The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Ashton, ID

375 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping areas surround Ashton, Idaho, primarily on U.S. Forest Service land in the Targhee National Forest. Several free primitive sites are located along forest roads including S Antelope Flat Road, Forest Road 553, Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, and the Henry's Fork River area. These public lands permit camping without reservation in established clearings with existing fire rings. Most sites lack designated boundaries and operate on a first-come basis, with campers selecting naturally cleared areas that show previous use.

Access to these dispersed sites typically requires travel on unpaved forest roads that may deteriorate during wet weather. Most roads leading to camping areas near Ashton are gravel or dirt with occasional rough sections requiring careful navigation. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote locations, especially at Lower Rock Creek and along Forest Road 305. Camping is permitted for up to 14 days in most areas. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at these primitive sites. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, though most areas allow campfires in existing rock rings when conditions permit.

The dispersed camping zones near Ashton provide direct access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. "We went with this spot up a dead end road. Road in was a little rough but we managed," noted one visitor about the Bootjack dispersed area. Sites along the Henry's Fork River are particularly popular for fishing access, while areas near Mesa Falls Scenic Byway offer proximity to natural attractions. The St. Anthony Dunes area provides a different camping experience with sites situated near the unique sand dune landscape. During peak summer months, arriving early is recommended as the more accessible sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Winter access becomes limited or impossible after snowfall, with most areas inaccessible from late fall through spring.

Map showing campgrounds near Ashton, IdahoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ashton, Idaho (75)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ashton Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ashton, ID

323 Photos of 75 Ashton Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ashton, ID

375 Reviews of 75 Ashton Campgrounds

  • Natalie B.
    Aug. 14, 2017

    Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Awesome view!

    A bit of a drive and a rough road, but totally worth it! Off of antelope flat Rd, take a left at the dead end toward the national Forest land. Then you will veer left on the dirt road. There is a camping area at the base of the mountain but if you continue on up the mountain there are many, many dispersed camping pullouts. Beautiful views of the Tetons and excellent wildflowers. There are sites that have some shade and trees but several are pretty exposed. This is a very popular place on the weekends so make sure you get there early to set up camp (or avoid it if you like quite on a Saturday night). No water, no toilets, just a free place to camp with established fire rings! Dogs are welcome.

  • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Darby Canyon Dispersed

    Darby

    I have not personally spent the night camping here, but I do work for the Forest Service and wanted to give more information about the Darby Canyon dispersed camping sites. I also had a friend stay here for three nights last September and they had a good time. There are about 10~ sites (I will check and edit when I can) all along the canyon road, some are just right off road and others require a short drive down beaten paths to find the sites. All of these sites (except 2 or so very close to the road) are past the cattle guard. Depending on the time of year, many of these sites may not be accessible. Snow typically stays in the canyon until mid-June and starts collecting in October. The area may also be buggy at the height of the summer (July 2024 had been atrocious). There is limited cell service down most of the road and it completely disappears the closer to the Wind Cave trailhead you get. This area has a 14 day stay limit, meaning that once 14 days (13 nights) have been reached you must move at least 5 miles away to continue camping on forest service land and cannot return to this canyon to camp for 30 days. This is in a bear food storage enforced area and any bear attractants (food, pet food, soaps, sunscreen, etc.) are required to be stored properly in a locked hard sided vehicle or other bear resistant containers. Fires are allowed but must be put out dead (cold to the touch) before leaving a campsite. This canyon is regularly patrolled by Forest Service staff and ranger law enforcement officers, especially on the weekends, to keep up with the food storage and fires out dead orders. Hope this helps weary travelers that are deterred by low-rated reviews.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2024

    Upper Teton View Dispersed

    Awesome view

    We spent one night mid May here on the way to Yellowstone. The view was awesome. With that said the upper road to the main camping area was closed off by the forest service at the lower parking area / pit toilet. The view made it worth the trip up. Not sure when the road will open up to the main dispersed site. Be aware that there is only enough room for about 20 campers / vans in the lower area. There is room for about another 15 cars and tent camping. Arrive early! Plenty of hiking and well worth it if you get a spot!

