Dispersed campsites near Murphy, Idaho often provide remote camping experiences with direct access to the Snake River and surrounding canyon areas. Most Murphy area campgrounds sit at elevations between 2,300-2,800 feet in the high desert terrain of southwest Idaho. Summer temperatures regularly reach above 90°F, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures in the 60-80°F range, making those seasons popular for camping activities.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: The trail to Halverson Bar/Lake provides an accessible nature experience with minimal elevation gain. "Easy hike to a stocked pond. Not much elevation difference, on a good path," notes one visitor. The lake serves as a destination point where hikers can observe local wildlife.
History exploration: Camping in Silver City Campground lets visitors explore a preserved mining town from the 1800s. "The historical buildings date back to the 1890's and earlier. I talked to a local and he said the town is on a historical register. Feels like I took a time machine back to the old west," reports a camper. The cemetery and old mine shafts behind the church offer additional historical interest.
Fishing opportunities: The Snake River provides multiple fishing spots for anglers camping in the area. At Swan Falls - Idaho Power, campers report good fishing conditions: "We were able to launch our kayaks for fishing and paddling for a couple of days. It is dry camping with no hookups. Fishing was awesome. I caught quite a few smallies, but they were on the smaller side." The dam area creates favorable conditions for catching smallmouth bass.
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: Clear night skies make many Murphy area camping spots ideal for astronomy. At Celebration Park, one camper recommends: "I recommend taking a hike at dark across the bridge and up the Mesa and stargaze." The remote setting with minimal light pollution creates ideal viewing conditions.
Waterfront camping access: Direct river access ranks high with campers staying at Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites. "We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous," reports one visitor, though they caution about road conditions: "I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough."
Quieter weekday stays: Campgrounds near Murphy tend to be less crowded midweek. A camper at Swan Falls - Idaho Power notes: "Was easy to get a spot on a Wednesday morning and had multiple sites to choose from." This timing advantage applies to most campsites in the area, especially during peak summer months.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many camping areas require careful driving. When visiting Swan Falls and Snake River Bluffs, campers should know: "Great area on the bluffs above the Snake River and Swan Falls Dam with beautiful sunset and sunrise views. Pretty level area not far from the main road. Only caution is that some areas had a lot of nails where they burned pallets."
Summer heat intensity: Temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in summer months, with limited shade at many campsites. One visitor to Celebration Park notes: "Celebration Park is a nice place to spend the day but I have never spent the night there. It is really hot in the summer without much shade."
Insect activity: Bugs can be problematic, particularly near water sources. A camper at Celebration Park observed: "It was a good campsite but the only thing that was bad was the bugs. Ether than that it was a great place to camp." Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk hours from late spring through early fall.
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming considerations: Parents should exercise caution with water activities. A camper at Celebration Park warns: "I love this place! It is awesome for having little bon fires, or just cat fishing in the Snake river. I do not recommend swimming In the Snake though, the stretch of river that flows through this park is dangerous and pulls people under."
Kid-friendly locations: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate families better than others. At Given's Hot Springs, the pool provides a controlled environment: "The indoor pool is great. It's as warm as a bathtub, but still cool enough that you don't overheat in 15 minutes." This offers safer water recreation for children than the river.
Educational opportunities: Historical features provide learning experiences for children. Silver City Campground offers history lessons through its preserved buildings. One visitor notes: "Check out the cemetery and the mine shafts behind the church. All the streets are public land so you can wander around."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Larger RVs face accessibility challenges at many Murphy area camping spots. At Swan Falls - Idaho Power, an RVer advises: "RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream."
Grade considerations: The terrain around Murphy includes significant elevation changes. One RVer cautions about Swan Falls: "The drive down from the top is pretty steep. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to pull your rig back up the grade."
Hook-up availability: Most camping near Murphy offers primitive conditions with limited services. When full hookups are needed, Given's Hot Springs provides better infrastructure according to campers: "Had a great stay at givens, it was not very busy and made for a great quiet campsite. We also enjoyed swimming in the hot spring."
