Top Free Dispersed Camping near Shoshone, ID

Looking for the best Shoshone dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Idaho excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shoshone, ID (8)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

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

    13 Reviews
    60 Photos
    101 Saves

    With the development of the Rickett’s RV Camp, overnight stays in the Park are now permitted. This fee-free primitive camp offers a vault toilet facility and 13 individual RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups. Additionally, a large open area is available to accommodate oversized rigs and equestrian travellers. Corrals are located adjacent to this area. Stays are limited to 5 days. Any overnight parking and dispersed camping are prohibited anywhere in the Park outside of a designated campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    3. Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    3 Reviews
    11 Photos
    36 Saves

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days.

    • Pets
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek

    4. Lava Creek

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    30 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)
        Camper-submitted photo from Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)
        Camper-submitted photo from Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)
        Camper-submitted photo from Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)
        Camper-submitted photo from Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Shoshone

      48 Reviews of 8 Shoshone Campgrounds


      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Oct. 10, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Amazing location!

        This place is beautiful! We arrived on a Monday morning around 9am. Before driving down the hill we got out and walked it to make sure we could make it. We’re driving a one ton GMC with Artic Fox truck camper. We made it down no problem. We stayed for 2 nights and only one night was there another camper who decided to stay up high and not make the drive down. We few cars came and went. But what surprised me the most, is that nobody who drove down, went to see the waterfall which is probably the best part! So, if you visit, find a trail anywhere to the right of the Cauldron Linn sign and follow it. There are many and most of them lead to the waterfalls eventually. My husband was nervous about the drive out but we made it out with no issues!

      • Marne F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
        Oct. 7, 2024

        Frank C Jones King Hill Area

        Frank C Hill Area

        1st stop on our way to Moab. We were able to get our Nissan Frontier hauling a 6×10 trailer parked into the sight next to the Snake River. It was fairly level. Nice sunset viewing, not too buggy in early Oct. Lots of train noise thru the night, tho. Pit toilet was out of TP, luckily we had spare. We had an owl also visit the tree above us and serenaded us for a good 1/2 hr in the middle of the night (very cool). Overall, good stop for passing through.

      • Alissa D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Sep. 21, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Pretty Area - Felt Uneasy

        In the summer when the area is busier I think we would have love this more. Happy we were able to find free camping in this area. It’s a recreation area, so when we arrived we saw some in the distance fishing and another person bike riding. We were the only ones camping, and there was some unknown activities of others who came and went that we were unsure of. We would have felt better if someone else was camping somewhere. Nothing happened though and it was a cool spot. Definitely think when other campers are around this would be a great spot!

      • F
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Aug. 30, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Tent camping

        Beautiful camp site super easy to access, we got by fine without 4WD. Unfortunately people have kind of trashed some of the sites there was broken glass and lots of other litter

      • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Aug. 18, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Beautiful Area! Sketchy Roads

        This is a very beautiful area to camp out in. Not far off the river with places to drive right up to the edge of the water (with the right vehicle). Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night. Dirt road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding, but it’s all doable. The road that actually takes you down into the canyon has a steep sharp downhill turn with large rocks, depressions, and soft silt. I managed to get down in my Ford Transit Connect (pretty sketchy), but I had to try a couple times before I could make it back up and out the next day. So BE AWARE: gravity can probably help you down without getting stuck, but remember that you will have to get back up, and if your vehicle is 2wd and particularly heavy or low or is bad with hills, it may not be a breeze. (Maybe I’m just being dramatic though lol) I probably won’t risk it again, the stress was too much for my poor nerves.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Aug. 16, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Beautiful Hidden Gem

        It is literally hidden out in the hay and corn fields. The road down into the canyon is ok for small trailers, vans, trucks. The water was out so the bank was a dusty desert and at the waters edge was a thick swampy mess with gross stinky mud foam…. So swimming was out of the question. We found a pull in area under a cluster of trees that was perfectly serene. Will definitely go back. Large black beetles are bad there and bugs as expected. Nothing to cause a big issue, we brought a bug zapper and net enclosed canopy!

      • Kathryn D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
        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.

      • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
        Jul. 31, 2024

        Frank C Jones King Hill Area

        Great little hideaway

        Spent one night here on a long road trip. I was the only one there. Very easy to find. Felt safe, nice view of the river. The only negative was the trains going by at night. Quite loud.

