Several dispersed tent camping areas surround the region of Spencer, Idaho, offering a range of primitive sites on public lands. Targhee Creek, about 50 miles north of Spencer, provides free dispersed tent camping with access to hiking trails and creek frontage. West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 offers open landscape tent sites closer to town, while Bootjack Dispersed Camping presents additional options for tent campers seeking more remote experiences within reach of Yellowstone National Park.
Most tent sites in the Spencer region are primitive with limited or no facilities. Campers must bring all water supplies as drinking water is rarely available at dispersed sites. Fire rings exist at some locations, including Targhee Creek, though campers should check current fire restrictions as they vary seasonally. Terrain typically consists of uneven ground with minimal site preparation. Most dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit, though enforcement varies by location. Walk-in tent sites require short hikes from parking areas at several locations, offering more secluded camping experiences away from road noise.
The tent camping experience near Spencer provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Morning mist rising from nearby waterways creates atmospheric tent camping conditions, particularly at areas like Warm Slough where water access enhances the experience. Several locations offer shaded sites under pine and aspen groves, providing natural shelter from summer heat. Wind exposure can be significant at more open sites like West Dubois Pulloff. A camper noted about the West Dubois area: "The turn off to the south is difficult to see at night, it's just two wheel tracks. The camp area was flat, and very quiet. See the Tetons to the east at sunrise, it's beautiful."
"Make sure you keep your wheels on the room as you turn off of highway 20. It's narrow."
"Nice place even had a bear box for food storage."
"This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser."
"Lots of open areas to set up camp, either on the edge of the woods or in more open grazing areas. Your neighbors will include grazing cattle. Minor road noise; convenient to West Yellowstone."
"Island Park, ID 44.5781, -111.341
Dept Fish & Wildlife
14 day limit (doesn't seem to be enforced, but seems to be more seasonal campers, not permanent) Grass Spaces for even big rigs."
"Rough road to enter and was very wet due to snowmelt so off-road tires needed, but should be more accessible in summer. Ideal for vans, pickup trucks and small-medium trailers."
"Plenty of sites that are a little close to each other, but not bad when there are only two other campers. Nice breeze off the lake and elevation made for very comfortable conditions."
"There’s a rv park right at the entrance and I’m sure if you asked one of the patrons for the code to the shower or laundry facilities they would help you out."
"Site is relatively unbusy with Campers but you may have locals walking a small trail pass by on main road or see others fly fishing in small stream that runs through park."
from $10 / night
"Next to the Creek, large spots, picnic tables and bear boxes. Bring insect repellant"
"There are no fire pits, but there are self assembled rock rings all around. I only noticed about five or six sites and I believe it’s first come first served."
"This NF campground is situated just behind a private (and expensive) $$ campground and has only 7 spaces. Three are walk in tent sites, and 4 are drive in. $12/ and $6/night for seniors."
"You can walk up river under the bridge about a mile. Downstream you also have a path that connects you with Three dollar bridge. Only 5 spots available. Picnic tables, fire pit and a pit toilet."
GuideGreat choice for an overnight between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Easy in and out with our 36’ motorhome and tow vehicle. We chose the first spot we came to. It was a big pull-through. There was quite a bit of traffic, but it didn’t disturb us. We could see many other sites, but we wanted to be ready to pull out first thing the next morning. Got a good night’s sleep!
GuideGreat little spot! You have your choice between the view of the wide open field or you have the little stream in the back.
ScoutI've stayed at this site every year since 2016, for fishing and bird watching. My first years there, it was a true BLM dispersed camping site. People camped wherever they wanted, many right on the lake shore. The place got loved to death though, starting in 2020 when COVID refugees moved in. In 2023, the BLM started making changes. The lake shore was completely blocked off, which reduced the area where people could camp and the size of the rigs they could drive in, because there wasn't a good place to turn a big rig around. Then in 2025 a new camping area had been constructed with designated sites, well off the lake. These sites have fire rings and picnic tables. They're level, many are pull through, and they're arranged in a loop so it's not a problem to turn around. But you can't camp along the road that goes from the boat ramp to Hope Creek, as before. I was fine camped in the new area in 2026, but of course it wasn't the same. There are still dispersed sites at the top of The Cliffs and all along Red Rock Road though.
RangerThis campground is in a great location, about 15 miles SW of Yellowstone. Nestled on the shore of Henry's Lake in several loops, all but the tent area have various combinations of electric, water, and sewer hookups. We had site 23 in the Blue Dun loop, which had water, electric, and a great view of Henry's Lake and the nearby mountains. A nice walking path along the shoreline of the lake and marsh offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. Only downfall here was the lack of a dump station, though some sites in the Caddis loop have full hookups with sewer. Good ATT cell signal. Not much privacy between campsites, but who looks at them when you can be looking at the scenery?
GuideI'm here at the offseason. What a wonderful place, wonderful people.
