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Best Dispersed Camping near Lava Hot Springs, ID

41 Reviews

Near Lava Hot Springs, dispersed camping puts you right in Idaho's beautiful backcountry. The Lava Hot Springs Recreation Area has several basic sites where you can camp away from crowds without any developed facilities. National Forest lands around the area offer even more remote spots, but you'll need to be completely self-sufficient since no facilities exist. Remember to practice Leave No Trace and take all your garbage with you when you leave. All camping must be at least 200 feet from water sources and roads according to local rules. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many of these camping areas have rough access roads that work best with high-clearance vehicles. During summer and fall, fire bans are common, so check current fire rules before your trip. These wild camping spots give you a real connection with nature. Make sure to bring plenty of water and all necessary supplies since you won't find any services in these remote locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lava Hot Springs, ID

42 Photos of 13 Lava Hot Springs Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lava Hot Springs, ID

41 Reviews of 13 Lava Hot Springs Campgrounds

  • S
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Decent BLM Boondock

    GPS correct, no signage and just off highway West. Small 60x40 yard gravel/dirt lot a quarter mile up improved road with some potholes. Was traveling late from Idaho to SLC and was a good stopping point. Can hear the highway still but quiet enough and secluded. No amenities whatsoever but there are some weathered petroglyphs to see. As an option there is a formal rest area off the highway a few miles south.

  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Great Spot!

    Great location just a few minutes off the highway with multiple sites. Offers great views of the river and several prebuilt fire rings around the area as well. 4 x 4 recommended to get down to some of the lower spots, but there’s sites up top as well that would be suitable for 2-Wheel drive vehicles. Bring bug spray if you visit in the hotter months

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Massive confusion and deep ruts

    I don't know how people are finding the beautiful places they show here. I used the GPS coordinates from here and it led me to a maze of twisted little passages. Very deeply rutted roads challenging me and my 4wd led to a complex of turns and turnarounds. The only road that appeared to lead down to the river was dirt at about 45 degrees. There are many ways to go and I don't know how to could know which to take. Must be dumb luck to find a pretty place by the river.

    So, I left and went to the location that the BLM website gives for this named place. It's not the same place. The official location of this place is farther west. That is poorly identified, too. There's a signed turnoff but down the road there's a "Y". I went right. That led to confusion and nasty flies going into my nose and eyes. I left.

    Looking at the map later it appears that I should have gone LEFT at the "Y" instead of right. I have no idea what that's like.

    Basically, this place has many roads that intersect and go to unknown places. I don't know why there are so many roads, circles, "Y"s, along the river, perpendicular to the river.

    The BLM website isn't helpful. I called them and expected a call back but didn't get it.

    I wouldn't go here without one of the people here who submitted great reviews with beautiful photos. It's not worth the confusing directions (both my Garmin RV GPS and Google Maps were wrong in different places) and ambiguity of destinations.

  • Robin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Wonderful secluded spot

    This site is right above the snake River so you can hear the water, wonderful way to fall asleep! You are in the High Desert of Idaho so this site is amongst sagebrush but has good shade trees also. When I was there I could start a tent but this ground does tend to get pretty hard during dry season so staking may be a bit more difficult.

    There are actually 2 sites you can pitch a tent or park a vehicle. There is also a firepit. I got really good cell reception. There are fun trails to explore with beautiful scenery. This would also be a great spot if you like to pole fish. You can walk to the river and cast in! This spot os about 8 miles to the American Falls Dam where you can kayak, SUP, fish, and picnic

    The directions were spot on. I recommend a vehicle with relatively high clearance. It os closer to the interstate than you would expect so you can hear vehicles but was super quiet at night

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    4x4 only

    Definitely a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle only now. It’s very rutted and low clearance would drag badly. We loved it though. Nice and quiet and amazing views

  • Erin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2022

    Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    New Changes to this area??

