The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Under President Truman, the Bureau of Land Management was established, setting aside one in ten acres of American land for public enjoyment. To discover the location of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in your area, simply enter “BLM camping near me” into your search engine. You will find that many BLM sites offer free camping while others charge only a small fee. There are also sites for BLM RV camping. Reservations are required for some sites, and amenities will vary.
Magic Reservoir was created by the construction of the Magic Dam, which was built in 1910 on the Big Wood River in Blaine County, Idaho. It is a popular location for fishing, boating, camping, hunting, waterskiing, and ice fishing. The reservoir is huge, with 3,700 acres of water surrounded by a backdrop of mountains. Yellowstone National Park is the closest national park.
The Wood River Trail is a paved, multi-use path that provides excellent opportunities for hiking and biking. Originally part of the Sun Valley line of the Union Pacific railroad, it was converted to a trail in 1991. It winds through the lush wilderness in the Wood River Valley.
Length: 20 miles
Intensity: Easy
Croy Creek Trail was designed primarily for mountain bikers and motorcycle riders, but it is also enjoyed by hikers and equestrians. The route features a few major climbs and has beautiful views of the high desert hills. In addition to the trail, there is a bike park on site with half-pipes, berms, banked corners, and jumps.
Length: 18 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Galena Summer Trails, winding through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, is a network of trails that provides a stunning wilderness experience. All levels of hikers and bikers can find paths that are suited for them, and equestrians are also welcome.
Length: 47 miles
Intensity: From beginner to advanced
Magic Reservoir has many boat ramps that allow access for powerboats, sailboats, canoes, and other watercraft. Waterskiing and swimming are other favorite activities. Fishermen can catch brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, and smallmouth bass. In the winter, ice fishing is a favored activity as much of the reservoir freezes early because of its high altitude. Both perch and trout can be caught through the ice.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
A few miles from the Magic Reservoir is the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. For the adventurous, this offers the opportunity to climb among massive lava flows and explore caves created by collapsing lava tubes.
There are three islands near the Magic Dam that are excellent for bird-watching. These islands are nesting grounds for California and ring-billed gulls and Caspian terns. Other species include long-billed curlews, western and Clark’s grebes, the common loon, trumpeter and tundra swans, and other types of migrating waterfowl.
There are many sites available for picnics around the reservoir. These include Lava Creek, Lava Cove, West Magic, and Myrtle Point. The last includes covered shelters and a campground.
The nearby Croy Creek Trail is open for equestrians. It is of moderate difficulty and provides excellent views. The Galena Summer Trails also provide opportunities for horseback riding.
RV camping is possible near the Magic Reservoir at the Riverside RV Park and Campground. All spaces have full hookups and offer free Wi-Fi. Showers and a laundry are on site. Prices are $33/night or $198/week.
Bureau of Land Management free camping sites near the Magic Reservoir include the Lava Creek Campground, which has five sites and includes a picnic table and stone fire ring. There is no potable water or dump site, but there is a vault toilet. It is free, and no reservations are required. The Myrtle Point Campground is also free but only has one site. It includes a picnic table, barbecue and fire ring as well as a vault toilet, but no water or trash receptacle. Pets are allowed at both of these sites.
If you are not used to being at elevation, be aware that altitude sickness can be an issue. Therefore, plan to spend a few days acclimating before engaging in strenuous activities. Drinking plenty of water can alleviate the symptoms as well as prevent dehydration caused by the arid climate. Make sure to pack sunscreen and bug spray. You might also want to bring binoculars to enjoy the wide diversity of birds.
One of the best features of BLM camping in this region is the wide array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy just about any water sport you desire, from fishing to water skiing to swimming. The nearby trails allow bikers, hikers, and equestrians to lose themselves in the wilderness.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to the Magic Reservoir should clean up after themselves and minimize their impact on this natural area. They should pack out all trash and dispose of waste properly. Any human or dog waste should be buried at least 200 feet from the water. Do not confront wildlife. Remember, this is their home, and you are the visitor, so respect their space. By following these rules, you contribute to the maintenance of a pristine environment.
To get to the reservoir, take Highway 75 North 18 miles from Shoshone. Then turn west at the intersection with Highway 20 and go another 5 miles. For more information, call 208-732-7200.
Ready to visit the Magic Reservoir? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to 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 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.
