Best Dispersed Camping near Boise, ID

Dispersed camping near Boise, Idaho centers primarily around Arrowrock Reservoir, where multiple free sites accommodate tent and RV camping without developed facilities. The Bureau of Land Management and Boise National Forest manage several primitive camping areas including Irish Point, Willow Creek, and Mores Creek, all within 1-2 hours of the city. These areas typically feature informal pull-offs with established fire rings but minimal infrastructure, allowing campers to experience public lands with few restrictions beyond standard 14-day stay limits.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles or during wet conditions. The road to Irish Point and Arrowrock Reservoir involves 7-10 miles of washboard gravel along steep hillsides that necessitates slow driving, especially when towing. Several campers note driving under 10 mph on these sections. Most areas lack drinking water, trash service, and have limited or no toilet facilities. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, and campers should verify current regulations before visiting. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas maintaining decent coverage while others have none.

The reservoir-based camping areas provide opportunities for shoreline fishing, swimming, and boating when water levels permit. Many sites offer scenic mountain views and stargazing opportunities away from city lights. Camping areas vary in popularity, with some remaining quiet even on weekends while others become crowded during holidays. Wildlife sightings including birds and coyotes are common at several locations. According to one visitor, "If you're willing to make the drive this is a great spot," while another notes that "the landscape is very desert-y" with limited shade at many sites. Little Camas Reservoir provides "a variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings," though water levels fluctuate seasonally.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Boise, Idaho (25)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Boise, ID

70 Reviews of 25 Boise Campgrounds


  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed

    Great place, Quiet

    Large 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

  • Fishin' R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 3, 2022

    Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Very Quiet and Private

    Turn on the dirt road left just as you are nearing the Oregon State Line. If you crossed over the line, turn around. Coming from Oregon Entering Idaho, Turn right just after you cross the state line. I have been in this campground with a car and a small RV but you better know what you are doing! This may not be for most campers but if you are a desert rat like myself, who loves to get AWAY FROM ALL, You will be very pleased! If you are a concrete camper, you'd best avoid this spot, Also, if you're just curious and have a high clearance vehicle and the ground is dry, you'll do just fine. This is a great get away! When it's hot, Rattle Snakes could be around. Most won't come out until the bugs do so be aware! Not sure the fishing is good or not but this is very private. you will most likely have the place to yourself. Arrowheads can be found on occasion as well so keep your eyes open!

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

    Easy drive, Beautiful, avoid on holidays

    Easy 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

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2023

    Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    Rough road but beautiful location

    Entering 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.

  • Laura C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2019

    Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    Private

    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. 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. 💚

  • Amber R.
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Little Camas Reservoir

    A pleasant place for a stop along the way

    Perfect for an overnight stop during a long drive. The access road also serves residential property some distance away so is well maintained. The primitive camping spots are close enough to the highway to make it a quick drive but far enough away to buffer most noise from passing traffic. Even though the landscape seems sparse there was very active wildlife during our stay, with many species of birds throughout the night and a chorus of coyotes at one point. The water level was really low, which would probably inhibit launching larger water craft, but the reservoir still provided a peaceful atmosphere. There definitely isn't any nearby wood for fires so people do need to bring in their own.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Succor Creek State Natural Area Dispersed

    Beautiful view of Succor Creek canyon and surrounding hills

    Free. Coordinates: 43.43811,-117.11743. Camped here at the end of Sept, 2024. Located at the southern end of Succor Creek State Natural Area, close to the boundary with BLM land. 1/10th of a mile from Succor Creek Road. Access from Succor Creek Road is okay; rocky and eroded in a few places on an uphill drive. The site is located on a loop where the access track ends at a livestock fenced. You pass another large dispersed site on the way up. The dirt site is not quite level. Lots of cow patties.  Surrounded by grass and sagebrush. Site has a rock fire ring. Open to sky, no shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. It may be possible to set up a tent in the grass. There is a view of Succor Creek canyon. Fantastic views of surrounding mountains. No hiking trails, but one can explore that area beyond the fence and get additional views of the canyon and creek. No cell service. Very remote location. Except for a few cows and coyotes, very quiet area. I loved this spot!

