Top Free Dispersed Camping near Challis, ID

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Challis? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Challis, ID (23)

Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Challis

36 Reviews of 23 Challis Campgrounds


  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Nice place close to great trailheads

    I enjoyed my 2 night stay here. I pitched a tent however it was quite windy due to it being an open area so just stake your tent down well. I had a spot right beside the salmon river and was able to access this campsite via my Honda Accord vehicle.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Very nice stay close to the Sawtooth mountains

    This was a great stay. I found a place to pitch a tent right beside the river. There seemed to be plenty of spots some vacant at times. It was close to Highway 75 but did get some traffic noise but the river drowned most of it out. Would stay here again!

  • Ben H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Deadman Hole Dispersed
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Deadman Hole Dispersed

    Simple

    Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.

  • Maddie P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

    Less busy than other camping areas

    Got to Stanley area around 6pm on a Friday. Drove to Stanley Lake and Iron Creek but everything was full. Decided to drive down Rd 653 then to Rd 633 to see if there was anything open and found a good spot about 2 miles in from hwy 21. I passed quite a few people but spots are pretty far apart and the only people I could see from my campsite were all the way across the valley. Only animals I saw were some antelope, ground squirrels, and cows. Pretty wildflowers all around too. It was a good place to stop for the night!

  • Courtney G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 12, 2023

    Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

    Love this spot!

    Took advice from the other review and entered through the east from hwy21. Found my spot about 2.5- 3 miles in. This was the only one I saw at about 7pm on a Wednesday. Had entertainment from cows in the distance!

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lost River Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Big Lost River Dispersed

    Surprisingly easy access. Clean and ADA accessible

    I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619

    Designated Dispersed 2023

    This area along lower Iron Creek Road had some rough free dispersed spots that had cell signal from Stanley. As of June 2023 there are info boards and signage that notes dispersed camping only in designated spots marked on the ground with new signs. I saw an A group and a B group and may be more farther up but the road was so rough washboard potholed I did not check. These sites are small and not suitable for RVs and large TTs in my opinion. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. However, this is very close to Stanley town.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed

    FS road #638 Dispersed

    Area of FS road #638 and #630. Large flat area around an old burrow pit. Very popular and lots of campers when I visited. Not a lot of privacy in my opinion, but it is only a few miles from Stanley Lake boat ramp.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from County Road 210 Dispersed
    Oct. 3, 2022

    County Road 210 Dispersed

    October 1, 2022 Update (May Be Closed to Camping)

    I drove up to check out this area since we were staying in Salmon River Designated Spot 2 and there are now no camping signs all over in this area. It is very hard to tell if the signs are meant just for the specific area where they are posted as it is clear those are in previous camping spots, but there are other spots that do not have signs right next to those. You may want to check with the ranger station before heading up to see if camping is still allowed in this area. On a side note, as others have mentioned the road up is pretty steep and rutted so enter with caution. I would not have pulled my 30ft travel trailer up there for sure.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed

    Video Review Now Available

    In this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Stanley, Idaho in the Sawtooth National Forest. Salmon River Designated Spots 1, 2 and 3. All locations are in the Sawtooth National Forest and there is a 10 day stay limit between May 1- September 15th with an unlimited stay limited outside of that time period. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WWH8Vb49Ow&t=531s

  • Mondo Moto Media
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lost River Dispersed
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Big Lost River Dispersed

    Amazing views even worth the bit of washboard road you must go over

    Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief! Water /fishing access ,private spots , even one really nice paved spot close to entrance , don’t miss the turn it’s near a cattle gate on the gravel road

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Aug. 27, 2022

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Easy access and nice space

    Got here on a Friday (8/26) around 7:30 pm. There were already some folks out here, but there were still some spaces. Although, they were a bit close to each other in the main area where you pull in. Found a spot up the way by the creek that was further away from being around everyone there for a more secluded feel. Clean and easy.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
    Aug. 22, 2022

    Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed

    Great views and close to the lake

    I love this place as dispersed camping is our favorite. We are not stacked in n together and have great views of tue Sawtooth. My speed test was done with Verizon and I was using a WeBoost.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from County Road 210 Dispersed
    Aug. 10, 2022

    County Road 210 Dispersed

    Next to Redfish lake

    There are many camp sites along the road. Good cell service. Verizon. Only a mile or so to Redfish lake. Awesome lake. There is a paid shower, laundry and dump available there. Road narrow and is loose gravel.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lost River Dispersed
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Big Lost River Dispersed

    Not bad off the road

    Probably 15 spots. AT&T 1-2 5G. Pit toilets, 10 day max stay right on Big Lost River, fishing might be good? No garbage, water. Not bad for a 2-3 nighter.

