Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders all have reason to head up Darby Canyon Road, where roughly ten dispersed sites are spread along the canyon in Targhee National Forest. Some sites sit just off the road; others require a short drive down rougher two-track paths. One reviewer noted that site 5 required high-clearance four-wheel drive and slow going, while a bluff site near the trailhead had open sightlines toward the Tetons but came with significant wind exposure.
Road conditions are a real factor here. The canyon holds snow into mid-June and begins accumulating again in October, so the window for reliable access runs roughly June through September. A May visit produced rough roads, and the area can be heavily buggy in midsummer. Cell service fades along most of the canyon road and disappears entirely near the Wind Cave trailhead. Campers looking at campgrounds near Targhee National Forest will find that dispersed options like this one tend to require more preparation than developed sites.
The campground sits in a bear food storage enforcement zone, meaning all attractants must be secured in a locked hard-sided vehicle or bear-resistant container. Fires are allowed but must be cold to the touch before leaving. The area is regularly patrolled by Forest Service staff and law enforcement rangers, particularly on weekends. The 14-day stay limit applies, with a 5-mile relocation requirement afterward. Nearby options worth considering include Darby Canyon Road Dispersed Camping and Teton Canyon Road Dispersed Camping for similar free dispersed experiences in the area. This campground suits self-sufficient campers who come prepared for variable road conditions and active bear country protocols.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDarby Canyon Dispersed is located in Wyoming near Driggs
Coordinates
43.67529007 N
110.9980074 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Darby Canyon Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 2 hrs 13 min from Pocatello, ID
- 3 hrs 33 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 33 min from Logan, UT