      • reina L.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jul. 30, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        encampment

        Beautiful spots and surrounding area. We sadly had to turn around because of a sketchy looking encampment. We did report to BLM so hopefully this spot will be more approachable in the future!

      • Danielle S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jul. 27, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Views

        Pulled up here last minute at about 2am for some quick sleep, the view I woke up to was incredible. Drive through pretty farmland to get there, easy to navigate.

      • Azaali J.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jul. 19, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Didn’t end up staying

        We were really excited to stay here. The water and area is beautiful. There are 2 great shady spots right on the water. Unfortunately it looks like 2 guys are living down there and let’s say they don’t look like the friendliest for a couple of reasons. My boyfriend and I immediately got a bad vibe and decided it was best not to stay.

      • Pearce F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
        Jul. 18, 2024

        Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

        Great night on Silver Creek

        Arrived later than I wanted and was thrilled to find site 1, I believe this was the North entrance, was available. Great spot with a pit toilet and table. Plenty of room to park and level. Loved listening to the creek all night. Wet a fly the next morning and caught a great brown trout. Lots of little dinkers, too.

      • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jul. 16, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Beautiful

        Awesome sites!! Had a blast with some people I met , I stayed at the first site at the top because I’m 2w drive sedan, but I think it COULD be achieved if needed. Would recommend 4wd to the bottom; but this is a beautiful place, there’s some waterfalls to check out and the views are great, not a lot of privacy, pack in pack out.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jul. 11, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        A little bit of everything

        Coordinates are accurate to location. I would not recommend for RV campers as much as I would for tent or van campers. The road was a little steep but we found a tree cave spot as mentioned in one of the previous comments. We arrived around 6pm and were the only ones there. The river was beautiful so we took a dip in the water. There is also a good size rapid. We saw a rabbit, quail, mouse, and a ferret. It did get busy after 8pm but overall great place to camp.

      • Theresa N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jul. 9, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        quiet

        kind of an odd camping experience. showed up around 7pm, only other people were fishing, no other campers. all night, about 3-4 trucks circled through and left. at the latest, at 1am, that we’re aware of. felt kind of sketchy. otherwise, need a decent clearance and AWD but was easy to find. close to the river. no bugs until sunset.

      • Samantha B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jun. 29, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Perfect Spot

        The dirt road getting down to the river wasn’t bad, but larger vehicles might have a little trouble. I saw an RV parked at the top. I found a cool spot underneath trees like a little cave towards the end of the road. There was a campfire ring and it was shaded and private. The river is really pretty and there’s a little waterfall to see. The area was really beautiful and I felt like I was the only person there.

      • Sarah D.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jun. 16, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Cool spot!

        Private and peaceful situated inside snake river gorge Come cool water jumping spots… river is peaceful. Lots of wind! Road coming down slightly sketch and coming up will be difficult for non 4 x4 or low clearance vehicles. Super easy to find.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        May. 25, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Beautiful View

        We camped on the terrace overlooking the river. We were in a 31' motorhome and would not be able to navigate the 120⁰ hairpin turn down to the river level. The walk down to the river and the falls was worth the effort.

      • Beth M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
        Apr. 25, 2024

        Frank C Jones King Hill Area

        Easy and Free

        Pretty, small area with a boat launch. No services were open in April, but parking was available and free. There is enough Verizon cell signal to text, but not to stream.

      • LThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Apr. 8, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Hidden Gem Along a Roadtrip

        We found this spot last minute, late in the afternoon while on a multi day drive. Lots of spots, though we had the place to our on a Sunday night, early April.

        Great little trail along the river and falls. Perfect after a long day of driving. The area was super clean (lets all continue this!) and beautiful.

        If you do not have a car for high clearance (a Subaru would do fine) just use the upper two camp spots.

