Best Dispersed Camping near Challis, ID

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Challis, look no further. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Challis, Idaho (23)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Challis, Idaho

38 Reviews of 23 Challis Campgrounds


  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed

    Dispersed with vault toilet

    If you show up to Redfish Lake on a busy weekend and all of the campgrounds are reserved/full, no worries. There is a bunch of free dispersed camping all along highway 75. A quick stop at the Forest Service Office down the road and I had a pretty good map of the forest roads in the area, but more importantly, a tip about free camping a stone’s throw away from Redfish Lake and Sunny Gulch campground. The road in is a bit rough with ruts and rocks, but there are several established sites with fire rings. There was a loop to the right with about 8 such sites and a loop to the right with about 5 sites as well as one that was hidden behind the site I chose that you had to walk in to(it was actually a nicer site than the one I chose, but I was tired and set up before I saw it on my explorations. There was one vault toilet that was not especially clean, but free is free, and if you really wanted to, you could walk less than a quarter mile across to the developed Sunny Gulch campground. There are no picnic tables or grills or tent pads, but definitely stone fire rings at each site so no worries as long as you brought your own camp chair. If you need a shower, head into Redfish Lake to use the public pay showers there.

  • Cia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Winged Fork Pl Dispersed
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Winged Fork Pl Dispersed

    Gorgeous site

    On left, out East Fork Rd from Challis. Long ways. Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river. Small metal fire ring Great views and quiet!

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 25, 2020

    Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed camping

    This is a dispersed camp spot with no services at all, but it is free. Nice and quiet, but a few folks did pass by in the dirt road/trail. The road in is a bit bumpy, but not terrible, just go slow. I was able to get my 30ft dual axel travel trailer in without much trouble. The spot could fit 3/4 rigs or 5-6 tents. Great view of the night sky.

  • Mike E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5
    Aug. 3, 2021

    North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5

    Wooded forest experience

    Dispersed camping just north of Sun Valley. This Forest Road is popular being so close to town, but if you venture 3 to 4 miles in it's very quiet and peaceful. Lots of great hiking at the to trailheads near this campsite. We enjoyed all of the trees around our campsite and the North Fork of the Big Wood River with the sound of churning water. No cell service here. You're in a valley without a lot A visibility far out to the weather. Therefore, weather can change on you rapidly and Strongly. Be prepared.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Rachel A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
    Jun. 24, 2020

    Alpine Lake

    Breathtaking, peaceful

    Alpine lake is approx. 5.5mi from the Redfish Lake Inlet. With a 2000ft elevation gain and some killer switchbacks as you hike into altitude, the lake rests at about 8300ft. Never have I witnessed such beauty and serene, crystal clear waters. Absolutely no services, only dispersed camping—pack in/pack out and worth every step! We have snow mid-June that was up to our thighs on the way up (ouch!) but by two days later had melted enough to reveal the trail floor. Don’t forget your sunscreen ;) You will not regret visiting this heaven on earth spot

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Adam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Stunning, Free, Within 15 Mins from Amenities

    A good friend of ours brought us up to Stanley, ID to explore for a week on horseback, hiking, and camping. I have been a professional photographer for many years, although I have seen stunning jaw dropping landscape photos in magazines I had yet to find myself in a location that would take my breath away… Until the day we set up camp at Decker Flatts.

    I wont rattle on about how we were within 2 mins of a hiking trail that leads you to "Hell's Roaring lake", or about the amazing Trout fishing within 10 feet of my tent, or even the stunning sunrises every morning. I wont even describe the Beauty of the 5 other lakes that were all within a 10 min drive and a 5-10 mile hike or horseback ride from our camp. (Upper Marshall Lake, Alice Lake, Petti Lake, Alpine Lake & Sawtooth Lake) I'll just let you see the photos attached to this review and hope you'll make the life changing camping trip we did.

    a few things to know:

    1. The trails we took are not per-say beginner trails, the shortest one is 10 miles Round Trip and it leads you to Hell's Roaring Lake, (My wife and I Hike quite often and it was a most the day trip)
    2. All the other lakes we visited were on Horseback, they were all day long rides. i could not imagine making those trips in ONE day on foot, although we passed quite a few people whom have hiked up, spent the night, and hiked out the next day.
    3. Decker Flatts is really easy to Miss, passing red fish lodge turn off headed south keep going 12.8 miles till you see a creek crossing bridge called "4th of July creek", take you next left, cross the one lane bridge, follow the road to the left, your next left will enter the different camp sites available

    The Sawtooth Mountain camping areas are designed for self-sufficient camping. the USFS campgrounds do not offer trailer hookups for water, sewer, or power. Because of heavy winter snows, most area campgrounds are open only from mid-May through Labor Day. The area you'll find Decker Flatts will amaze you when you see that the terrain flattens and broad meadows push back the forests. This sprawling preserve encompasses four mountain ranges, several large lakes which i have only explored a few. It's the sort of place that begs you to unplug your phone chargers let them die, lock the car, and put some ground under your feet, maybe even get knee deep in the crisp cool water of the river nearby.

    Natural Features:

    Dispersed campsites are stung along the flat river side, find yourself between pine and spruce trees that tower in stark contrast over the surrounding sprawling meadows. Although, this area is inaccessible during the winter months the meadows are wide and utilized by local ranchers to rise cattle.

    Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for elk, deer, coyotes, and hawks as you take in the surroundings. Bobcats, mountain lions, and bear do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.

    Recreation:

    Hikers, fisherman, photographers, mountain bikers and the average nature junkies flock to the Sawtooth Mountain range for the variety of available activities of the park.

  • Rhett B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Winged Fork Pl Dispersed
    Sep. 27, 2020

    Winged Fork Pl Dispersed

    GPS Coordinates Are Completely Wrong

    GPS coordinates show for Eagle, ID but the drycamping spot isn’t remotely close to Eagle. It’s near Challis, ID.

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

    Deadman Hole

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Maddie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Deadman Hole
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Deadman Hole

    FREE BLM Campground

     Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free! 

    The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?) type sites with covered picnic table and a fire pit. There are also pit toilets and a hand pump water spigot. There is also a boat ramp and a day use area. 

    The river is very shallow and the bank is quite muddy -- our little dog sank up to her belly. 

    No privacy here and lots of road noise but you get to see the river and the meandering cows across the river. 

    Did not see any wildlife unless you count the swarms of tiny bugs of the variety that squeeze their little bug bodies through your screens. 

    Zero cell reception ATT, verizon or TMobile. The WeBoost was able to give us bars of LTE but still was not very usable.

    Good for an overnight but not much around to keep us occupied for anything longer.

  • 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

  • Ben H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Deadman Hole
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Deadman Hole

    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.


Guide to Challis

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Challis, Idaho, where nature's tranquility meets the freedom of the great outdoors. With stunning landscapes and a variety of camping options, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Challis, Idaho

  • Make sure to bring your own water and firewood, as places like Deer Gulch do not provide these amenities.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife while camping; many visitors have spotted animals like moose and deer in areas such as Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; some access roads can be rough, especially when heading to spots like Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619.

Scenic views for dispersed campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking mountain views at Deadman Hole, where the scenery is complemented by the nearby Salmon River.
  • Campers at Mosquito Flat Reservoir can take in stunning lake views while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
  • The area around Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed offers picturesque landscapes, perfect for photography and relaxation.

Top activities while free camping near Challis

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 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.