The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Wolf Flats Recreation Area is a free dispersed campground that sits on the South Fork of the Snake River. Some of its larger sites can accommodate groups of up to 50 people. The area is surrounded by a lush cottonwood riparian full of vibrant trees, underbrush and wildflowers. All visitors must pack out their trash and avoid burning metal, glass or plastic. This recreation area isn't far from the Heise Hot Springs or the city of Idaho Falls. Wolf Flats is managed and protected by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is an agency within the Department of the Interior that oversees approximately 12 million acres of public land in Idaho, which are used for recreation, grazing, fire programs and more. Head east from Wolf Flats for about two hours to find Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone National Park is a little further north of Grand Teton or approximately 136 miles from Wolf Flats.
Visit this charming trail between March and October to avoid the worst of the mud. It's often used by birdwatchers, hikers and mountain bikers. Wind your way through the Caribou-Targhee Forest while enjoying stunning views of the wildflower blooms, valleys and canyons. Grazing cattle are often found toward the top. Length: 3.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
Try your hand at fishing for brown trout, cutthroat trout and rainbow trout from Snake River. The nearby Palisades Reservoir boasts about 70 miles of shoreline and six access roads. It has five picnic areas, several campgrounds and six boat ramps. Along with enjoying both motorized and nonmotorized boating, you can also fish for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon and lake trout. Other popular water activities here include swimming, tubing, windsurfing and waterskiing.
The best climbing spots near the Wolf Flats Recreation Area are over in Grand Teton National Park. With climbs ranging from 5.4 to more than 5.10a, every level of climber will find a challenge that suits their interests. The traditional 5.4 Owen Spalding is 1,560 feet tall and promises exceptional exposure. The exact route often changes depending on the weather and snowfall. The 5.9 Open Book has six pitches and a short approach. Most of the experience is finger-crack climbing with a few semi-hanging belays.
The region’s mammal species range from mule deer and pronghorns to elk, moose and bison. Don't be surprised if you see a black bear, grizzly or cougar wandering the foothills. Birders should be on the lookout for peregrine falcons, swallows, mountain bluebirds, robins, blackbirds and mourning doves.
Picnicking facilities can easily be found at the Fisher Bottom Historic Buildings and the Wolf Flats Recreation Area. There is an abundance of dispersed camping spots running along Snake River where you can spend a few hours picnicking, resting or enjoying the scenery.
You'll find more than 1,000 miles of off-roading trails in Southeast Idaho. The Bone Trail, for example, extends east from Birch Creek Mountain into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Tincup Canyon is located 20 miles away from Wayan and is a great spot for wildlife viewing and dispersed camping. Take your time venturing across the Idaho Historic Byway as it runs to the Wyoming state border.
Feel free to stay at nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds like the popular Kelly Island Campground. This semi-developed camping area has pull-through campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets and a central spigot. Staying at one of the 14 single campsites costs $10 per night. There's also a group campsite that can accommodate up to four large RVs and around 35 people. The daily rate is $35. This campground is open from mid-May to late September. As you search for BLM camping near me, you'll find more RV camping options at Juniper Campground. This site has three loops with a total of 60 RV campsites. Dry dock camping costs $20 per night while full hookups are $30 daily. Take full advantage of the day-use area by using the picnic tables, shelters and boat launch. They're open every year from May 15 until October 1.
Many Bureau of Land Management free camping spots are available at the Wolf Flats Recreation Area. The site has 25 primitive locations not far from an undeveloped boat launch on Snake River. The main site also provides several portable toilets. Visitors are not permitted to cut down trees or create new camping areas. You're also welcome to park your motorhome along Swan Valley Highway or Ririe Highway.
Idaho's scenic mountains, valleys, rivers and meadows make it a popular tourist destination all year long. Start preparing for your upcoming Idaho camping journey by investing in the right gear. Pack rain equipment, a portable campfire stove, bug spray and high-quality water jugs. Invest in a fishing tent to keep you dry as you fish along the Snake River or Ririe Reservoir. If you're going off-grid, don't be surprised if you lose cell reception. Paper maps can be a lifesaver, or you can snag a reliable satellite messenger. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Following the leave-no-trace rules ensures you’re minimizing your impact while camping, hiking and exploring. You should always travel and camp on sturdy surfaces like sand, rock and gravel. Stick to developed trails to limit the destruction of fragile vegetation. Don't forget to practice safe campfire habits and only use local firewood. When you camp or picnic, try to leave the area as undisturbed and pristine as possible.
From Idaho Falls, drive for about 15 miles on East Ririe Highway 26. Take a left on N 160 E and then a right on E 100 N. The road name will change to E Heise Road. Follow this path along the Snake River until you see the sign for the recreation area. Address: Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Ready to visit Wolf Flats Recreation Area? 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.
