Dispersed camping options near Clayton, Idaho extend along the Salmon River corridor and into the surrounding Sawtooth National Forest. Deadman Hole Recreation Site offers designated dispersed sites with vault toilets, covered picnic tables, and fire rings. While these sites lack hookups, they provide river access and established camping areas. According to one visitor, "Views for miles, steps from the Salmon River, generous spacing between sites," though they also noted "no shade" and "some road noise."
The area features multiple off-grid camping opportunities along forest service roads. Decker Flats Dispersed Camping provides free riverside sites from March through October, accommodating both tents and RVs with big-rig friendly access. Several primitive sites can be found along Highway 75 and forest roads branching into the Sawtooth wilderness. A review mentioned, "Primitive campsites along the Salmon River. There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet." Most dispersed sites offer fire rings but no other amenities. Cell service is limited throughout the region, and campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions even during summer months.
"A fire ring, shade cover and picnic table are provided for the five campsites as well as a pit toilet. The river is about a four -8 minute walk or so from most campsites. Very clean"
"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?)"
"Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river."
"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"
"It is completely primitive camping pack it in pack it out Bring Your Own water. But for a few nights it would be a superb hideout in the quiet of nature. 10-day limit two bars Verizon."
"Near the lake. No water, has vault toilets. Roads can be slick."
"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"
"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."
"Located right off the highway, this is an easy to reach location with nice spots."
"Convenient location to Redfish Lake and Stanley. Road and spots have recently been updated with packed sand like substance. Sites marked with large stones."
"Pretty good spots only problem is no turnaround for vehicles towing trailers and if you have a large trailer that is almost impossible to turn around once you come in"
"Right off Hwy 75 but hidden and private. Lots of trees right along the Salmon River. I was the only one here so very peaceful. Such a great spot wish I could stay longer!"
"Not far from Redfish Lake off of Highway 75 this disperse camp area has easy access for all size rigs, some places alongside Salmon River others inside the forest."
"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."
GuideThere are many great campsites within a 1/4 mile of this spot. Views are wonderful & the cows are wandering by. The 4 miles on the dirt road coming in had some potholes & a few washboards but nothing going slow wasn't easy to manage with our 31' TT. Here at end of September days in 60s and nights in low 30s.
TravelerCamped on a higher spot. Great views. Dawgs got to hike off-leash.
TravelerAwesome dispersed camping area near Redfish Lake. We stayed in the south overflow area near Sunny Gulch and got a great site right by the Salmon River. The sites are much more spread out than Outlet Campground and some of the other developed campgrounds around Redfish, so it feels more private and peaceful.
The roads in and out are really good. They aren’t paved, but the surface is a fine yellow, sandy material that’s surprisingly clean and not dusty or dirty. The sites are nicely laid out and have designated metal fire rings with grill grates.
Access is also really good for larger RVs. We got our 33-foot rig in and out with no problem. There are signs on some of the roads warning of no trailer turnaround, so definitely pay attention to those and don’t head down a spur unless you know you can get back out. As long as you watch the signs, getting a good-sized RV or trailer around the camping area is pretty easy.
Our site has a pretty steep trail down to the river, so you need to be fairly agile to get down there. We noticed some of the sites farther south have easier river access. Once you get down to the water, though, it’s absolutely beautiful. The Salmon River runs through the valley with mountains rising on both sides, and you can see the Sawtooth Mountains from the camping area.
Beautiful views, plenty of space, good access for larger rigs, river access, and an incredible setting. We’d absolutely camp here again.
TravelerWe had the best experience,there’s two camp sites and metal ring, in front of the river
RangerIt's July; I was tired of driving and looking for a place to camp for a few days. This area is 5 miles North of Ketchum. The road takes you through a residential area then becomes a washboard dirt road. I drove by a few spots that were spacious enough for a 40' rig. The spaces are far enough apart where you can barely see the other campsites. There isn't any shade. Some light traffic, kicking up dust as people drive to Taylor canyon trailhead. No amenities, but you're very close to town. Good ATT signal. There is a 3 day limit.
GuideNip and tuck has tons of spots along the main road, as well as some tucked away on some side roads. Depending on your spot, you either have great views of the hills or the sawtooth range. Town is about 20 min away where you can get everything you need. There is potable water behind the mountain village mercantile and WiFi at the town library. Great hiking nearby and plenty of white water rafting (check out white cloud rafting)
ScoutPretty good spots only problem is no turnaround for vehicles towing trailers and if you have a large trailer that is almost impossible to turn around once you come in
GuideBeautiful spot on north fork of Big Wood River in Sawtooth mountains at 6800ft. Big flat pad, but no shade or ammenities. Limited fishing due to access and fast moving water. No cell reception. Approx 4 miles off main road up rocky dirt road. Not great for big rigs.
