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Best Tent Camping near Spencer, ID

376 Reviews

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."

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Best Tent Sites Near Spencer, Idaho (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Spencer, ID

14 Photos of 11 Spencer Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Spencer, ID

376 Reviews of 11 Spencer Campgrounds

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Palisades Campground

    Very quiet!

    Arrived on a Saturday afternoon and there were 3 spots open (only 6 sites). My site had a bear box, nice picnic table and fire ring (fire ban currently). There’s two clean vault toilets. It’s just 10 minutes to red lodge but you feel very remote. There’s a creek running through some campsites which drowns out any neighbor noise. There’s a nice trail that starts in the campground (willow creek) and it’s about 4 mi RT with 900 feet elevation gain. Super peaceful trail and wasn’t very busy for a Saturday. There’s plenty of trees around for shade. I had 2 bars of LTE so could work remotely. And it’s free!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Palisades Campground

    Small remote campground on the Madison River

    Palisades campground is a small 11 site campground on the shore of the Madison River.  This campground is in the open as it has no trees in the campground, so you will have no protection from the wind or sun, and minimal privacy.  The sites are nicely spread apart.  While at first glance it does not look like the greatest area for a tent due to the small boulders in the area, on closer look I found plenty of good spots to set up a tent, this is due to the large amount of room either between sites or behind each site.  Two accessible vault toilets serve the campground.  Each site has a picnic table and a metal fire ring,  most sites also have a bear locker for food storage, but some sites will need to share.  Water is available in the summer season.  Nearby day use area has a boat launch.  No trash service is available so be ready to haul out your trash. Cost is $12 a night.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2021

    Raynolds Pass Fishing Access Site

    Small, cramped, Free camping

    Raynold's Pass Fishing Access Site offers free camping.  The six sites on right on the Madison River and right next to each other.  The only thing separating you from the next site is you vehicle, so don't expect any privacy at this campsite.  Each site does have a picnic table and metal fire ring.  A vault toilet is available.  Like almost all of the Fishing Access Site camping areas in the state their is no water or trash service, so pack in your water and pack out your trash.  Their are no trees in the area so no wind or sun protection.  One bear locker is available for food storage.  The site has a gravel boat launch and a good size parking area for boaters.  This is the first point on the Madison River that you can launch a fishing boat, raft or canoe.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Targhee National Forest Warm River Campground

    Warm River (which isn't very warm)

    Camping on the banks on the banks of the Warm River, which actually is quite cold, can’t get much better than this! There are several options here- tent camping in a tent only walk in area along the river banks and under some pretty good hammocking trees (best sites are #12, 13, 16, and 8 because they have some space from neighbors and are right on the river); RV sites with what looks like at least electric hook ups (best sites for river views and/or privacy are #2, 4, 6, 19); from what neighbors say is pretty good fishing; and an awesome alternative to camping at Mesa Falls if that campground is full. Walk down the road and cross the river to check out a protected area of the river where the fish are HUGE and you can stand with your toes in the river while you feed them bits of bread. The sites all have the usual picnic tables and firepits, with nice level tent pads, clean vault toilets, and firewood for sale from the campground host. The only two downsides are no showers and the campground is wedged between the road and the river, so there is quite a bit of road noise in the day which fortunately dies down once dark sets in. At that point the river covers the road noise (also helpful in the morning). The campground is close to a lot of hiking trails, but there are no trailheads in the campground (so I guess that makes three bummers). All in all, a cool place to camp.

  • Corinna B.
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Big Springs Campground

    Nice Woodsy Campground. Fun to Explore. Nearish to Yellowstone.

    After a random restaurant stop, a local recommended we go check out big springs campground, which is the headwaters of the snake river and not too far outside of Yellowstone. I am so glad we did! After traveling over random dirt roads from Spencer, Idaho, we arrived to find several open spots for just $15 each. Nice and woodsy, pleasant neighbors, and sites are just big enough. There's bear boxes to use. Just a quick walk away is the headwaters of the snake river, where huge trout swim under a bridge and eat marshmallows and American cheese. Only downside is no showers or flush toilets. Close enough to Yellowstone that we slept in the car so we could wake up at 5 am and grab one of the early morning Yellowstone camp sites. Would definitely go back.

  • K
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Box Canyon Campground

    Beautiful and private

    This campground is a small, quiet, no reservation campground with single and double sites. Overlooks the beautiful snake river with hiking path. Bear boxes, level tent sites, picnic tables and water. No electricity. Tall pines.

    We hiked down to the hydroelectric dam where the buffalo river joins the snake river. Picturesque! The only drawback is that strangely, the sound of the hydroelectric plant becomes louder at night.

    Would stay there again.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Targhee Creek

    Nice place with cell service close to West Yellowstone

    I enjoyed boondocking here in my tent. I had good cell service with Google FI wireless. Also I was able to get by the road and make it in my Honda Accord. Nice place even had a bear box for food storage.

  • Tim R.
    Jun. 29, 2017

    East Creek Campground

    Great Spot in the Middle of Nowhere

    Just a few miles out of the small town Lima Montana, this campground sits nestled in the mountains with a beautiful view and very few visitors.

    There is a gravel road, which was well kept when we went. We made it fine in our sedan.

    The are supposedly 4 sites, but we only noticed 3. We aren't a Friday night up there and we the only ones at the campsite.

    There are 2 vault toilets. It looks like there was a pump for water, but it was either broken, or I just don't know how to use it. Be sure to bring water.

    The picnic tables are solid and nice. The camp fire rings also come with grills.

    Overall, even without running water, we were prepared and had a great, quite, and beautiful stay at East Creek.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in a Canyon

    Coordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.

Guide to Spencer

Tent camping near Spencer, Idaho offers a variety of scenic locations where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from well-maintained campgrounds to more rustic settings, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Harriman State Park Campground features water hookups, making it convenient for campers looking for basic comforts while enjoying nature.
  • At Warm Slough, visitors can find picnic tables and toilets, providing essential facilities for a comfortable stay.
  • Eagle Park Campground offers drinking water and trash disposal, ensuring a cleaner camping experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $10

  • Camping at Warm Slough is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • The Eagle Park Campground charges a modest fee of $10 per night, providing a well-kept environment for a low cost.
  • Harriman State Park Campground offers a great value for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The Harriman State Park Campground is just 40 minutes from Yellowstone, making it a perfect base for exploring the national park.
  • Warm Slough is located right on the water, ideal for fishing and floating on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River.
  • Campers at Eagle Park Campground can enjoy hiking along the Teton River, with paths that lead to beautiful scenic views.

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 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Spencer, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Spencer, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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