Best Tent Camping near Murtaugh, ID
Tent camping options near Murtaugh, Idaho include several established campgrounds scattered throughout the surrounding South Hills region and nearby City of Rocks National Reserve. Third Fork Campground, located about 20 miles south of Twin Falls, offers tent sites along a creek with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Independence Lakes Campground provides a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience, though it requires a high-clearance vehicle to access.
Most tent sites in the area feature minimal amenities, with vault toilets available at some locations but drinking water generally unavailable. McClendon Spring Campground, a BLM dispersed camping area, has a vault toilet but campers must bring their own water and supplies. The road to reach this site is approximately 3-4 miles of rough gravel, making access challenging for standard vehicles. Many tent campgrounds in the region are seasonal, with Independence Lakes best visited in late summer or fall due to marshy conditions earlier in the year. Sites at Third Fork are positioned along a creek with some shade trees, while other areas may be fully exposed to sun and wind.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking and outdoor exploration. The Third Fork Campground provides walking access to the Third Fork Trailhead, making it convenient for hikers. Independence Lakes offers a 2.5-mile trail to the first of three alpine lakes, with fishing opportunities and mountain views. Sites at McClendon Spring provide views of the surrounding mountains and Malta valley below. A visitor commented, "Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful." The City of Rocks National Reserve tent sites, including Bread Loaves Group Campsite, offer walk-in tent camping with proximity to climbing routes and hiking trails. Most backcountry tent sites in the region become significantly cooler at night compared to daytime temperatures, requiring appropriate gear for comfort.
