Tent camping near Jerome, Idaho provides access to primitive sites in a high-desert environment characterized by sagebrush plateaus and rocky outcroppings. Elevations range from 3,700 feet in Jerome to over 7,000 feet in the surrounding South Hills, creating temperature variations that can exceed 30°F between day and night. Spring camping often faces windier conditions, while late summer brings clearer skies but increased fire restrictions.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Bear Gulch Campground offers direct access to multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. According to Amanda M., "We came up here looking to escape the heat of the city and were not disappointed. It was a good 10 degrees cooler and cooled off quickly when the sun went down." The temperature advantage makes summer hiking more comfortable than valley locations.
Fishing opportunities: Myrtle Point campground provides direct access to Magic Reservoir, where anglers can catch rainbow trout, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. The reservoir features irregular shorelines with numerous coves ideal for bank fishing, especially during early morning or evening hours when fish are most active.
Wildlife viewing: The high desert terrain around Lava Point campground supports populations of pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and various raptor species. Early mornings provide the best viewing opportunities, with recommended quiet observation periods of at least 30 minutes near water sources where animals congregate.
What campers like
Natural cooling: The elevation gain in the South Hills provides natural temperature regulation. As one camper noted at Bear Gulch, "It was a good 10 degrees cooler and cooled off quickly when the sun went down." This makes summer camping more comfortable than valley locations during July and August heat waves.
Creek proximity: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at multiple sites. Alan B. appreciated that at Third Fork Campground, "The campsites are all lined up in a row next to the creek and trees." This creates white noise that helps mask other campground sounds.
Dark skies: The remote locations of most campgrounds near Jerome provide minimal light pollution. During new moon phases (especially April through October), campers can view the Milky Way with the naked eye from most sites, with summer meteor showers creating additional viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating rough terrain. One camper at Third Fork Campground advises, "This is a no frills campground located in the South Hills of Idaho about 20 miles south of Twin Falls." Similarly, Bear Gulch requires preparation as Amanda M. notes, "After a long drive down a washboard dirt road for about 40 minutes we finally made it to the campground. Secure what you can as your stuff will vibrate everywhere."
Limited amenities: Most sites provide minimal facilities. Father And Sons Campground has no drinking water, toilets or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all water needs and pack out all waste. Plan for 1-2 gallons of water per person per day during summer camping.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service is nonexistent at most locations. As one camper at Bear Gulch reported, "No cell service at all." Download maps and campground information before departing Jerome, as GPS navigation typically fails about halfway to most South Hills campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Shade importance: When camping with children, prioritize shaded sites during summer months. Alan B. notes that Third Fork has "each site has its own fire ring and picnic table with most also giving you a shady spot to set up a tent if you want." This becomes crucial when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F during summer afternoons.
Activity planning: Father And Sons Campground provides open areas suitable for family games and activities. The relatively flat terrain surrounding the campground allows for frisbee, soccer, and nature scavenger hunts within sight of camp, creating contained play areas for children ages 5-12.
Campsite selection timing: Popular spots fill quickly during peak season. One camper advises about Third Fork, "There are not many sites so get here early if you plan on coming during the weekend." Arriving by Thursday afternoon during summer months substantially increases site selection options, especially for larger family groups requiring adjacent sites.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should note size limitations. At Bear Gulch, Amanda M. reported, "No problem fitting our 33" motorhome and extra vehicle." However, Bostetter Campground has narrower access roads with low-hanging branches that can damage taller rigs, limiting practical access to vehicles under 24 feet in length.
Parking alternatives: Some campgrounds offer overflow options. At Third Fork, "It also seems like you could just park your RV in the giant dirt area to the east of the creek. This area will be hot in the morning and shady in the afternoon as there are no shade trees to the east of the campsites." These unofficial spaces lack defined boundaries but can accommodate larger vehicles when designated sites are full.
Water conservation: With no hookups available at any Jerome-area campgrounds, RVers must manage resources carefully. Most campers report needing at least 3-day water supplies, with typical usage of 5-7 gallons per person daily when accounting for minimal dish washing and basic hygiene needs.
