Best Dispersed Camping near Jerome, ID

Multiple free dispersed camping areas exist within an hour's drive of Jerome, Idaho, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp offers designated dispersed sites with basic amenities, while Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed provides riverside camping opportunities along the Snake River. Additional options include Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed near Carey and Grey's Landing. These primitive sites typically feature fire rings where fires are permitted, and many allow both tent and RV camping without reservations or fees.

Road access varies significantly between dispersed camping areas. The route to Cauldron Linn includes steep, rocky sections requiring high-clearance vehicles, with some campers reporting difficulty navigating the descent into the canyon. Most areas have dirt or gravel access roads that may become impassable during wet weather. While many sites offer pit toilets, none provide drinking water, hookups, or trash service. Camping is generally limited to 14 days. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during summer months when wildfire risk increases.

These dispersed camping areas attract visitors seeking scenic views, fishing opportunities, and wildlife encounters. Snake River Canyons Park features level sites with picnic tables and fire rings, providing convenient access to Twin Falls. A visitor noted it's "hard to believe this place is free. Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities." Cauldron Linn offers dramatic canyon views and river access, though one camper warned about the approach: "The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn with large rocks, depressions, and soft silt." Silver Creek Public Access provides creekside camping with some sites featuring tent pads and picnic tables under shade structures.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Jerome, Idaho (13)

    1. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    25 Reviews
    Twin Falls, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 293-2426

    "Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on!"

    "Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls."

    2. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon."

    "On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be"

    3. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 886-2206

    "Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots!"

    "Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found!"

    4. Frank C Jones King Hill Area

    10 Reviews
    King Hill, ID
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 324-4359

    "We were able to get our Nissan Frontier hauling a 6×10 trailer parked into the sight next to the Snake River. It was fairly level. Nice sunset viewing, not too buggy in early Oct."

    "There was another section to the left of the entry road, which was barred off by a gate, but I decided to car camp for the night by the boat launch and not hike in with all my gear."

    5. Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    3 Reviews
    Richfield, ID
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "This site is across the highway from the entrance to the Shoshone Ice Cave attraction on highway 75. If you are heading north on 75, turn right at the gift shop on the right side of the road."

    6. Grey's Landing

    5 Reviews
    Rogerson, ID
    42 miles

    "Pit toilet available. Can either camp by the water or on a higher road by the toilet, picnic table, and grill. Cannot swim in the water due to algae growth."

    "The only thing that might bother you is the angle of the slope try to find a flat spot also I think you can safely stand by the barbecues, there is never anyone there, everyone is by the water!"

    7. Silver Creek West Access Area

    6 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 324-4359

    "Pit toilet on site.
    Fire rings in most sites.
    Have ok Verizon coverage and super fast Starlink.
    Definitely worth a stay."

    8. Lava Creek

    2 Reviews
    Bellevue, ID
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "We found this gem Beautiful scenery and no one else around"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Jerome, ID

99 Reviews of 13 Jerome Campgrounds


  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)

    More Shady Camping Right by the Namesake Trailhead

    This was a really really small camping area that's located along the creek road going through the south hills of Idaho.  There are absolutely no amenities here however so take care of business at one of the more developed campgrounds along the road!  It had wonderful shade everywhere but there wasn't any flat ground to be able to lay out a tent.  There were also only 2 maybe 3 campgrounds if you squeezed it in and it required a high clearance vehicle to get to 2 of them.  Good thing is if you get these sites you will have no one around you and personal access to a great hiking trail and in the winter snowshoeing back country skiing trail!

  • M
    May. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Perfect location along the river

    Wasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Clean, convenient and free!