  • Mike E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

    Tough to get to but worth it

    Located on the shore of Arrowrock reservoir, this camping area is bare bones. 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. You'll have to go slow. This is a nice reservoir and great sunsets and some shoreline camping. In the late season, the water level is usually quite low making it difficult to launch boats. We have a 30ft travel trailer and once was probably enough for quite some time. Tough access. Bad road. The only site improvement at Irish Point is a vault toilet.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2023

    Little Camas Reservoir

    Would work in a pinch

    Down a dirt road. This used to be a boat ramp, but it doesn't exist anymore. A few fire pits scattered around the hill and by the water. Vault toilet available. Great views of the mountains. No privacy other than some sage brush. No room for big rigs, 4wd not required.


Guide to Boise

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Boise, Idaho?

Boise offers several free dispersed camping options within a reasonable drive from the city. Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed provides large open sites that can accommodate dozens of RVs and tents, though it gets crowded during holidays. Another option is Little Camas Reservoir, perfect for overnight stays with well-maintained access roads. The reservoir area features scattered fire pits, a vault toilet, and mountain views. While these sites lack amenities like water or trash service, they offer the authentic dispersed camping experience. For most dispersed sites around Boise, expect to travel 30-60 minutes from the city on varying road conditions, from paved to rough gravel roads.

What is boondocking near Boise and which areas allow it?

Boondocking near Boise refers to self-sufficient camping without hookups on public lands, typically BLM or National Forest areas. Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping offers boondocking opportunities near the Oregon-Idaho border—accessible via a dirt road turnoff. Another option is Owyhee-Dispersed, which provides more remote boondocking experiences. Most boondocking sites around Boise require you to bring everything you need (water, power) and pack out all trash. BLM land is abundant in southwestern Idaho, particularly in the Owyhee region. When boondocking, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on established sites, and check local fire restrictions which change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Irish Point dispersed campground?

Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground offers minimal amenities typical of dispersed camping. The site features a pit toilet but no marked camping spots, trash service, or potable water. The location has sloped terrain with limited level spots suitable for tents or small to mid-sized RVs. While there's no formal boat launch, the area allows easy access for small watercraft and flotation devices. The campground provides nice views and easy bank fishing opportunities on Arrowrock Reservoir. Be prepared for the approximately 30-minute drive on gravel roads from the dam to reach the site, and note the long distance to services or supplies. Cell service is limited, so plan accordingly for your stay.

Is dispersed camping available in Boise National Forest?

Yes, Boise National Forest offers abundant dispersed camping opportunities. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground is accessible via a long dirt/gravel road with beautiful reservoir views. This free, no-reservation site provides a peaceful setting close to Boise with river access and exploration opportunities. Boise NF Road 82 offers additional dispersed camping options with access to water. When camping in Boise National Forest, remember the standard dispersed camping rules: stay at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when conditions allow, and camp only in previously used sites. Most dispersed areas in the forest have a 14-day stay limit and require you to pack out all trash.

Can I camp at Arrowrock Reservoir when looking for dispersed camping near Boise?

Yes, Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed offers multiple dispersed camping opportunities about 30-60 minutes from Boise. The reservoir features both developed sites requiring reservations along a paved road and dispersed camping areas accessible via gravel roads. Be prepared for rutted roads that may challenge some vehicles—especially for reaching the more remote dispersed sites. The area provides scenic camping with reservoir access and nearby hiking opportunities, including the strenuous Mt. Heinen trail with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Arrowrock Reservoir is particularly enjoyable during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and crowds are smaller. The reservoir setting offers a quick escape from city life with beautiful views and water recreation options.