Best Dispersed Camping near Wendell, ID

Several free dispersed camping sites dot the landscape near Wendell, Idaho, with Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp serving as the most accessible option. This BLM-managed area features 13 designated primitive sites, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Located just north of Twin Falls off Highway 93, the area provides basic amenities including vault toilets and trash receptacles but no hookups or water. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed area and various other public lands in the region.

Roads accessing these dispersed sites are generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. Snake River Canyons Park has level parking pads that accommodate both RVs and tent campers, with some pull-through sites available. Most sites have a 5-night maximum stay limit. The region experiences seasonal extremes, with hot, dry summers requiring careful fire management. Winter access may be limited by snow and mud conditions. While vault toilets are available at some locations, campers should pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.

These dispersed sites provide convenient bases for exploring the Snake River Canyon and surrounding areas. The proximity to Twin Falls makes resupplying simple while still offering a more primitive camping experience. "Clean vault toilets and spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables make this spot surprisingly comfortable for free camping," noted one visitor about Snake River Canyons Park. Another camper mentioned, "It's safe and clean, plus there are designated spots with tables and fire rings that filled up most nights." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, particularly near Silver Creek areas, though the landscape is predominantly open with limited shade or privacy between sites.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wendell, Idaho (12)

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

    25 Reviews
    Twin Falls, ID
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 293-2426

    "Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls."

    "Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on!"

    2. Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Murtaugh, ID
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon."

    "On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be"

    3. Frank C Jones King Hill Area

    10 Reviews
    King Hill, ID
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 324-4359

    "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."

    "There was another section to the left of the entry road, which was barred off by a gate, but I decided to car camp for the night by the boat launch and not hike in with all my gear."

    4. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 886-2206

    "Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots!"

    "Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found!"

    5. Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    3 Reviews
    Richfield, ID
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "This site is across the highway from the entrance to the Shoshone Ice Cave attraction on highway 75. If you are heading north on 75, turn right at the gift shop on the right side of the road."

    6. Grey's Landing

    5 Reviews
    Rogerson, ID
    44 miles

    "Pit toilet available. Can either camp by the water or on a higher road by the toilet, picnic table, and grill. Cannot swim in the water due to algae growth."

    "The only thing that might bother you is the angle of the slope try to find a flat spot also I think you can safely stand by the barbecues, there is never anyone there, everyone is by the water!"

    7. Lava Creek

    2 Reviews
    Bellevue, ID
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 732-7200

    "We found this gem Beautiful scenery and no one else around"

    8. Silver Creek West Access Area

    6 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 324-4359

    "Pit toilet on site.
    Fire rings in most sites.
    Have ok Verizon coverage and super fast Starlink.
    Definitely worth a stay."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wendell, ID

97 Reviews of 12 Wendell Campgrounds


  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Wahlstrom Hollow (Dispersed)

    More Shady Camping Right by the Namesake Trailhead

    This was a really really small camping area that's located along the creek road going through the south hills of Idaho.  There are absolutely no amenities here however so take care of business at one of the more developed campgrounds along the road!  It had wonderful shade everywhere but there wasn't any flat ground to be able to lay out a tent.  There were also only 2 maybe 3 campgrounds if you squeezed it in and it required a high clearance vehicle to get to 2 of them.  Good thing is if you get these sites you will have no one around you and personal access to a great hiking trail and in the winter snowshoeing back country skiing trail!

  • M
    May. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Perfect location along the river

    Wasn’t sure what to expect but wow this area didn’t disappoint! Camped with our 3 kids for 2 nights along the river. Beautiful views, bring your fishing poles and kayaks! Tent or car camp but not accessible with trailers due to sketchy narrow road down to the canyon.

  • Roean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Simple but nice views

    Right on the Snake River. On the loop there’s half a dozen spots (no established fire rings, probably best for car camping) and I saw some people camped on the beach but I also saw early morning fishermen that would probably be angry if the beach was covered in campers, so just respect the multiple uses. Bring bug spray! Had verizon service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2023

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    The views are what make the site

    Fantastic views of the canyon, both above and from within. Steep dirt road down. Several spots along the dirt path on the way down to the river bed of varying degrees of difficulty. No amenities save for a rock fire pit or two. Had full cell service w At&t. Looks like people have driven right onto the sand by the water. Hundreds of birds flying around the canyon walls and rocks. Could hear the cows at the nearby farm, and occasionally smell them when the wind was right. I visited in April and the water level was low.

  • Kathryn D.
    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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Gorgeous Spot on the River

    Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found! No trash, so pack it out, and the toilets are buggy, but the scenery and privacy is worth it. You get in far enough and get hidden by sage brush!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Great free BLM camp sites

    Ricketts BLM RV Camp just north of Twin Falls. This fee-free primitive BLM camp offers 2 vault toilets (in case you did not bring own) and 13 level RV parking pads, each with a picnic table and fire ring, but no electric or water hook-ups. There is also equestrian and overflow parking if needed.

    https://maps.app.goo.gl/51EUdaokGV8zyEdB9

  • Andy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed

    Great campground, not great road

    Beautiful and peaceful, right on the river's edge. Lots to explore. No amenities so be prepared for that. Great place if the road in wasn't so stetchy. Barely made it out with 2wd E250 van. 4wd would probably be fine, just be aware it's a bumpy ride either way! If you come in August, bring something for the flies (they're pretty bad). ✌️

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp

    Clean, convenient and free!

    It’s hard to believe this place is free. Nicer than some National Forest campgrounds with the same amenities. Pit toilets and that’s it. The toilets were clean and the one by our site even had a light on! It was a quiet stay and convenient to see Shoshone Falls, and resupply at Costco or Walmart just to the north in Jerome. Don’t skip the scenic overlooks at the bridge on highway 93, beautiful views, and we even watched a couple base jumpers there


Guide to Wendell

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wendell, Idaho, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities while Free Camping near Wendell

  • Experience breathtaking sunsets at Frank C Jones King Hill Area, where you can park next to the Snake River and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
  • Take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere at Snake River Canyons Park - Rickett's RV Camp, which offers spacious sites and the opportunity for evening campfires.
  • Explore the nearby scenic overlooks on Highway 93, where you can enjoy stunning views and even catch a glimpse of base jumpers in action.

Fishing and Wildlife Watching for Dispersed Campers

  • The Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed area is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, with a delightful creekside setting that attracts various fish species.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, where you can spot deer and other animals while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
  • Enjoy a peaceful night under the stars at Lava Creek, where the serene environment is ideal for observing local wildlife.

Adventure Awaits: Hiking and Exploration for Dispersed Campers

  • Discover hidden trails leading to waterfalls at Cauldron Linn BLM Dispersed, making it a great spot for those who love hiking and exploring nature.
  • The rugged terrain at Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping offers opportunities for adventurous hikes and exploration of unique geological features.
  • Experience the thrill of camping near the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, where you can hike and take in the stunning views of the canyon landscape.

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 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Wendell, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.