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Dugout Dick: Idaho’s Cave Dwelling Community on the Salmon River

on April 30, 2010

Richard “Dugout Dick” Zimmerman lived in hand-dug caves along Idaho’s Salmon River for over 60 years. Using only a pickax, shovel, and wheelbarrow, he carved an entire community of cave dwellings into the hillside and rented them to visitors seeking simple, off-grid living.

Cave Dwelling Video Tour

Video © YERT (Your Environmental Road Trip)


About Dugout Dick

  • Real Name: Richard Zimmerman (1916-2010)
  • Location: Salmon River, near Elk Bend, Idaho
  • Years Living in Caves: Over 60 years (1948-2010)
  • Caves Built: Approximately 12 cave dwellings
  • Rental Rate: A few dollars per night or around $25 per month
  • Land Status: Bureau of Land Management land with lifetime rights
  • Nickname: The Salmon River Caveman

How He Built the Caves

Zimmerman discovered that the rocky slopes along the Salmon River could be hollowed out to create warm, dry living quarters. Working entirely by hand with basic tools, he spent decades expanding his cave community. The caves stayed naturally cool in summer and could be heated with wood stoves in winter—he furnished them with items salvaged from dumps including stoves, beds, and other necessities.

Lessons from Dugout Dick’s Extreme Simplicity

  • Earth-Sheltered Living Works: Caves maintain stable temperatures year-round, reducing heating and cooling needs
  • Hand Tools Can Build Homes: Zimmerman created an entire community using only a pickax, shovel, and wheelbarrow
  • Salvaged Materials Reduce Costs: Furnishing from dumps and found materials kept expenses minimal
  • Simple Living Attracts Interest: Zimmerman’s lifestyle drew visitors, media attention, and rental income
  • Lifetime Rights Can Be Negotiated: Even on public land, arrangements for unique situations are sometimes possible

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
{ 3 comments… add one }
  • Lelly
    April 30, 2010, 9:48 am

    Hey I live in Idaho! I dig it!

    Reply Link
  • Meeka
    April 30, 2010, 4:40 pm

    that is the coolest thing i’ve seen all year..

    Reply Link
  • anne bentham
    May 4, 2010, 12:03 pm

    Okay, now I want to live in a cave.

    Reply Link

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