Dispersed camping near Harrison, Idaho offers multiple options along the Coeur d'Alene River watershed. The region sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-90°F. Heavy forest cover provides natural shade at many sites, while some lakeside areas remain open with minimal tree coverage.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The North Fork Coeur D'Alene River provides excellent fly fishing access. According to one camper at North Fork Coeur D'Alene River, "The fish were jumping like CRAZY the night I stayed!"
Lake activities: Rose Lake offers boating access via a dock. A visitor noted, "Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90."
Trail exploration: The area connects to the Coeur d'Alene Trail system. At Bull Run Access Dispersed, one camper mentioned, "continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area."
What campers like
Secluded spots: Finding private areas away from crowds is possible if you explore beyond main sites. As one camper at Big Creek, Calder, Idaho shared, "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."
Multiple camping options: Many areas offer various site types to match different camping styles. A reviewer at North Fork Coeur D'Alene River mentioned, "We went to a spot off of the river, but next to a creek. The river spots fill up pretty fast, and the creek spots have more privacy."
Low-cost alternatives: Free camping opportunities exist throughout the region. At Hog Lake Campground, a camper reported, "This campsite was the perfect break in our drive from North Cascades to Glacier. The road was easy to find and there were so many great sites."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Insects can be prevalent in warmer months. One camper at Bull Run Access Dispersed warned, "Pretty spot close to the lake, but the mosquitoes are abundant! I had my door opened for just a few minutes and had to kill like 20 before I could sleep."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality throughout the area. A visitor to North Fork Coeur D'Alene River noted, "The road was crazy rough to my spot but looked like it was easier on the right side."
Site selection timing: Popular spots fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. One camper advised, "The river spots fill up pretty fast, and the creek spots have more privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: Look for spots with natural boundaries and shade. A family at Lakes Divide Road mentioned, "Found a blocked entrance to a forest road about a mile in. Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog."
Safety considerations: Be aware of local wildlife and terrain hazards. A Bull Run Access Dispersed camper shared, "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."
Bathroom situations: Most dispersed sites lack facilities, though some areas have vault toilets. At North Fork Coeur D'Alene River, a camper noted, "Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."
Tips from RVers
Access evaluation: Scout locations before attempting access with larger rigs. At Bull Run Access Dispersed, one RVer reported, "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."
Leveling challenges: Many sites have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. A Rose Lake visitor warned, "The gravel lot proved to be a very uncomfortable slant for our rooftop tent."
Site selection: Arrive early to secure suitable RV spots. One camper at Horse Camp Trailhead suggested, "If you can't get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup."