    Blackrock Canyon BLM Pocatello, ID 8/4/22 DO NOT trust APP coordinates 42.8145, -112.3307 : Campendium 6/20/22 42.8146,-112.3307 : The Dyrt 6/30/22, 42.8142, -112.3306 : FREE Roam / 2019 These coordinates all lead to a reasonably level, fenced dirt parking lot on the left with a vault toilet and concrete walkway going across the road to a covered picnic/stream area. We were very excited. This is NOT the BLM camping area.... or rather more likely, 'no longer' is? There are 3 new looking signs stating Day Use Only, No Overnight Camping. However there is still a signboard by the toilet with the typical BLM rules/regs & 14 day limit? What's a gal to do? So I called the BLM office listed on the sign to clear up the conflicting sign info. Yep, the aforementioned parking lot is NOT FOR OVERNIGHTCAMPING - again, signs are shiney, no weathering, so this may be a new development? We were told there are 2 BLM camping areas. #1 is ACROSS from the aforementioned parking lot... big DEEPLY graveled area on the right as you come in that steeply slopes down to the picnic table area (our autolevel just laughed at us no matter what we did or where we positioned). #2 is about 1/4m further up where the road loops back on itself, and also has a vault toilet (no concrete walkway). This is a medium parking area inside the loop. Looked doable until we noticed the berm hiding under the grass. At 34' backed in, we'd have either lost the under carriage spare tire, or had our big butt sitting on the ground. So this too was a big nope for us. There is a pullout on the way to the 2nd area, but currently has a 'road closed' sign on it, and another pull out just before the 1st parking area. We could have squeezed into this one, but by this point we were wore out & the thought of all the dust ... just nope. We moved on. This is a GORGEOUS area, if you're a smaller footprint, and can get level. Verizon & ATT both usable but not very strong. Road in is a little washboard and hilly, but doable. I15 underpass ... we're 13'8" on truck & cleared both with no issues. Definitely recommend dropping your rig in the parking lot and scouting out this area 1st.

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Typical One Night Stand

    Close to highway, easy driven dirt road with plenty of flat spots to park. Good for one night while passing through.

  • Dana V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Nice & Easy Access

    This place is right off the highway so it made it a super easy spot to get to for a quick overnight stay. There were other campers and everyone was quiet and respectful, the spaces are spread out a nice distance so that we aren't right next to our neighbors. You can hear highway noise but it wasn't too bad, and the view is a pretty rolling hills.

Guide to Lava Hot Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Dispersed campers should check out Indian Rocks

  • The Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping area is a great stop for those traveling through, offering a mix of flat spots and scenic views.
  • This location is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • With no permit required, it’s an easy option for spontaneous trips or last-minute getaways.

Scenic views and accessibility at Blackrock Canyon

  • Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site features a large gravel parking lot surrounded by mountains, making it a picturesque spot for a quick overnight stay.
  • The area is close to hiking trails, providing opportunities for exploration right from your campsite.
  • While the site is near the highway, the noise is minimal, allowing for a peaceful night’s sleep amidst nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lava Hot Springs?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Lava Hot Springs. Snake River Vista Recreation Site offers multiple sites with river views and pre-built fire rings just minutes off the highway. The site is best accessed with 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles due to rutted roads. For easier access, Heart Mountain Spring provides free camping for up to 21 days with a small camping area about a mile uphill on a dirt road. While it has no facilities besides a few fire pits, it serves as a convenient free option. Both locations follow typical dispersed camping rules - pack out what you pack in, no services provided, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Is there BLM land available for camping near Lava Hot Springs?

Yes, there is BLM land available for camping near Lava Hot Springs. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site is a BLM-managed area that offers dispersed camping opportunities. The site includes a reasonably level, fenced dirt parking lot with a vault toilet. Be aware that GPS coordinates from different apps may vary slightly, so some exploration might be necessary. Another BLM option is Palisades Reservoir Dispersed Camping, located on the banks of Palisades Reservoir near the Idaho/Wyoming border. While these sites lack amenities, they provide free camping on public land with the standard 14-day stay limit typically enforced on BLM lands.

What is Indian Rocks and can you camp there near Lava Hot Springs?

Indian Rocks is a dispersed camping area located just off the highway west of Lava Hot Springs at what was once an abandoned state park. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping features a small gravel/dirt lot about a quarter mile up an improved road that has some potholes. The area has multiple flat spots to park with campsites spread out at comfortable distances. While you can hear highway noise, most campers find it quiet enough for an overnight stay. There are no amenities whatsoever - no water, toilets, or trash service - making it best suited for self-contained camping. For accurate navigation, mapping to "Indian Rocks State Park" may provide better directions than relying solely on GPS coordinates.

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