The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Malta, ID

69 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Malta, Idaho, primarily at McClendon Spring Campground and City of Rocks. McClendon Spring sits approximately 3-4 miles down a rough gravel road requiring careful navigation. The campground features basic amenities including vault toilets but no water or hookups. A camper wrote, "About 3 1/2 miles on a semi maintained gravel road. Lots of cows. Nice quiet spot with some picnic benches." The area offers mountain views overlooking Malta with 2-5 primitive sites.

City of Rocks provides more primitive camping options including the nearby BLM dispersed area, about 2 miles outside the national reserve. These sites feature stone fire rings and minimal amenities. Reviews indicate, "Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers." The area can accommodate tents and some RVs, though finding level spots can be challenging. Additional remote sites can be found at Flat Canyon Campground in Sawtooth National Forest and Lower Goose Creek Reservoir, both offering fire rings and picnic tables at some locations but no water or services.

Map showing campgrounds near Malta, IdahoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Malta, Idaho (10)

    1. McClendon Spring Campground

    12 Reviews
    Malta, ID
    3 miles
    +1 (208) 677-6600

    "What a great find during our travels through Southern Idaho. Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful."

    "Well maintained dirt road and toilet! Great hanging with all the cows. Amazing views! Don’t use Apple Maps. Google will get you there on the easiest road."

    2. Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    16 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."

    3. City of Rocks

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    22 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."

    4. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    41 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"

    5. City of Rocks Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    25 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."

    6. Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    11 Reviews
    American Falls, ID
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 677-6600

    "Great location just a few minutes off the highway with multiple sites."

    "You are in the High Desert of Idaho so this site is amongst sagebrush but has good shade trees also."

    7. Lower Goose Creek (Oakley) Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    30 miles
    Website

    8. Lower Goose Lake Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Oakley, ID
    30 miles

    9. Eagle Rock Access

    Be the first to review!
    American Falls, ID
    35 miles

    10. Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)

    1 Review
    Murtaugh, ID
    45 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Malta Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Malta, ID

65 Photos of 10 Malta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Malta, ID

69 Reviews of 10 Malta 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!

  • Lauren C.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    McClendon Spring Campground

    What Oasis? Don't waste your time!

    HUGE disappointment. We drive 3 miles with our TT on a long steep dirt road, to find an overgrown site with no "spring". The trees and grass have taken over and the spring was dry. You could see exposed pipes, maybe the re-route that water in the summer? There are two sites (supposedly there are 5), one of which is completely exposed to the sun, the other is located close to the "spring" within a mangled mess of weeds and overgrown trees. With the hot temperatures and high winds, we didn't want to risk it. If you have travel trailer, 4x4 is recommended as the road is rough and steep in places. The turn off the highway is VERY tight, watch out of the cattle guard if you have low clearance.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Guide to Malta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Malta, Idaho, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Malta

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and stargazing at McClendon Spring Campground, where the remote location allows for a peaceful night under the stars.
  • Experience the thrill of rock climbing and exploring unique rock formations at City of Rocks, a well-reviewed spot that attracts outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Take advantage of fishing opportunities at Lower Goose Creek (Oakley) Reservoir, where you can cast a line and enjoy the serene waters.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Malta, Idaho

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife at City of Rocks Dispersed, where you can find a variety of camping spots amidst impressive rock formations.
  • Discover the tranquility of Eagle Rock Access, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat along the river.
  • Experience the beauty of nature at Lower Goose Lake Camp, where you can enjoy hiking and the serene environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping near Malta, Idaho?

Dispersed camping near Malta follows standard BLM and National Forest regulations. At Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, camping is free but follows the 14-day stay limit common on public lands. No formal permits are required, but practice Leave No Trace principles. Be respectful of other users, particularly at multi-use areas like fishing spots along the Snake River. Wahlstrom Hollow and similar areas have no amenities, so pack out all waste. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, especially during summer months. Always check with local BLM offices or the Sawtooth National Forest for current restrictions before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Malta, Idaho?

Several dispersed camping opportunities exist near Malta. Snake River Vista Recreation Site offers multiple sites with river views and pre-built fire rings. Some sites are accessible with 2WD vehicles on the upper areas, while lower spots require 4x4. Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground in the Sawtooth National Forest provides larger sites that can accommodate 3-4 trailers and includes amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. For other options, check BLM land around Malta or explore the South Hills area, where numerous primitive camping spots can be found along forest roads.

What is the best season for dispersed camping in Malta, Idaho?

Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near Malta. At McClendon Spring Campground, summer can be challenging as some water sources may dry up. Late spring (May-June) provides comfortable temperatures and potentially flowing springs. For those camping at Lower Goose Creek Reservoir, late spring through early fall provides ideal conditions. August camping requires extra water supplies as temperatures rise and many areas become quite dry. The shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) generally provide the best balance of moderate temperatures and fewer crowds while avoiding winter access issues on remote roads.

Keep Exploring