Dispersed camping dominates the landscape around Homedale, Idaho, with the terrain rising from 2,200 feet in the Snake River Valley to higher desert elevations approaching 4,000 feet in the Owyhee foothills. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with little natural shade, while spring and fall bring milder conditions and fewer campers. Most tent sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, especially after precipitation when clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slippery.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Below Owyhee Dam, tent campers can access trophy brown trout fishing in a pristine river environment. One camper at Owyhee River - Below Dam noted it's an "awesome" spot for fly fishing, adding that "there are dispersed camping all along the river below the dam. It is very rugged, but there are amenities for camping."
Hiking trails: The area around Shafer Butte offers tent campers a cooler alternative during summer with established hiking routes. A reviewer mentioned that "there is a great hike right off the campground suitable for kids or adults" and that despite being "a no frills place" where they "were dirtier than usual since there was no running water," the experience was "amazingly beautiful."
Bird watching: Set up your tent at canyon rim sites for excellent raptor viewing. At Swan Falls - Idaho Power, one camper highlighted "watching the birds of prey and the scenic canyon views" as "the best part of this place" despite it being "very hot with little to no shade."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many tent campers appreciate direct water access for both recreation and the cooling effect during hot months. A camper at Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites shared, "We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous. However, I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough."
Solitude: The remote nature of many sites provides quiet experiences away from crowds. At Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, a reviewer explained, "This may not be for most campers but if you are a desert rat like myself, who loves to get AWAY FROM ALL, You will be very pleased! If you are a concrete camper, you'd best avoid this spot."
Historical experiences: Some tent sites near Homedale offer unique cultural contexts. At Silver City Campground, a visitor described it as "nostalgic" and that it "feels like I took a time machine back to the old west," noting you can "check out the cemetery and the mine shafts behind the church."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent sites require careful navigation on unmaintained roads. At Birch Creek Historic Ranch, campers warned "the road getting in is very rough and washed out in multiple locations. 4WD and lifted is recommended. No one has grated this road in at least 7+ years."
Water availability: Most sites lack reliable drinking water sources. A reviewer at Birch Creek Historic Ranch emphasized "there is no potable water anywhere high or low near or far from the campsite" and advised to "come prepared with water and a spare tire just in case."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings extreme heat and wildlife concerns to tent sites. At Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping, a camper cautioned, "When it's hot, Rattle Snakes could be around. Most won't come out until the bugs do so be aware!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for easier access sites: Some tent camping areas near Homedale provide simpler entry points suitable for children. Swan Falls offers "a nice quiet place for tent or RV camping" with sites that are "along the river" making it easier for "fishing and paddling for a couple of days."
Consider wildlife education opportunities: The desert environment presents learning experiences for children. Silver City Campground offers unique wildlife encounters with one camper noting, "Cows all over the town" though this means "there may be poop at your campsite."
Seek out established campgrounds: For tent camping with children near Homedale, sites with minimal facilities provide structure while maintaining a primitive feel. Caldwell Campground and RV Park offers "grassy tent sites, with shady trees, on a small 6 acre lake with entertaining ducks that do not beg for food" and includes "showers and toilets [that] were clean with lots of hot water."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed tent sites around Homedale can't accommodate larger rigs. At Swan Falls, a camper with a travel trailer advised that "RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream."
Consider seasonal timing: RVers seeking tent camping opportunities near Homedale report better experiences during shoulder seasons. A visitor to Shafer Butte noted they "came here the first weekend of the summer it was open, so it was definitely cold" but still "had a great time" despite the lack of amenities since "there was no running water" and "no firewood for sale."
