Tent campsites near Rexburg, Idaho offer access to both riverside and mountain terrain with elevations ranging from 4,865 feet in the valley to over 6,500 feet at higher dispersed sites. Camping options extend beyond the immediate Rexburg area with viable locations within a 30-mile radius, including sites near the Teton River that support both overnight stays and extended camping trips. Weather conditions can be unpredictable with summer temperatures averaging 80°F during daytime but dropping significantly at night.
What to do
River activities: Warm Slough provides direct access to Henry's Fork for various water activities. A camper noted, "Great place to fish, kayak, or float the river. Some campsites will have a picnic table" (Miles G.). The boat access makes this location particularly valuable for anglers and paddlers.
Wildlife viewing: South Tourist Park Campground offers opportunities to spot riverside wildlife in a developed setting. "Right on the snake river and great food close by," mentions one reviewer (T S.), making it convenient for combining nature observation with nearby amenities. The riverside location attracts various bird species throughout camping seasons.
Mountain hiking: Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping serves as a gateway to higher elevation trails with views of the Tetons. "Threaded with dirt roads and my little private options for a camp. I always head to the top of the hill. Views of the three Tetons, Palisades, and Baldy plus sunsets and sunrises," describes one frequent visitor (Dylan B.). Multiple unmarked trails extend from the main camping areas.
What campers like
Affordability: Warm Slough offers free camping, though with seasonal restrictions. One camper stated, "Great to go float river or fishing. Camping only allowed Oct 1 to Jan 31. 10 days max" (Johnothan R.). This makes it a budget-friendly option during the permitted camping season.
Privacy between sites: Even at more developed locations like Eagle Park Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "This campground is ran by the local lions club and Boy Scouts of the area. $10 a night isn't bad. Overall a good campground, but overgrown and cramped roads and campsites," notes one visitor (Jacob W.). The natural vegetation creates separation between camping areas.
Natural sounds: Tent campers frequently mention the soothing background noise at riverside sites. At Warm Slough, a camper described it as "quiet and peaceful" with "each site has a fire ring and plenty of privacy. Toilets are operating and clean. Right on the banks of the slough and there's even a resident moose!" (Janae M.). The water sounds help mask occasional road noise at several locations.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding some sites requires persistence and proper directions. "This place was hard to find - I almost gave up. The GPS directions and coordinates on this app are both wrong. Take Warm Slough Rd off 4000 N. Ignore the no trespassing signs- they refer to the land on either side of the road," advised one camper about Warm Slough (Kelda C.).
Road conditions: Phillips Bench Trailhead and similar dispersed sites have varying access difficulties. "Steep 3 miles up highway outside Jackson. Pull off on RIGHT small area with a beautiful waterfall fed pond!" notes a visitor (Lori F.). Four-wheel drive is recommended for some locations during wet conditions.
Facility limitations: Most dispersed tent sites near Rexburg have minimal facilities. About Warm Slough, a camper observed, "As many free sites are it hasn't been maintained or respected by those who use it. There's trash all over and broken glass in the pit toilet. But there's some picnic tables and fire pits and plenty of space" (Trevor S.). Bringing sanitation supplies is essential for most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Protected locations: Choose sites with natural windbreaks when camping with children. At Pine Creek Pass, "Can be windy as the top is exposed, but it's always died down at night for me" (Dylan B.). Lower elevation camping areas typically offer more protection from sudden weather changes.
Basic amenities: For family camping near Rexburg, prioritize sites with toilets. "The site we stayed at was nice and flat! All the snow is gone so thats good! The fire pit was nice," reports a camper about Warm Slough (Joseph T.). Level tent pads are particularly important for family comfort.
Accessibility concerns: Consider the difficulty of access roads when traveling with children. Regarding Pine Creek Pass, one camper advised, "To get into the dispersed camping you'll see the driveway in the corner. Take that. It will take you to a long, narrow bumpy road. Beep the horn around corners as some of the road is on a cliff" (Jamie C.).
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: South Tourist Park Campground accommodates larger vehicles but with specific guidelines. "They have a potable water and a dump station. You need to park and go to the box near the host station to fill out the card and pay," advises a camper (Jamie C.). The park has a mix of back-in and pull-alongside sites.
Utility access: RV campers should note the variable availability of hookups. "A few nice spots right on the river. They have a potable water and a dump station. Fairly cheap for a couple nights stay. Only issue was the mowing service was out and about at 6:30am," mentions a reviewer about South Tourist Park Campground (Jamie C.).
Limited turnaround space: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation for larger vehicles. At Eagle Park Campground, "Overall a good campground, but overgrown and cramped roads and campsites. No big RV's allowed. You don't want to take an RV down that road. Not very good turnaround spots" (Jacob W.).
