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 (BLM) keeps careful watch over more than 240 million acres of land throughout the United States. It just so happens that 12 million of those acres are in Idaho. Many of these sites offer Bureau of Land Management camping. With BLM land stretching over 25 percent of Idaho, there is no shortage of camping and recreation opportunities in this Pacific Northwest state. To find BLM sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir is in Twin Falls County, Idaho, which is Idaho’s highest desert and the site of Salmon Falls Dam. Salmon Falls Creek flows year-round but reaches its highest point between April and June. The BLM’s Lud Drexler Park, located at the upper end of the reservoir, is an excellent site for RV or tent camping. The reservoir and surrounding lands provide ample opportunities for fishing, hunting boating, hiking, climbing, and wildlife viewing.
Salmon Falls Creek Gorge is a fairly level trail located just outside Twin Falls, Idaho. It steers clear of the canyon. However, there are plenty of scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. This trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and dog walkers.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Snake River Trail brings you along a mostly paved river walkway. It is suitable for bikers and walkers.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
This easy hike offers visitors a good look at the river, waterfall, and forest. It passes by the Perrine Bridge, a popular spot for base jumping.
Length: 2.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Pillar Falls Trail offers a short yet challenging hike along the river. Hikers get a firsthand look at a waterfall. The trail is quite steep and can be particularly challenging during winter.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This paved walkway brings hikers directly into Rock Creek Canyon. The trail is steep but easy to descend. Parking is very limited.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing opportunities abound at Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir. Brown trout, chinook salmon, kokanee salmon, walleye, yellow perch, black crappie, channel catfish, and many more species can be found in abundance. Ice fishing is popular during January and February. Visitors are encouraged to float down the creek in Class I and II floatables.
The 30 or so crags located along the Salmon River offer opportunities for climbers of all skill levels. Since many of the crags are located on the riverbank, rafts are often required for access. If you’re willing to travel a little north, you’ll find the infamous Snake River Canyon. This place is a hotbed for both rock and ice climbing.
Wildlife runs rampant throughout the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir though guests must be very observant if they wish to spot some. Common sightings include mule deer, mountain cottontails, yellow-bellied marmots, and blacktail jackrabbits. The abundance of game animals around the reservoir makes Salmon Falls Creek a popular destination for hunters.
Many visitors enjoy picnicking at various spots along the river bank. You’ll find an official picnic site, complete with picnic tables and fire rings, at the Salmon Creek Dam site in Rogerson, Idaho.
Backwater, Norton Bay, Big Sand, and Greys Landing Recreation Sites are nearby preserves with established RV camping areas. Lud Drexler Park in nearby Rogerson also offers $15 per night camping. Electric and water hookups are available on a limited basis. Rogerson RV Park is privately owned campground with a close proximity to Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir.
Many campers opt to leave their RVs behind in order to enjoy the Bureau of Land Management free camping. There are ample dry, level spots along the river, though many can only be accessed by water. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area also offers complimentarily designated and non-designated dispersed camping.
Salmon Creek Reservoir visitors should come prepared for the harsh realities of high desert weather. Summer days can be incredibly hot. Even still, temperatures tend to drop rapidly during summer evenings. Bring along a variety of outerwear, extra bug spray, and plenty of water.
There is no shortage of RV-friendly campsites in southwest Idaho. The sheer magnitude of BLM land creates an abundance of boondocking and dispersed camping opportunities in addition to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Of course, there are also plenty of creekside RV parks with plenty of modern amenities. A lack of paved access roads can make driving cumbersome for larger vehicles.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir visitors should take strides to minimize their impact on their surroundings. The BLM works hard to protect the native animals and their habitats. Visitors can help out by properly disposing of trash and recyclables or carrying out refuse when proper receptacles are not available.
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir is located roughly 40 miles southwest of Twins Falls, Idaho, which is about two hours southeast of Boise. The Bureau of Land Management office is located in Rogerson, Idaho. To get to Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, travel US-93 South for 28 miles. Turn right onto Three Creek Road. Continue to head west down Highway 93. The dam is located 7.3 miles down the road. The dirt roads along the route lead to various BLM sites along the reservoir.
Ready to visit Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir? 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. There, 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.
