Sawmill Campground and Bonanza Gulch offer pet-friendly camping within a rugged wilderness setting near Murphy Hot Springs. Both locations welcome tent and RV camping with pets, requiring owners to keep dogs on leashes in public areas. Bonanza Gulch provides free dispersed camping with picnic tables and fire rings where pets can join campers at no additional fee. Sawmill features vault toilets and well-spaced campsites that accommodate pets year-round. Pine Creek Campground, located in a remote mountain setting with creek access, provides primitive pet-friendly sites that work well for campers seeking privacy with their animals. Most camping areas maintain standard pet policies including waste cleanup requirements and keeping pets under control at all times. Campsites remain quite clean with camp hosts regularly maintaining areas after guests depart.
The scenic drive to Bonanza Gulch includes excellent quality gravel roads with crystal clear creek access where dogs can cool off during summer months. Multiple hiking options throughout the Jarbidge Wilderness provide pet exercise opportunities, though owners should watch for wildlife encounters. The area receives limited cell coverage, with reliable service only available 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs, requiring pet owners to plan for veterinary emergencies accordingly. Seasonal considerations include significant winter access challenges when snow makes roads impassable. During summer, the reservoir areas at Wild Horse Recreation Area allow pets but require them to stay on leash and away from designated swimming beaches. Fishing spots throughout the region accommodate pets, though the significant cricket population at North Wild Horse Recreation Area might disturb some animals.
"Right outside of Jarbidge. Not many nicely spaced campsites. Vault toilet."
"A few minutes walk or about 1 minute drive. I will be back. It is first come first serve there are no fees except gas and maybe a tire."
"The drive to this campsite is a mind blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees and crystal clear and accessible creek. The road and campsites are all very clean."
$8 / night
"I love this excellent campground location."
"Nice views on the drive in. Nice and shady spots! Will come back for sure."
"The camp area is small you can park next to a bench and sleep over night. You are allowed 7 night max. Stream runs through the site. Looks more like a day camp but overnights are ok."
"Walking distance to Balanced Rock. Lots of natural features. Kayakers paddle up and then float back down. Lots of fishing but little catching. Definitely worth the drive."
$5 - $15 / night
"There were only 2 sites left at 4pm and the last one was taken by an RV behind me."
"Only 7 miles off the highway. Perfect sleeping weather."
"Easy to drive to. Stayed by the water , didn’t drive up on the ridge."
"Relatively quiet in the second lot in the back of the casino, although we had to change site because of a barking dog in a neighboring house. The bonus is free access to the casino's very nice pool!"
"Short walk to a small grassy park or casino for a decent dinner and check-in."
"Great camp site next to reservoir. Campsites have tables and fire rings. Vault toilets and hand pump is also available nearby. Spent some time fishing here too."
"To get here, you literally just get off the highway in Elko and drive 70 (!) miles north. The end, it’s right there on the side of the road. No cities for miles around."
GuideThis whole area is absolutely lovely and extremely accessible. No cell signal anywhere near. Note that Murphy Hot Springs is not open as of August 2023 and no dates are planned for its opening
GuideThe drive to this campsite is a mind-blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees, and crystal clear and accessible creek. The roads and campsites are all very clean. With the exception of the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River launch site, there are very few camping pullouts until you get past the town of Jarbidge when there are many. There are many camping options in this area and all are free. No potable water in this area. No cell signal at all anywhere near. The nearest reliable cell signal to the east is 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs, which is closed with no opening in sight. Not many people or much traffic. The Jarbidge Wilderness looks amazing.
GuideUpper Bluster has one campsite on the water, nearest pit toilet is at Lower Bluster or Pine Creek. The drive to this campsite is a mind blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees and crystal clear and accessible creek. The road and campsites are all very clean. With the exception of the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River launch site, there are very few camping pullouts until you get past the town of Jarbidge when there are many. There are many camping options in this area and all are free. No potable water in this area. No cell signal at all anywhere near. The nearest reliable cell signal to the east is 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs, which is closed with no opening in sight. Not many people or much traffic. The Jarbidge Wilderness looks amazing.
GuideLower Bluster has three creek-side campsites, all on the water and very private, and a pit toilet. The drive to this campsite is a mind blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees, and crystal clear and accessible creek. The road and campsites are all very clean. With the exception of the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River launch site, there are very few camping pullouts until you get past the town of Jarbidge when there are many. There are many camping options in this area and all are free. No potable water in this area. No cell signal at all anywhere near. The nearest reliable cell signal to the east is 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs, which is closed with no opening in sight. Not many people or much traffic. The Jarbidge Wilderness looks amazing.
GuideBonanza Gulch dispersed area has two sites, one on each side of the bridge. These are the most scenic spots for seeing the mountains, having wide open camp, and some amazing rock formation views. The drive to this campsite is a mind blower. Excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees and crystal clear and accessible creek. The road and campsites are all very clean. With the exception of the Jarbidge Wild and Scenic River launch site, there are very few camping pullouts until you get past the town of Jarbidge when there are many. There are many camping options in this area and all are free. No potable water in this area. No cell signal at all anywhere near. The nearest reliable cell signal to the east is 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs, which is closed with no opening in sight. Not many people or much traffic. The Jarbidge Wilderness looks amazing.
GuideWhat an incredible spot! On the north entrance/end coming out of Jarbidge and the Jarbidge wilderness, this little spot lies just next to Big Cottonwood, and truly can only be seen heading toward the campground, not away from it. It’s right up against the river and has excellent privacy. There is a designated fire pit, perfect access to the beautiful flowing river, and is easy to drive in and out of.
