Banks, ID is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Banks is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Banks, reviewed by campers like you.
South Fork Salmon River
1 hr 12 min away
Edna Creek Campground
1 hr 14 min away
"It’s next to the river, with little beaches. We are near 4 natural hot springs!! Yes there is a road next to the campsite, but we are down a little slope."
"Where the coordinates are on this map is about 30 minutes down a gravel road that looks ok, but is very rutted."
"Me and boyfriend enjoy going here in the fall and spring to get away from the city for a day or two. There is hiking right across the street. Mt Heinen which is a very strenous hike."
"Pit toilet on site. No boat launch but easy enough for small craft or floaties. Sloped, not much level spots. Nice views and easy bank fishing."
"The location is absolutely beautiful, a small piece of heaven. There are maybe 10-15 roughly built fire rings, and you can walk or park right on the waters edge."
"Avoid during holidays, people leave tents and rvs for days to keep the spot despite rules and the ranger station will do nothing about it."
"This campground is accessible by a long dirt/gravel road, with drop offs on one side to the reservoir. Just be prepared for that and drive safely / don't be jn a hurry."
"Road to get to Willow Creek was a little rough, about 15 miles on a bumpy dirt road. The camp ground was great. No reservation, first come, no fee."
TravelerCamping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.
RangerLarge open sites. Big rigs go left and park on top. Large areas, can accommodate dozens of RVs and tents.
Avoid during holidays, people leave tents and rvs for days to keep the spot despite rules and the ranger station will do nothing about it. At those times expect loud parties and even fights or gunfire which the rangers will also do nothing about.
Other than that its great. Take a right on the highway and head to the sourdough lodge for the best pancakes for hundreds of miles.
There are many other dispersed and paid spots along the highway.
Details: Free camping 14 Day limit No tables at campsites Minimal wood to scavenge Town of Lowman is close by No trash, water, or toilets
RangerEasy to get to, no marked spots, tent or small to mid RV. Pit toilet on site. No boat launch but easy enough for small craft or floaties. Sloped, not much level spots. Nice views and easy bank fishing.
Details: No site boundaries, easily crowds No trash or water Long drive to services Slow drive in if towing medium or large trailer No tables Minimal rock fire rings Long drive to town, bring plenty of stuff Free stat, 14 day limit, rangers may stop by and say hi, if you’re lucky they’ll clean and restock the toilet. Don’t count on being lucky
LegendEntering the park is beautiful! There’s a paved road with campsites you need a reservation for. Where the coordinates are on this map is about 30 minutes down a gravel road that looks ok, but is very rutted. I drive a cargo van and it shook everything to the point where I didn’t want to do 30 minutes of it. There are signs that say “no roadside camping next 7 miles”, but after mile marker 7, you’ll notice fire rings off the sides of the roads on both sides, including lake front. So I just want to make sure y’all know that you don’t actually have to drive all the way down to the dispersed spots to find camping. Other than that, it’s a gorgeous area. No Verizon service for me.
GuideMe and boyfriend enjoy going here in the fall and spring to get away from the city for a day or two. There is hiking right across the street. Mt Heinen which is a very strenous hike. Its over 9 miles(up and back) and over a 3,000 ft gain so be prepared if you try to tackle this summit. Anyways, the campground has some fire pits but no picnic tables. There are a few trees for shade. One part of this campground that confuses me is that there use to be a small outhouse in summer of 2018 but when I came in 2019 in march and April there was not one? When we come in the fall and spring theres no one other than us there. In the summer it does get quite a few people there. Also it gets super hot in the summertime so be sure to bring plenty of water. Good thing is you can take a dip in the cold reservoir to cool off. There's no trash services so pack it in and pack it out. A lot of people come here to party and leave trash around so i make it a point to pick it up. Please don't be those people to ruin a beautiful free spot. 💚
TravelerAbout an hour off the highway, 7 miles of which are washboard-bumpy gravel roads along the lake cliffside (Had to drive under 10mph those last 7 miles). We were in an AWD sprinter van, and the road conditions definitely put a damper on the night. Site is right on the water gorgeous once you’re there. The stars were incredible. Toilet on site but the flies were swarming.
TravelerThe location is absolutely beautiful, a small piece of heaven. There are maybe 10-15 roughly built fire rings, and you can walk or park right on the waters edge. There is a single public use restroom that was in good condition and open in the winter. The only downside is that throughout the night and all day, multiple jeeps and side by sides traveling through to use the restroom and play in the water. They were all respectful though. It is roughly 10 miles of maintained dirt road to reach this site.
GuideNice lil spot to relax . Really rough road is the only bad part
GuideFree camping among the sparsely located pine trees. Great views of the water and mountains. Vault toilet nearby.
Dispersed camping near Banks, Idaho, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Banks, Idaho?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Banks, Idaho. Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed offers beautiful waterfront camping with a 10-day limit. The area features both paved areas requiring reservations and dispersed options down a rougher gravel road. Another option is Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground, which provides free camping along the waterfront with approximately 10-15 fire rings. Both locations require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially when accessing more remote sites.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Banks, Idaho?
Dispersed camping sites around Banks typically offer minimal amenities. Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed features large open sites that can accommodate multiple RVs and tents, but lacks formal facilities. At Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground, you'll find basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits with grills, vault toilets, and a small steel table at each site. Some locations have a water pump, though it may not always be operational. Most dispersed sites have fire rings but no trash services or potable water, so come prepared with everything you need and plan to pack out all waste.
When is the best season for dispersed camping in Banks, Idaho?
Spring and fall offer the best seasons for dispersed camping near Banks, Idaho. At Herrick Reservoir Access, campers can enjoy moderate temperatures and less crowded conditions during these shoulder seasons. Summer brings warmer weather but also increased popularity, especially during holidays when sites like Forest Service Campsite FR0215B become extremely crowded. Some campers report that fall provides an ideal balance of comfortable temperatures and solitude. Winter camping is possible at certain locations like Irish Point, where the vault toilet remains accessible year-round, but prepare for cold conditions. Always check road conditions before heading out, as access can become difficult after weather events.
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