Dispersed camping options surround Twin Falls, Idaho, situated at 3,745 feet elevation in the Snake River Plain. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters where freezing temperatures are common. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures, making them popular seasons for campers seeking to explore the area's numerous waterfalls and canyon landscapes.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 15-minute drive from downtown. Twin Falls-Jerome KOA provides a convenient base for exploring nearby Shoshone Falls. "Just 20 minutes to Shoshone Falls, clean, spacious, pool, and a bit noisy from kids in the pool," notes camper Ioan P. The KOA remains open seasonally from March through October.
River fishing: Multiple access points. The Snake River and surrounding waterways offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, camper levi J. reports "Great fishing, caught at least 4 fish a day while camping (small bass, there were several bigger fish but I didn't have the right lures)." Access requires navigating rough roads, particularly after rain.
Canyon exploration: Multiple viewpoints. The dramatic basalt canyons carved by the Snake River provide numerous exploration opportunities. "One moment you are driving through farmland. The next moment a canyon appears out of nowhere. There is a beach there are waterfalls and the views are absolutely amazing," writes Lisa M. about Cauldron Linn. Most canyon viewpoints have limited shade, so morning visits are recommended during summer months.
What campers like
Free camping with amenities: $0 per night. Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp offers no-cost camping with basic facilities. "Each space has a picnic table and fire ring, and there are drop toilets and trash bins. All the sites look pretty level. Easy to find off the highway," notes Kendra T. The park sits just outside Twin Falls city limits, making it convenient for supply runs.
Lakeside camping: Limited sites available. Murtaugh Lake Park Campground provides water access with grassy sites. "Birds are abundant, so is the sunshine and good vibes. A few families using the day use areas and boating out on the lake," reports Sarah J. Sites cost $5 for tents and $15 for RVs with hookups, making it one of the more affordable options with lake access.
Clean facilities: Budget-friendly option. Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite their rural location. At the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, camper Randy M. appreciates "The nicest feature are the bathrooms. Private 'suites' with toilet, sink and shower. Not brand new but well maintained." Full hookup sites cost $21.20 per night, with weekly rates available.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Varies by carrier. Connectivity can be inconsistent throughout the area. At Oregon Trail Campground, camper bri H. notes: "Kind of wish they had informed me prior to making it that they had no WiFi. Had to call the after hours number for the WiFi password to be told it's currently out."
Extreme weather considerations: Seasonal planning. Summer heat can be intense with limited shade at many sites. "No shade, so little privacy," notes Kendra T. about Snake River Canyons Park. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, and many campgrounds close seasonally. Spring often brings high winds across the open plains.
Road conditions: 4WD recommended for some sites. Access to several dispersed camping areas requires careful navigation. At Cauldron Linn, camper Andy S. cautions: "Great campground, not great road. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming opportunities: Check water conditions first. Several campgrounds offer water access, but conditions vary seasonally. "We visited in early August and the river was low enough that we camped out on the beach. A few parts of the road were dicey, especially pulling our 16' trailer. But swimming in the pools near the waterfall made the trek so worth it," shares Ibeya A. about Cauldron Linn.
Playgrounds and activities: Onsite entertainment. Several campgrounds provide recreational facilities for children. At Anderson Camp RV Park, Derek F. reports, "Lots to do for young children with a large playground, two shallow (2-3ft?) small outdoor pools, one with a water slide (swim and use at your own risk, not attended), putt putt golf (water slide and putt putt extra charge)."
Pet restrictions: Variable policies. While many campgrounds allow dogs, specific rules differ. At Oregon Trail Campground, pets must be taken to designated areas. Snake River Canyons Park welcomes pets but requires standard leash control. Always carry waste bags as most dog-friendly campgrounds near Twin Falls enforce strict cleanup policies.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Plan ahead. Many campgrounds have specific hookup limitations. At Rock Creek RV Park, Julia M. advises: "There is a free public dump station 1 mile away in town since there is not a dump station on site." Several reviewers note this makes longer stays more manageable.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early. Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "We stopped here this past spring and we're coming thru again this fall. $20 full hookup!! There are about 24 spots, no tents. Very quiet. The short road down to the park is a bit steep but doable. Fyi-Some spots are not very level," notes Beth S. about Rock Creek RV Park.
Height and access restrictions: Scout ahead. Several campgrounds have steep access roads or limited clearance. Twin Falls County Fairgrounds offers spacious sites but periodically closes for events. Murtaugh Lake Park accommodates larger rigs but has uneven terrain in some areas.