        Our dogs loved it:)

      • 5 STAR X P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Jan. 2, 2024

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Great camping spot in January

        Easy site to get to..rolled in at night. Back, overlooking the river gorge, which offers great morning view and the winds blow from the sides so I was able to open up the rear of my rtt. Continue past the sign if you have high clearance... lots more beautiful sites

      • Nikki R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
        Sep. 11, 2023

        Lava Creek

        Rough field with fire pits with view of water

        Accesible by any car. Giant desert field with fire pits. No shade . No one there when I was there. Sunday evening Some broken glass around fire pit

      • Lady Wandlust L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed
        Aug. 30, 2023

        Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

        Sweet spot

        Ample amount of room, a handful of spots with various views,.. the river was really low due to farmers using it for irrigation,.. we chose to camp on the sandbar,.. no fire pit but the ground was tender enough to dig one out… no shade, lots of flys and hungry moths… people were picking stuff out of river but no one would give an actual answer to what it was they were picking up… cool rocks,..pretty tiny waterfalls.

      • Jose B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
        Aug. 27, 2023

        Frank C Jones King Hill Area

        Great spot to spend the night

        I was driving 84 east late night around 11 pm and found this place on app. I didn’t want to stay on a rest area that is only about 4 miles 84 east, it is quiet and small but only 2 other cars. There are only few spaces for tent. But I park in the dirt parking lot next to boat ramp and slept on my car. Next to snake river. Some noise because train rail at other side of the river

      • Hawkin S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
        Aug. 23, 2023

        Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

        Decent spot to crash

        There is not much exciting about this area if I am being honest. It's a good spot to set up and sleep for the night. There are not really any good views, and there aren't a ton of dedicated sites/fire rings. You just kind of have to pick a spot and setup. It worked fine to sleep at for one night, but I probably wouldn't spend an extended stay here.

        There was a river at the end of the road with one part that could potentially be used for cliff jumping. I didn't know if you could swim in this water though or how deep it really was so I didn't test it.

      • Cyndy & Selena R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Frank C Jones King Hill Area
        Aug. 22, 2023

        Frank C Jones King Hill Area

        NO LARGE TRAILER CAMPERS

        My camper is 32' long. There is a small turnaround on the left fork. The dirt is "moon dust" and got stuck. See photos and video. Turn right there is a paved turn around area. TMobile is good for phone calls, internet was not good.



      Guide to Shoshone

      Camping near Shoshone, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the river or a more established campground with amenities, there’s something for everyone.

      What to do:

      • Explore the outdoors: The area is perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. One camper mentioned, "This is a very beautiful area to camp out in. Not far off the river with places to drive right up to the edge of the water."
      • Fishing and kayaking: Many campgrounds are near water, making it great for fishing. A review noted, "We spent lots of time on the water and even paddled across to some rocks and did a little cliff jumping."
      • Visit local attractions: Shoshone Falls is a must-see. One visitor said, "Close to Shoshone Falls. Water & electric hookup but no waste dump."

      What campers like:

      • Scenic views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A review highlighted, "The view I woke up to was incredible. Drive through pretty farmland to get there, easy to navigate."
      • Quiet and peaceful: Many appreciate the tranquility of the campgrounds. One camper shared, "It was a quiet stay and convenient to see Shoshone Falls."
      • Free camping options: Some spots, like Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, offer free camping, which is a big plus. A review stated, "It’s hard to believe this place is free. Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds."

      What you should know:

      • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds are basic. A camper noted, "The campground is a little bit open and there is not so much privacy."
      • Road conditions: Some access roads can be rough. One review warned, "The dirt road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding."
      • Wildlife encounters: Expect to see various wildlife, but be prepared for bugs. A camper mentioned, "Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Bring bug protection: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. One family shared, "We brought a bug zapper and net enclosed canopy!"
      • Choose the right campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Rock Creek RV Park, which has amenities for kids. A review said, "There is disc golf and plenty of hiking trails to walk near a rolling creek."
      • Plan for activities: Make sure to have games or activities ready. One camper suggested, "We found a pull-in area under a cluster of trees that was perfectly serene."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check vehicle compatibility: Some campgrounds may not be suitable for larger RVs. A review mentioned, "I managed to get down in my Ford Transit Connect (pretty sketchy)."
      • Look for electric hookups: If you need power, check campgrounds like Twin Falls-Jerome KOA that offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Hookups worked great."
      • Be prepared for close quarters: Some sites can be tight. One RVer said, "Spots are tight with only a few feet between push outs."

      Camping near Shoshone, Idaho, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shoshone, ID?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shoshone, ID is Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Shoshone, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.