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Big Lost River Dispersed

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free dispersed camping along the Big Lost River runs on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation system and a 10-day maximum stay. Access requires navigating a gravel road near a cattle gate, and arriving after dark adds difficulty since the network of paths branching toward the river can be hard to read. One paved pull-through site sits close to the entrance for drivers who prefer a smoother setup. Cell coverage has been reported at 1-2 bars of 5G on AT&T.

The campground holds roughly 15 sites, many positioned directly alongside the river. Fishing draws a consistent share of visitors, and the water is accessible from multiple points along the corridor. Reviewers note the area tends to fill up, particularly on summer weekends, so arriving midweek improves the odds of securing a riverside spot. Two vault toilets are on-site and have drawn positive comments. Pack-out trash rules apply; there are no garbage facilities.

"Clean for being free," notes LeRoy U., and that assessment tracks across multiple reviews, which consistently mention well-maintained pit toilets and tidy sites. Campfires and pets are permitted. Picnic tables are available at select sites. Anglers, van travelers, and anyone staging a multi-night stay in the Mackay Reservoir Access Area - IFG vicinity will find this a functional, no-cost base. Those who want hookups or a more developed setup can explore campgrounds around Mackay for alternatives.

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Map & DirectionsBig Lost River Dispersed is located in Idaho near Mackay

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

43.93983833069714 N
113.65018308261222 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 7/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 9/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 7/1/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 9/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Big Lost River Dispersed

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the scenic riverside location with private sites and clean facilities despite being free and rustic. Pack out your trash and bring water, as this dispersed area offers basic amenities only.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2026

Lots of options

Came late, it was difficult to navigate to the river with all the varying roads/paths. Parked at a pull over along the rushing river. Two vault toilets.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Big Lost River Dispersed by Elsie R., June 20, 2026
  • Review photo of Big Lost River Dispersed by Elsie R., June 20, 2026
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2025

Free

Clean for being free. Nice to be next to the river. Seems to be a popular place. Very rustic. Pack out your own trash.

Siteone of the few with a table.
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2023

Surprisingly easy access. Clean and ADA accessible

I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing.

SiteUnmarked Dispersed
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Big Lost River Dispersed by tom P., August 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Lost River Dispersed by tom P., August 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Big Lost River Dispersed by tom P., August 7, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2022

Not bad off the road

Probably 15 spots. AT&T 1-2 5G. Pit toilets, 10 day max stay right on Big Lost River, fishing might be good? No garbage, water. Not bad for a 2-3 nighter.

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is overnight camping allowed at Big Lost River Rest Area?

Yes, overnight camping is allowed at Big Lost River Rest Area. The site has approximately 15 camping spots available for visitors. There's a 10-day maximum stay limit enforced for campers. The campground is free to use and offers a mix of sites, including some private spots for a more secluded experience. This makes it suitable for short stays of 2-3 nights or longer visits up to the maximum allowed time.

What amenities are available at Big Lost River Rest Area?

Big Lost River Rest Area offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The site has pit toilets that are maintained and kept clean. There's no potable water or garbage service available, so visitors need to pack out their own trash and bring their own water. AT&T cell service is available with 1-2 bars of 5G coverage. The campground is situated right along the Big Lost River, providing water access for fishing and recreation.

Where is Big Lost River Rest Area located and how do I get there?

Big Lost River Rest Area is located along the Big Lost River in Idaho. To get there, look for a turn near a cattle gate on a gravel road. The entrance can be easy to miss, so drive carefully. The site offers incredible views after driving through much of Idaho and serves as a welcome relief point for travelers. There's a paved spot close to the entrance, with additional sites scattered throughout the area.

What activities can visitors enjoy around Big Lost River Rest Area?

The primary attraction at Big Lost River Rest Area is fishing in the adjacent river, which is reported to be good. The river provides water access for various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding Idaho landscape, making it a great spot for photography and relaxation. The area's natural setting also lends itself to wildlife watching, hiking in the vicinity, and simply enjoying the peaceful riverside environment. The private spots throughout the campground provide nice spaces for picnicking and spending time outdoors.

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