Free Camping Collection with

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Roads

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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access

12 Reviews

About

Bureau of Land Management

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Location

Portneuf River Lower Sportsman Access is located in Idaho

Coordinates

42.643052285171535 N
112.00505277704315 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Fair
T-Mobile
Available

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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First Come - First Served

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Contact

General Info

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Wendhy J.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2023

Great Star Gazing Spot!

We almost didn't stay here because of the low reviews due to the train noise but we were in Lava Hot Springs and this was such a short drive up the road. We arrived pretty late and there were still spots available. We found one big enough for our 21ft travel trailer and vehicle. The site was pretty level too, which we appreciated. We stayed in the last one on the upper loop. The stars were SO bright! We've veen traveling for almost a month and stargazing last night was definitely one of my favorite moments. The train did come by before we went to bed. But we didn't hear it the rest of the night. I am a light sleeper but I do sleep with white noise on, so maybe that helped. The morning views were beautiful! Would definitely stay again!

Sitelast one on upper loop

Month of VisitSeptember

(7) View All

Jerry H.

Guide

Reviewed May. 11, 2023

Nice

Dispersed camping close to hot springs, don't miss the hot springs, thay are awesome.

Siteunknown

Month of VisitJuly

Keith E.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

Free camping

Gravel road in to 8 back in spots some with frie pit . No electricity or water. But they do have a pit toilet. Short walk to fishing in the river. Train does run often right in front of site and does blow horn. All hours.

Siteunmarked

Month of VisitNovember

Alexandra T.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2021

Cute Spot for a Night

Cute spot for a night or two, super close to Lava Hot Springs where you can soak and shower.

Month of VisitNovember

Darryl K.

Guide

Reviewed May. 17, 2021

Currently closed for improvements

Drove by May 16, 2021 Closed for improvements but looks about done

Month of VisitJune

Edgar C.

Scout

Reviewed May. 9, 2021

Save your time! Closed!

Needed a place to crash for the night and this place was the closest one. Got to the location only to be blocked by a barrier.

Month of VisitJune

Vessa N.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Decent little overnight spot

We liked this spot. We were able to hear other campers, but it wasn’t too bad. What you can hear are the trains. I only heard one through the night. For us though, train noise is preferable to hearing a ton of other campers. This location is right on the river, which was beautiful. You will need some sort of mosquito repellent...

(5) View All

Earl J.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

Nice spot

The roads a little rough for bigger fifth-wheel. Beautiful view, less than five minutes to Lava and much better than paying the crazy prices in the camp grounds.

Taylor R.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2020

Great camping for those who wanna party

When you have a big group and you like to stay up late and have a good time and be loud while at lava hot springs, this is the place for you! There’s a toilet located here, bring your own TP though. The river is fun to jump in and hang out in! The trains come frequently and at times are pretty loud but it doesn’t bother our group. The camping is free and 100% worth it compared to the strict port neuf or koa campgrounds. TONS and TONS of space. It’s never been full when we go. There’s loads and loads of space. It’s only about 2 miles away from town so if you need to go to the bathroom, go to the store, or shop around or eat at a restaurant, it’s not far away at all! Our two dogs love all the free space as well! There isn’t much shade but there are shrubs all around near the river. So bring your shade tents!

Austin H.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2019

Just the way I like it

Those of you that are traveling koas are the best for you I hate koa campin that is for wimps getting your ass out In a tent now is real camping

Alan B.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Primitive Camping by the River

This is a decent dispersed camping area that has spots scattered along the river. The only amenities here are the vault toilet and the great fishing. There were also stone fire rings at all of the sites. Some interesting placards about the area and wildlife were the only other developed thing and like said below it is very close to the train tracks.

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Shani C.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2019

Free Camping, No Luxuries

This free campground has about 10 sites to choose from, mostly RV but occasionally tent camping. There is a bathroom, no luxury showers or a store to buy firewood or items. It’s about a 10min or less drive to Lava Hot Springs in case you need supply. This campground is right next to the river, has a small waterfall and beautiful scenery all around. The road is extremely bumpy so if your have a low car or trailer be careful. The pros of this is its free. 1st come 1st serve, nice, quiet area. The cons, no shower, hook ups, store and the train that runs by Lava Hot Springs can be heard.

(4) View All