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Best Dispersed Camping near Calder, ID

31 Reviews

Several dispersed camping opportunities exist along Big Creek near Calder, Idaho, with secluded sites situated between the established campgrounds on Big Creek Road. These free primitive areas provide excellent access for fly fishing and hiking. One camper noted, "If you're set up for off grid, it's definitely worth spending a few days fly fishing or hiking the area. Very serene!" Most sites permit campfires, though regulations may change seasonally.

The North Fork Coeur d'Alene River area offers additional dispersed camping options with drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access points. These sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with no facilities or hookups. Bull Run Access provides several dispersed camping spots with multiple clearings for larger rigs. According to a visitor, "Past the first circular area, keep going down the road and you'll see a big shady area in the trees," which offers more privacy. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote sites, though most main roads remain passable for standard vehicles during dry conditions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Calder, Idaho (24)

    1. Big Creek, Calder, Idaho

    1 Review
    Calder, ID
    4 miles

    "There are secluded dispersed campsites on Big Creek between the campgrounds on Big Creek RD. If you're set up for off grid its definitely worth spending a few days fly fishing or hiking the area."

    2. Donkey Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Calder, ID
    8 miles
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    "This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek."

    3. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    23 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."

    4. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    22 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."

    5. Big Creek Campground

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    Calder, ID
    6 miles

    6. Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw

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    St. Maries, ID
    12 miles

    7. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    26 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!"

    8. Stevens Lakes Backcountry

    1 Review
    Mullan, ID
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 783-2363

    "By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water!"

    9. Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed

    1 Review
    Saltese, MT
    25 miles

    10. copper mountain rd dispersed

    1 Review
    Cataldo, ID
    29 miles

    "Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Calder, ID

25 Photos of 24 Calder Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Calder, ID

31 Reviews of 24 Calder Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2024

    Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed

    Great location near the Hiawatha trail

    This is primitive off grid camping. No services, no water, no tables, just a bathroom in a field with a few campsites around it near the creek. Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer.

  • 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.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Stevens Lakes Backcountry

    Beautiful hike with breathtaking views!

    By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water! Me and my friends stayed at the lower lake, both hammock and tent camping.

  • 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.

  • PJ M.
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Nice 3 Day Option

    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

    4 spots that I found.  One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed).  There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.

    You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that.  More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer.  There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol).  I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.

    Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.

    Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape.  Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.

    This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Horse Camp Trailhead

    Fun Quick Trip Spot

    While this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in. I will be returning here soon and will take photos to share.

    Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail.

    The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road.

    Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can’t get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup.

  • Kathleen D.
    Aug. 15, 2020

    Rose Lake

    Convenient Stop

    We pulled in after sundown — so grateful to find a safe spot close to the Hwy (en route to our next national park). There was no entry signage beyond the boat launch. The Dyrt map and other reviewer’s directions were accurate. There seemed to be two large lots (one grass, one gravel) that were camping permissible. We were in the second gravel lot. There appeared to be 5 total groups of campers spread over two spacious lots with plenty room for more. There are fewer options for tent campers. One is a little clearing and fire ring under the trees at the rear of the gravel lot (see pic). The gravel lot proved to be a very uncomfortable slant for our rooftop tent.

    Toilet. Pretty little lake (but nothing you’d want to swim in. Pretty murky and gas polluted water by the boat launch). 3 night limit. Not a place you target for a vacation, but a lovely free spot along the way.

Guide to Calder

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Calder, Idaho, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Calder, Idaho

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Rose Lake, offer a peaceful environment but lack amenities such as drinking water and trash disposal, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded experience, consider Bull Run Access Dispersed, where you can find spacious grassy areas among the trees, perfect for setting up camp.
  • Always check the road conditions before heading out, as some areas, like Donkey Creek Campground, may have unpaved roads that require careful navigation.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature, Stevens Lakes Backcountry is a must-visit, featuring beautiful hiking trails and pristine lakes ideal for camping.
  • If you enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water, Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed offers a great location near a creek, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • The Saint Joe NF Dispersed Camping area provides picnic tables and a drive-in access, making it a convenient choice for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Bull Run Access

  • This spot is well-reviewed for its spacious grassy areas, making it ideal for larger groups or families wanting to spread out and enjoy their surroundings.
  • Be mindful of the hunting season, as the area is popular among sportsmen, which can affect the tranquility of your camping experience.
  • The access road is suitable for various vehicle sizes, so whether you're in a tent or an RV, Bull Run Access Dispersed can accommodate your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Calder, ID is Big Creek, Calder, Idaho with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Calder, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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