I will absolutely hope to stay here again, that is, if we can find it twice ;)
LegendThe road here is paved with some spots gravel. A little bumpy on the way in but not rutted, we have a 28 foot truck camper. Very easy to drive on. We rode our bikes down to the docks and the water was very low so, a lot of bugs and algae IN the water. We heard coyotes screaming every night (which was amazing!) The view is absolutely breathtaking. Locks on the electric sites, no showers and one of the toilet huts were closed off (closest to the lake). There is no wood here or for sale here so be sure to bring your own. It got a little breezy each day but calmed down at night. Very hot during the day and very COOL at night. Great sleeping weather! We also seen a cat roaming around and it woke me up around 3am crying at my window. Very clean and if it wasn’t for the flies (so many flies. more than i’ve ever seen in my life..) and having to pay a new fee i would have given it 5 stars.
RangerThe Dyrt coordinates take you to a different campground. This is the first one coming in from Idaho. Just a few spots that are almost next to each other. I was the only one, so it was fine. Peaceful setting next to the river. Vault toilet pretty gross as usual.
GuideA good stop in an area otherwise lacking in campgrounds. Layout of all pull-through sites. Relatively quiet in the second lot in the back of the casino, although we had to change site because of a barking dog in a neighboring house. The bonus is free access to the casino's very nice pool! Showers snd toilets are ok.
Dispersed camping options near Murphy Hot Springs include several primitive sites along the Jarbidge River and surrounding area. Located at 5,500 feet elevation in southwestern Idaho's high desert terrain, this region experiences dramatic temperature shifts between daytime heat and cool evenings. Winter months typically close many access roads with heavy snowfall, while summer brings temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with minimal shade in most camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer creek and reservoir access for fishing. At Wild Horse State Recreation Area, campers report "amazing fishing" with one reviewer noting the reservoir is well-stocked and popular among local anglers.
Hiking exploration: The remote mountain terrain provides numerous hiking options. At Pine Creek Campground, a visitor shared that there's "awesome hiking and horseback riding - some of the best in the country" with trails extending into the surrounding wilderness areas.
Wildlife watching: The canyon areas attract diverse wildlife. Balanced Rock County Park visitors often hear "coyotes screaming every night" which one reviewer described as "amazing" while noting the scenic rock formations surrounding the campground create natural habitat areas.
Remote solitude: Many campgrounds in this region provide isolation from crowds. At Sawmill Campground, a reviewer noted there are "not many nicely spaced campsites" but appreciated the privacy and vault toilets available for primitive camping.
Creek access: Several camping areas feature stream access for cooling off. One camper at Bonanza Gulch described the "crystal clear and accessible creek" along with "excellent quality gravel road, crazy rock formations, pretty trees" making it an appealing destination for those seeking water access.
Natural features: The geological formations create distinctive camping backdrops. A visitor to Balanced Rock County Park mentioned the "high basalt cliffs" and noted that "balanced rock is a short car drive or medium walk away and is definitely worth a visit" for its unusual geology.
Limited facilities: Most camping areas provide only basic amenities. A camper at Pine Creek Campground warned it's "primitive and hard to get to but worth it" and advised visitors to "take everything you need and pack it out please" since it's "60 miles one way to town."
Weather variability: Expect significant temperature fluctuations. At Wild Horse State Recreation Area, reviewers mentioned warm days but cool nights, making it "great sleeping weather" though winds can intensify during afternoon hours.
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful navigation. One reviewer recommended going "slow on 4 ply, 10 ply greatly preferred on these dirt roads" when visiting the more remote campsites in the area.
Cell service: Limited connectivity affects most camping areas. A Bonanza Gulch visitor noted "no cell signal at all anywhere near" with "the nearest reliable cell signal to the east is 35 miles east of Murphy Hot Springs."
Swimming locations: Several designated swimming areas welcome children. At Big Bend Campground, families can enjoy "nice and shady spots" that provide relief from summer heat, with one visitor noting it was "great spot" for children to cool off.
Playground equipment: Some campgrounds include recreational facilities. Balanced Rock County Park offers a "swingset for kiddos" and a horseshoe pit, making it suitable for family activities beyond hiking and water play.
Insect awareness: Be prepared for seasonal insect activity. One camper at North Wild Horse Recreation Area reported "SO MANY CRICKETS! It looked like the ground was moving" which might distress some children but fascinate others.
Wildlife education: Use animal encounters as learning opportunities. Visitors frequently report seeing "horses, lizards, rabbits, and preying mantis" at Sawmill Campground trails, offering children chances to observe desert wildlife in natural settings.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful setup for larger vehicles. At Lud Drexler Park, an RVer noted "only available sites were not close to level and unfortunately the gravel was deep enough that I had trouble getting level blocks in place."
Generator policies: Rules vary between campgrounds. While some dispersed sites have no restrictions, established campgrounds may limit generator hours to prevent noise disruption for tent campers and wildlife.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully. Wild Horse State Recreation Area provides "sanitary dumps with water if you need to refill your fresh tank or to use the spray in the black tank," which several RV reviewers highlighted as particularly valuable in this remote region.
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. A reviewer at Saguaro RV Park mentioned "all appear to be pull-thru, most with double capacity, 2 hook ups per pull thru" making it suitable for larger rigs requiring less maneuvering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Murphy Hot Springs, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Murphy Hot Springs, ID is Sawmill with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Murphy Hot Springs, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dog-friendly camping locations near Murphy Hot Springs, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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