Swan Valley camping areas sit at around 5,300 feet elevation where the South Fork of the Snake River flows through eastern Idaho's high desert and mountain terrain. Camping spots near Swan Valley, Idaho become snow-covered and largely inaccessible from October through April, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F. The area serves as a natural corridor for wildlife including moose, bears, eagles, and elk that move between the surrounding mountain ranges.
What to do
Fishing access points: Falls Campground provides direct river access with several sites positioned along the Snake River. "Great campground to hang out at the river and do river type stuff. It is laid out well for getting larger vehicles in," explains one camper, though they warn "the bugs can get bad" due to the riverside location.
Mountain biking trails: The area near Mike Harris Campground offers exceptional mountain biking opportunities. "It offers access to some of the best Mtn Bike Trails in our area. Rush hour, Nemo, and Mail Cabin are all great rides," notes a reviewer who recommends these trails as "the best kids rides in the area besides Grand Targhee."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Moose were seen in the area and bald eagles were plentiful," reports one camper at Falls Campground who visited during July. At Mike Harris Campground, campers mention "Moose wander through in the evenings" making wildlife viewing possible without leaving your site.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate sites directly on waterways. At Wolf Flats Recreation Area, one visitor noted, "Lots of great options to camp along the river!" The area provides numerous riverside sites though some have "steep banks" making water access more challenging at certain locations.
Clean facilities: Campground hosts receive praise for maintaining facilities. "The pit toilets were the cleanest I have ever seen!" reports a camper at Riverside Park Campground, while another mentioned "the campground hosts are accommodating, friendly, and keep this campground in pristine condition."
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation camping provides relief from summer heat. "This is a smaller campground. It is great, but as its elevation is much lower than our usual locations, it is hot here in the middle of July," noted a Falls Campground visitor, suggesting spring and fall visits might be more comfortable.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Hover Camp (formerly Camp Rendezvous) reported, "One site left for two nights!" while another mentioned the owner said "they fill up every night" making advance reservations essential.
Bear country precautions: Food storage rules are strictly enforced throughout the area. Campgrounds like Mike Harris provide "nice bear boxes" for food storage, and campers should never leave food unattended, even in locked coolers.
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. The road to Wolf Flats Recreation Area is described as "very very dusty" with local traffic that "fly down the road in trucks as fast as they can and will leave your stuff covered in dust," according to a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Look for gradual river entry points for safer water play. At Fall Creek dispersed camping area, "Several spots have nice access to a stream that runs through that area which was great to play in with my pup!" reports one visitor, noting these same areas work well for children.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites with natural separation. At Fall Creek dispersed camping, "campsites are spread apart with vegetation in between which provides fairly good privacy," even during busy weekends.
Alternative accommodations: Some families prefer cabin options during unpredictable weather. Hover Camp offers "cabins with different facilities ranging from partial to full bath" which provides more comfort for families with young children or during shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
RV site specifics: When traveling with larger rigs, arrive early to secure appropriate sites. At Riverside Park Campground, "The only electric sites are on the upper half" according to a visitor, who also noted the "gravel/dirt pads that are level" make setup easier.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal locations. At Falls Campground, you can "use the dump station at the Palisades Reservoir during and at the end of your stay without paying $5 if you show a receipt validated by the campground host," advises one RVer.
Generator restrictions: Be aware of campground-specific noise policies. Many campgrounds have designated generator-free areas, like Gros Ventre Campground's "generator free side of the camp which was great!" according to a tent camper who appreciated the quieter atmosphere.
