Best Dispersed Camping near Richfield, ID

Several dispersed camping options exist near Richfield, Idaho, primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Silver Creek Public Access offers free primitive camping along its banks with multiple sites that include vault toilets and picnic tables. Additional BLM areas include Silver Creek West Access Area, Ice Cave Boondock, and Lava Creek. These sites generally allow both tent and RV camping without reservations, providing basic access to public lands with minimal facilities.

Access to these dispersed sites varies by location, with most requiring travel on gravel or dirt roads. Many areas are suitable for standard vehicles, though some spots like Lava Creek may benefit from high-clearance. Camping is free at nearly all locations, with most sites following the standard 14-day stay limit typical of BLM lands. Limited amenities exist, with only select locations like Silver Creek Public Access offering vault toilets and picnic tables. No drinking water is available at any site, and campers must pack out all trash.

The dispersed sites near Richfield provide varying experiences based on location and terrain. Silver Creek Public Access receives positive feedback for its water access and relative solitude. According to one visitor, it features "a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found!" The Ice Cave Boondock area provides basic accommodations near the Shoshone Ice Cave attraction, with one camper noting it's "nice and breezy and easy, nothing fancy but if you need a place to lay down for the night close to highway it's great." Most sites offer decent cell service, particularly Verizon coverage, making them suitable for remote workers. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, and fishing opportunities exist at creek-side locations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Richfield, Idaho (14)

    1. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 886-2206

    "Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots!"

    "Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found!"

    2. Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    3 Reviews
    Richfield, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "This site is across the highway from the entrance to the Shoshone Ice Cave attraction on highway 75. If you are heading north on 75, turn right at the gift shop on the right side of the road."

    3. Silver Creek West Access Area

    6 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 324-4359

    "Pit toilet on site.
    Fire rings in most sites.
    Have ok Verizon coverage and super fast Starlink.
    Definitely worth a stay."

    4. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    25 Reviews
    Twin Falls, ID
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 293-2426

    "Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls."

    "Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on!"

    5. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    38 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon."

    "On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be"

    6. Lava Creek

    2 Reviews
    Bellevue, ID
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "We found this gem Beautiful scenery and no one else around"

    8. Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Ketchum, ID
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 622-0090

    "This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest."

    "Visited in August 2024 Driving past mega mansions will eventually lead you to a dirt road stretching into an open valley."

    9. Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Sun Valley, ID
    48 miles

    "No facilities. Close to town, a few pretty sites with some shade."

    "Close to Sun Valley. Place to turn around if unable to fine a campsite. No cell coverage. Only 3 day limit."

    10. Antelope Creek

    3 Reviews
    Sun Valley, ID
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 735-2060

    "Nice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots."

    "There were a couple of campers camped closer to the road from the turn-off but we managed to find a spot that was secluded and perfect for us right next to the creek."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Richfield, ID

101 Reviews of 14 Richfield Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    Open Spaces and Free

    This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road. 

    The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point. 

    There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time.  There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.

    There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade. 

    The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you. 

    Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2023

    Antelope Creek

    Close in to Sun Valley

    Nice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots. Would pick the first or second. The road is difficult between the second and third access roads. Would recommend walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle. There is more dispersed camping farther up the road but you begin to lose cell coverage.

  • M
    May. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Perfect location along the river

    Wasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Corral Creek Designated Dispersed

    Large dispersed site near creek

    Free designated dispersed campsite along Sawtooth Nation Forest Road 137. Camped here at the end of September 2024. Very large designated dispersed site set downhill from the forest road; no issues with dust from this road. The area is level. May be able to park 3 rigs. Tent camping is possible back from the parking area toward the metal firering. This area can accommodate 3 or 4 tents, or one big hot tent. Corral Creek is just down a short path from the campsite. The sound of the creek can be heard at the site. Very quiet area. Mountains on either side of the site. The parking area is dirt and gravel. The "tent" area is grass and dirt. Don't see opportunities for hammock camping. No cell service. No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. 3 day limit. Hiking trailheads and vault toilet at the end of the forest road.

  • Roean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Simple but nice views

    Right on the Snake River. On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be angry if the beach was covered in campers, so just respect the multiple uses. Bring bug spray! Had verizon service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    The views are what make the site

    Fantastic views of the canyon, both above and from within. Steep dirt road down. Several spots along the dirt path on the way down to the river bed of varying degrees of difficulty. No amenities save for a rock fire pit or two. Had full cell service w At&t. Looks like people have driven right onto the sand by the water. Hundreds of birds flying around the canyon walls and rocks. Could hear the cows at the nearby farm, and occasionally smell them when the wind was right. I visited in April and the water level was low.

  • Kathryn D.
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Creekside!

