Dispersed camping near Homedale, Idaho offers primitive sites throughout the high desert Owyhee region. Most locations lie between 2,500-4,500 feet elevation with sagebrush-dominated terrain and dramatic basalt formations. Summer nighttime temperatures regularly drop 30-40°F from daytime highs, requiring extra layers even during warm months. These BLM-managed lands provide established camping spots with minimal development.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several dispersed sites provide access to Snake River and Owyhee River fishing. At Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park, campers can target "Trophy Brown Trout" according to Ed E., who notes it's "awesome" for fly fishing enthusiasts. Jennifer R. confirms the "epic fishing" opportunities along the river.
Hot springs exploration: Natural hot springs provide soaking opportunities near some camping areas. At Andy's Spot, Jada P. found "a hot spring nearby that was nice to soak in." Veronica G. mentions the springs are "off the road across the street from the sign," though notes they were "a little too hot for my liking."
Wildlife observation: The region supports various desert wildlife species. At Andy's Spot, Veronica G. reports hearing "numerous birds in the area, such as killdeer, mourning doves and owls" and seeing "a few small bunnies." These wildlife viewing opportunities require patience and quiet observation, particularly during early morning or evening hours.
What campers like
Privacy and solitude: The remote nature of these sites provides exceptional privacy. At Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, Fishin' R. describes it as "very quiet and private" and notes "you will most likely have the place to yourself." Devon R. found that at Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed, "it was private, moderately screened from the road, and best of all, away from other campers!"
Riverside locations: Many sites offer direct access to water. At Owyhee-Dispersed (Andy's Spot), Andy S. describes it as "a nice little spot on the river" that's "very secluded to the point where you can't see your fire from the road." The site now has "a nice little trail to the river, plenty of fish in the area."
Historical features: Some sites contain historical elements worth exploring. At The Rock Stage Stop - BLM Dispersed, campers can explore an old stage stop where "they would leave feed up on top of the rocks and other supplies to keep them away from animals." Fishin' R. notes visitors can find "the remains of the old hotel" and even a "rock corral where they kept their horses."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. At Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites, Katrina H. warns "I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough." Similarly, Lauren J. notes that at Andy's Spot, "If you have a 4WD vehicle you should be just fine, but if you have a trailer or camper, that can really limit what spots you can get to."
Weather extremes: Desert temperature fluctuations create challenging camping conditions. Casey B. reports that at Andy's Spot "there are very few spots with any shade at all and it gets HOT out there." Winter camping presents different challenges, with Fu yang J. reporting temperatures as low as "12° in mid/late November" during their stay.
Site surfaces: The ground composition at many sites makes tent camping difficult. Caroline P. describes Andy's Spot having "tent-stake-resistant river cobble, though some disguised with a thin layer of dirt, or a white layer of alkali or talc." Sites near Rockville Headstone Dispersed Camping have "good sleeping surface despite dead grass" according to Brendan R.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. Aaron S. suggests maintaining awareness as aggressive encounters can occur in crowded areas: "We witnessed our neighbor get into a verbal altercation with some interlopers who were fishing near his tent... all in front of my 7 and 4 year old daughter."
Bring shade structures: Limited natural shade requires preparation. Casey B. confirms that around Andy's Spot, shade is minimal and "it gets HOT out there." Fred S. notes that at Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed there is "no shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible" but temperature management requires planning.
Water conservation: With no potable water sources, family camping requires careful water planning. Plan for 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum. Iman recommends against filtering river water at Oasis Recreation Site, noting "The river water was pretty murky, wouldn't want to filter it if I don't have to."
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: RVers must carefully evaluate potential camping locations. Lauren J. advises at Andy's Spot, "If you have a 4WD vehicle you should be just fine, but if you have a trailer or camper, that can really limit what spots you can get to." Similarly, Fishin' R. warns about Succor Creek Reservoir: "I have been in this campground with a car and a small RV but you better know what you are doing!"
Weather impact on access: Seasonal conditions affect RV access significantly. Fishin' R. notes access to Succor Creek Reservoir depends on "weather permitting and as long as there's not too much snow in the winter" and cautions that "if a snowstorm comes through it could be a day or two before somebody could get to it." During wet periods, clay surfaces become impassable even for high-clearance vehicles.
Surface considerations: Ground composition affects parking stability and levelness. Fred S. found at Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed that "The dirt site is not quite level" and contains "lots of cow patties" which requires careful RV positioning to achieve proper leveling.