  • Sydney C.
    Jul. 26, 2022

    Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Rough road, but worth it

    We stayed here 3 nights and absolutely loved it. Definitely a rough road and can be tougher to find a spot if you come later, but we made it up in a low clearance camper van by taking it very slow and the views are awesome. It’s quiet and super close to the Moose entrance for the NP. We were higher up (#10) and had great Verizon service. Bathroom all the way at the bottom also. Can only camp in designated spots. Definitely recommend

  • Kyleen
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Targhee Creek

    Dispersed camping in meadow near creek

    This site is about 20 miles west of Yellowstone in Idaho. Great spot with easy access. Beautiful views and the blue mountains in the distance at sunset make this site a crowd pleaser. Gravel roads on the way in get a little more rough the further in you go and down towards the creek. About 8+ sites off gravel road including a group site. There are also a few dirt roads closer to entrance that may lead to more but we didn’t go up since they were a little closer to the road. The traffic was a bit loud at times but as the night went on and the traffic died down and this was a beautiful area overlooking a meadow. Unfortunately, a few people have forgot the importance of leave no trace and therefore be careful of the toilet paper scattered throughout this site.

  • Mark B.
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Bootjack - Dispersed Camping

    Bootjack Dr.

    A good amount of dispersed areas here. All the areas in the open meadow area closer by the road was occupied. We choose a dead end road and had the area all to ourselves. Had to back up the road about 200 feet because there was no turn around for the size of our rig (36 foot 5th wheel). But it is doable.

  • Scott V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2023

    Shadow Mountain Designated Campsite 1

    Awesome Views

    The dirt road in is rough steep and narrow. Recommend high clearance as the road has ruts. They will close the road to snow and move the barrier up as it melts. Sites are spread out and numbered. The views are amazing. Spot 1 is in the aspen trees.

  • UnnamedAdventures The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful Spot! Rough Road.

    If your wanting a place that overlooks the Grand Teton National Park this is your place. The views from campsites 1-15 are absolutely unreal and overlook Antelope Flats followed by the Grand Teton's. Some of the other campsites at Shadow Mountain are harder to navigate. Around Shadow Mountain there is about 8 miles worth of 4 wheeler trails that you can bike or walk where the other campsite locations are located. 

    Shadow Mountain is part of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and from May 1- Labor Day you can stay a maximum of 5 days, the other dates you can stay up to 16 days. The camp ambassador has more detailed maps of the camping areas. This part of the national forest allows for FREE dispersed camping but only at assigned campsites. There is a camp ambassador on-site near sites 1-15 to help enforce the rules(this is a busier campsite in the summer as its very close to Jackson and lots of locals come out- kind of a party spot). There is a porta-potty on site on campsites 1-15 but no water or other amenities near other campsites. 

    The road to get this location can be difficult but maneuverable as there are some large ruts in spots and larger river rock makes slower travel. It can be navigated by pretty much any car type or truck with trailer. If you have an RV it may be difficult to get to this location. 

    Overall we highly recommend you check out this spot as the view is absolutely gorgeous. There is animal activity in the area Moose, Elk, Grizzly so use proper animal safety,"be bear aware." The camp ambassador mentioned a few weeks prior to our stay a grizzly attached a mom and her baby Moose near campsite 14! 

    Check out our video review: https://youtu.be/8mVj1dxL5t4

  • Traildog A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Targhee Creek

    Great dispersed camp spot near Yellowstone

    Great dispersed camp area . Rugged 2 track with established ( flat clearing with rock fire ring) camp spots on both sides. We camped at the very end of the track, about 2 miles in, on the edge of a beautiful rushing stream. Site was level and had a bear box , very peaceful. Other sites were occupied on the way in, area was clean ( no trash) and there was a large group area and trail head just before the end. Area is about 9 miles from the West Yellowstone Park gate. No facilities/ dispersed, so be prepared to pack in/ pack out.

Guide to Ashton

Dispersed camping near Ashton, Idaho offers multiple remote sites that provide access to the region's streams, rivers, and mountainous terrain. Most dispersed areas sit at elevations between 5,000-6,500 feet, creating cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Winter camping is virtually impossible with heavy snowfall typically blocking forest roads from November through April.

What to do

Fishing access points: Henry's Fork Rivercamp provides direct river access for anglers. "Easy access able, numerous gravel spots in the forest or under open sky. Good fly fishing spot. Surrounded by mountains," notes Jenny&Tobias P. who camped there.

Wildlife viewing: The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway Dispersed Campsite serves as a convenient base for wildlife spotting. While mosquitoes can be problematic, the location offers excellent opportunities to observe elk, moose and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Sand dune exploration: St Anthony Dunes offers a completely different landscape for outdoor recreation. Located about 30 minutes from Ashton, these remarkable white quartz sand dunes provide opportunities for hiking and photography. One visitor simply states it's "Fun" and gives it 4 stars.

