The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located 50 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness offers an excellent base for RV explorers. It's located in southern Idaho, close to the borders of Utah and Wyoming. Several activities, including fishing and game hunting, are quite popular here. As the least-visited of the six wilderness areas in Idaho, the natural habitat provides a great deal of solitude for those looking for some quiet during their getaways.
Visitors can hike into the region from other locations in Custer County to enjoy the serenity of this area that's overseen by the Bureau of Land Management area. The Federal Agency is tasked with managing 20 percent of the 116,898 acres of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness. Alongside the paid campgrounds that dot this part of southern Idaho, Bureau of Land Management free camping is available as well. Dispersed and primitive camping allows visitors to spend time in the wild without the amenities of modern campsites.
The Toolbox/Herd Creek Trail is one of two official points of entry at the southern edge of Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness. The total trail runs for over 15 miles, with a detour to the summit of Herd Peak shortening the hike to seven miles. A hike here provides visitors with excellent views across Big Lost River and its red rock formations.
Length: 15.4 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
The trail offers a glimpse into the beauty of Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness without the need for a long hike. Lower Cedar Trail starts off the town of Mackay's Main Street in the trailhead parking lot. The main attractions of the short trail are the view across a lake and its disused dam.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
There are several fishing and boating opportunities in the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness. The Big Lost River flows to the south of the area and provides opportunities for kayaking and tubing during the summer months. Fishing is permitted within the boundaries of the area, with varieties of trout and bass among the most popular catches.
Six peaks within the boundaries of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness area are above 10,000 feet. Other peaks in the Boulder-White Clouds complex are above 9,000 feet. These sections offer plenty of scrambling and climbing opportunities.
The southern half of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness is covered by Douglas Fir and aspen trees. Birds of prey can be seen in the tree-lined areas, including Cooper's Hawk and raptors. The undisturbed natural wilderness is home to deer and chipmunks, and large animals from bobcats to moose and elk are found here as well.
Less than 10 miles east of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness is Whiskey Springs Cabin. The parking lot close to the southern border of the wilderness area in the town of Mackay offers picnic tables at the Lower Cedar trailhead.
The secluded nature of the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness provides horse riding opportunities. The trails and mountainous regions give riders plenty of space for exploring on horseback.
BLM RV Camping in and around the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness is available at the Upper Lake Campground. Many RV drivers decide to camp outside the region to gain access to the many state and national parks in the area. The Mackay Tourist Park offers parking for the largest RVs and access to the amenities of the town. The Moose Crossing RV Park combines the rugged outdoors of Idaho with amenities that include Wi-Fi, a dump station, and even a dog park.
Free camping is available on the properties managed by the BLM. Visitors can spend time on the lands of Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness free of charge, as long as they're located away from the traditional Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. To learn about other primitive and dispersed camping spots in one of the most secluded parts of Idaho, search for "BLM camping near me" as you make your way toward the park.
The winters in Idaho can be long and cold, so be prepared for quickly changing weather if traveling during this time of the year. Packing the correct clothing for the winter months needs to include heavy coats and sturdy walking boots. In the summer months, hunting and fishing in the wilderness area are managed by the state of Idaho. Large towns and cities like Mackay, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls are nearby, so you can pick up supplies if you forget anything or happen to run short.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Leave No Trace program is designed to preserve the natural beauty of the areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Whether camping or spending a day on the trails, visitors should make sure all their trash and equipment is picked up. The areas visited should be returned to their natural beauty and leave no trace of the impact of humans on the region.
From the City of Challis, head southwest on US 93 for 18 miles. Take the exit for East Fork Road and drive southeast for 16 miles. After 16 miles, the road becomes Herd Creek Road, leading to the campground at Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness.
Ready to visit Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
