Best Dispersed Camping near Oakley, ID

Oakley is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Oakley is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oakley, Idaho (10)

    1. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon."

    "On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be"

    2. Lower Goose Creek (Oakley) Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "If you like to fish then Oakley Reservoir is a worth the trip. The campgrounds are right on the reservoir and open and spacious."

    3. City of Rocks Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    12 miles

    "Basic BLM land, dispersed camping about 2mi outside the City of Rocks on the Bread Loaves side, perfect for rock climbers."

    "Easy access on a gravel road, open field with 5 stone firepits. Relatively hard to find a level spot, but not terrible."

    4. Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    2 Reviews
    Oakley, ID
    10 miles

    "We ended up finding this  spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring."

    "Really long gravel from highway to site. So far off the highway that it is complete quiet and serenity. Had firewood there and a fire ring to build a fire. Also a picnic table. Beautiful views."

    5. City of Rocks

    4 Reviews
    Almo, ID
    17 miles
    Website

    $14 / night

    "The campsite according to the map is an entirely different campsite; so ignore all the information, pictures and reviews.

    These are all FREE campsites."

    "There are pit toilets but no other amenities, not even trash, so please take your trash out with you. 

    Camp sites are scattered all along the main road, and broken up into area numbers."

    6. McClendon Spring Campground

    12 Reviews
    Malta, ID
    25 miles
    +1 (208) 677-6600

    "Well maintained dirt road and toilet! Great hanging with all the cows. Amazing views! Don’t use Apple Maps. Google will get you there on the easiest road."

    "What a great find during our travels through Southern Idaho. Situated by a pond with lots of birds made our stay very peaceful."

    8. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    25 Reviews
    Twin Falls, ID
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 293-2426

    "Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls."

    "Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on!"

    10. Grey's Landing

    5 Reviews
    Rogerson, ID
    44 miles

    "Pit toilet available. Can either camp by the water or on a higher road by the toilet, picnic table, and grill. Cannot swim in the water due to algae growth."

    "The only thing that might bother you is the angle of the slope try to find a flat spot also I think you can safely stand by the barbecues, there is never anyone there, everyone is by the water!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oakley, ID

86 Reviews of 10 Oakley Campgrounds


  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)

    More Shady Camping Right by the Namesake Trailhead

    This was a really really small camping area that's located along the creek road going through the south hills of Idaho.  There are absolutely no amenities here however so take care of business at one of the more developed campgrounds along the road!  It had wonderful shade everywhere but there wasn't any flat ground to be able to lay out a tent.  There were also only 2 maybe 3 campgrounds if you squeezed it in and it required a high clearance vehicle to get to 2 of them.  Good thing is if you get these sites you will have no one around you and personal access to a great hiking trail and in the winter snowshoeing back country skiing trail!

  • Lauren C.
    Jul. 24, 2022

    McClendon Spring Campground

    What Oasis? Don't waste your time!

    HUGE disappointment. We drive 3 miles with our TT on a long steep dirt road, to find an overgrown site with no "spring". The trees and grass have taken over and the spring was dry. You could see exposed pipes, maybe the re-route that water in the summer? There are two sites (supposedly there are 5), one of which is completely exposed to the sun, the other is located close to the "spring" within a mangled mess of weeds and overgrown trees. With the hot temperatures and high winds, we didn't want to risk it. If you have travel trailer, 4x4 is recommended as the road is rough and steep in places. The turn off the highway is VERY tight, watch out of the cattle guard if you have low clearance.

  • M
    May. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Perfect location along the river

    Wasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.

  • Cody E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2021

    Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground - Sawtooth National Forest

    Nice hidden Spot near Independence Lakes Campground.

    We ended up finding this  spot to when we were looking at camping near Independence Lakes. It is a dispersed camping. The site was big enough for 3-4 trailers and had a picnic table and a fire ring. I recommend anyone coming in with a trailer or Rv to come in from the Elba side opposed to the Oakley Side. If your looking for a nice quiet location located a few miles from a nice hike to the lakes this is the place. This is one of those hidden spots for those wanting to stay a few days hiking or taking out their ATV/UTV.

  • Roean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Simple but nice views

    Right on the Snake River. On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be angry if the beach was covered in campers, so just respect the multiple uses. Bring bug spray! Had verizon service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    The views are what make the site

    Fantastic views of the canyon, both above and from within. Steep dirt road down. Several spots along the dirt path on the way down to the river bed of varying degrees of difficulty. No amenities save for a rock fire pit or two. Had full cell service w At&t. Looks like people have driven right onto the sand by the water. Hundreds of birds flying around the canyon walls and rocks. Could hear the cows at the nearby farm, and occasionally smell them when the wind was right. I visited in April and the water level was low.

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great campground, not great road

    Beautiful and peaceful, right on the river's edge. Lots to explore. No amenities so be prepared for that. Great place if the road in wasn't so stetchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way! If you come in August, bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad). ✌️

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Great free BLM camp sites

    Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls. This fee-free primitive BLM camp offers 2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own) and 13 level RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups. There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Clean, convenient and free!

    It’s hard to believe this place is free. Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on! It was a quiet stay and convenient to see Shoshone Falls, and resupply at Costco or Walmart just to the north in Jerome. Don’t skip the scenic overlooks at the bridge on highway 93, beautiful views, and we even watched a couple base jumpers there


Guide to Oakley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oakley, Idaho, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Oakley, Idaho

  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many areas like Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed lack trash disposal facilities.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; sites such as City of Rocks offer no amenities like running water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies.
  • Check road conditions before heading out, especially to places like Flat Canyon Dispersed Campground, where access can be challenging for larger vehicles.

Top activities while free camping near Oakley

  • Enjoy fishing and boating at Lower Goose Creek (Oakley) Reservoir, which offers spacious areas right by the water for a relaxing day outdoors.
  • Explore the scenic trails around City of Rocks Dispersed, where rock climbing and hiking opportunities abound amidst stunning rock formations.
  • Experience wildlife watching and stargazing at Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed), a peaceful spot that provides a serene backdrop for nature enthusiasts.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • Visit the breathtaking waterfalls near Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, which are often overlooked by other campers but offer a stunning natural spectacle.
  • Take in the unique rock formations at City of Rocks, a designated dark sky park perfect for night sky photography and exploration.
  • Discover the tranquil beauty of McClendon Spring Campground, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and the chance to see local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Oakley, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oakley, ID is Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed with a 4.4-star rating from 36 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Oakley, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Oakley, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.