  • Cindy N.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5
    Aug. 14, 2021

    North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5

    Nice site

    We were able to find a site at the last minute, after 2 surrounding sites were full. Camp host was friendly and prompt to check us in. Nice big site. Dogs allowed on leash. Bathrooms available, but didn’t use. Some highway noise, but not bad. Nice place to stay with a creek running nearby.

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

    Nice, widely dispersed sites just a few miles NW of Stanley

    We are full-timers and have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and had scouted the area before arriving with the RV. The roads in to this area, NF-563/Stanley Creek Rd and NF-633/Nip and Tuck Road are in pretty decent shape for all vehicles coming in from the West off of Hwy 21, but be warned, do not come in from the East on NF-633/Nip and Tuck Road off of Hwy 75 as just a short distance in, there is deep and narrow wash across the road that will likely ruin the underside of your RV unless you have a very high clearance vehicle. There are many dispersed sites around along the road, but most were taken when we arrived, and only a few facing Stanley have cell service. We found a decent site (44.2382,-114.9692), a little off of the main road, with a great view of the Sawtooth Range and the valley. The site sloped a bit from side to side, but we were able to get mostly level. There were a few flies around during the daytime, but not the biting kind, just annoying. Mosquitos were an issue only in the evenings. There are a number of hiking trails in the surrounding area. AT&T service was fair with 2-3 bars of LTE and speeds up to about 1.5 MB/s. T-Mobile service was good with 3 bars of 4G/LTE and speeds up to about 1.3 MB/s We were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site. Also, there were no OTA channels to be had with our fixed omni antenna.

  • Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Deadman Hole Dispersed
    Jul. 8, 2021

    Deadman Hole Dispersed

    A little slice of paradise on the Salmon River

    Pros: *Views for miles *Steps from the Salmon River *Boat launch for rafting,kayaking,fishing *Covered picnic table *Generous spacing between sites *Serious star gazing opportunities

    • Easy drive to Challis for supplies

    Cons: *No shade *Close to road, so some road noise.

    • No services, except a vault toilet, but with views like this, who cares.

    Pros out weigh the cons for us. 2 thumbs up.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Free!

    Primitive campsites along the Salmon River. There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well. Beautiful views, close to Stanley for essentials.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cougar Dispersed Camping Area
    May. 30, 2021

    Cougar Dispersed Camping Area

    Peaceful Near a Flowing River

    We came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around. All sites looked nice and we counted 12 designated dispersed sites, #1 was the furthest in. We ended up in 2C(the furthest in of three sites of area #2. The site was next to the river. It was 4.5 miles in on the dirt road and our closest neighbor was back up the road 3.5 miles in camp Murdock, roughly a twenty minute drive. The only animals we saw were ground squirrels. It was so peaceful and a wonderful experience.



Guide to Challis

Camping near Challis, Idaho, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the river, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The Salmon River is a prime spot for fishing. Campers at Salmon River Campground rave about the fishing opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The other is fishing. The other is that you are fairly close to Boat Box Hot Springs."
  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails in the Sawtooth National Forest. A visitor at Mormon Bend Campground mentioned, "Camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, kayaking and natural hot springs close by, all within the stunning Sawtooth Mountains!"
  • Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs. A camper at Challis Hot Springs shared, "This place is a true gem. Getting to experience hot springs without hiking to them is so nice."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer at Casino Creek Campground said, "This was a quiet place across the river from the main road. Clean and well kept."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor at Blind Creek Campground remarked, "Restrooms were in quite good shape and all but one site was taken."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility. A reviewer at Elk Bend RV Park stated, "We stayed two nights in this delightful peaceful campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A camper at Camp Creek BLM Camping noted, "Fully dispersed no services, no cell signal (verizon)."
  • Road Noise: Expect some noise from nearby highways. A visitor at Mormon Bend Campground mentioned, "Being right on the highway with minimal trees to block some noise the road noise was constant."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A reviewer at Bayhorse Recreation Site said, "Try and get a site on the river side as some have access to the water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with space for kids to play. A camper at Challis Hot Springs mentioned, "The staff are friendly and accommodating. Such a peaceful spot."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor gear. A visitor at Casino Creek Campground suggested, "There are plenty of trails for various activities for this place: Hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, ATV use, and Fishing."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled for adventures. A camper at Salmon River Campground noted, "Cleanest vault toilets ever. Asphalt roads and sites in good condition."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Big Bayhorse said, "The road can be a bit sketchy in spots but all in all not completely difficult."
  • Bring Extra Water: Some campgrounds lack water access. A camper at Camp Creek BLM Camping advised, "Bring your own or filter from the river."
  • Watch for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for animals. A visitor at Blind Creek Campground shared, "We saw beavers catching fish, deer, chipmunks eating wild currants and rainbow trout."

Camping near Challis, Idaho, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Challis, ID?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Challis, ID is Deadman Hole Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Challis, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.