The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are one of the great benefits of BLM lands across the country. This part of the government is tasked with preserving many American lands for future generations while also allowing people alive today the chance to enjoy nature. Idaho isn't usually considered a desert state like many of its peers to the south, but the southeastern corner of the state gets so little precipitation that it's technically a desert environment. The Saint Anthony Sand Dunes formed naturally and stretch for 35 miles on the volcanic Snake River Plain. Ranging from 50 to 400 feet in height, these sand dunes cover nearly 11,000 acres of entertainment for off-highway-vehicle owners. OHV enthusiasts love the Deadhorse Bowl, a 1-mile-wide sand bowl that is 400 feet deep. Searching for "BLM camping near me" can give you local options around you. While you're in this part of the country, you should think about visiting nearby national parks. Two great options from this part of Idaho include Grand Teton National Park to the southeast Yellowstone National Park to the northeast.
Find the entrance to this partially paved trail close to River View Cemetary. Leashed dogs are welcome, and strollers and wheelchairs can use this path. Warmer months run from April until November, when the trail is great for birding, hiking, biking, walking, and running. Cross-country skiing is possible in winter, but you can do wildlife viewing or fishing all year long. Length: 2.0 miles Intensity: Easy
Henry's Lake is an angler's paradise. Many consider this place to be one of the best trout fisheries anywhere in the West. Be ready to catch cut-bow hybrid, brook, and cutthroat trout. Boating is possible via either a ramp or launching docks.
Paramount Wall / Blanche Rock is a place where climbers can find relief from the hot summer sun. Those new to climbing can enjoy a number of lines rated 5.9 to 5.10 in difficulty. A 50-meter rope is enough for all but three routes. Spraypaint, Positively Negative, and Fly By Night are better left to more experienced climbers.
The St. Anthony sand dunes might look lifeless, but they're actually a crucial environment for several distinct species of beetle. The surrounding grasslands, sagebrush, and juniper are also habitats for sage grouse. In the winter, moose, mule deer, and elk spend time here. If you spend any time fishing at Henry's Lake, then you might see sandhill cranes, pelicans, swans, and antelope.
ATV riding is easily the most popular activity at the St. Anthony dunes. You can bring your own, but a number of campgrounds and stores in the vicinity offer rentals and equipment you can rent or buy.
ATVs aren't the only way to ride the dunes if you bring your horse. Just make sure you stay on the designated equestrian paths when outside the open sand. The Egin Lakes campground has a horse tye-up spot, and be sure you bring everything your horse might need on a long, hot ride.
The dunes don't get a lot of light pollution. That makes them very popular for anyone who loves watching the skies above. Clear nights in the later portions of July can be a great chance to witness the Perseid meteor showers.
Given how many parts of the dunes are free of both animals and people, it's a relatively safe place for shooting clay pigeons. State policy does require you to take out anything you bring in, so pick up your shells and shards when you're done.
BLM RV camping is available at Egin Lakes Campground. You can reserve 26 of the total 48 campsites in advance, and the rest are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. This campground has electrical service, potable water, and an RV dump station. Concessions, restrooms, and picnic sites are also available to campers and daytime users.
Free and dispersed camping is legal in Idaho forests unless otherwise posted. You need to stay away from paid campsites and sources of water. Warm Slough 2 is a good campsite in the area of the dunes outside of Rexburg for Bureau of Land Management free camping. Open year-round, this is down a dirt road and has a handful of campsites. The maximum RV length it can accommodate is 25 feet. There is a fire ring and fishing available.
You should know that only some of the dunes are open all year, such as the smaller dunes just east of the campground to Red Road. However, even those are usually covered with snow after the start of the calendar year. The big dunes on the west side are closed from the start of the year until April 1. Anything south of Egin - Hamer Rd is also closed for that same time period. Some areas of open sand stay closed until May 1. If you go during the summer, be prepared for temperatures to go over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Always be ready to ride designated routes with safety flags and your annual OHV sticker. Honor all posted signs, and don't take any glass containers along. Riders under the age of 18 have to wear helmets per state law. If you are there for shooting, make sure you wear bright colors so drivers see you and can avoid you. Given the noise levels involved in driving in OHV, they might not hear you shooting. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whether you visit the dunes for a day of adventure or camp somewhere for multiple nights, make sure that one of the last things you do is retrace your steps and pack out all your waste. Enjoying current BLM lands in the here and now has to be balanced with preserving these natural spaces for future visitors, whether they come next week or a decade from now. You're asked to practice the "Leave No Trace" guidelines durning your visit.
Starting in the nearby city of Saint Anthony, follow Main St to the west until you get to N Salem Road. Turn north on E 500 Rd N, and stay right. When you get to Elgin Lks Acc, turn right. You'll make a right turn into the entrance. Address: Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Dr., Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Ready to visit St. Anthony Sand Dunes? 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.