    Delightful creekside free campsites! Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots! There are at least two pit toilets, one at a spot with two picnic tables, each has a great shade, fire pit, and a place for a camp stove! One has a flat raised gravel spot for a tent, which was good because we actually saw a couple mice. The second pit toilet was further down the road at a more separated spot, it looked like it was ADA accessible and also had a picnic table, etc. Close enough to Carey to get gas/ice. Only giving it 4 stars because of the mice (pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!) and the complete lack of trees, the covers over the picnic tables did proved shade, but it still got crazy hot.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Gorgeous Spot on the River

    Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found! No trash, so pack it out, and the toilets are buggy, but the scenery and privacy is worth it. You get in far enough and get hidden by sage brush!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Great free BLM camp sites

    Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls. This fee-free primitive BLM camp offers 2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own) and 13 level RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups. There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9


Guide to Richfield

Dispersed camping near Richfield, Idaho centers around BLM lands within sagebrush plains at elevations of 4,300-5,000 feet. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F with minimal shade protection at most sites. Seasonal considerations strongly impact site selection, with spring bringing muddy access roads and summer dust affecting tent camping comfort.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Silver Creek West Access Area offers quality fishing in Silver Creek. As one visitor notes, "This is not a fancy campground but a solid place to set up a fish camp next to Silver Creek." The site provides basic facilities with "a single pit toilet available but really no other amenities."

Canyon exploration: At Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, you can experience dramatic rock formations along the Snake River. A camper describes: "One moment you are driving through farmland. The next moment a canyon appears out of nowhere. There is a beach, there are waterfalls and the views are absolutely amazing." The waterfalls are accessible via "a short walk to see the most amazing lava rock formations and the canyon."

Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Silver Creek West Access Area, a camper was "visited by a moose as we packed up camp in the morning." The surrounding areas frequently host deer, various bird species, and small mammals.

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many sites offer considerable space between campers. At Lake Creek Rd Dispersed, "Each site is a good distance apart, we never heard our neighbors." Another camper confirms the isolation: "I scored a gorgeous site, with a campfire pit already established. The site overlooks the pond, with the Sun Valley Ski Resort seen in the distance and has a gorgeous Mountain View on the opposite side."

Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. One visitor at Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed mentioned the "Starry skies" as a highlight of their stay, noting it "got very cold at night and the road wasn't super busy."

Water features: Several dispersed sites offer waterfront camping. A visitor to Silver Creek West Access Area mentioned, "The creek is very peaceful, and there's decent cell service." Similarly, at Lake Creek Rd Dispersed, "The creek is perfect for dogs and kids to wade in. No bugs, clean, quiet and level for the camper."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to some rustic camping near Richfield require careful navigation. At Cauldron Linn, "The road down is definitely steep and bumpy in places, take care," while another camper warns, "Farm road to BLM awash with loads of potholes but can be navigated cautiously. Once at the Cauldron, do not go down to the river unless you have 4WD."

Seasonal insect challenges: Summer months bring increased insect activity. At Cauldron Linn, a visitor advises to "bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad)" if visiting in August. Another camper was more direct: "So. Many. Flies. The farm road out has a small patch of very rough road."

Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal or no amenities. At Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, though, "Each space has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are drop toilets and trash bins. All the sites look pretty level. Easy to find off the highway."

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly water access: Several sites offer safe creek access for children. At Lake Creek Rd Dispersed, "The creek is perfect for dogs and kids to wade in." Parents should still supervise closely as water levels can fluctuate.

Sites with established facilities: For families, consider campgrounds with basic amenities. Snake River Canyons Park offers "13 individual campsites with tables and fire rings" that are "safe and clean - plus there are cute cows to look at." The presence of vault toilets makes this location more suitable for families with young children.

Temperature preparation: Antelope Creek campers report significant temperature fluctuations: "This was a cold stay and our tent was covered in frost in the morning." Pack appropriate cold-weather gear even in summer, as desert environments cool dramatically overnight.

Tips from RVers

Leveling considerations: Snake River Canyons Park provides "13 level RV parking pads" with "2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own)." The site includes both "back in and a couple of pull-through campsites" according to visitors.

Cell service for remote work: Many dispersed sites offer workable connectivity. At Lake Creek Rd, one camper noted: "Good ATT and Verizon cell reception." Another mentioned, "Cell reception works… even if at only one bar!" This makes rustic camping viable for digital nomads needing to stay connected.

Size restrictions: Not all access roads accommodate larger rigs. At Corral Creek Canyon, the site offers "Various pull out sites off a gravel road (no 4x4 required)" but space may be limited for larger vehicles. One visitor noted the campground has a "Place to turn around if unable to find a campsite."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Richfield, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Richfield, ID is Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed with a 4.9-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Richfield, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Richfield, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.