Boise National Forest maintains Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground on the shore of Arrowrock Reservoir, a free, no-frills site where campers park or walk directly to the water's edge. The access road is the first thing to plan around. Roughly seven miles of washboard gravel run along the reservoir's cliffside, and drivers towing medium or large trailers should expect a slow, careful approach, with some sections requiring speeds under 10 mph. The transition from pavement to dirt can be abrupt, especially after dark.
At the site itself, there are no marked boundaries, no picnic tables, and no water hookups. Around 10 to 15 roughly built rock fire rings are scattered among sparsely located pine trees, and the terrain slopes toward the water, so level spots are limited. A single vault toilet is on-site, though its condition depends on ranger visits for restocking and cleaning. The reservoir provides bank fishing and easy entry for small watercraft or floaties, though low water levels later in the season can complicate boat launches. Sarah S. sums it up simply: "Site is right on the water gorgeous once you're there."
Camping is free with a 14-day stay limit, and rangers do occasionally pass through. Supplies and services are a long drive out, so arriving well-stocked matters. Nearby, Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed and Cottonwood Campground give campers alternatives along the same stretch of reservoir. Those interested in dispersed sites near Boise National Forest will find several comparable options across the forest. Irish Point works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough road access and bare-bones conditions in exchange for direct waterfront camping at no cost.
Description
Irish Point is situated on the north shore of Arrowrock Lake. The hills are sagebrush covered with a few pine trees in the valleys. The camping sites have mature trees for shade. This is fairly isolated as the access road is rough and slow. This camping area is a good example of what is available at several spots along the road except Irish Point has an outhouse toilet available.
Campsites: There are no developed camping sites here. People have camped here for many years because of the trees. There are stone fire rings but no tables.
Water: No water.
Garbage Services: No garbage service here.
Restroom: There is one older outhouse toilet here.
Handicap Accessible: This is not handicap accessible.
Pets: Pets should be on a leash, however, this is not practiced from our observations.
Recreation: The main attractions here are camping and fishing. I am sure bird and wildlife watching are also available. We saw many four wheelers and motorcycles in the camps as well.
Fishing: Fishing is available in Arrowrock Lake for trout, bass and crappie. There are some small streams in the area which would also have trout fishing.
Boating: There is a boat ramp a few miles away.
Wildlife: There are deer tracks everywhere but we did not actually see the deer. There are also elk and geese seen here.
Phone service: No phone, we also had no cell service on our ATT phones.
Nearby Services: No services closer than Spring Shores Marina 13 miles away, which has a convenience store for ice, gas, drinks, telephone and other supplies, even a sheriffs office.
RV Dumping Site: The nearest RV dumping station is at Boise, Idaho.
Location/Driving instructions: Take Highway 21 NE from Boise to Arrowrock Road(turn right) then Irish Point is 14 miles. This road is a slow gravel winding road.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIrish Point Dispersed Camp Ground is located in Idaho near Idaho City
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
43.61276247 N
115.83099827 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- 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 Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 19 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 53 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 5 hrs 12 min from Pocatello, ID
- 5 hrs 46 min from Idaho Falls, ID
