Dispersed camping sites near Preston, Idaho can be found along several forested canyons at elevations ranging from 4,700 to 7,000 feet. The area sits where the Bear River Range meets the Cache Valley, creating diverse terrain from river bottoms to alpine meadows. Most dispersed sites remain snow-covered until late May, with summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F during daytime and 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Fishing the Logan River: Access prime trout fishing spots along Franklin Basin where the river flows through meadows and forest. According to one visitor at Franklin Basin Dispersed Camping, "I have grown up camping in the Franklin Basin area. It is the perfect location for anyone looking for places to hike or ride. There are many different places to visit throughout the area such as the 'Plane Crash' site, Beaver Creek, old logging trails, and more."
Hiking to limestone caves: Green Canyon features unique limestone formations and cave systems accessible via hiking trails. A camper at Green Canyon Dispersed Campground noted, "The canyon itself is cool and pretty. There is even a cave up on the left coming in and we saw some people bouldering up there."
Winter activities: For winter camping enthusiasts, some areas are maintained for seasonal recreation. As one reviewer explained, "In the winter months the road is closed, and is groomed by a local group named Nordic United. They groom it for cross country skiing several times a week and after every good storm. Trail is also used during the winter for snowshoeing, as well as Fat Tire snow biking."
What campers like
Creek access: Many campsites offer direct creek or river proximity, providing both recreation and natural cooling. At Willow Flat Campground, a camper shared, "My boys could have stayed two weeks fishing the creek! Lots of trout. Saw a moose! The water was freezing, but clean and refreshing. It was just the right altitude to provide relief from the summer heat."
Woodland seclusion: Forested camping areas provide natural shade and privacy. One visitor to Mountain Top Getaways wrote, "Easy to get to and the views are amazing. Little to no noise. No light pollution."
Clean facilities: Several established campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. A camper at Smithfield Campground commented, "This little spot has five or six campsites that are spaced nicely and are all very clean. First come first served, so you will see people driving in and out when they see everything reserved. Cleanest campsite restrooms I've ever seen."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Some dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. A camper at Franklin Basin warned, "2wd friendly road for MILES. You can drive well into Idaho. You can drive for about 1.5 hours up in here and see amazing river meadow mountain views. The views are truly amazing. There are nice size and spread out dispersed camping spots along the way. Just make sure you stick to the gravel road as you go up, don't turn off."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no connectivity. A reviewer noted, "We did not have any road issues nor trouble finding a site like others had," while another mentioned, "If this place had cell signal it would be one of the best spots ever."
Permit requirements: Several dispersed camping areas require forest service permits. At Smithfield Campground, a visitor explained, "Permit fee is $10 for 3 days. We had a quiet (only a couple of other campers further up) and enjoyable overnight visit but road was quite icy."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Willow Flat offers family-friendly amenities with riverside sites. A reviewer shared, "The campsites are great. They are close together but it doesn't feel like it because there are so many trees and the creek that runs through the campground is loud enough to drown out other's noise."
Educational opportunities: Franklin Basin contains historical sites like the plane crash site that kids can explore. According to a camper, "If your looking for a place to just get out in the dirt and relax, this is the place."
Seasonal planning: For families with young children, early summer offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures and wildflower viewing. One camper advised, "We have camped here almost every year and it's amazing every time. The wildflowers are beautiful but once it hits late June they are usually gone."
Tips from RVers
RV-friendly options: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger rigs. At Cub River Lodge & RV Park, a reviewer advised, "This RV park would be good for a few RV friends to make reservations and stay as the sites are really close. From the pictures I saw, it appeared as if there was space between sites which was not the case."
Hookup availability: Know which sites offer utilities versus primitive camping. One RVer explained, "Great spot to unwind. Lots of space for people," while noting the amenities available at their site.
Seasonal limitations: Higher elevation RV sites close during winter months. A visitor to Albert Moser Campground reported, "We got to the campground around 5:00 PM. The gates were open, but the billboard/signs were covered up. We had zero cell service so we couldn't get online to check anything, but we assumed it was closed for the season."
