Tent campsites near Marsing, Idaho range from dry desert landscapes to riverside spots across both Idaho and Oregon state lines. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Many dispersed camping areas require 4WD or high-clearance vehicles, particularly when road conditions are affected by seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Fish for trophy trout: The Owyhee River below the dam offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities. "If you enjoy Fly Fishing for Brown Trout, this place is awesome. There is dispersed camping all along the river below the dam. It is very rugged, but there are amenities for camping," notes one visitor to Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park.
Explore historic structures: Visit the Birch Creek Historic Ranch with its century-old buildings and water wheel. "The Birch Creek Historic Ranch was established by settlers from Europe and West Virginia to serve as a home base for herding sheep and cattle. It is well over 100 years old and is on the National Register of Historic Places," explains a camper at Birch Creek Historic Ranch.
Hike desert canyons: The Snake River area offers numerous trails with minimal crowds. "Fishing here is pretty good here but people are rude and don't pack out their trash," mentions one camper about Swan Falls, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of this popular area.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Succor Creek Reservoir provides quiet tent camping options. "This may not be for most campers but if you are a desert rat like myself, who loves to get AWAY FROM ALL, You will be very pleased! If you are a concrete camper, you'd best avoid this spot," writes a visitor to Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping.
Waterfront locations: Many sites offer direct river access. "Got a spot right by the water. It was a quiet Wednesday in September. Bugs were still very active. Definitely would stay here again for a quick overnight," shares a camper at Swan Falls - Idaho Power.
Easy access from Boise: Some camping spots are under an hour from the city. "Just south of Kuna, Swan Falls is a nice quiet place for tent or RV camping. RV should be smaller than 27'. We were able to launch our kayaks for fishing and paddling for a couple of days," notes a reviewer describing the convenience of sites near urban areas.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack amenities. "A little bit misleading in the description. There are some established camp spots and then there is some 'dispersed' camping. In reality the dispersed camping is more like established camping on BLM land," explains a visitor about the Snake River sites.
Access challenges: Many roads require appropriate vehicles. "We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous. However, I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough," warns a camper at Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites.
Wildlife awareness: The desert environment has specific hazards. "When it's hot, Rattle Snakes could be around. Most won't come out until the bugs do so be aware!" cautions a visitor to Succor Creek, reminding campers to watch for local wildlife.
Tips for camping with families
Consider established campgrounds: For families wanting more amenities, look beyond dispersed sites. "The tent sites are super close together and there is a lot of highway noise. If you're looking for a quick site with amenities this is good though. It has shade and that's a huge plus," advises a camper about Caldwell Campground.
Visit ghost towns: Silver City offers unique historical exploration for kids. "Thoroughly enjoyed camping in this area. Amazingly enough, we didn't run into a whole lot of other people while camping, only in the actual town. Getting there is interesting down a winding dirt road, but worth the trip," shares a visitor to Silver City Campground.
Choose flat, open campgrounds for young children: Some sites are better designed for families. "Perfect place to teach young ones the joy of camping; campground is open, mostly flat and easy to keep your eyes the tykes," recommends a camper at Shafer Butte.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Many dispersed camping areas can't accommodate large rigs. "Just south of Kuna, Swan Falls is a nice quiet place for tent or RV camping. RV should be smaller than 27'. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream," advises an RV camper about size limitations.
Consider seasonal timing: Shoulder seasons offer better experiences. "We pulled in after the office closed. We didn't receive a packet, which we have become accustomed to, but we had a site map and found our camp space. We were right next to the lake #69. We had a pull through for our 40' fifth wheel and were happy," notes a camper describing their experience at a developed campground.
Check road grades: Some access roads have steep sections. "The drive down from the top is pretty steep. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to pull your rig back up the grade," warns an RVer about Swan Falls access, highlighting an important consideration for those with trailers.
