Dispersed camping near Pocatello offers alternatives to established campgrounds within the rolling hills of southeastern Idaho. Located at approximately 4,462 feet elevation, the area features a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Several camping options exist within a 30-minute drive of the city, providing various terrain from riverside locations to mountain forests.
What to Do
Hiking trails access: Scout Mountain Campground connects to multiple trail systems for day hikes. "Beautiful campground set high up in the Caribou National Forest. The campground is around 13 miles up a mountain from Pocatello- it took us roughly 30 minutes driving up curvy mountain roads to get up to the top," notes Alexandra T.
Fishing opportunities: Massacre Rocks State Park provides Snake River access points. "Didn't stay long enough to do any fishing but saw several spots along lake I'd loved to have tried," shares Tony G., mentioning the multiple shoreline locations suitable for anglers.
Oregon Trail exploration: Visit historic sites near Massacre Rocks State Park Campground. "We enjoyed the hike/walk out to the Oregon Trail wagon ruts," reports Ashley M., highlighting the historical significance of the area.
Disc golf course: Play a round at the on-site course at Massacre Rocks State Park. A camper advises, "Bring your disc golf, your fishing pole, and your chair for the evenings!"
What Campers Like
Natural water features: Batiste Springs RV Park offers creek access for cooling off. "Full hook ups and a pretty creek to walk the dog along. Even have washrooms and laundry," mentions Maureen F., highlighting the water feature.
Mountain solitude: Higher elevation camping at Scout Mountain provides forest immersion. One camper describes, "Beautiful in the pines and furs. You can't see from the road but many of the tent pads are behind the tables and fire rings."
Easy interstate access: Indian Rocks - Dispersed Camping serves as a convenient stopover. "This is a safe spot for overnight. Nice views of mountains. There is highway noise. Camper trailers can maneuver without difficulty," explains Cyndy & Selena R.
Kid-friendly amenities: KOA facilities include activities for children. "Inside the store: pool table, table tennis, and a foosball table," shares Daniel C., noting the entertainment options beyond standard camping.
What You Should Know
Seasonal limitations: Scout Mountain operates within specific months. "Season: May 25 to October 30" means planning ahead for mountain camping during warmer months.
Site selection considerations: Choose tent sites carefully at Pocatello KOA. "Stayed at the tent site closest to the office/road. Lots of shade, but beware of where you set things up at. Look at the ground and you will see worn or unhealthy grass," warns Brent T.
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations occur between valley and mountain locations. "It's down in a slight valley so the wind does not hit the campground as hard," reports Katy R. about the KOA's sheltered position.
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping require attention. "Very nice sites. Just go very slow. We did fine with the 27-foot trailer," advises Beverly M. about Indian Rocks, noting the washboard road conditions.
Tips for Camping with Families
Dog exercise locations: Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site offers space for pets to roam. "A short dirt road that's well maintained leads up to a rock/gravel parking lot. There's a cute little stream that runs below the site as well," mentions Aly D.
Budget-friendly options: Several no-cost camping areas exist near Pocatello. "Free camping is the best," notes Starla R. about Goodenough Creek Campground, highlighting the economic advantage.
Wildlife viewing: Mountain campgrounds provide nature observation opportunities. "We saw cows, moose, birds and deer on the mountain," shares Alexandra T. about Scout Mountain, noting the diverse animal sightings.
Water recreation: Creekside camping at Goodenough Creek offers summer cooling options. "We went here in the middle of the summer on a weekend which made it a little busy but all around a great, newly renovated campground," explains Ithan S.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Batiste Springs accommodates larger rigs. "All 12 sites are pull thru with good power, water, and, sewer connects. Can Easily accommodated large rigs," notes Derek.
Internet connectivity: Connectivity varies between locations. "Campground internet has been sufficient throughout our week," reports Katy R. about connection strength at the KOA, important for remote workers.
Hookup details: Cowboy RV Park provides full-service sites. "Clean, neat, nice, good $. Stayed a week. Extended to 2 weeks. Left for a few weeks and returned for another week," shares William L., indicating satisfaction with the amenities.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality differs between campgrounds. "The bathrooms are decent- however one of the showers does not lock, and one of the toilet stalls does not either," advises Katy R., providing practical information about KOA facilities.
