are recommended for families.
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate site selection: Large rigs can access several areas but require planning. At Stoddard Creek Dispersed Camping, Neil H. appreciates the "well maintained gravel road giving easy access to great camping" with "shady large sites" suitable for bigger rigs.
Turn-around space: Some areas provide sufficient room for larger vehicles. Jesse W. reports about Snake River Dispersed: "I have a 35 foot motorhome and I have plenty of space to turn around and find parking towards the back."
Leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling equipment as most sites are not graded. RVers report using up to 3 inches of leveling blocks at Wolf Flats, while Stoddard Creek sites generally require less adjustment. Areas near sand dunes typically have the most uneven terrain.