    It’s hard to believe this place is free. Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on! It was a quiet stay and convenient to see Shoshone Falls, and resupply at Costco or Walmart just to the north in Jerome. Don’t skip the scenic overlooks at the bridge on highway 93, beautiful views, and we even watched a couple base jumpers there

  • Roean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Simple but nice views

    Right on the Snake River. On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be angry if the beach was covered in campers, so just respect the multiple uses. Bring bug spray! Had verizon service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    The views are what make the site

    Fantastic views of the canyon, both above and from within. Steep dirt road down. Several spots along the dirt path on the way down to the river bed of varying degrees of difficulty. No amenities save for a rock fire pit or two. Had full cell service w At&t. Looks like people have driven right onto the sand by the water. Hundreds of birds flying around the canyon walls and rocks. Could hear the cows at the nearby farm, and occasionally smell them when the wind was right. I visited in April and the water level was low.

  • Kathryn D.
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Creekside!

    Delightful creekside free campsites! Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots! There are at least two pit toilets, one at a spot with two picnic tables, each has a great shade, fire pit, and a place for a camp stove! One has a flat raised gravel spot for a tent, which was good because we actually saw a couple mice. The second pit toilet was further down the road at a more separated spot, it looked like it was ADA accessible and also had a picnic table, etc. Close enough to Carey to get gas/ice. Only giving it 4 stars because of the mice (pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!) and the complete lack of trees, the covers over the picnic tables did proved shade, but it still got crazy hot.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Gorgeous Spot on the River

    Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found! No trash, so pack it out, and the toilets are buggy, but the scenery and privacy is worth it. You get in far enough and get hidden by sage brush!

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great campground, not great road

    Beautiful and peaceful, right on the river's edge. Lots to explore. No amenities so be prepared for that. Great place if the road in wasn't so stetchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way! If you come in August, bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad). ✌️

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Great free BLM camp sites

    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, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups. There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9


Guide to Jerome

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Jerome, Idaho, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from serene lakesides to rugged terrains.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Jerome, Idaho

  • Make sure to bring your own firewood, as many spots like Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed do not provide it, but allow campfires.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; facilities such as toilets and drinking water are often unavailable, as seen at Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas clean and enjoyable for future visitors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Jerome

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the nearby trails, especially those leading to waterfalls at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, where hidden gems await just off the beaten path.
  • Fishing is a popular activity in the area, with spots like Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp providing access to serene waters.
  • Wildlife watching can be rewarding, particularly at locations like Lava Creek, where you might spot various birds and other animals in their natural habitat.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The stunning views at Grey's Landing make it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the beauty of Idaho's landscapes.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Shoshone Falls, easily accessible from places like Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, which offers breathtaking views.
  • Explore the unique geological features around Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping, where you can learn about the area's volcanic history while enjoying a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Jerome, Idaho?

Dispersed camping around Jerome follows standard BLM regulations. At Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, despite being free, campers should respect the established sites. For most dispersed areas like Wahlstrom Hollow, the typical 14-day stay limit applies. Pack out all trash, as there are no garbage services. Campfires are generally allowed in existing fire rings when fire restrictions aren't in place. Practice Leave No Trace principles by camping at least 200 feet from water sources, using existing sites when possible, and respecting wildlife. Check with the local BLM office for seasonal road closures or fire restrictions before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Jerome, Idaho?

Amenities at dispersed sites near Jerome vary significantly. Most locations offer very basic or no facilities. Lower Goose Creek Reservoir provides vault toilets but no other services. Some sites at Silver Creek West Access Area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, making them more developed than typical dispersed camping. Most areas require you to be fully self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and other necessities. Cell service is available at some sites (full AT&T service reported at Cauldron Linn), but coverage can be spotty in canyon areas. Plan to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste, as garbage service is not provided at any dispersed sites.

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Jerome, Idaho?

The Jerome area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed is a spectacular spot along the Snake River with beautiful canyon views. The area features several camping spots along a dirt path leading down to the riverbed. Another great option is Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed, which provides delightful creekside camping with some shade and privacy. For those seeking alternatives, check out the South Hills area, where you'll find small but shaded camping areas along creek roads, or explore the BLM lands near Twin Falls for additional dispersed options.