The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management, a federal agency that administers public lands, manages the Little Deer Wilderness Study Area, which is within Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Arco, Idaho. This remote wilderness area covers more than 13,936 acres. Like other areas at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, black lava that flowed from volcanoes thousands of years ago makes up this area. While the area has no active volcanoes, scientists predict that a volcano may erupt at this location sometime in the future. As a designated wilderness, there are no laid-out trails within the Little Deer Wilderness Study Area. This area is about 200 miles south of Yellowstone National Park and about 180 miles from Grand Teton National Park.
When you visit Little Deer Wilderness Area, you may start wondering where to find BLM camping. You can hike to remote locations within this wilderness controlled by the Bureau of Land Management and tent camp at these locations. You may also find BLM campgrounds located nearby. In Idaho, you can camp on BLM property where it is not explicitly stated otherwise for up to 14 days. Some campgrounds charge a fee while others are free. You can find many nearby options on central Idaho's Snake River Plain, or you may want to stay at one of the BLM campgrounds at the Craters of the Moon National Monument, which is co-managed between the BLM and the National Park Service.
This trail starts at the Tree Molds Parking Area, about 4.5 miles from the park's visitor center. It is a terrific hike to see the different volcanic features of this park. There is plenty of room to park an RV at the trailhead where this looped trail begins.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Inferno Cone Trail is extremely steep, with slopes up to 28 percent. You also need to be able to walk over rocks that may be up to four inches in diameter. Once you reach the top of the cone, you can enjoy views of the Great Rift, the Snake River Plain, and the Pioneer Mountains.
Length: 0.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Hiking along the North Crater Trail, you will see some of the most unusual scenery in Craters of the Moon. Be sure to stay on the trail, which leaves from the North Crater Flow Trailhead and ends at Spatter Cones parking area. The trail can be hiked in either direction.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Big Lost River is an excellent place to go fishing. Anglers often catch rainbow and brook trout along with mountain whitefin fish. This river is 139 miles long, but anglers need to check local regulations because there are some areas where fishing is not allowed.
While it is almost four hours south, climbers may want to climb in the City of Rocks National Reserve. There are at least 15 named climbs, with the Morning Glory Spire being among the favorite places to climb. Most climbers park in Parking Lot Rock and climb this spire's southwest or northwest wall.
Many animals in the Little Deer Wilderness Study Area are nocturnal. They include skunks, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, bats, nighthawks, owls, and woodrats. You are likely to see mule deer, coyotes, porcupines, mountain cottontails, and jackrabbits near dawn and dusk. This area is also home to animals that you are unlikely to see anywhere else on Earth, including Great Basin pocket mouse, pika, yellow pine chipmunk, and yellow-bellied marmot. Since there is almost no water in the wilderness, animals must get their water directly from plants.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a delightful place for a picnic. Tables are available on the east side of the visitor's center and at various locations around Loop Road.
BLM RV camping is available at Crater of the Moons National Monument and Preserve. There is one campground that the BLM and the National Park Service jointly manage. Lava Flow Campground offers no hookups but is available to RVs when the park's Loop Road opens, which is usually in April or May. Those looking for full hookups within the area may want to consider Craters of the Moon/Arco KOA Journey or Mountain View RV Park.
There are many backcountry camping opportunities in Crater of the Moon National Park and Preserve. You can also find Bureau of Land Management free camping at Goodenough Creek Campground about 100 miles to the south.
You need to be prepared to hike on lava when visiting this backcountry wilderness area. Be sure that you have hiking boots with thick soles. Lava can have sharp points that can cut through the soles of regular hiking boots. The ground is also very uneven, so you may want a pair of boots that provide stability for your ankles.
BLM camping is fun as long as you prepare. In this area, the summers can reach 80 degrees, but a strong wind often blows. The average daily high in January is 29 degrees, so dress in layers to keep warm. This area usually has winter blizzards.
Keep in mind that you are going into a remote section of Idaho, where there are no services. Fill up your gas tank before you leave Caney or Shoshone as there are no gas stations. You will love being in this area that very few people ever get to see. Even those who venture to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve seldom go farther than the park's more developed areas. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
There is no trash service in this remote area that is reachable only on foot and surrounded by other wilderness areas. Therefore, you must carry your trash out with you. Often, carrying a trash bag in your backpack can help. This same policy applies to many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
You cannot drive to the Little Deer Wilderness Study Area. You will need a detailed map of the area to get on the right dirt road to get to the southwest corner of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Get to the general site by taking Idaho 26 out of Shoshone. Once you get off Idaho 26, expect to take about one hour to go the nine miles to the closest road access to Little Deer Wilderness Study Area.
Address: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Ready to visit Little Deer Wilderness Study Area? 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.
