Best Dispersed Camping near Kimberly, ID

Dispersed camping near Kimberly, Idaho centers primarily around Snake River Canyons Park, where Rickett's RV Camp provides free primitive sites without hookups. This BLM-managed area features 13 designated campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, located just a short drive from Twin Falls. While classified as an RV camp, the area accommodates both tent campers and recreational vehicles in a minimalist setting. Surrounding public lands also permit dispersed camping in undeveloped areas, though options are more limited than in some other parts of Idaho.

Access to Snake River Canyons Park is straightforward via paved roads off Highway 93, making it suitable for most vehicles without high-clearance requirements. The campground includes vault toilets and trash receptacles but no drinking water or electric hookups. A 5-night maximum stay limit applies. Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry summer months, so visitors should check current regulations before arrival. The surrounding terrain is largely open and exposed with minimal natural shade, creating challenging conditions during hot weather or high winds.

The area provides convenient access to outdoor recreation while remaining close to town services. According to one visitor, "It's safe and clean, plus there are cute cows to look at. There are 13 individual campsites with tables and fire rings." Another camper noted, "Very easily accessible location with a few pull-through spots and back-in spots. All with fire rings and a picnic table." The proximity to Twin Falls (approximately 5 minutes by car) makes this an excellent base for day trips to nearby attractions like Shoshone Falls while allowing for easy resupply runs. Cell service is generally good throughout the area. The campground fills quickly most evenings, especially during peak travel seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kimberly, Idaho (11)

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

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

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

    "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!"

    2. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

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

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

    "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."

    4. Grey's Landing

    5 Reviews
    Rogerson, ID
    33 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!"

    6. Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    40 miles

    "We ended up finding this  spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring."

    "Really long gravel from highway to site. So far off the highway that it is complete quiet and serenity. Had firewood there and a fire ring to build a fire. Also a picnic table. Beautiful views."

    7. City of Rocks Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    44 miles

    "Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers."

    "Easy access on a gravel road, open field with 5 stone firepits. Relatively hard to find a level spot, but not terrible."

    8. City of Rocks

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    49 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "The campsite according to the map is an entirely different campsite; so ignore all the information, pictures and reviews.

    These are all FREE campsites."

    "There are pit toilets but no other amenities, not even trash, so please take your trash out with you. 

    Camp sites are scattered all along the main road, and broken up into area numbers."

    9. Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    3 Reviews
    Richfield, ID
    44 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kimberly, ID

77 Reviews of 11 Kimberly 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Cody E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2021

    Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Nice hidden Spot near Independence Lakes Campground.

    We ended up finding this  spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring. I recommend anyone coming in with a trailer or Rv to come in from the Elba side opposed to the Oakley Side. If your looking for a nice quiet location located a few miles from a nice hike to the lakes this is the place. This is one of those hidden spots for those wanting to stay a few days hiking or taking out their ATV/UTV.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Beautiful Area! Sketchy Roads

    This is a very beautiful area to camp out in. Not far off the river with places to drive right up to the edge of the water (with the right vehicle). Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night. Dirt road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding, but it’s all doable. The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn with large rocks, depressions, and soft silt. I managed to get down in my Ford Transit Connect (pretty sketchy), but I had to try a couple times before I could make it back up and out the next day. So BE AWARE: gravity can probably help you down without getting stuck, but remember that you will have to get back up, and if your vehicle is 2wd and particularly heavy or low or is bad with hills, it may not be a breeze. (Maybe I’m just being dramatic though lol) I probably won’t risk it again, the stress was too much for my poor nerves.


Guide to Kimberly

Rustic camping near Kimberly, Idaho presents options beyond the well-known Snake River Canyons Park area. This high desert region sits at approximately 3,900 feet elevation, experiencing hot summer days with cool nights and limited natural shade throughout most camping areas. Wind conditions can be challenging in this open terrain, particularly at exposed sites like Cauldron Linn where campers encounter steep canyon walls alongside dispersed sites.

What to do

Visit Cauldron Linn waterfall: This hidden canyon appears suddenly amid farmland, offering impressive waterfall views and swimming opportunities in late summer. At Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, one visitor noted, "Visited late May, water was low and calm (a little stagnant in areas) except for the falls in the rocky area. The road down is definitely steep and bumpy in places, take care."

Fishing at local reservoirs: Multiple sites provide fishing access within 30-45 minutes of Kimberly. Near Oakley, campers can fish all day and camp overnight. According to a visitor at Lower Goose Creek (Oakley) Reservoir, "If you like to fish then Oakley Reservoir is a worth the trip. The campgrounds are right on the reservoir and open and spacious."

Rock climbing and hiking: The City of Rocks area provides excellent climbing opportunities about an hour from Kimberly. A camper at City of Rocks Dispersed shared, "Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers. At least 3 rock fire pits spaced out for several different groups."

What campers like

Proximity to water features: Several sites offer direct water access for recreation. At Grey's Landing, a camper reported, "Pit toilet available. Can either camp by the water or on a higher road by the toilet, picnic table, and grill." However, they cautioned about water conditions: "Cannot swim in the water due to algae growth."

Private, isolated spots: Many dispersed areas provide solitude away from crowds. A visitor to Ice Cave Boondock shared, "What's nice about this spot is privacy and isolation. It's a great spot near both Shoshone Ice Cave and just a few miles from Mammoth Cave. The site is next to an old lava flow which is incredible to see and explore."

Dark skies for stargazing: Areas away from town lights provide excellent night sky viewing. At City of Rocks, a visitor mentioned the park is "a designated dark sky park, which is cool," though noted that "from our site (#63) the lights from the town of Oakley were pretty bright on the horizon, though the stars in the sky were still amazing."

What you should know

Water availability is limited: Most primitive camping areas near Kimberly lack water sources. Bring sufficient water for your stay or know where to fill up. At City of Rocks, a camper advised, "No hookups or dump station at this park, but we stopped at the Castle Rock campground on the way out and filled our tank with potable water and dumped for free."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kimberly, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kimberly, ID is Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kimberly, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Kimberly, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.