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Best Dispersed Camping near Pocatello, ID

43 Reviews

The Pocatello, Idaho area includes several dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site, Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping, Snake River Vista Recreation Site, and Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access provide primitive camping opportunities without developed facilities. These sites are typically located along rivers, in canyons, or near natural features, allowing campers to experience public lands with minimal infrastructure and no fees.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary considerably in quality and condition. Many areas require navigation on dirt or gravel roads with potholes and washboard surfaces. Several reviews mention high clearance or 4WD vehicles being necessary for certain locations, particularly at Snake River Vista where "deep ruts" make access challenging for standard vehicles. Most sites permit camping for up to 14 days, though seasonal restrictions may apply. Fire rings are present at some locations, but campers should check current fire restrictions before visiting. No drinking water is available at these sites, and toilet facilities are limited to vault toilets at select locations like Blackrock Canyon.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural beauty. Snake River Vista offers riverside camping with "beautiful views" according to visitors, though some note confusion about finding the best spots. Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping serves as a convenient overnight stop for travelers, with one camper describing it as having "spectacular views" despite some highway noise. Blackrock Canyon features a "gravel parking lot surrounded by small mountains" with nearby hiking trails. Cell service is generally available but varies in strength across locations. Wildlife sightings are common, with one review mentioning cattle visiting their campsite at Indian Rocks. Many sites show evidence of regular use, with established fire rings and occasional trash issues requiring visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pocatello, Idaho (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pocatello, ID

43 Photos of 12 Pocatello Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pocatello, ID

43 Reviews of 12 Pocatello Campgrounds

  • Abner H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Lava Hiking Trailhead

    Lots of Quiet Space - Some Amenities

    Stayed at the trailhead parking lot boondocking (No toilets, no water, no electric).  Fairly level area with a fire ring, picnic tables under a shelter, metal charcoal grill and easy access to the lava field (Hells Half Acre) hiking trails.    Access from US 20 to the trailhead parking is gravel and easily accessible for all vehicles with several large turnouts that can be camped at.  The rest of the loop past the turn to the trailhead parking is not graveled but still passable by most vehicles.  I would be more hesitant to use the loop in wet weather where the ground may be soft.

    Unfortunately as you can see in a couple of the pictures not everyone cares for our public lands appropriately, there is some garbage left around and someone has taken it upon themselves to use signs and structures for target practice.

    - AT&T has 2 bars of LTE and very slow data with a 243ms ping time and a 10Mbps download once it eventually started 

    - T-Mobile has 3 bars and my hotspot was able to achieve 18.85Mbps download although it too had a long ping time of 292ms

    - Starlink has an unobstructed view of the sky with a 226.6Mbps download speed and 27ms ping

  • jsbeezg The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • S
    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.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Matt P.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Heart Mountain Spring

    Dirt pull out

    Not sure where precious reviewer went but the GPS coordinates are for a dirt pull out beside a narrow spring. A mile further uphill on dirt road is a small camping area. Free for 21 days. No facilities but a few fire pits. It was full with trailers that have been there a while by the look of it. No spring. I drove another few miles up the mountain and found the entrance to the massive ranch that owns most of the surrounding land. Beyond that was yet more dirt road with no sign of a antelope park or spring. I gave up and was thankful I didn't arrive late in the day.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping

    Close to road, easy short-stay

    Just a quick turn off from the main Highway on a flat and smooth dirt road. The site is one huge Loop so stop and park wherever you want. There's one tree that I parked under for shade. No services just a big flat field. But nice Vistas around.

  • Erin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Robin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

Guide to Pocatello

Dispersed camping near Pocatello, Idaho offers primitive overnight options on Bureau of Land Management and public lands at elevations ranging from 4,400 to 5,500 feet. The eastern Idaho landscape features high desert terrain with sagebrush flats, rolling hills, and river access points. Most rustic camping areas remain accessible from April through October, though early spring conditions often bring mud and mosquitoes.

What to do

Fishing access: Snake River Vista Recreation Site provides multiple fishing opportunities along the riverbank. "This would also be a great spot if you like to pole fish. You can walk to the river and cast in!" notes Robin B.

ATV trails: Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site serves as a gateway to motorized recreation. "Black canyon is also used for ATVs during the summer months so there is that type of traffic and users present," explains Mike E., making it a convenient base for off-road enthusiasts.

Stargazing: Rural locations with minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. "Beautiful views. Very dark at night and quiet," reports Kim T. about Blackrock Canyon. Another camper mentioned having "clear unobstructed view of sky for my Starlink" at the same location.

