The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) locations are public lands that protect natural, culturally significant, or historical areas. The Bureau of Land Management, part of the United States Department of Interior, operates them. Often, these properties contain campgrounds where you can disperse camp for up to 14 out of 28 days before needing to move at least 25 miles away while others have campgrounds with more services. Many of these campgrounds, often in extremely scenic areas, are free to camp at while others charge a minimal fee. Therefore, consider searching for "BLM camping near me" before exploring the Oregon National Historic Trail. If you follow the Oregon National Historic Trail from east to west, one of the first sites you will visit is Thomas Fork Crossing, where you can see one of the challenging water crossings the settlers had to make. As you continue across Southern Idaho, you will pass through the northern end of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. One of the last sites in Idaho is Hudspeth Cut-off, where the pioneers had to decide if they would follow the Bear River south or try to forge their way straight ahead.
The Bloomington Lake Trail is a short hike along a grassy trail to a beautiful lake where you can swim, fly on a rope swing and watch the cliff divers. There is plenty of parking in the parking lot near the trailhead. Length: 1 mile Intensity: Moderate
Devil's Causeway Trail near the Stillwater Reservoir is one of the prettiest in the state because it leads to Little Causeway Lake. The narrow causeway bridge is 11,800 feet above sea level, and many hikers grip tightly to the handrails when crossing it because of the 500-foot sheer drop-offs on either side. The trail ends at the Chinese Wall, which offers stunning views of the Flat Tops. Length: 10,5 miles Intensity: Moderate
The South Fork of the Tin Cup Creek Trail near Freedom, Idaho, offers stunning views of nature, especially in its second half, when you may see beaver and muskrat homes. There is a tiny parking lot at the trail's beginning. The wildflowers can be beautiful in the spring along this trail's edge. Length: 6.9 miles Intensity: Moderate
Alexander Reservoir is a suitable place to fish for rainbow trout, perch, channel catfish, bluegill, and smallmouth bass. This 1-mile-wide and 4.5-mile-long reservoir near Soda Springs has two day-use areas. Paddlers will love the scenery at this lake.
Massacre Rock, near American Falls, Idaho, is a fantastic place to go sports climbing. This site sits northwest of Massacre Falls State Park and on the other side of the Snake River. Consider heading to the Owl Cove Area, where you will find at least eight walls with various climbs. While you can take a 30-minute hike to this site, you can also access it by canoeing down the Snake River.
Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Soda Springs is a terrific place to go wildlife viewing. Starting in early April, this refuge is home to the highest concentration of sandhill cranes worldwide. Additionally, about 40,000 Franklin's gulls nest at this location. A gravel road circles the sanctuary, making it easy to explore.
Bear Lake State Park is a beautiful place for a picnic. After your picnic, rent a watercraft or paddleboard to play on the water. They also have a water trampoline.
RV camping is at numerous places along the Oregon National Historic Trail in Idaho. Consider staying at Redpoint Campground. Bear River's shore campground has a playground and horseshoe pit. Another terrific choice is Maple Grove Campground. There is a boat ramp at this campground near Preston, Idaho. If you are near Soda Springs, another wonderful choice is Blackfoot Reservoir Campground, where the fishing is often terrific. There are 18 campsites, with varying prices depending on the level of service that you want.
The Oregon Trail area has several Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities, especially along smaller creeks and the region's rivers. For example, you can disperse camp at the Goodenough Creek Campground, on the edge of the Caribou – Targhee National Forest, and there are 10 campsites at Hawkins Reservoir Campground. You can find other options for primitive camping in this forest. There are other dispersed camping sites along the Snake River, like Pipeline Campground, which has a boat ramp offering easy river access.
There are several places along the Oregon National Historic Trail in Idaho where you can see unique grass formations caused by the settlers' wagons. In others, you can see wagon ruts. One prominent site is at the Oregon Trail Historic Reserve, where you can walk along a gravel path toward the top of one of the largest hills the travelers encountered in Idaho. Another option is at the Milner Historic Recreation Area, where some pioneers chose to camp for a day or two to rest during their long journey. Staying at the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is a terrific option while exploring Idaho. Many of these sites are undeveloped, so it is easy to pretend you are one of the early pioneers, but you have the advantage of staying in a rented RV. You will find many places to hike, bike, and fish along the route. Before you start, make the most of your trip by checking out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Many sites along the Oregon National Historic Trail are remote locations where trash service is unavailable. Therefore, ensure to contain your trash and throw it away when you reach a suitable place. In addition, remember the principles of Leave No Trace, which include camping on durable surfaces, not removing artifacts, and not harassing wildlife.
There are 20 places along the Oregon National Historic Trail in Idaho. Consider visiting the National Oregon/California Trail Center by starting in Logan, Utah. Take Exit 362, and merge onto US 91 North. Turn a slight right onto Idaho 34 and right on Idaho 36 East. Continue straight to get on US 89 North. Finally, turn left on North 4th Street in Montpelier, Idaho, and the center will be on your right. Address: National Oregon/California Trail, National Oregon/California Trail Center, 320 N 4th St, Montpelier, Idaho 83254
Ready to visit Oregon National Historic Trail? 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.
