Dispersed camping near Ririe, Idaho offers several primitive sites within 30 miles of town, primarily in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and on BLM lands. Elevations range from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. The area features a mix of sagebrush highlands and forested creek corridors where most primitive camping spots can be found.
What to do
Fishing access points: Fall Creek dispersed camping area provides excellent fishing opportunities with easy creek access. According to one camper, "This place is nice and easy to get to. There is good trout fishing in the small creek or you can go chase the bruisers in the snake river a few miles away."
Wildlife watching: Set up near Pine Creek Pass Dispersed Camping for wildlife sightings. One visitor noted, "Seeing the sheep was actually cool, and they came and went without incident." The area is known for seasonal sheep herding, with one camper explaining they "ran into a shepherd that walks his flock of 2000+ sheep on his way seasonally to the Palisades."
Water recreation: The Snake River offers swimming and kayaking opportunities at several sites. At Reservoir Disperse Camping near Melvin Brewing, "We easily found a spot right next to the water! It was quiet and peaceful. Right next to a dog friendly brewery that made for a good meal and lovely to watch the sunset! We could kayak right off from our spot."
What campers like
Mountain views: Many primitive camping areas near Ririe feature remarkable mountain vistas. At Pine Creek Rd Dispersed, campers appreciate the "Great view of some of the Tetons from the west side, overlooking the small town of Victor." Another camper noted they enjoyed "Beautiful sunset and sunrise" at this location.
Riverside solitude: Despite being close to roads, many sites offer peaceful settings. At Moose Creek Trailhead Dispersed Area, "The site is close to the highway, but like other reviewers mentioned, all you really hear is the little river running right next to the campsite, which was super peaceful."
Star visibility: The limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A camper at Pine Creek Pass mentioned, "Views of the three Tetons, Palisades, and Baldy plus sunsets and sunrises," while another at Reservoir Disperse Camping noted the "sunset was stunning."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many primitive camping areas require driving on rough roads. At Big Eddy Dispersed Camping, "The road to access is okay from the north, but coming from the south is difficult if you use Google Maps (do not follow the instructions or you will find difficult roads)."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for both wildlife and livestock. At Caribou National Forest, "There are open range cows in this area, and many of them. So there is definitely cow shit and nosey cows." At Fall Creek, one camper noted, "Pros: Beautiful with very nice camping spots, with nice clear stream! Cell is spotty. Cons: Cows, cows not just passing thru, they are in the valley with you all the time."
Cell service variations: Coverage varies significantly by location. At Wolf Flats Recreation Area, there's "Great verizon cell phone signal in the river gulch area (you can see the tower)." Moose Creek offers limited connectivity, while Fall Creek has "spotty" service.
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Several sites offer safe water access for children. Big Eddy Dispersed Camping is "next to the Teton River" with "a handful of spots right up against the water." One camper noted, "The river was refreshing and nice to watch."
Safety considerations: Be aware of potential hazards at waterfront sites. At Reservoir Disperse Camping, "can't really tell how far the reservoir tide will come up. We set our chairs up by a fire pit before dinner and came back to them in a few inches of water."
Bathroom access: Few primitive sites have facilities. Big Eddy has "two vault toilets. The local art league has had some kids paint the inside to look really cool." Most other dispersed sites require bringing portable toilets or following proper backcountry waste disposal methods.
Tips from RVers
Site size and accessibility: Some dispersed areas can accommodate larger rigs. At Snake River Dispersed, "I have a 35 foot motorhome and I have plenty of space to turn around and find parking towards the back." The site features "a wide open gravel area but opportunities to be right next to the river with an AWD vehicle."
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites require careful positioning. At Pine Creek Pass, one camper noted, "There's a wide level space here with a fire pit. Room for several vehicles." However, at other locations, sloped terrain may require leveling blocks.
Seasonal considerations: Weather and conditions vary dramatically by season. One camper at Wolf Flats noted, "It was free which was awesome. It was deserted which was both great and unnerving for a single newbie camper. We woke up to snow and had a great dawn hike on the hike/bike trails."
