Dispersed camping near Boise, Idaho offers multiple free sites primarily on Bureau of Land Management and Boise National Forest lands. These primitive camping locations range from 45 minutes to 2 hours from the city, with most requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 80-95°F, while nights cool significantly to 40-60°F even during peak season.
What to do
Water recreation: At Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed, visitors can paddle, swim or boat directly from shore. "Bring the kayaks and get paddling!" notes Brett P., who mentions the clean water and extensive beach area.
Fishing access: Owyhee-Dispersed provides riverside camping along the Owyhee with fishing opportunities. "Plenty of fish in the area," reports Andy S., who mentions they've created "a nice little trail to the river" to improve access.
Hot springs visits: Several dispersed areas provide access to natural hot springs. At Owyhee-Dispersed, "The hot springs are off the road across the street from the sign," explains Veronica G., noting that temperatures vary and some find them "a little too hot."
Hiking opportunities: Multiple trails are accessible from dispersed sites. Irish Point campers can access Mt. Heinen trail, which Laura C. describes as "a very strenuous 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."
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground offers excellent night sky viewing away from city lights. One camper at Arrowrock notes, "Nothing like waking up here. 40 minutes from downtown Boise," citing "a good view of the stars" as a highlight.
Wildlife watching: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities for wildlife observation. At Owyhee-Dispersed, Veronica G. reports, "We heard numerous birds in the area, such as killdeer, mourning doves and owls. We saw a few small bunnies, not sure of the kind."
Solitude potential: Many sites offer seclusion despite proximity to Boise. At Little Camas Reservoir, Harry D. reports, "Had the place all to myself and got some really nice long exposure shots of the night sky," noting the "beautiful scenery" and "surprisingly good phone service."
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location. P S. confirms Little Camas Reservoir offers "very few people" and "great views of the mountains around the lake," adding the area is "very quiet" despite some cattle grazing nearby.
What you should know
Road conditions: Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground requires significant travel on rough roads. Jason S. warns, "Road to get to Willow Creek was a little rough, about 15 miles on a bumpy dirt road," and recommends driving slowly, especially when towing.
Fire restrictions: Summer fire bans are common. At Owyhee-Dispersed, Fu yang J. notes, "No fires allowed due to BLM land," during their November visit, suggesting campers verify current restrictions before arrival.
Trash issues: Pack out all waste as facilities are minimal. At Willow Creek, one visitor reports, "Trash...trash... trash... trash everywhere. I wanted to cry. Cleaned up what I could take back with me, but there was just so much I couldn't take it all."
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be extreme. At Owyhee-Dispersed, Fu yang J. experienced "a brisk 12° in mid/late November," despite the area being known for intense heat during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For families, established dispersed areas with basic facilities work best. At Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch, campers find "a variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek," making it ideal for children.
Water safety: Reservoir shorelines can drop off suddenly. At Arrowrock Reservoir, one camper notes, "It's a steep hike down to the water in the reservoir, but not too bad," suggesting parents need to monitor children near the water.
Insect protection: Bug activity varies significantly by location and season. Emily S. at Little Camas Reservoir advises, "I would recommend bringing bug repellent or a thermacell to ward off bugs," particularly near water.
Noise considerations: Some areas experience more traffic and recreational activity. Lee at Mores Creek notes, "A fair amount of RV and ATV traffic but still feels pretty secluded," suggesting families sensitive to noise select sites farther from main access roads.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Irish Point has challenging access for larger RVs and trailers. Mike E. cautions, "The road in is all gravel on a steep hillside along the shore and several miles to get in. Many potholes and ruts. It will take you about 20-30 minutes from Boise to get to the dam and then another 30 minutes to get to Irish point if you are towing a trailer."
RV size restrictions: Many dispersed areas have limited turning radius and parking areas. One camper notes they have a "30ft travel trailer and once was probably enough for quite some time. Tough access. Bad road."
Leveling challenges: Finding level spots can be difficult in many areas. Sadie P. describes Irish Point as "Sloped, not much level spots," noting that sites have "No tables" and only "Minimal rock fire rings."
Surface conditions: Ground composition affects RV and trailer setup. Owyhee-Dispersed sites are described as "on tent-stake-resistant river cobble, though some disguised with a thin layer of dirt, or a white layer of alkali or talc," making traditional staking difficult.