GuideNot far from Redfish Lake off of Highway 75 this disperse camp area has easy access for all size rigs, some places alongside Salmon River others inside the forest. We stayed two nights amongst the pine trees. It was quiet and enjoyable. Free!!
Primitive camping near Clayton, Idaho offers varied terrain along forest service roads branching from Highway 75 into the Sawtooth National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet with summer temperatures often dropping into the 30s at night, even in July and August. Most dispersed sites remain open from late spring through early fall, with winter snowpack limiting access from November through April.
Fishing access: Deadman Hole Recreation Site provides direct access to the Salmon River with a boat launch for various water activities. "Boat launch for rafting, kayaking, fishing," notes camper Nancy C., who also mentions the site is just "an easy drive to Challis for supplies."
Hiking trails: Several trails lead to alpine lakes in the surrounding mountains. Near North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5, "lots of great hiking at the trailheads near this campsite" with the "North Fork of the Big Wood River with the sound of churning water" creating a peaceful backdrop according to Mike E.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates excellent conditions for night sky viewing. Deadman Hole offers "serious star gazing opportunities" according to one camper, while sites at higher elevations provide even clearer views. Kevin C. noted the "unparalleled astronomy night viewing" available at dispersed sites with "clear views all around."
River proximity: Many campers value the easy water access. At Decker Flats Dispersed, one camper found "a perfect spot" describing it as "super beautiful right inbetween burned and pristine forest on the river. Close enough to Stanley but still a world away."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. Near Challis, one camper reported seeing "mama moose and twin babies" despite visiting during July heat when they still enjoyed "77 degree days and cool breezes."
Spacious sites: Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed offers well-defined camping areas with adequate space. According to Mark, "The left side is better for solar with larger spots," and notes the area has "spots marked with large stones" on recently updated roads with "packed sand like substance."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers report peaceful conditions despite proximity to roads. At the North Fork Big Wood River site, "if you venture 3 to 4 miles in it's very quiet and peaceful" with the bonus of being "wooded forest experience" near Sun Valley.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, even in summer. At North Fork Big Wood River, Mike E. warns "weather can change on you rapidly and strongly. Be prepared" since you're "in a valley without a lot of visibility far out to the weather."
Road conditions: Some forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. For Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping, Ray & Terri F. advise: "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."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies dramatically by location. At Nip and Tuck Road, "only a few [sites] facing Stanley have cell service," though in those spots "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."
Seasonal availability: Most primitive sites near Clayton follow Forest Service restrictions. For Decker Flats, the season runs "March-October (Year Around Access)" though other areas may close earlier due to weather.
River safety awareness: The Salmon River currents can be strong in spring and early summer. One camper visiting Salmon River - Dispersed Camping mentioned it was "right on Salmon River, really lovely" but noted it was "a bit close to the highway."
Toilet access consideration: Some dispersed areas offer vault toilets while others have none. At Redfish Lake Overflow, Richard C. noted "the vault toilet was very clean" and the entire "campground was right off the highway" with "traffic noise during the day, but pretty much quiet at night."
Insect preparation: Bugs can be an issue, especially near water. Ray & Terri F. reported "a few flies around during the daytime, but not the biting kind, just annoying. Mosquitos were an issue only in the evenings."
Temperature fluctuations: Pack layers for dramatic day-to-night changes. Mark observed at Redfish Lake Overflow that "Weather was beautiful (70s) during day and low 30s to high 20s at night" in mid-September.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for better choices, especially on weekends. For Nip and Tuck Road, campers recommend driving "about 3 miles in" to find the "best spots" with panoramic views of the Sawtooth Range.
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling for larger rigs. Ray & Terri F. found their site "sloped a bit from side to side, but we were able to get mostly level" in their "36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow."
Resource management: Plan for complete self-sufficiency. Mark noted that "Potable water and dump at both Redfish Lake and Stanley Ranger station. Both areas are $12 and both a short drive. Dumpsters at both locations."
Generator etiquette: Be mindful of noise in popular areas. Mark gave a "4 rating [for Redfish Lake Overflow] because of road noise and generators (including open frame) running nonstop over the weekend."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clayton, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clayton, ID is Deadman Hole with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 42 dispersed camping locations near Clayton, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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