Dispersed camping options near Shoshone, Idaho provide affordable alternatives to developed campgrounds. Located at 3,967 feet elevation in the Magic Valley region, Shoshone experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F during the day, while winter lows can drop below 20°F. Most campsites remain accessible from April through October, with limited winter availability depending on snow conditions.
What to do
Explore hot springs: For a relaxing soak after hiking, visit Banbury Hot Springs Campground along the Snake River. "The Banbury Hot spring is a huge pool nearly 100 years old and is the perfect temperature and a blast for all ages. If you buy a swimming pass it also gets you into Miracle Hot springs just about a mile away which is great to relax in with multiple pools and varying temperatures," notes Brad M.
Kayak to wineries: Snake River offers unique paddling opportunities from campsites. "We rented kayaks but we brought our own. Very good fishing for trout and bass. We kayaked down stream to the Thousand Springs Bed and Breakfast Winery where we did some wine tasting and bought a few bottles, which we took back to camp," shares Ed E.
Explore lava flows: Camping near Ice Cave Boondock provides access to unique geological features. "The site is next to an old lava flow which is incredible to see and explore. Wildlife we saw includes deer and owls, wood peckers and many other birds," reports Mike E. This free dispersed camping area sits conveniently near Shoshone Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave.
What campers like
Swimming holes: Campers at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed enjoy natural water features during summer months. "Swimming in the pools near the waterfall made the trek so worth it," shares Ibeya A. "Serene camping away from most road noise and good spacing from other campers. We visited in early August and the river was low enough that we camped out on the beach."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping makes Shoshone an economical base. "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," notes Gary P.
Convenient town access: Staying near towns offers practical advantages. "This campground drops you down to river level so you hardly know your in the big city. With the river running through and huge grass area it is beautiful. Also compared to other campgrounds it is very cheap," reports Mike M. about Rock Creek RV Park in Twin Falls.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed sites requires careful driving. At Cauldron Linn, "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. Whilst you can get down, recent rains mean the doable steep climb back out is riddled with massive dips and rocks," warns Marasha L.
Insect activity: Summer camping brings flies, especially near water. "The one downside is there is a large amount of flys at this site," notes Henry W. about Cauldron Linn. Another camper adds: "So many flies. The farm road out has a small patch of very rough road. It was just passable in my non-lifted Sprinter."
Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. "No amenities so be prepared for that. Great place if the road in wasn't so sketchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way!" advises Andy S.
Tips for camping with families
KOA amenities: Families appreciate the Twin Falls-Jerome KOA facilities. "Can't explain it but I just love this campsite. Not the biggest or best KOA I've been too but the mixture of the friendly staff, clean campsites, and cool little gift shop just gets me! Stay here you won't regret it!" shares Daniel C. Another camper notes, "We really have enjoyed staying here. Kids love all the games mini golf, gaga ball and toys."
Privacy considerations: Tent sites can be crowded at developed campgrounds. "This is probably one of the fanciest camping sites I've ever been too. Definitely not as 'in nature' as I'm used to but still a really cool experience. I like to sit out and read with my lanterns by the fire once the sun goes down and I ended up having to move into my tent to read because the site next to me was too bright from my lanterns and I felt bad," explains Taleah U.
Farm experiences: Some campsites offer animal encounters. "We enjoyed the quiet location just outside Twin falls and located in the middle of area parks and attractions. Our kids loved the horses and puppies. The hosts were friendly and had great recommendations for the area!" writes Matt L. about his stay at Mendoza Ranchette.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many campsites near Shoshone present leveling challenges. "Spots were a little uneven and made our stairs a lot higher then we like," notes Kathe M. Another camper mentions, "We had no problems with water pressure, no problems with electricity. The only thing I would point out is that if you are on the last row, that makes you closest to the highway and you will hear the highway noise starting at about 5:30 in the morning."
Alternative parking: County fairgrounds provide practical overnight options for RVers. "Perfect overnight stop. Clean and quiet. All paved. Water and electrical hook ups. Pull through spots. Such a great place to stop and a killer sunset from the bleachers," shares Tara B.
Site selection: Larger rigs need specific sites. "Everything worked quite well, my pool Throughs and the areas were relatively flat. We had no problems with water pressure, no problems with electricity," notes RichMichelle M. "Not all stalls are RV friendly, my friend had to move due to her trailer would not level."
