Dry Canyon Campground
02 reviews4350 Cliffs Drive Pocatello, ID 83204
Dry Canyon Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for camping, applicable year-round.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Dry Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape into Idaho's high country near Weston. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking solitude with just three carefully spaced single-family sites that promise privacy and tranquility. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach—vault toilets are available during the main season, but campers should come prepared with their own water and pack out all trash—the reward is an authentic wilderness experience far from the crowds.
Dry Canyon Campground is a small, primitive camping area suited for tents and small trailers. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is free of charge.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with the seasons, from a snow-dusted winter wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing to a sun-drenched summer sanctuary. Peak camping season brings those perfect Idaho days—crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly overhead while gentle breezes keep the warm temperatures comfortable. Summer visitors are treated to long daylight hours ideal for exploration, while spring and fall offer their own magic with wildflower blooms and golden aspens painting the landscape.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,000 feet, Dry Canyon delivers the authentic high-altitude experience that mountain lovers crave. The elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool nights perfect for stargazing, crisp morning air that invigorates the soul, and panoramic vistas that seem to stretch forever across the Idaho wilderness. This lofty position means temperatures run cooler than the valleys below—a welcome relief during summer's heat.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, the landscape tells a story of resilience and beauty. Scattered trees dot the terrain like sentinels, their sparse coverage creating an open, almost ethereal atmosphere where earth meets sky. The rolling hills of the Bear River Range undulate in every direction, their gentle curves hiding secret meadows and wildlife corridors. In this high desert canyon environment, the absence of dense forest canopy means unobstructed views of dramatic sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant hues. The wide-open spaces invite contemplation, while the whisper of wind through native grasses provides nature's own soundtrack to your camping adventure.
Geological RegionDry Canyon Campground sits within the majestic Bear River Range, a lesser-known treasure of the expansive Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This unique high-altitude dry canyon ecosystem showcases the dramatic interplay between mountain and desert influences. The sparse tree coverage and rolling topography create a distinctive landscape where hardy vegetation thrives in the well-drained soils, and the open terrain reveals the ancient geological forces that shaped these mountains over millions of years. It's a place where the rugged beauty of Idaho's backcountry is on full display.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campground has three single-family campsites suited for tents and small trailers. Details about the exact dimensions of the sites are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as being in an open terrain with sparse trees, suggesting limited privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure one of the three available sites, as all are first-come, first-served.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- No stated stay limit
- open year-round.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned, but typically accommodates single-family groups.
Groups
- Group camping is not supported
- the campground only has three single-family sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree single-family sites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Facilities include dirt parking spurs and vault toilets during the main season.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with main season between June and early September, offering toilets and basic facilities during this period.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are not required.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. "No reservations needed" policy.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Dry Canyon Campground provides a tranquil environment conducive to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and hunting. The absence of high-traffic amenities makes it a peaceful retreat for visitors who enjoy solitude and immersion in nature.
Hiking
The campground is surrounded by trails that weave through the nearby forest and rolling hills of the Bear River Range. These trails are suitable for hiking but there is no detailed information on trail lengths or difficulty levels.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the streams near the campground. The area promises 'quiet angling opportunities,' although the types of fish and specific fishing conditions are not detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground remains open in the off-season without facilities, making it less suitable for winter recreation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are not applicable given the absence of suitable water bodies for such activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are available at each site. Users should follow standard fire safety rules.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include limited shade, lack of drinking water, and wildlife typical of Idaho's high country.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Malad City, ID, approximately 20 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through early September.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling services are available. Campers must pack out all trash as per the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresNearby streams offer fishing opportunities but no direct water access within the campground.
Common complaints"No water or electricity" is frequently noted in reviews.
Campground Map
4350 Cliffs Drive Pocatello, ID 83204
Driving directionsFrom Weston, ID, head west on ID-36 for 4.7 miles. Take a slight right onto Dry Canyon Road and go 1.1 miles. Campground is located toward the end of Dry Canyon Road.
Accessible via dirt roads; the main access road is ID-36, followed by a turn onto Dry Canyon Road, which is unpaved. Roads are suitable for small trailers and tents.Nearby places
Malad City, ID: approximately 20 miles / 30-minute drive
Weston, ID: approximately 6 miles / 10-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Malad City, ID, approximately 20 miles away. Campers must bring their own water and supplies as none are available on-site.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Dry Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and peaceful environment. One reviewer, Greg Page, reflected on their long-term familiarity with the area, saying it is a 'beautiful, out-of-the-way place for camping and hiking.' Another user, Blue Dog, appreciated the simplicity of the campground and noted the 'clean vault toilet' as a positive aspect while emphasizing the lack of water and electricity. The limited number of sites (two pull-in and a few tent spots) is viewed as a feature adding to its seclusion.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive comments include praises for the clean vault toilets and the peaceful, secluded environment. Reviewers also appreciate that the campground is free, enhancing its appeal as a budget-friendly...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of water, electricity, and garbage services are noted as drawbacks. Additionally, some reviewers mention the limited number of sites as a potential downside for larger groups or those...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing ample drinking water due to the absence of potable water facilities. Campers should also be prepared to pack out all trash. Arriving early is advised to secure one of the...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No detailed seasonal trends have been noted in user reviews, but the campsite's lack of off-season maintenance (e.g., no vault toilets or water) suggests it is less appealing during the late fall and...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Grew up in the area and used to visit Dry Creek all the time. It is a beautiful, out-of-the-way place for camping and hiking.' - Greg Page
2. 'Only 2 small pull-in spots, but a few tent spots as...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews about individual campsite numbers are provided, but users mention the availability of two small pull-in sites and additional tent spots.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user comments specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews mentioning pets or related policies.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025