Best Dispersed Camping near McCammon, ID

The landscape surrounding McCammon, Idaho features predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with sites like Indian Rocks and Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site serving as popular stopping points for travelers. Located along the I-15 corridor in southeastern Idaho, these camping areas primarily function as convenient overnight locations for those journeying between major destinations such as Salt Lake City and Yellowstone National Park. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with minimal amenities, typically offering fire rings but lacking water, toilets, or hookups. The terrain consists of high desert landscapes with mountain views, sagebrush vegetation, and occasional access to waterways like the Portneuf River.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with many access roads featuring washboard surfaces and potholes that require cautious driving. As one camper noted about Indian Rocks, "The road is washboard with lots of potholes, slow going for us with a 24' travel trailer, but totally doable." Most sites remain accessible year-round, though winter conditions may limit access without appropriate vehicles. Cell service is generally available but varies in strength depending on proximity to highways. The standard BLM 14-day stay limit applies to most dispersed sites, and campers should be prepared for self-sufficient camping as amenities are minimal to nonexistent. Proximity to highways means background traffic noise is common at many sites.

Many campers report using the McCammon area primarily for convenient overnight stays rather than destination camping. Sites near Snake River offer water views and fishing opportunities, though some require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles to access the best spots. According to visitor reviews, Blackrock Canyon features a "gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby," making it suitable for quick stopovers. Several sites, including Indian Rocks (formerly a state park), provide level pull-through options for RVs without requiring unhitching. Noise considerations include both highway sounds and, at some locations like Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off, active train tracks that can disrupt sleep. Wildlife sightings occasionally include free-range cattle, particularly in the early mornings at sites like Indian Rocks.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near McCammon, Idaho (12)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near McCammon, ID

39 Reviews of 12 McCammon 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to McCammon

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near McCammon, Idaho, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

Dispersed campers should check out Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

  • This location offers easy access for both drive-in and walk-in campers, making it a convenient choice for a quick getaway. Check it out at Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping.
  • Enjoy the freedom of camping without the need for permits, allowing you to focus on relaxation and exploration.
  • With features like fire rings and pet-friendly policies, this spot is perfect for families and furry friends alike.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near McCammon, Idaho

  • When visiting Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, be prepared for a gravel parking lot and nearby hiking trails, ideal for those looking to stretch their legs.
  • Keep in mind that some areas may have limited amenities, so it's wise to bring your own supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • If you're traveling with a larger vehicle, approach with caution as some roads may have potholes and rough patches, especially at Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near McCammon

  • The Palisades Reservoir Dispersed Camping area is perfect for water activities, including fishing and kayaking, right on the banks of the reservoir.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, the nearby trails offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature, especially around Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site.
  • Don't forget to bring your camera; the scenic landscapes and wildlife encounters make for unforgettable photo opportunities at these dispersed camping spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near McCammon?

Dispersed camping around McCammon is generally primitive with minimal or no amenities. Snake River Dispersed offers no facilities but provides the opportunity to camp right next to the river with AWD vehicles. Some sites have pre-built fire rings scattered throughout the area. Palisades Reservoir Dispersed Camping similarly lacks amenities but offers easy access to launch sites for water activities. Some locations like Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site may have vault toilets, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Come prepared with all essentials including water, food, and waste disposal options. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in McCammon?

Most dispersed camping areas around McCammon follow standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations. At Snake River Vista Recreation Site, camping is limited to 14-21 days within a 30-day period. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings where available, but fire bans may be in effect during dry seasons. At Heart Mountain Spring, camping is free for 21 days. Always check current fire restrictions with local BLM offices before your trip, especially during summer months. Most sites require self-contained waste management as there are no dump facilities.

Where can I find free dispersed camping around McCammon, Idaho?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near McCammon. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping is easily accessible just off the highway with a gravel/dirt lot about a quarter mile up an improved road. It's located at what was once an abandoned state park and makes a convenient overnight stop. Another option is Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, which offers free dispersed camping with a reasonably level parking area. Both locations allow the standard 14-21 day stay limits typical of BLM dispersed camping in the region. For the best experience, arrive with plenty of daylight to find a suitable spot.