Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp offers free dispersed camping with 13 designated sites approximately 4 miles north of Twin Falls. This Bureau of Land Management area sits at an elevation of about 3,700 feet and experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Campers can access vault toilets and designated parking for both standard vehicles and horse trailers.
What to do
Explore mountain biking trails: The area surrounding Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp offers numerous biking opportunities. "GPS: 42.608863, -114.441343" notes camper Kelda C., providing coordinates for easy navigation to trailheads.
Visit Shoshone Falls: Located about 10 minutes from camping areas in Twin Falls. "Shoshone Falls Park Campground is 40 miles or so from the interstate so make sure you are well provisioned before you arrive," advises Russell B. about planning day trips from Smoky Mountain Campground.
Sunset watching: Even when full-time views aren't spectacular, evening skies deliver. "Really nice sunset over the lake," reports Caitlyn R. about the views at Murtaugh Lake Park Campground.
What campers like
Convenience to town: Many appreciate the proximity to Twin Falls for supplies and services. "Super close to town," notes Kelda C. about staying at Snake River Canyons Park, adding that sites "filled up most nights but emptied out during the day."
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping is widely available. "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. about Ricketts RV Camp.
Cell service reliability: Working remotely is possible at many sites. "Cell signal strength and data speeds are solid on both Verizon and AT&T. We've been both working and streaming with no issues whatsoever," reports Marc G. about the connectivity at Twin Falls County Fairgrounds.
What you should know
Security measures: License plates are routinely checked at some locations. "We pulled in late lastnight, easy to find right off main road hwy 93, close to Twin Falls. Clean vault toilets, roads pretty well maintained. Large sites with table and fire ring and quite. Sites are free," notes Kristie C. about Rickett's RV Camp.
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds near Hansen provide basic facilities only. "The downside is that there is no dump station. And no sewer connection. There are only pit toilets and no showers," explains Donna R. when describing Murtaugh Lake Park Campground.
Weather preparedness: The area can experience extreme temperature fluctuations. "Showed up late October around 6. It's quiet, just out of town and there are toilets places I guess (didn't use) and a fire pit by my site. Didn't use either. Cold (34° last night) rainy, super windy, but felt safe and free is great," reports Brooke C.
Tips for camping with families
Bring portable water: No drinking water is available at many sites. "Just a few miles outside of Twin Falls and somewhat near the river supposedly, there are several designated back in and a couple of pull-through campsites with picnic tables and fire pits and two Vault toilets as well as well as garbage receptacles," notes Steve M.
Check for seasonal limitations: Facilities may change with seasons. "We were disappointed to find that all the water and restroom facilities were closed during the winter," reports Matthew K. about visiting Castle Rocks State Park.
Monitor terrain hazards: Watch for uneven ground, especially with children. "The grounds are a little uneven at certain points with gopher holes, but every site has a nice fire pit and picnic area," notes Kami M.
Tips from RVers
Consider site spacing: RV sites offer varying degrees of privacy. "All sites were quite nice, many pull-through, and most with shade and lots of privacy. All sites have hookups," reports Elizabeth S. about Smoky Mountain Campground.
Beware sprinkler systems: Camping on grass areas may mean unexpected watering. "Grass is green - which is great unless you are in a tent when they water Monday-Thursday then you'll either enjoy the sprinklers or run for cover," warns Kelly H.
Utilize level parking pads: Driving surfaces are generally well-maintained. "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," explains Gary P.