TravelerThe reason it’s a 5 is because Preston hooked us up last minute with a spot and electrical. Everything else in west Yellowstone closed or full. Looks like a great spot when RV park is open!
TravelerReally nice quiet place. We enjoyed our stay. There’s a lake here and while we stayed the water was like glass! It provides a perfect reflection of the surroundings. There’s a highway close but we didn’t hear a thing while we slept.
LegendI can't give it a 5 because it doesn't have electricity or water, but as a place to stop for ten bucks a night, it's fantastic. They do provide trash pickup, level spots, shade pit toilets and some recreational items like volleyball space, a dock and a boat ramp and a frisbee golf course.
GuideClose proximity to west Yellowstone, pretty much no highway noise and I was in one of the closer campsites. Most likely no noise if you go farther down. Road was pretty bumpy, it was dry so don’t know how it’d be after rain. No issues with my truck even without 4wd. Heard some elk bugling which was cool. Only saw one or two other campers.
Primitive tent camping near Spencer, Idaho provides access to remote wilderness areas with notable elevation changes from 5,600 to over 8,000 feet. The region's volcanic landscape creates unique camping terrain characterized by lava formations and sagebrush plains. Summer temperatures can reach 85°F during day and drop to 45°F overnight, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature variations.
Fishing opportunities: Targhee Creek offers excellent fishing access with sites positioned along a mile-long road leading to the water. A camper noted, "There are two very nice spots at the end of the road right along the creek. Across the bridge from the road closed sign there is also an excellent tent spot right along the creek."
Wildlife viewing: While tent camping Spencer, Idaho visitors should bring bear spray as wildlife encounters are common. At Targhee Creek, one reviewer reported, "We did see come bears and elk from our site which was fun!" Another camper mentioned regularly spotting "a resident moose" at Warm Slough.
River floating: The Henry's Fork section near Warm Slough provides seasonal water recreation. According to reviews, it's "Great to go float river or fishing. Camping only allowed Oct 1 to Jan 31. 10 days max." Another camper called it "Great place to fish, kayak, or float the river."
Quiet seclusion: Many dispersed tent sites offer privacy from neighboring campers. A reviewer at Bootjack Dispersed Camping said, "We love our spot. Rained a few days but we did not care. Will be back. Possible to buy property! Love it here."
Convenient Yellowstone access: Several camping areas serve as affordable bases for park exploration. A Targhee Creek camper shared, "The spot is 12 miles from West Yellowstone entrance. Excellent Verizon service was a bonus that we don't get at a lot of dispersed sites."
Morning views: Sunrise vistas across the landscape create memorable camping experiences. A visitor to West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 described the area as having "Good option for the night the bit windy and not much protection" but appreciated the open terrain.
Seasonal camping restrictions: Some locations have limited availability windows. For Warm Slough, a reviewer clarified, "Great to go float river or fishing. Camping only allowed Oct 1 to Jan 31. 10 days max."
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require navigating rough access roads. At Targhee Creek one camper warned, "The road is very rough with many potholes though. If the weather is good it would be a great place to be! We went while it was raining... would not recommend."
Insect concerns: Bugs can be problematic during certain seasons in the Spencer camping areas. A Targhee Creek visitor reported, "The flies were unbearable despite using spray of all kinds. Night time was enjoyable when they went away but it was hard to enjoy while being attacked in the eyes and face."
Facility limitations: Most dispersed camping near Spencer offers minimal amenities. At Warm Slough, a camper observed, "As many free sites are it hasn't been maintained or respected by those who use it. There's trash all over and broken glass in the pit toilet."
Scout before setting up: Family-friendly tent sites require advance planning. For Bootjack Dispersed Camping, a visitor advised, "Use Google satellite and then scout them out as the roads can get pretty rutted the further in you go."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations impact tent camping comfort for children. One Targhee Creek reviewer warned, "If the weather is good it would be a great place to be! We went while it was raining... would not recommend. It was incredibly muddy and had lots of standing water."
Water access locations: When tent camping with children near Spencer, look for sites with safe water features. At Pole Bridge Campground, a camper described, "Next to the Creek, large spots, picnic tables and bear boxes. Bring insect repellant."
Site selection for bigger rigs: Most dispersed camping near Spencer requires careful navigation for larger vehicles. At Bootjack Dispersed Camping, a reviewer noted, "Very close to West Yellowstone, about 25 minutes away. Close to Hwy 20. Lots of camping sites that are in the trees or out in the open. Dirt road has ruts, but many large rigs were camped here."
Weather monitoring: RVers should check forecasts before selecting sites in low-lying areas. A camper at Bootjack advised, "CAUTION: if you park down by the creek, watch the weather. It can get a bit mushy in spots, and the road in/out can rut out."
Supply preparedness: Limited services near Spencer tent camping areas require advance planning. One RVer at Bootjack Dispersed Camping recommended, "Groceries & Supplies are at tourist prices, come stocked if you don't want to pay them."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Spencer, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Spencer, ID is West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 with a 4.0-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Spencer, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Spencer, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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