BLM Camping

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

If you want to pack up your RV and camp near Idaho's Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, head to Lud Drexler Park. It's located right on the reservoir's north end, making it a convenient option if you want to be close to all the outdoor action. Reservations aren't needed, but there is a fee. Overnight camping for up to two vehicles costs $15 per night, while the day use fee is $5 per vehicle. The site has a packed gravel road that connects the 20 dispersed campsites. RV travelers are drawn to Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir for its excellent fishing, peaceful waterfront camping, and convenient access to Twin Falls, where you can stock up on groceries, fuel, and other supplies before or during your stay.

Quick Facts About RVing at Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir

RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies • Camping Type: Developed and dispersed • Reservations: No • Hookups: Partial • Dump Station: On-site • Potable Water: Available • Cell Service: Generally spotty; can vary by carrier • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Packed gravel • Best Seasons: Spring through fall

Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area

• Partial hookups • Easy stop on a longer RV road trip • Ample fishing opportunities • Within an hour of Twin Falls • Quiet and uncrowded camping • Gorgeous scenery

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Salmon Falls Creek Gorge

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

Snake River Trail

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

Mogensen Trail

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

Pillar Falls Trailhead

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

Rock Creek Canyon Parkway

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 and BoatingFishing and Boating

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.

ClimbingClimbing

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 ViewingWildlife Viewing

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.

Picnicking

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.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

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. 

Developed Campgrounds

Lud Drexler Park features 20 developed campsites overlooking Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, making it the primary RV camping area within this BLM recreation site. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Overnight camping is $15 per night for up to two vehicles, while day-use access is $5 per vehicle. Amenities include potable water, an on-site RV dump station, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings with grill attachments, and maintained gravel roads. Many campsites include shade cabanas for comfort on hot days. While some sites can accommodate larger RVs, the BLM recommends contacting the Burley Field Office ahead of time to confirm site suitability for long rigs.

Dispersed Camping

Lud Drexler Park offers dispersed camping for up to 14 days within a 28-day period. As with all BLM campgrounds, it's important to abide by Leave No Trace principles. This includes leaving your area as you found it — pack out all trash and waste — and not littering. If you have a larger RV, it's best to reach out ahead of time to confirm that your big rig can fit and ask about any current size or space limitations.

Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?

Camper Vans: Many of these compact vehicles are an excellent option for visiting the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir area. Smaller models can fit in any of the spots. • Travel Trailers: Small or medium-size travel trailers are a good choice for your trip since there are limited spots for larger RVs. • Fifth Wheels: These RVs are on the large side, running 25-to-40-feet in length and providing ample living space. If you want to make the trip in a fifth wheel, choose one of the smaller models. • Class A Motorhomes: Although they offer luxury accommodations, their larger size doesn't make them ideal for the smaller spots at Lud Drexler Park. • Class B Motorhomes: Class Bs are usually more compact in size, making them a great RV for your adventure. • Class C Motorhomes: Small and some medium-size Class Cs would be a fantastic addition for your trip to the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir area.

Free Camping Campground Icon

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.

RV Rentals Near Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir BLM trip

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.

What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Lud Drexler Park is that there's a dump station and potable water available, adding a little more convenience. There's also a gas station about 12 minutes away, making it easy to fuel up and grab some snacks. If you want substantial meals from a major grocery store, you'll have a bit of a drive. The closest major supermarkets are about 45 minutes away in Twin Falls, so plan accordingly when you're heading to the area. Cell service is typically spotty near the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir. Consider contacting your cell carrier for more details about how your specific service will work during your trip. Don't forget to bring your fishing gear. There are many types of fish in the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, including bass and trout. Make sure to have a valid fishing license on hand at all times.

Leave No Trace Leaf

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.

Leave No Trace
Location

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir Location

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.

Plan Your Day at Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir

Morning: Head out for some early morning fishing in Idaho. Familiarize yourself with the current fishing regulations at the reservoir so you know which you can keep and which are catch-and-release. Have a good breakfast in your RV before starting your day. • Afternoon: Take a drive to Twin Falls to pick up any items you might need, including snacks, meals, and any outdoor gear or clothing. There are plenty of restaurants in the city where you can get incredible food. • Evening: Sit outside at the campsite, stare up at the stars, and breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy the peace and tranquility while you create a plan for the following day.

Nearby Attractions

The Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir is in a remote area, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of things to do. Whether you're all about the outdoor adventure or you want to mix it up with other activities, there are several options to add to your itinerary. • Salmon Falls Reservoir Boat Launch (2 minutes): Launch your boat just minutes from Lud Drexler Park for a day of fishing, kayaking, or cruising the reservoir. It's a convenient way for RV travelers to enjoy the water without a long drive from camp. • Twin Falls (45 minutes): Twin Falls is the nearest full-service city, making it the ideal place to stock up on groceries, refuel your RV, refill propane, or enjoy a meal at one of the area's many restaurants before returning to camp. • Shoshone Falls (55 minutes): Often called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is one of southern Idaho's most spectacular natural attractions. Spend a few hours taking in the scenic overlooks before heading back to your campsite at Lud Drexler Park. • Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (1 hour 10 minutes): This fascinating national monument preserves one of North America's richest fossil deposits. Stop by the visitor center to learn about the area's prehistoric history before exploring the surrounding scenic landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Lud Drexler Park? Yes, dogs are allowed at Lud Drexler Park, making it a great destination for RV travelers exploring with pets. Keep dogs under control at all times and clean up after them to help protect the campground and surrounding public lands. If you plan to visit Twin Falls, check with restaurants, shops, or attractions in advance to confirm their pet policies. Can I stay longer than 14 days at Lud Drexler Park? No. Camping is generally limited to 14 days within a 28-day period, which is standard for many BLM-managed camping areas. Once you've reached the maximum stay, you'll need to relocate to another campground or public land where camping is permitted. Check with the Bureau of Land Management for any local updates or seasonal restrictions. Should I bring outdoor gear on the trip? Yes. Fishing equipment, hiking shoes, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and other outdoor gear will help you make the most of your visit. Since the reservoir is in a remote area with limited shopping nearby, it's best to pack everything you'll need before arriving, including weather-appropriate clothing and any recreation equipment. Is winter a good season to visit Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir? Winter can be an enjoyable time to visit if you're prepared for colder temperatures and changing weather conditions. Ice fishing is sometimes possible when conditions are safe, but always check the weather forecast and current road conditions before traveling. Snow or ice may affect access, especially if you're towing an RV. Are campfires allowed at Lud Drexler Park? Yes, fire rings are available at the campground for visitors to use. However, seasonal fire restrictions or temporary burn bans may be in effect during periods of high wildfire danger. Before building a campfire, check current BLM fire restrictions and fully extinguish your fire before leaving your campsite or going to bed. Are there grills at the campground? Yes, Lud Drexler Park provides grills for campers, making it easy to prepare meals without bringing additional cooking equipment. They're perfect for grilling freshly caught fish or other foods you bring from Twin Falls. Be sure to clean the grill after use so it's ready for the next visitor.

Rent the Right RV for This Trip

Due to the limited larger parking sites at Lud Drexler Park, it's best to choose RVs that are smaller, such as camper vans. Smaller RVs are beneficial at the campsite as well as if you're visiting other areas that may feature narrow roads or low-hanging branches. Browse the RVs on RVshare to find the one that has the style you want and all the features you need. Make sure to also consider your budget, not just for the RV but also anything else you may require during your trip, like gas and food. Browse RV rentals near Twin Falls to find the right RV for your Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir adventure.