Top Free Dispersed Camping near Wendell, ID

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Wendell? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Idaho excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wendell, ID (10)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Wendell

50 Reviews of 10 Wendell 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.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Grey's Landing
    May. 26, 2024

    Grey's Landing

    Nice but not many spots

    Nice but there seems to be only one real spot. We stayed along the gravel road since « the » spot was talken.

  • 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.



Guide to Wendell

Camping near Wendell, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Oregon Trail: Visit the Three Island Crossing State Park Campground to learn about the historic Oregon Trail. One camper mentioned, "There's an Oregon Trail Interpretive Center located at the park that is an excellent source of historical information."
  • Enjoy the Hot Springs: Check out the Miracle Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. A visitor shared, "The hot spring pools themselves are fantastic... a big, deep swimming pool with perfect temperature water."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At 1000 Springs Resort, you can fish or kayak on the Snake River. One review noted, "We were able to paddle over to Ritter Island on our paddle boards."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at various sites. For example, a review of Banbury Hot Springs Campground stated, "The bathrooms are well maintained and super clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy spots at Rock Creek RV Park. One camper said, "The sites are great... very nice hosts."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. A review for Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed mentioned, "It is literally hidden out in the hay and corn fields."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Murtaugh Lake Park Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms are just toilets... no sewer or dump station."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp mentioned, "Wildlife was very active; lots of mosquitoes and bats at night."
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A review for Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed warned, "The road leading to the area has some pretty rough spots and some washboarding."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. Twin Falls-Jerome KOA has a playground, making it a great choice. One parent said, "The bathrooms were great - individual rooms with toilet and shower for excellent privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A camper at Balanced Rock County Park mentioned, "This spot’s just a picnic table and a trash can... but for a free spot on a long road trip, it’s sweet."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. A review for Murtaugh Lake Park Campground noted, "Lots of bugs at night!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Rock Creek RV Park said, "Electric and water... Quiet. Partially shaded."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight. A review for Twin Falls-Jerome KOA mentioned, "Spots are tight with only a few feet between push outs."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Rock Creek RV Park noted, "No dump station but options close by."

Camping near Wendell, Idaho, offers a variety of experiences, from historical sites to natural beauty. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wendell, ID is Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Wendell, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.