j
janelle H.
Scout
ScoutRose Lake
Rose Lake Boat Launch
Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices.
Dispersed Camping near Athol, ID
23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Dispersed camping opportunities near Athol, Idaho include several free primitive sites on public lands. Rose Lake offers a convenient stopover with a boat launch, vault toilet, and limited camping areas in both gravel and grass lots. Bull Run Access Dispersed provides multiple sites with established fire rings and accommodates larger RVs. According to reviews, "We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy!" North Fork Coeur D'Alene River and Pack River sites provide additional options for those seeking riverside camping.
Most dispersed sites in the area have no drinking water, electricity, or sanitary facilities. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always check current regulations before travel. Several campers noted significant insect activity, particularly near water: "Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes." Road conditions to many sites include gravel, dirt, and occasionally rutted sections that may become challenging during wet weather.
The majority of these sites operate under a 3-day maximum stay limit as they are managed by Idaho Fish and Wildlife. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Wildlife sightings are common; proper food storage is essential. Bear activity has been reported in the region, particularly at higher elevations. The best sites fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Winter access may be restricted by snow or seasonal road closures. Vault toilets, when available, are not regularly maintained; bringing personal supplies is recommended.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Athol (23)
1. copper mountain rd dispersed
"Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."
"Very uneven but I found a spot close to even"
2. Rose Lake
"Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices."
"Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."
3. Lakes Divide Road
4. Bull Run Access Dispersed
"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.)"
"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."
5. Clark Fork Drift Yard
"It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."
"There is a train near by, but we really didn’t notice the noise."
6. Clark Fork River Driftyard
"There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available!"
"After checking all the campsites in the area and finding them full, we had no choice but to check out the one dispersed campground in the area, which was Clark Fork River Driftyard."
7. Hanks Meadow
"Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."
8. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River
"Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."
"I met some cool Idaho locals that said they’ve been coming here since they were kids!"
9. Bull Run Dispersed Camping
"Easy access to most of it in a car/van. Crushed gravel road with a few watery potholes."
10. Cooks Lake
"Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."
"Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."
Drive Time
- 18 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 48 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 14 min from Lewiston, ID
- 2 hrs 45 min from Missoula, MT
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Athol, ID
42 Photos of 23 Athol Campgrounds
Connie H.
Clark Fork River Driftyard
Emilee B.
Clark Fork Drift Yard
Sveta K.
Marshall Lake - CLOSED
Jess G.
Rose Lake
Snake P.
Bull Run Access Dispersed
Kevin K.
North Fork Coeur D'Alene River
Jennifer R.
Cooks Lake
Dee 🥰.
priest lake dispersed camping
Joe B.
Cee Cee Ah Creek
Kevin C.
Kismet Creek Camping
Arielle W.
Engle Lake Dispersed Camping
Jason S.
Beehive Lake Dispersed
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Athol, ID
56 Reviews of 23 Athol Campgrounds
Jennifer R.
GuideCooks Lake
Great quiet place
Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol
Arielle W.GuideEngle Lake Dispersed Camping
Great introduction to backpacking, beautiful location
This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)
Connie H.
RangerClark Fork River Driftyard
Great place for an overnight or a couple days!
We found this spot to be great for an overnight stop. It was a little out of our way… but you can’t beat a free spot with a great view! Camping limit is 3 days. There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available! There are small fire rings scattered throughout the area. It was a pretty quiet spot, other than the trains going by, but that didn’t bother us at all. There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us. The boat ramp had a lot of visitors in the early morning and you could hear gunshots in the distance from others hunting, which also didn’t bother us at all. Overall, we thought this was a pretty great find!
- NNaomi C.
TravelerNorth Fork Chewelah Creek
Very refreshing and beautiful!
First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot. The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt. At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop. Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest. There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites. The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road. It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek. There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area. The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water. I enjoyed the peace and quiet!
Kaitlin K.GuideBull Run Access Dispersed
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.
- RRae F.Guide
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Large rig approved - Private creek access
I had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
- KKim A.Guide
Bull Run Dispersed Camping
Bull Run
Lovely spot. The sound of waterfowl are so peaceful. Excellant fishing spot if you have the appropriate license. Easy access to most of it in a car/van. Crushed gravel road with a few watery potholes. Right off the Cour de lain trail which is asphat paved so great spot for bike rides, walks, skateboard is your pebble aware 😂🛹. 3 days camping only allowed. Within site of some homes so wear clothes 😂 From the trail head take the little road with a sign that says "sportsmans access". i did not drive over to the wooded side as theres one spot thats a little iffy for my low vlearance van. More shade and privacy over there. This is a great spot for solar panels.
Nancy R.GuideMarshall Lake - CLOSED
Older and Run Down
Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.
