Camper submitted image from Bull Run Access Dispersed - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Bull Run Access Dispersed - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Bull Run Access Dispersed - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Bull Run Access Dispersed - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from Bull Run Access Dispersed - 5
People
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Bull Run Access Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bull Run Access Dispersed, near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of solitude in nature. This area offers a chance to pitch your tent or park your RV in a peaceful setting, surrounded by trees and close to the water.

Visitors have highlighted the beauty of the location, with one camper noting, “This is the best spot to set up,” thanks to its spaciousness and shade. While the mosquitoes can be a bit pesky, many found the overall experience enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration.

The area is perfect for families, with secluded sites that provide a nice balance of privacy and access to nature. You’ll find fire pits ready for use, making it easy to gather around the flames after a day of adventure. Just be aware that some sites have views of nearby homes, which might not be ideal for everyone seeking complete seclusion.

For those looking to explore, the surrounding landscape is dotted with small lakes and wildflowers, offering a picturesque backdrop for hiking or simply enjoying the outdoors. Just keep in mind that the sounds of the nearby highway and river can be heard, but many campers felt the natural beauty more than made up for it.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Bull Run Access Dispersed is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.53315332205378 N
116.48120743082148 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
50%
13%
13%
0%

4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2025

Ornery locals

My friend and I travel for work. We're all over the Pacific Northwest with a rooftop tent and a camper on the truck in order to save money on hotels. Basically we live out of rest stops and, if we can find them, nice secluded spots out in nature on our way to the next job. The reviews for this spot seemed promising. We were on our way from Coeur d'Alene to Missoula, and really need a nap to kill some time before our payroll checks cleared. From the start, the locals in this area were understandably curious. However there is a fine line between driving by to see what's with the unfamiliar vehicle, and deliberately trying to make visitors feel uncomfortable. We were only parked for about four hours, but several vehicles decided to drive by several times very slowly during this span of time. Visibly (and I repeat, visibly) staring at us with their mouths open. This location is pretty far from civilization. So I can't imagine how many places you could even need to go back and forth from in the span of an hour or two. Wherever that is it must be popular because no exaggerating, five different vehicles exhibited this pattern of behavior. Just in case there was any questions about the locals' intentions, about halfway through our stay apparently the neighbors made a deal to get some tractor work done. The tractor fired up and proceeded to go back and forth between the two properties to switch implements. I figure the average person would just bring the various implements closer to where the work is, but I'm not here to direct a man on efficient use of his tractor. These kinds of things are no bother to me, as I can sleep through just about anything. But my coworker is a little bit more of a light sleeper. So is his dog, who also didn't get much rest due to all the activity. So I figure either the neighbors weren't to happy with our presence, or theres a very popular drug dealer who lives on this road and they've got the good stuff. Because I've never seen so much repeat traffic in such a short span of time. Needless to say, we left and wish everyone there the best of times moving forward. With perhaps a gentle reminder that the parking area and boat ramp in their neighborhood is a public amenity provided by the state of Idaho. That is all.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2024

great spot except the hunters

We were glad we read the reviews for directions & info about spots — like others mentioned, the best spot is a big grassy area amongst the trees (continue past the first circular parking area). However, the entire area has sportsman access, so we listened to gun shots most of the day… not exactly the peaceful nature vibe we were hoping for. Would likely come back, but pray it’s a day of no hunters

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Jessica S., October 18, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2024

Calm Breeze and Amazing Sunset!

Stopped at the little restaurant and got a fantastic meal after being on the road all day then headed past all the massive houses to end up in such a gorgeous location. This is one of my favorite spots now!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Steve G., September 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Steve G., September 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Steve G., September 20, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2024

Buggy but Beautiful

We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Kaitlin K., August 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Kaitlin K., August 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Kaitlin K., August 30, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2024

Beautiful area with mosques

Just stopped for one night but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty spot close to the lake, but the mosquitoes are abundant! I had my door opened for just a few minutes and had to kill like 20 before I could sleep.

Siteupper area
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 17, 2024

Very good camping

Went with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect. 

Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone. 

Good site to camp for a family.

Sitethe only site surrounded by trees
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Snake P., May 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Snake P., May 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Snake P., May 17, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2023

Great Campsite!

Very quiet, isolated camp spot. This is the best spot to set up: Cross the one-lane bridge > make a right till you hit the parking lot > make another right towards the sign that says "sportsman access (or something like that)" > stay straight until you are prompted to make a left. Instead of making that left, stay right there. Spacious enough for you to set up a tent and park your car.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by Sabriya , July 24, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2023

Nice 3 Day Option

Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run rd

4 spots that I found.  One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed).  There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.

You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that.  More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer.  There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol).  I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.

Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.

Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape.  Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.

This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.

SiteBig loop site
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by PJ M., July 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by PJ M., July 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Bull Run Access Dispersed by PJ M., July 8, 2023
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Bull Run Lake?

Bull Run Lake dispersed camping area is designated as sportsman's access land, which means hunting is permitted in the vicinity. Standard dispersed camping regulations apply - pack out all trash, respect quiet hours, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Some camping spots already have established fire pits which should be used when available. There are no formal facilities, so campers should be prepared with their own water and waste disposal plans. The area can accommodate various camping setups, including large RVs up to 40 feet. For the most current regulations, check with Idaho Fish and Game or the local land management agency before your trip.

Where is Bull Run Lake in Idaho and how do I access it for dispersed camping?

Bull Run Lake is located near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. To access the dispersed camping area, take Highway 3 and cross the one-lane bridge called South Bull Run Road. Continue to the right past a few houses until you reach the Coeur d'Alene Trail access parking area. Cross over the trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run Road. For the best camping spots, after crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsman's access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot). There are several dispersed camping spots available, including a large loop with existing fire pits and a secluded site amongst trees if you drive past the first couple of grass campsites.

What free camping options are available near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho?

Bull Run Access Dispersed is a prime free camping option near Coeur d'Alene, offering several camping spots in a quiet, isolated setting by the water. The area features grassy sites and secluded spots among trees, accommodating everything from tents to large fifth wheels (up to 40ft). Be prepared for abundant mosquitoes during summer months. Other free camping options in the Coeur d'Alene area can be found on nearby National Forest land and BLM areas. Many of these dispersed sites are accessible via forest roads branching off main highways, typically offering 14-day stay limits. Contact the local Forest Service office for additional free camping locations and current conditions.