Dispersed camping near Rexburg, Idaho spans across a mix of Bureau of Land Management land and Forest Service areas with elevations ranging from 4,900 feet near the Snake River to over 7,500 feet at Pine Creek Pass. Weather patterns can shift rapidly, particularly in higher elevation areas where afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months. Most free camping spots require vehicles to navigate unpaved roads that deteriorate significantly after rainstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fall Creek dispersed campsites, anglers can access both small stream and larger river fishing. "There is good trout fishing in the small creek or you can go chase the bruisers in the snake river a few miles away," notes one camper.
Stargazing: The lack of light pollution makes many sites ideal for astronomy. At Moose Creek Trailhead, campers enjoy "the stars and roaring creek" according to one reviewer who specifically recommends the area "for hiking & stargazing."
ATV trails: Many dispersed sites connect to off-road vehicle routes. At Pine Creek Rd Dispersed, campers may hear "off road use sometimes in the distance," and several areas permit motorized recreation on designated trails.
River activities: Access points for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are available at multiple sites. At Big Eddy Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate being "right next to a river as well and the night sky was amazing!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many areas offer natural buffers between camping spots. At Big Eddy Dispersed Camping, "campsites are spread apart with vegetation in between which provides fairly good privacy."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several sites offer chances to observe local fauna. At Wolf Flats Recreation Area, campers have reported watching "marmots and foxes along the rocks" near their campsite.
Quick access to towns: Most dispersed sites maintain a balance between isolation and convenience. Snake River Dispersed is described as a "nice BLM area right next to the Snake River and only 10 minutes from Shelley."
Mountain views: The Tetons are visible from several western sites. At Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping, campers report "views of the three Tetons, Palisades, and Baldy plus sunsets and sunrises."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads become challenging after precipitation. At Snake River Dispersed, one camper found "the dip to get into the camping area was steep and tipping" with their 24-foot Class C RV.
Livestock sharing land: Several areas have active grazing permits. Fall Creek campers mention "cows not just passing through, they are in the valley with you all the time."
Local traffic patterns: Some sites experience heavy day-use traffic. Big Eddy Dispersed Camping "seems that is managed during the summer season" and can get "packed on the weekends."
Bear awareness needed: Wildlife safety precautions are essential. Moose Creek Trailhead campers should "be cautious of bears as we arrived and found large bear droppings."
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Shallow waterways provide natural play areas. Big Eddy Dispersed Camping has "several spots with fire pits scattered about" and "access to a great trail" plus a stream that's "great to play in with my pup!"
Consider bathroom access: Most free camping near Rexburg lacks facilities. Big Eddy does have "two vault toilets. The local art league has had some kids paint the inside to look really cool."
Plan for weather changes: Higher elevation sites experience significant temperature drops overnight. At Henry's Fork Rivercamp, campers find "numerous gravel spots in the forest or under open sky" allowing choice of sun exposure depending on conditions.
Noise considerations: Some popular sites attract gatherings. At Moose Creek Trailhead, one camper noted it's "never too packed. There's about 6 spaces that I've counted to camp. Trailhead draws a lot of visitors during the day."
Tips from RVers
Turnaround space: Check site descriptions for maneuverability. At Snake River Dispersed, one RVer with "a 35 foot motorhome" found "plenty of space to turn around and find parking towards the back."
Camp selection strategy: Many areas have both exposed and sheltered options. Henry's Fork Rivercamp has "plenty of RVs camping in open areas right by the entrance but if you follow the dirt road, there's more secluded spots within the trees."
Road surface challenges: Many access roads require careful driving. At Henry's Fork Rivercamp, "the road was a bit rocky, but our sedan made it through with some careful maneuvering."
Weather considerations: Fall and spring bring significant temperature changes. At Moose Creek Trailhead, September campers reported, "We moved to where the horse trailer had been parked in a site w/ turn-around and were cosy 'til the sun retreated. Temps estimated in 30s overnight."