What campers like

River sounds: Campers at Wood Road Dispersed Site appreciate the water proximity. "Great spot down by river. Mostly sunny area but found this spot with shade. Rough rd coming in but camper van accessible. Rock fire ring," reports angy M.

Secluded spots: Many campers value the privacy available at certain sites. "We decided to camp on the way back up from Jackson and found this little gem! There were plenty of RVs camping in open areas right by the entrance but if you follow the dirt road, there's more secluded spots within the trees," writes Sophie P. about Henry's Fork Rivercamp.

Bear boxes at some sites: Warm River on Forest Road 150 offers enhanced amenities compared to typical dispersed sites. "About 8 large spots with bear boxes and picnic tables and fire pits. No toilets or trash. Good room for rvs," explains mark F., making this location particularly convenient for food storage in bear country.

What you should know

Potholes and rough roads: Many forest roads require careful navigation. "The potholes coming in are huge. However, it's the perfect spot off highway to camp. 14 day limit," notes Mary Ann F. about S Antelope Flat Road.

Mosquito preparedness: Insect protection is essential, particularly near water. "In jun, bring mosquito repellant, the worst I've experienced since AK," warns a camper at Warm River on Forest Road 150.

Limited level spaces: At many sites, truly flat spots can be limited. "Free dispersed camping on road to Cave Falls. A few spots are level. Up on a small hill above Rock Creek. Can't see the creek, but you can hear it," explains Fred S. about Lower Rock Creek FR305.

Tips for camping with families

Arrive early: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "We arrived around 2PM on our first day and all sites were full, we came back around 8 the next morning and found one site available for us to take," reports Ryan L. about dispersed camping options.

Look for established amenities: Some dispersed sites offer more family-friendly features than others. Fire rings, bear boxes, and picnic tables can make family camping easier at certain locations.

Water access considerations: Sites with gentle water access work best for families with children. Lower Rock Creek FR305 Dispersed provides creek sounds without direct water access, potentially safer for families with small children. "Set back and above busy Forest Road 582 which heads toward Cave Falls; no issues with dust from forest road. Site is also referred to as Lower Creek Road Campground," notes Fred S.

Tips from RVers

Size-appropriate site selection: Not all dispersed sites accommodate larger rigs. "The road was a bit rocky, but our sedan made it through with some careful maneuvering," reports Sophie P. about accessing Henry's Fork Rivercamp.

Scout ahead when possible: First-time visitors with RVs should consider scouting locations before bringing in larger rigs. "If you have a low clearance car or something that doesn't have AWD I would not recommend attempting to get to the higher sites," advises Tyler M. about navigating dispersed camping areas.

Early arrival strategy: Mid-afternoon is often too late to secure prime spots. "It gets crowded and spots are gone by 4-6pm," reports one camper about popular dispersed camping areas near Ashton during peak summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required for dispersed camping around Ashton?

No permits are typically required for dispersed camping in the National Forest areas around Ashton, making it an accessible option for spontaneous trips. However, it's important to follow dispersed camping regulations, including the 14-day stay limit that applies to most Forest Service lands. Some areas like Shadow Mountain Dispersed Camping have designated, numbered sites to manage impact, but still don't require permits. Always check for fire restrictions during dry seasons, as these can change rapidly. While permits aren't needed, some areas like Darby Canyon Dispersed may have seasonal closures or access limitations that are worth confirming with the local Forest Service office before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Ashton, Idaho?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Ashton. Targhee Creek offers beautiful sites about 20 miles west of Yellowstone with established spots along a rushing stream. The gravel roads become progressively rougher as you venture in, with approximately 8+ sites available. For another option, Bootjack - Dispersed Camping provides numerous boondocking opportunities, including sites in open meadow areas and along dead-end roads, offering privacy for larger rigs. Additional dispersed camping can be found along Forest Road 553, Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, and Lower Rock Creek FR305 - all providing free camping with varying levels of accessibility depending on your vehicle.

What facilities are available at Rock Creek Recreation Camp near Ashton?

Rock Creek Recreation Camp offers minimal facilities consistent with its dispersed camping designation. You'll find basic established sites with fire rings but should expect to be self-sufficient. Lower Rock Creek FR305 Dispersed is free but lacks amenities like water, electricity, or garbage service. Unlike developed campgrounds in the region such as Upper Teton View Dispersed which has a pit toilet at the lower parking area, Rock Creek typically doesn't have bathroom facilities. The area provides drive-in access, but road conditions can be challenging depending on recent weather. Pack out all trash, bring your own water, and prepare for a true backcountry experience with beautiful surroundings but minimal infrastructure.

Keep Exploring