Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pocatello, ID

Want to go dispersed camping near Pocatello? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Idaho excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pocatello, ID (10)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pocatello

27 Reviews of 10 Pocatello Campgrounds


  • Michael
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    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

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Stunner

    Such easy access off 86, so it’s the perfect pull out for a road trip. We were traveling from Colorado to Oregon and found this spot late in the evening of our 2nd day and couldn’t have been happier. We rolled in amongst the thunderstorms, which blew over just in time for a beautiful sunset. There was a little noise from the road, but once we crawled in the tent it was hard to distinguish the traffic noise from that of the river.

    Very clean, lots of spots, 10 out of 10 would stay here again.

  • Chris A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access

    Quick Overnight Pullover

    Easy access from Lava with about 10 designated spots, most with room for two vehicles and one(?) pull through spot that fit my truck/30foot TT. Most had either a metal fire ring or picnic table or both. Pretty enough area, but right off the road and even closer to a train that passed through multiple times at night.

    Pulled in at 10:30 pm Saturday night July Fourth weekend and was able to snag the last spot so very clutch!

    NOTE - Google satellite photos are NOT accurate, the area is fenced off and sites are limited, no longer the free for all it appears to have been

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    May. 9, 2024

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Passing through

    May 2024 - This is a good stopping point for those who are passing through. There is a Flying J truck stop on the opposite side of I-15. They have fuel, propane, dump station ($10) and water. The road into dispersed camping is full of pot holes so go slow with a Class A RV or if you have low clearance. The noise from the freeway is minimal. I would stay here again.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    Great Spot!

    Nice spot in a gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains with toilets nearby. Park on the right as camping is prohibited on the left.

    As others have mentioned, dirt bikes and four wheelers are driving by at night & you can just barely hear the cars from the highway. I’m sure I’ll sleep juuuuust fine 😌

  • Cory M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Former Indian Rocks State Park

    This site is at an abandoned state park. The coordinates navigate just past the entrance and we got a bit confused at first. Mapping to Indian Rocks State Park will provide more accurate directions.

    The site is very accessible - the road is washboard with lots of potholes, slow going for us with a 24' travel trailer, but totally doable. Plenty of sites - we snagged a mostly level pull through and stayed hitched. Great views. Traffic noise isn't ideal, but fine for a quick stop.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Looked like a goat trail

    The road down to it was silt. We were afraid we wouldn't make it back out. It was like an old goat trail. The camp spots were not near the water and people burned garbage on them. I really don't recommend this spot. There were wood pallets and an old headboard people were trying to burn.

  • Violeta A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Great location

    After a long drive this place was perfect. This location is very close the freeway exit. We got lucky to find a pretty leveled pull through site. It looked liked there were only about 10 sites in total. The road in was unpaved but not too rough. Some cars drove past during our stay faster than that we thought was correct. The views to the mountain were awesome. We had some cows come and visit our site early the morning we were leaving. Not sure about why they are free roaming but we liked having them visit.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Great BLM spot

    Found a perfect spot here and this particular one was quite level! A tree for some shade, quiet, but above all, spectacular views. Road is slightly washboard along with occasional pot holes but accessible for my 24 ft. RV.

  • Aubz2themax
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Snake River Vista Recreation Site

    Beautiful & Secluded

    What an amazing find! This camp site had 4-5 sites, some on the hill others near the water. There was even a little beach that could be see from the road near the river. We found the perfect shady spot with fire pits built and the sound of the river in the background. Only 1 other person was there overnight. It was quiet and relaxing!

  • Keith S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Great over night stay

    Close to the interstate so some traffic noise but we had a good nights sleep. 8+ spots. We stoped here on our way to Yellowstone. This is an abandoned state park so some sites are over grown.

  • jsbeezg The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Hiking Trailhead
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Lava Hiking Trailhead

    Great location for the night

    Nice location away from the highway to spend the night. Dirt road that is a little rough but accessible by low clearance car. Several pull outs to car camp.

  • Robin B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Vista Recreation Site
    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

  • Daisee Mae S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Heart Mountain Spring
    Nov. 29, 2022

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Washboard Road

    This was a very amazing experience. The hot springs were absolutely amazing.

    There were a few visitors but only us and one other stayed. Our stay was a couple of nights.

    It’s worth the drive if you have 4WD or very good shocks and suspension

  • Erin H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
    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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site
    Jun. 30, 2022

    Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site

    Just a Side of road overnight

    Roads get narrow with up & down that was too much for my off-road trailer (16in clearance) so stayed on side of road. Quiet, clear unobstructed view of sky for my Starlink.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping
    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.



Guide to Pocatello

Camping near Pocatello, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy beautiful views and various hiking paths. One reviewer mentioned, "There are a lot of trails to walk on here, and since the park is pet friendly, our three big dogs walked the trails with us."

  • Fishing: The Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is a great spot for fishing. A camper noted, "Short walk to fishing in the river," making it easy to cast a line after setting up camp.

  • Hot Springs: Don’t miss the nearby hot springs! The Lava Hot Springs East KOA is just a short drive away, and one visitor said, "The Lava pools are amazing and the town is very charming and walkable."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. At the Lava Hot Springs West KOA, one reviewer mentioned, "This campground was always clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A visitor at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground said, "The camp host was great," highlighting the welcoming atmosphere.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Goodenough Creek Campground described it as a "hidden gem" with "great trails that can be hiked directly from the campground."

What you should know

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be noisy. A camper at Lower Portneuf Campground noted, "The trains; however, were a drag at night," so be prepared for some disturbances.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Goodenough Creek Campground has no drinking water or electric hookups, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Tight Spaces: Some sites can be cramped, especially for larger RVs. A visitor at Lava Hot Springs East KOA mentioned, "If you're new at parking your rig, or if you have a really large rig, it could be a tight fit."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. The Lava Hot Springs West KOA is noted for being "very kids friendly during summer months," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Pets: Many campgrounds are pet-friendly, like Massacre Rocks State Park Campground, where families can bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy. A camper at Pocatello KOA enjoyed the "ice cream machine" at the store, which is a nice treat after a day of exploring.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites. A reviewer at Lava Hot Springs East KOA warned, "The spots aren't very spacious," which is important for RVers to consider.
  • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds allow online reservations, making it easier to secure a spot. A visitor at Massacre Rocks State Park Campground mentioned, "We arrived after office hours but had no problem getting a spot since you can do it online."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A camper at Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping noted, "The road is washboard with lots of potholes," so be cautious if you're driving a larger rig.

Camping near Pocatello, Idaho, offers a variety of experiences, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to check the specifics of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pocatello, ID?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pocatello, ID is Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

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