Part of BLM's Four Rivers Field Office, Swan Falls - Idaho Power operates as a free camping destination along the Snake River where campers access sites through a combination of established spots and dispersed areas. The drive down from the main road covers roughly two miles on a bumpy dirt surface that handles front-wheel drive vehicles, though [Christopher P.](https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/swan-falls-idaho-power/reviews/200151) notes "you're right on the river and the bugs are too."

Sites stretch along the water with established camping on Idaho Power property transitioning to BLM dispersed areas marked by a weathered sign. Many spots feature fire rings and some include picnic tables, while pit toilets serve various sections of the campground. [Jade F.](https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/swan-falls-idaho-power/reviews/1856) observes that "huge bass jumping all evening and night" make fishing a popular activity here.

The river provides launching access for kayaks and small boats, with several campers noting successful smallmouth bass fishing from the water and shore. RVs up to 27 feet can navigate to upstream sites, though the steep grade requires adequate towing power for the return trip. Canyon walls rise above the camping areas, and wildlife includes deer, rabbits, and birds of prey that frequent the corridor.

First-come, first-served availability means prime riverside spots fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Some areas show signs of heavy use with scattered trash, though cleaner sites exist for those willing to explore. Road conditions remain passable in dry weather but could become challenging when wet. For additional camping options, visitors can explore [campgrounds around Murphy](https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/near/murphy) or check nearby [Celebration Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/idaho-celebration-county-park) for a more developed alternative with reservable sites.

Swan Falls - Idaho Power

Join the fun near Murphy. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Murphy campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Murphy. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Murphy

The Best Camping Near Murphy, Idaho

Located just a 40 minute drive from the city of Boise, this campground is the perfect quick getaway. There are many campsites to choose from tucked down along the river, and the best part is, they are all free! With this freedom comes a few campsites that are a bit littered and disheveled, but there are some beautiful spots if you take the time to look. The gorgeous canyon walls provide a great view from any spot. Fishing here is very popular too, with huge bass jumping all evening and night. This is a great place to go if you just want to have some peace, swimming, and fishing. Not to mention there are trails all over the rim of the canyon and even Kuna caves a few minutes away, making it a destination with many adventure options. 

Swan Falls 

This is a really nice area for families to fish and hike. The area is kept clean and everyone is super nice.

Great for Families

There are plenty of activities here, not to mention the fact that this canyon was carved out by a massive flood about 15,000 years ago when the Bonneville Lake emptied. And if you are into watching Birds of Prey, hearing coyotes yipping at night and having rabbits running around, as well as some deer cruising the area, this is a nice place for a weekend getaway and is easy to get in and out. 

Fish, Camp, Hike, Ride, Hunt, Explore

Just south of Kuna, Swan Falls is a nice quiet place for tent or RV camping. RV should be smaller than 27'. We have a 27' Travel Trailer pulled with an extended long bed Chevy Silverado. We were able to get into the last or furthest campsite up stream. north of the dam. We were able to launch our kayaks for fishing and paddling for a couple of days. It is dry camping with no hookups. No reservations, so it's on a first come first serve basis. Our site had a fire pit but no picnic table. Fishing was awesome. I caught quite a few smallies, but they were on the smaller side. Still fun to catch. There were a few smaller sites for tent camping along the river. There are a few more sites below the dam as well. All dry camping. The drive down from the top is pretty steep. Ensure your vehicle is powerful enough to pull your rig back up the grade ;-)

Small and Peaceful Sites along the Snake River, Idaho

If you're needing a quick getaway for the weekend but cant go too far from Boise/Meridian, Swan Falls is the place for you! Both the idaho power side and further down the gravel road gives you numerous options for camping. Dam makes for great fishing too!

Easy access car camping

Very hot with little to no shade. The best part of this place is watching the birds of prey and the scenic canyon veiws. Fishing is pretty good here but people are rude and don't pack out their trash.

Birding and fishing

This is really popular area difficult to get spots you want but worth it. Great fishing spots.

Love variety spots for fishing, campground perfect for privacy.

Great scenery and easy access to needed amenities.  We pulled in setup camp could fish, hike, and enjoy other activities within minutes. Was easy to get a spot on a Wednesday morning and had multiple sites to choose from.

Great spring time camp

Took my boys out for a weekend and let them cast a couple lines it was very quiet and spaced well

Great spot

When we got there it was the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, and we got the last spot down the road. Needless to say it was alright, there’s lots of small bugs and standing water, little shade and high winds. But I’m sure good fishing, still was beautiful and would go back as it is convenient and free. 

Bugs and Heat

Dyrt found this gem of a free waterfront site while passing through SW Idaho. It stretches along the river and there’s some neat historical power station buildings to explore and nice green park to picnic by the river. Sunsets down in the canyon are amazing. 

Great place to stop

Stayed over night in this spot, right off the water! Soothing sounds of the wind, water and birds flying overhead. There is very little light pollution so the stars were out in almost full affect! I would visit this spot again if i was ever in the area.

Cool Starry Nights

We rolled into this place late at nite and we’re able to grab an awesome spot right by the river! When we woke up we could believe the views. There’s a little trail system you can wonder above that gives great views too. The sites are well maintained with fire rings and picnic table and there’s a pit toilet as well. Was so impressed this spot was free!

A real gem! 

I camped up top on the side of the gorge. The area I found had old fire pits people didn’t clean up, with bits of trash scattered around. The area was fairly secluded, but you’ll still hear boats ripping around in the water below. Not too bad but detracts from the experience little bit. More disappointed with the trash. 

Nice views, not great grounds 

Once you get past the 7 miles with no camping, there are a large amount of campsites. The road is pretty washboard and there was some traffic noise in the morning . There was a moderate amount of trash on the beach that I camped at. But, overall a good campsite.

Beautiful sunrise

A little bit misleading in the description.  There are some established camp spots and then there is some “dispersed” camping.  In reality the dispersed camping is more like established camping on BLM land.  
It can be a little bit confusing when you arrive but you take a right turn away from the welcome sign.  You’ll travel by a boat launch on your left and some construction type equipment on your right as you travel down a dirt road.  The mile or so is the established camping in Idaho Power property.  It’ll be on your left as your drive.  About 2ish miles in you’ll see a beat up sign marking the beginning of BLM land.  After that there are turnouts for the “dispersed” camping.  There are permanent fire pits and even some pit toilets so not exactly dispersed in the overland sense, but more like camping in the 80’s if you are old enough to remember that.  
You won’t need a 4WD rig.  A front wheel drive sedan can do this drive, but the road is bumpy.  It was dry when I went to maybe if it’s muddy it would be more treacherous.  
All in not a terrible camping spot.  You’re right on the river and the bugs are too.  
Remember, kids, only trash leaves trash and don’t be the weirdos “out in nature” with your Bluetooth speaker blaring music.

Not terrible

Got a spot right by the water. It was a quiet Wednesday in September. Bugs were still very active. Definitely would stay here again for a quick overnight. Flush toilets at the dam parking lot and pit toilet at the boat ramp. 

Photos of Swan Falls - Idaho Power

Real photos from real campers