Best Dispersed Camping near Clark Fork, ID

The Clark Fork area of northern Idaho features predominantly dispersed camping options along waterways and forested areas. Clark Fork Drift Yard provides basic overnight parking with boat launch access to Lake Pend Oreille, while nearby Pack River Dispersed Site offers more secluded riverside camping. Most sites in this region are primitive with few amenities, managed primarily by Idaho Fish and Wildlife or Forest Service. The landscape transitions from lakeside locations near town to more remote mountain settings as you travel into the Cabinet Mountains, with Engle Lake requiring a 3.5-mile hike for backcountry camping experiences.

Many dispersed sites enforce a 3-day maximum stay limit and require self-sufficiency from campers. As one visitor noted about Pack River, "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites." Road conditions vary significantly, with some areas accessible to larger vehicles while others demand high-clearance or 4WD. Cell service becomes increasingly limited in remote locations. Summer brings mosquitoes and bees, particularly near water. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage throughout the region, especially at higher elevations where wildlife encounters are more common.

Water access dominates the camping experience, with fishing opportunities being a major draw. According to one camper at North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, "The fish were jumping like CRAZY the night I stayed!" Sites along Bull Run Access receive consistently positive reviews for their balance of accessibility and natural setting, with one visitor recommending to "drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides" to find more secluded spots. Vault toilets are available at some locations but are inconsistently maintained. Weekends during summer months see increased competition for prime waterfront sites, while shoulder seasons offer more solitude but require preparation for variable weather conditions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Clark Fork, Idaho (23)

    1. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    3 miles

    ". It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    3. Hanks Meadow

    1 Review
    Murray, ID
    23 miles

    "Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."

    4. Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Noxon, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 293-6211

    "We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed!"

    5. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    34 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!"

    6. Pack River Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Naples, ID
    32 miles

    "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave not trace and pack out your trash!"

    "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."

    8. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    43 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clark Fork, ID

41 Reviews of 23 Clark Fork Campgrounds


  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks Lake

    Great quiet place

    Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great introduction to backpacking, beautiful location

    This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

  • 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.

  • N
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Marshall Lake - CLOSED

    Older and Run Down

    Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp

    Ok

    It’s still ok to stay here, but not many spots left. Officer came by to say these roads aren’t supposed to be here (and many were already blocked off) but you can still park in any of the sandy/ dirt road but can’t pull off anywhere. Took our licenses down.


Guide to Clark Fork

Dispersed camping options near Clark Fork, Idaho provide access to the Cabinet Mountains wilderness and multiple river systems at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet. The area experiences warm, dry summers with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through September, while spring and fall bring variable conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Several unmarked forest roads lead to primitive sites requiring no reservations or fees.

What to do

Gold panning opportunities: Explore the Libby Creek Gold Panning Area where visitors can try their luck at finding gold flakes. "This is an open claim area for primitive gold panners. Several sites with fire rings a short distance to the creek. Be aware that there is mercury contamination due to mining activity in the area in years gone by so dogs should be kept out of the water," warns one camper.

Fishing in streams: The North Fork Coeur D'Alene River offers excellent fishing access in multiple spots. A reviewer notes, "Several spots with a vault toilet in the area. Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas." Morning and evening hours typically yield the best fishing results.

Hiking to alpine lakes: For those willing to trek, backcountry camping at higher elevations provides more solitude. One hiker described their experience: "We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake."

What campers like

Riverside proximity: Many campers praise the ease of water access at Bull Run Access Dispersed sites. One camper recommends: "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."

Solitude in meadow settings: Some rustic camping areas near Clark Fork offer grassy clearings surrounded by forest. A visitor to Hanks Meadow shares: "Beautiful! Quiet River sign meadow. Approximately room for four camper setups. Couple of fire rings. Beautiful mountain side. Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."

Boat launch access: For boaters, Clark Fork Drift Yard provides convenient water entry points. "There is a pit toilet and a boat ramp here. This is a good spot for recreating but not overnight camping!" While not ideal for extended stays, the location serves well for day use with basic facilities.

What you should know

Variable road conditions: Access to prime camping spots often requires navigating challenging terrain. A Pack River Dispersed Site visitor cautions: "A few sites available along this road. Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful." Many locations require high-clearance vehicles.

Wildlife awareness: Bear activity varies by location and season throughout the rustic camping areas near Clark Fork. When camping at higher elevations, proper food storage becomes critical: "They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent."

Insect preparation: Bugs can be intense, particularly near water and in early summer. One camper at Bull Run Access notes: "Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes." Long sleeves and insect repellent are essential from late May through July when mosquitoes are most active.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking: Engle Lake Dispersed Camping offers an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. A visitor shares: "This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills."

Safe swimming considerations: Not all water bodies in the area are suitable for swimming. At Libby Creek, one visitor warns: "Be aware that there is mercury contamination due to mining activity in the area in years gone by so dogs should be kept out of the water." Research water conditions before allowing children to swim.

Toilets and facilities: Most dispersed sites lack services, though some have basic provisions. At North Fork Coeur D'Alene River, "Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off. During the summer float months, you can find a large dumpster at the entrance to throw away your garbage." Bring toilet paper as supplies aren't guaranteed.

Tips from RVers

Suitable RV spots: Some dispersed areas can accommodate larger vehicles despite their remote nature. A visitor to Rose Lake explains: "There is a big space for large vans and campers and as you go down to the lake there are two campsites next to the bathroom that are perfect for tent camping."

Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain creates parking difficulties at many rustic camping areas. A Rose Lake visitor notes: "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere." Bring leveling blocks and scout locations before committing to a spot.

Navigation advice: Finding suitable camping takes persistence on unmarked forest roads. At Bull Run Access, a camper advises: "Cross the one-lane bridge > make a right till you hit the parking lot > make another right towards the sign that says 'sportsman access' > stay straight until you are prompted to make a left. Instead of making that left, stay right there. Spacious enough for you to set up a tent and park your car."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clark Fork, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clark Fork, ID is Clark Fork Drift Yard with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

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