With high elevation basins and steep mountain peaks, you are sure to be blown away by the dramatic scenery at the Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area. This is a protected plot of 40 acres located around 18 miles from Montpelier, near to the town of Bloomington in South East Idaho. It is an area that is rich in history and abundant in flora and fauna. It could be the perfect base for your wilderness adventure in the great outdoors around southeast Idaho.
Whether you are looking to get back to nature or find the ideal base for your Idaho vacation, the Worm Creek WSA premises to provide backcountry camping at its finest. For those who enjoy outdoor hobbies, there is so much to see and do here; with a wealth of recreational activities to choose from. From fishing and water sports on one of the nearby lakes to game hunting and nature photography, this BLM-managed WSA has something for everyone.
Alternately, if you are looking for a vacation that promises solitude and time for reflection, this could be the perfect spot to unwind and de-stress amongst the spectacular scenery. Read on for an in-depth guide to RV camping in the area, including an overview of transportation, activities and nearby campsites.
If you are looking to get out of the rat race and take a break from civilization for a short while, the best way to get to the Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area is by car. The area is located around 15 miles southwest of Montpelier in Idaho. A city that was founded in 1863 by Mormon pioneers; this is an area with a rich mining history. If you need to pick up any supplies, this is the best place to do so. In Montpelier, you will find a range of stores and restaurants as well as the nearest medical center.
To access the WSA, head to Bloomington, Idaho, and take the Bloomington Canyon Road. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the area. It is also important to note that this area is not maintained and snow is not removed during the winter months. As a result, it is advised that you check the driving conditions before you set off, as some of the roads around this area may be subject to closure.
Depending on where you camp, you may be able to park your vehicle at your campsite. Alternatively, parking is also available in the day-use area.
Staying in this beautiful rural setting is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself into the full primitive camping experience. This is back-to-basics camping at its finest and the campground offers the chance to relax in the great outdoors on a first-come-first-served basis.
Campfires are permitted but you must ensure fire safety at all times. Pets are also allowed, but they should be kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Bear Lake is often referred to as the ’Caribbean of the Rockies’ and it is not very difficult to see why. The Bear Lake State Park is an expansive area of woodland and wilderness located around the north and east shores of this 20-mile lake which lies across the Idaho and Utah border. There are over 800 camping sites around this park, which spread over seven campgrounds; three of these are suitable for group camping.
The Paris Springs Campground is a particularly popular spot, and this site is managed and maintained by the USDA Forest Service. There are just basic facilities here, with vault toilets and drinking water but no electricity.
With its rugged mountains, untouched wilderness, and wealth of recreational activities, camping at the Caribou Targhee National Forest is also a popular choice. The Scout Mountain campground is an excellent choice for RV campers, with three RV pull-throughs, basic facilities, and a picnic table and grill at each site. However, there are no electric hook-ups.
Close to the town of Pocatello, this campground is open from May to September, with reservations made either by phone or online.
Bird watchers are bound to appreciate the chance to spot some exciting species in the area, including cranes, herons, geese, trumpeter swans, and white pelicans. Bird watching is popular in the spring and fall, with many passing through the area on their migration. There is also an abundance of wildlife native to the region.
If you are interested in doing some wildlife watching on your trip, the nearby Caribou- Targhee National Forest is home to 200 species of nesting birds, as well as 85 types of mammals and 17 different reptiles and amphibians.
There are several hiking trails in the area, with paths that will leave you winding your way up through the woodlands and into the long meadows filled with wildflowers. With uneven terrains and fairly steep slopes, hiking here can be fairly difficult.
However, if you are looking for something a little easier, the Bloomington Lake Trail is just a 0.5 miles round trip and it takes you to the beautiful Bloomington Lake. This crystal clear mountain lake is glacier-fed and provides the perfect opportunity for a cooling swim in the summer.
With boating, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing in and around Worm Creek, this could be the perfect trip for water sports enthusiasts. For example, the clear turquoise waters of Bear Lake provide the perfect opportunity for fun on the water. The gradual slope into the lake makes this a popular swimming spot in warmer weather.
However, you will need to keep your eyes open for the legendary Bear Lake monster; a loch-ness style creature that supposedly lurks in the deep waters of the lake.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport that services the Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area directly. However, transportation is available to nearby Montpelier.
There are many popular fishing spots in and around the Worm Creek WSA. For example, excellent fishing can be found at the Montpelier Reservoir, with the chance to catch Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout and more. Bear Lake is just over an hour’s drive away from the Worm Creek area, with this being a choice spot for ice fishing in the winter. Many anglers visit at this time to catch the rare and exclusive Bonneville Cisco, a fish that can be found nowhere else in the world.
Daily bag limits apply to all waters within the Bear County region. For example, both bass and trout are limited to six, but all sturgeon must be caught and released.
Hunting is permitted in certain areas of the wilderness area, with easy access to the hunting grounds. This location is home to a variety of deer, elk, and numerous other small mammals; making it an ideal spot for your hunting adventure. October is a particularly popular time for hunting near Montpelier, with organized events and group hunting treks available.
Remember to always ensure you check the state’s laws and regulations, and we advise that you contact the park office to ensure that hunting is permitted on the day.
With such stunning scenery and breath-taking landscapes, you will definitely want to take your camera on this trip. Whether you are just an amateur looking to capture cherished memories or you are a professional photographer, the ideal shot could be just around the corner.
With its dramatic mountains, expansive lakes and wealth of greenery, this idyllic location is a photographer's dream. Plus, the abundance of wildlife promises a fantastic nature photography experience. Early in the morning is the best time to spot wildlife, but remember, to always practice safety and do not approach any wild animals.
