Best Dispersed Camping near Blanchard, ID

Dispersed camping sites around Blanchard, Idaho are primarily located on national forest lands with several options within an hour's drive. The North Fork Chewelah Creek area in Colville National Forest offers multiple primitive campsites along creek banks with established stone fire rings. Pack River Dispersed Site and Rose Lake provide waterfront camping opportunities on public land, while Cooks Lake features several well-separated sites with fire pits. Bull Run Access and North Fork Coeur d'Alene River areas permit tent and RV camping without developed facilities.

Access to most dispersed camping locations involves travel on gravel or dirt forest roads that may require higher clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or during spring runoff. Many areas become inaccessible during winter months. Most sites provide no amenities—no drinking water, no trash service, and limited toilet facilities. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer and fall months. Camping is typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period on national forest land. Cell service is unreliable throughout most primitive camping areas.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking solitude and direct access to outdoor recreation. The North Fork Chewelah Creek area features multiple campsites in wooded settings, with one camper noting it has "several camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area." Pack River receives praise for its remoteness, with a review mentioning it's "good for horses, camping and solitude." Many sites offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities, though visitors should be prepared for variable conditions. A visitor to Cooks Lake advised to "beware of mud" while another described it as "primitive and secluded" with sites that are "well-separated and each with a fire pit."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Blanchard, Idaho (17)

    1. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    24 miles

    "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."

    2. Bead Lake

    1 Review
    Newport, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    3. Cee Cee Ah Creek

    2 Reviews
    Cusick, WA
    30 miles
    Website

    "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."

    4. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    41 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."

    5. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "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.  "

    "Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."

    6. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "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."

    7. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    37 miles

    ". 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."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    8. Pack River Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Naples, ID
    40 miles

    "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave not trace and pack out your trash!"

    "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."

    9. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    35 miles

    10. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    49 miles

    "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!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blanchard, ID

42 Reviews of 17 Blanchard Campgrounds


  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks 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

  • Gary M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Little Pend Orielle Campground

    Remote, secluded, no services, narrow gravel roads

    If you like camping completely self contained, this is for you.  There is a pit toilet (locked due to current COVID restrictions), and a fire ring at each dispersed campsite.  No water, except for the creek, and not even any cell phone reception.  Parking is level.  Roads into the area are narrow gravel roads, so "large" rigs and/or trailers may find it a challenge.  "High line" capabilities for horse campers.  As for activities, there are many miles of trails and rugged roads to explore, but a CAUTION is to bring a GPS and have good map reading skills to avoid getting lost; it's easy to lose yourself.   We camped September 28-29, and saw very little wildlife (probably due to hunting season), and were probably two weeks early to see the fall colors.  If you like to be by yourself, away from people and can camp without any services (pack it in, pack it out), you will enjoy this place.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    North 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Bull 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.

  • N
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Marshall 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2024

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Very good camping

    Went with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. 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. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect. 

    Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone. 

    Good site to camp for a family.

  • William P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Rose Lake

    Great location for a stopover

    I spent 1 night here on my way to Coeur d’Alene. I might spend a couple more! 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.

    There is a vault toilet with its own parking space. I van camped there. Above me were 2 parking lots where 2-3 other campers were. Plenty of room to spread out and have decent privacy.

  • King K.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Comfortable

    The good -A beautiful camp ground. Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.  

    The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2019

    Rose Lake

    Boat access

    Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.


Guide to Blanchard

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blanchard, Idaho, where nature lovers can find secluded spots away from the crowds. With a variety of options, these areas offer a chance to connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Cooks Lake

  • Cooks Lake features a few well-separated sites, each equipped with a fire pit, making it a cozy spot for evening gatherings.
  • The access to the lake allows for swimming and small boat activities, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the water during warm days.
  • Be prepared for some muddy areas, especially if you venture close to the water's edge, as noted by previous visitors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Blanchard, Idaho

  • Always bring your own supplies, as many spots like North Fork Chewelah Creek lack amenities such as toilets and drinking water.
  • Wildlife encounters are common, so it's wise to pack bear-proof containers for food storage, especially in areas like Cooks Lake where bears are known to roam.
  • The roads leading to these sites can be gravel and winding, so ensure your vehicle is suitable for such terrain, particularly when heading to places like South Hayes Gulch on Bottle Bay Road.

Exploring the natural beauty at Pack River Dispersed Site

  • The Pack River Dispersed Site offers a stunning remote area perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
  • This location is ideal for equestrian camping, making it a unique choice for horse owners looking to explore the trails nearby.
  • Visitors have praised the peaceful atmosphere, with opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the serene sounds of the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Blanchard, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Blanchard, ID is Cooks Lake with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Blanchard, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Blanchard, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.