Dispersed camping near Malad City, Idaho provides rustic overnight options on public lands managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management. Located in the northeastern Great Basin region at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet, the area experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with moderate snowfall. Campsites typically feature minimal development but offer proximity to mountain ranges, with most primitive sites situated along forest roads or in small clearings.
What to do
Hiking trails: Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site offers several trails for day hiking with mountain views. "Incredible Mountain View's. Several pull outs on gravel road... There are other trials for ATVs but plenty of nice spots for RVs or tents!" notes Jessica B.
Stream access: Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping provides creek access for wading or fishing. According to Auston T., "It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more."
Stargazing: The rural location offers excellent night sky viewing at many sites. "Beautiful views. Very dark at night and quiet. Road coming in is not bad at all," shares Kim T. about Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site.
Mountain biking: Green Canyon near Logan features popular trails for cycling enthusiasts. Ruby W. observed, "Tons of little spots along a gravel road. Fire rings and multiple clean bathrooms are available... Also tons of trails and mountain bikers. Met some climbers working on a sketch little project on one of the many many boulders."
What campers like
Quick overnight convenience: Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping serves as an ideal stop for travelers on I-15. "No frills spot close to the highway was just what we needed. Arrived after dark so had a little trouble finding where to turn in. We figured out it's a quick right turn once you're on the road," reports Marissa P.
Level parking areas: Many sites offer flat spots suitable for various camping setups. "Just a quick turn off from the main Highway on a flat and smooth dirt road. The site is one huge Loop so stop and park wherever you want. There's one tree that I parked under for shade," explains Kevin C.
Mountain views: The surrounding terrain provides scenic backdrops at most primitive camping areas. Dana V. describes Indian Rocks: "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."
Vault toilets: Some rustic camping sites near Malad City feature basic restroom facilities. At Green Canyon Dispersed Campground, "Pit toilets and the entrance and a little bit up the road, very clean!" according to Kristen P.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality and may require specific vehicles. At Heart Mountain Spring Recreation Area, Matt P. warns: "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."
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Green Canyon, Kristen P. shares: "Headed up around 4pm on a Saturday during Memorial Day weekend so didn't have high hopes but found a spot with a fire ring almost immediately! There was also another spot open down the road."
Noise considerations: Some sites experience highway or railroad sounds. At Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access, Chris A. notes the area is "Pretty enough area, but right off the road and even closer to a train that passed through multiple times at night."
Limited amenities: Most primitive campsites lack facilities. Chaz C. describes Blackrock Canyon: "Nice spot in a gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby. Park on the right as camping is prohibited on the left."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access locations: Choose sites with smoother roads when traveling with children. Lucille W. recommends Green Canyon: "This canyon is within the Cache National Forest. Just outside of Logan, UT. Super easy access to a neat little canyon. My Honda Civic was able to navigate the gravel road far back into the canyon."
Look for water features: Sites near streams provide natural entertainment. Kennedy F. shares about Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping: "Ended up driving this road up to Idaho to find a bigger spot and some solitude. Took the dirt road for about 30 minutes and got the most perfect spot. Nobody was near us and the view was amazing."
Consider seasonal timing: Temperature variations affect comfort levels. "We went at the beginning of June, it was a bit chilly some mornings and at night, so come prepared," Kennedy F. adds about Franklin Basin.
Check for restroom access: Some free camping areas include basic toilet facilities. At Blackrock Canyon, Aly D. notes: "There's a very clean toilet well stocked with toilet paper. A friendly ranger stopped by to say hi, otherwise there was no one around camping or using the site."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection for large rigs: Franklin Basin Road accommodates bigger vehicles in designated areas. Johnny R. explains: "This is just the lower section! Pull in off the highway you will see a large gravel loop to your left. With bathrooms. This is the big rig area. There are also a few dispersed spots down in this lower area."
Road hazards: Watch for potholes and rough sections on access roads. Beverly M. cautions about Indian Rocks: "Very nice sites. Trash in all the fire pits. Good cell service. Just go very slow. We did fine with the 27-foot trailer."
Site reconnaissance: Scout locations before committing with large vehicles. At Smithfield Dispersed Campsite, Sarah C. discovered: "No warning that the road narrows with no turn around about a mile into the campground, or the trees are overgrown which scratched up my sides. The only spaces large enough for my 23 ft RV were occupied."
Service availability: Cell coverage varies by location. Aaron G. notes about Indian Rocks: "May 2024 - This is a good stopping point for those who are passing through. There is a Flying J truck stop on the opposite side of I-15. They have fuel, propane, dump station ($10) and water."