Guide to Athol
Primitive camping near Athol, Idaho offers multiple dispersed options on public land at elevations between 2,100-3,000 feet with summer highs typically reaching 85°F. The area sits within the Coeur d'Alene River basin and Kaniksu National Forest, creating diverse riparian and forest camping environments. Most locations have no amenities and require campers to be fully self-sufficient with water, waste management, and navigating sometimes challenging forest roads.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several camping areas provide direct river or lake access for anglers. At North Fork Coeur D'Alene River, "You're not camping right on it as there are some bushes and an incline, but every spot has a tiny little 1 minute walk down to the water which is awesome," notes one camper. The fishing can be excellent: "The fish were jumping like CRAZY the night I stayed!"
Boating opportunities: Multiple sites serve as boat launches near water bodies. Rose Lake features "Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well." Visitors note it has a "Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers!"
Wildlife viewing: The area's forests and wetlands support diverse wildlife watching. At Copper Mountain dispersed sites, you'll find "Mountain views" with sites "up the road about 10 minutes. Great views. Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate."
What campers like
River proximity: The sound of flowing water enhances many sites. At Pack River Dispersed Site, campers appreciate "Quiet riverside camp area" with "A few sites available along this road." Another camper notes it's good for "camping and solitude."
Lake views: Several sites offer water views as their main attraction. Visitors to Clark Fork Drift Yard enjoy "looking at the mountains. It's close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible." The site features a "boat launch with dock and another without."
Seclusion options: For those seeking privacy, some sites offer more isolated settings. At Bull Run Access Dispersed, "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." Other campers recommend: "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."
What you should know
Insect activity: Most riverside and lakefront sites have significant mosquito populations. A camper at Lakes Divide Road notes: "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it."
Road conditions: Many sites require navigating unpaved roads of varying quality. At Pack River, expect "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites."
Limited amenities: Most sites have no facilities whatsoever. At Hanks Meadow, there's "Approximately room for four camper setups. Couple of fire rings. Beautiful mountain side. Have to ford Creek to access."
Local interactions: Some areas have established local communities nearby. At Bull Run Access, one camper observed: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with level ground and natural boundaries. Cooks Lake offers "4-5 camp sites at the main campground, well-separated and each with a fire pit." The water features are family-friendly: "The water was warm and we swam all day. Bats at night, and the stars!!"
Nature exploration: Several sites offer opportunities for children to observe wildlife safely. Bull Run Access has "a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers."
Safety considerations: Some areas require extra vigilance with children. Clark Fork Drift Yard has a "log jam [that] is a good spot to bird watch" but families should note "there is a risk of flooding" during certain seasons.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs better than large ones. Bull Run Access is one exception, where a camper reported: "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."
Leveling challenges: Many sites are not level, requiring additional equipment. At Rose Lake, one camper noted: "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere."
Access routes: Scout ahead when possible or research thoroughly. For Bull Run Access: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping near Silverwood Theme Park in Athol?
Where can I find free camping near Silverwood Theme Park in Athol?
For free camping near Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, check out Bull Run Access Dispersed, which offers multiple spacious sites with established fire pits and is accessible for larger RVs, including 40-foot fifth wheels. The access point requires crossing a one-lane bridge and continuing past the Coeur d'Alene Trail parking area. Another good option is Rose Lake, which offers free camping for up to 3 days with spacious sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. Located right off I-90, Rose Lake features a boat ramp, dock for fishing, and a vault toilet, making it convenient for Silverwood visitors.
Are there any seasonal restrictions for dispersed camping in Athol?
Are there any seasonal restrictions for dispersed camping in Athol?
Dispersed camping around Athol typically follows seasonal patterns based on weather conditions and road access. Engle Lake Dispersed Camping is accessible during warmer months and offers a great backpacking experience along a 3.5-mile trail, but winter snow likely restricts access. Most dispersed areas in the region are best visited from late spring through early fall (May-October), as mountain roads can become impassable with snow and mud during winter and early spring. Some areas may have formal seasonal closures, while others become naturally inaccessible. Always check current conditions before heading out, especially for higher elevation sites, and be aware that spring runoff can affect creek crossings and create muddy conditions.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Athol?
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Athol?
Dispersed camping sites around Athol typically offer basic amenities. At North Fork Chewelah Creek, you'll find multiple dispersed sites along the creek in a wooded area, with established fire rings. The creek provides a natural water source, though it's not suitable for swimming. Cooks Lake features approximately 6 shaded sites, some suitable for trailers, nestled in a beautiful forest setting. Most dispersed sites in the area provide basic fire rings but lack running water, electricity, or garbage service. Vault toilets may be available at some locations, but generally, you should be prepared to be self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and other necessities.
Keep Exploring