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Dispersed Camping

Decker Flats Dispersed

Decker Flats Dispersed, near Stanley, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of wilderness without the frills. This location offers primitive campsites right along the Salmon River, surrounded by stunning views and towering pine trees, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers.

Visitors rave about the peaceful ambiance, with many noting the beautiful creek nearby that adds to the serene atmosphere. One camper described it as “a beautiful and quiet area along a creek and against the forest,” which really captures the essence of this place. You can enjoy campfires under the stars, but keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your own firewood.

For those looking to stretch their legs, there are hiking trails just minutes away, including the path to Hell's Roaring Lake. Fishing is also popular here, with plenty of trout in the river, making it a great spot for a relaxing day by the water. As one reviewer put it, “The river is great for rinsing off as well,” which is a nice bonus after a day of outdoor activities.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or electric hookups—this is part of the charm for many campers who appreciate the chance to unplug and immerse themselves in nature. If you're seeking a laid-back camping experience with breathtaking scenery, Decker Flats Dispersed is definitely worth checking out.

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Location

Decker Flats Dispersed is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.031013789529595 N
114.83810842102685 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Decker Flats Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2024

Nice place close to great trailheads

I enjoyed my 2 night stay here. I pitched a tent however it was quite windy due to it being an open area so just stake your tent down well. I had a spot right beside the salmon river and was able to access this campsite via my Honda Accord vehicle.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2024

Very nice stay close to the Sawtooth mountains

This was a great stay. I found a place to pitch a tent right beside the river. There seemed to be plenty of spots some vacant at times. It was close to Highway 75 but did get some traffic noise but the river drowned most of it out. Would stay here again!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by brandon W., October 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by brandon W., October 5, 2024
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by brandon W., October 5, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2023

Great experience !

Beautiful and quiet area along a creek and against the forest.

SiteDispersed: North end
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by Jeremiah C., August 7, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2022

Easy access and nice space

Got here on a Friday (8/26) around 7:30 pm. There were already some folks out here, but there were still some spaces. Although, they were a bit close to each other in the main area where you pull in. Found a spot up the way by the creek that was further away from being around everyone there for a more secluded feel. Clean and easy.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Free!

Primitive campsites along the Salmon River. There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well. Beautiful views, close to Stanley for essentials.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2018

Stunning, Free, Within 15 Mins from Amenities

A good friend of ours brought us up to Stanley, ID to explore for a week on horseback, hiking, and camping. I have been a professional photographer for many years, although I have seen stunning jaw dropping landscape photos in magazines I had yet to find myself in a location that would take my breath away… Until the day we set up camp at Decker Flatts.

I wont rattle on about how we were within 2 mins of a hiking trail that leads you to "Hell's Roaring lake", or about the amazing Trout fishing within 10 feet of my tent, or even the stunning sunrises every morning. I wont even describe the Beauty of the 5 other lakes that were all within a 10 min drive and a 5-10 mile hike or horseback ride from our camp. (Upper Marshall Lake, Alice Lake, Petti Lake, Alpine Lake & Sawtooth Lake) I'll just let you see the photos attached to this review and hope you'll make the life changing camping trip we did.

a few things to know:

  1. The trails we took are not per-say beginner trails, the shortest one is 10 miles Round Trip and it leads you to Hell's Roaring Lake, (My wife and I Hike quite often and it was a most the day trip)
  2. All the other lakes we visited were on Horseback, they were all day long rides. i could not imagine making those trips in ONE day on foot, although we passed quite a few people whom have hiked up, spent the night, and hiked out the next day.
  3. Decker Flatts is really easy to Miss, passing red fish lodge turn off headed south keep going 12.8 miles till you see a creek crossing bridge called "4th of July creek", take you next left, cross the one lane bridge, follow the road to the left, your next left will enter the different camp sites available

The Sawtooth Mountain camping areas are designed for self-sufficient camping. the USFS campgrounds do not offer trailer hookups for water, sewer, or power. Because of heavy winter snows, most area campgrounds are open only from mid-May through Labor Day. The area you'll find Decker Flatts will amaze you when you see that the terrain flattens and broad meadows push back the forests. This sprawling preserve encompasses four mountain ranges, several large lakes which i have only explored a few. It's the sort of place that begs you to unplug your phone chargers let them die, lock the car, and put some ground under your feet, maybe even get knee deep in the crisp cool water of the river nearby.

Natural Features:

Dispersed campsites are stung along the flat river side, find yourself between pine and spruce trees that tower in stark contrast over the surrounding sprawling meadows. Although, this area is inaccessible during the winter months the meadows are wide and utilized by local ranchers to rise cattle.

Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for elk, deer, coyotes, and hawks as you take in the surroundings. Bobcats, mountain lions, and bear do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.

Recreation:

Hikers, fisherman, photographers, mountain bikers and the average nature junkies flock to the Sawtooth Mountain range for the variety of available activities of the park.

Site#1 (First on your Left)
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by Adam R., September 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by Adam R., September 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Decker Flats Dispersed by Adam R., September 9, 2018
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Decker Flats Dispersed?

    Decker Flats Dispersed is located at 6769 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Decker Flats Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Decker Flats Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Decker Flats Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.