Tent camping near Rogerson, Idaho offers accessible sites in the Nevada-Idaho border region at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. The area features sagebrush plateaus transitioning to juniper-dotted foothills with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during days and dropping to 45°F at night. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal availability from late spring through early fall with road access varying significantly based on conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Big Cottonwood Campground offers excellent river fishing with designated sites next to flowing water. "What an incredible spot! On the north entrance/end coming out of Jarbidge and the Jarbidge wilderness, this little spot lies just next to Big Cottonwood, and truly can only be seen heading toward the campground, not away from it. It's right up against the river and has excellent privacy," reports one camper.
Hiking opportunities: The Independence Lakes Campground trailhead provides a challenging 2.5-mile uphill hike to the first of three alpine lakes. "The hike inclines all the way up. You are treated with beautiful back country views, met with several switch backs before reaching the first lake," writes one visitor who confirms the trail is both dog-friendly and accessible for parents carrying small children.
Rock climbing: Bread Loaves Group Campsite at City of Rocks National Reserve provides direct access to approximately 20 climbing routes within 100 feet of site 58. According to a visitor, "Bloody Fingers on the east side of the loaves" ranks as one of the area classics, and "the walls nearby face east and provide an excellent opportunity for some night or moonlight climbing."
What campers like
Creek access: Juniper Grove Campground features "a lovely creek with accessible pools, tucked up against a rock wall" according to a recent visitor. The campground provides four established sites with fire pits and a pit toilet, all within easy access of passenger vehicles.
Wilderness seclusion: Jarbidge Wilderness offers numerous free camping options along the main access road. "There were so many campsites along the dusty dirt road through Jarbidge wilderness both before and after the historic living ghost town. And anywhere you stop, is going to be worth your while," notes a camper who appreciated the designated fire pits and proximity to wildlife viewing opportunities.
Temperature relief: Bear Gulch provides cooler conditions than surrounding areas during hot summer months. "We came up here looking to escape the heat of the city and were not disappointed. It was a good 10 degrees cooler and cooled off quickly when the sun went down," reports a visitor who managed the 40-minute drive on washboard dirt roads with a 33-foot motorhome.
What you should know
Road conditions: High clearance vehicles are recommended for many area campgrounds. At Independence Lakes Campground, one visitor cautions, "First and foremost this campground needs a high clearance vehicle to reach and is best visited in late summer fall as it is very marshy there earlier in the year."
No services: The entire region has minimal facilities. A Juniper Grove visitor notes, "No water, no data access" and reminds campers there are "no services anywhere near." Similarly, at Big Cottonwood, campers report "no cell signal anywhere near" requiring complete self-sufficiency.
Campsite access: Several locations require walking gear from parking areas to actual campsites. At Bread Loaves, a visitor explains, "The site is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot so bring something to haul your stuff in," recommending transport equipment for your gear.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing: Several creek-adjacent sites provide nature observation opportunities. At Jarbidge, a camper reports being "right up against a cool creek, and were able to walk up and down a bit of it, and see a variety of wildlife, bugs, birds, and more!"
Shade considerations: Twin Sisters Group Campsite offers "multiple walk in tent sites, each with a good level pad" with views extending to the south. The site provides adequate flat space for family setups while maintaining quiet conditions for stargazing.
Site spacing: Third Fork Campground provides streamside sites with basic amenities. "Each site has its own fire ring and picnic table with most also giving you a shady spot to set up a tent if you want," notes a visitor who recommends arriving early on weekends due to limited site availability.
Tips from RVers
Road preparation: The drive to Bear Gulch demands careful vehicle preparation. One RVer advises, "After a long drive down a washboard dirt road for about 40 minutes we finally made it to the campground. Secure what you can as your stuff will vibrate everywhere." Despite challenges, they successfully parked their 33-foot motorhome plus an additional vehicle.
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Rogerson have significant limitations for larger vehicles. One camper at Independence Lakes warns, "We stopped at this campground hoping it was Trailer Friendly. We were able to get up to the parking lot but I wouldn't recommend it. If my trailer was not lifted we would have had issues."
Alternative parking: Some campgrounds offer creative solutions for RVers. At Bread Loaves, one visitor explains, "We brought a camper and just parked it at the parking lot... I slept in it with my little ones... the rest of the group set up tents and hammocks down at the actual campsite."