What campers like

Riverside campsites: Snake River Dispersed offers camping right beside water. "Nice BLM area right next to the Snake River and only 10 minutes from Shelley," writes Abner H., while another reviewer adds "opportunities to be right next to the river with an AWD vehicle."

Wildlife viewing: Several rustic camping areas near Pocatello attract diverse wildlife. At McTucker Ponds Park, visitors can observe waterfowl and riparian species. One camper at Snake River Vista mentioned seeing pelicans, demonstrating the area's ecological diversity.

Convenience for travelers: Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping serves as a strategic overnight stop. "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," notes Aaron G.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Major wash board road. Very nice sites. Trash in all the fire pits. Good cell service. Just go very slow," warns Beverly M. about Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping.

High clearance needs: Many sites require capable vehicles. At Snake River Vista Recreation Site, "Definitely a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle only now. It's very rutted and low clearance would drag badly," according to Imerie T.

Cellular coverage: Most primitive camping areas maintain reasonable connectivity. "We got three bars of Verizon out of five total bars," reports one camper at Indian Rocks, while another mentions "We had T-Mobile internet" at Snake River Vista Recreation Site.

Train noise: Several camping areas sit near active rail lines. At Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off, one camper warns about "VERY ACTIVE TRAIN TRACKS about 50 yards from these spots. A train every 1-2 hours that blows its horn the whole night so not very peaceful."

Tips for camping with families

Established fire rings: Most rustic camping sites near Pocatello have existing rings. "Beautiful spot 4 x 4 recommended for most spots. There were man-made fire rings," notes Lisa M. at Snake River Vista Recreation Site, providing contained cooking and campfire areas.

Bring insect protection: Mosquitoes can be abundant, especially near water. "The area itself is pretty, but beware mosquitoes," warns Karson M. about Pebble Road Dispersed Camping. Another camper recommends "Bring bug spray if you visit in the hotter months."

Beach access: Some riverside locations offer natural sand areas. At Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access, "There was even a little beach that could be see from the road near the river," making it suitable for families with children who want to play in shallow water.

Tips from RVers

Level sites for large rigs: Finding flat parking can challenge larger vehicles. "Easy to get to the wide open gravel area but opportunities to be right next to the river with an AWD vehicle," shares Angela M. about Snake River Dispersed.

Scout first: Check conditions before committing to a site. "I recommend a vehicle with relatively high clearance. It is closer to the interstate than you would expect so you can hear vehicles but was super quiet at night," suggests Robin B. about Snake River Vista Recreation Site.

Space for large trailers: McTucker Ponds Park offers "plenty of random spots" according to Evan W., with sufficient room for various-sized camping vehicles around the ponds, though primitive without hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available near Pocatello, Idaho?

Yes, free camping is available near Pocatello. Snake River Vista Recreation Site offers free camping with stunning views of the Snake River. The site features several pre-built fire rings and spots suitable for different vehicle types, though 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the lower spots. Heart Mountain Spring is another free option with a 21-day stay limit. While it has no facilities beyond a few fire pits, it provides a free alternative for longer stays. Both locations require no fees but follow standard dispersed camping regulations.

Can I find dispersed camping with water access near Pocatello?

Yes, water access is available at select dispersed camping sites near Pocatello. Snake River Dispersed sits right above the Snake River, allowing you to hear the flowing water as you fall asleep. This high desert location offers a mix of sagebrush and good shade trees, with direct access to the river. Portneuf Lower Sportsmen's Access is another option with water access, featuring toilets and space for larger rigs. Note that while these sites offer water access, they don't provide potable water, so campers should bring their own drinking water supply.

Where is BLM land for camping near Pocatello?

Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site is BLM land near Pocatello that offers dispersed camping opportunities. The site features a reasonably level, fenced dirt parking lot with a vault toilet. Be aware that GPS coordinates in various apps may differ slightly, so some exploration might be necessary. Another BLM option is Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off, which provides simple drive-in access for dispersed camping. Most BLM sites follow the standard 14-day stay limit and require practicing Leave No Trace principles. These areas typically don't have amenities but offer the freedom of dispersed camping on public lands.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Pocatello, Idaho?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Pocatello. Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping is located just off the highway on an improved dirt road with multiple flat spots, making it perfect for overnight stays. The area is an abandoned state park with spaces spread out for privacy. Another option is Lava Hiking Trailhead, which offers boondocking at the trailhead parking lot with a fairly level area, fire ring, and picnic tables under a shelter. This site provides easy access to the Hells Half Acre hiking trails via a gravel road from US 20, accessible even with low-clearance vehicles.

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