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Best Dispersed Camping near Dalton Gardens, ID

36 Reviews

The landscape surrounding Dalton Gardens, Idaho features predominantly dispersed camping options within a 30-mile radius, with sites concentrated along waterways and forest roads. Rose Lake and Bull Run Access Dispersed campgrounds provide free lakeside camping with basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River offers highly-rated riverside camping with excellent fishing access, while Lakes Divide Road provides more secluded forest camping options for tent campers seeking privacy. Most sites maintain a primitive character with few developed facilities.

Road conditions vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with many requiring travel on gravel or dirt roads. As one camper noted about Bull Run Access, "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." Most dispersed sites enforce a 3-day maximum stay limit, particularly those managed by Idaho Fish and Wildlife. Summer brings increased insect activity, especially near water bodies. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, and campers should prepare for self-sufficient stays with no drinking water, trash service, or hookups available.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with fishing opportunities particularly abundant. The North Fork Coeur D'Alene River receives consistently high ratings for its fishing access, with one visitor noting, "Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas." Wildlife sightings, including deer, are common at many sites. Campers report varying experiences with privacy and noise levels, particularly at sites like Bull Run Access where proximity to highways and watercraft can create ambient noise. Several locations serve well as convenient overnight stops rather than extended-stay destinations, with Rose Lake described as "a lovely free spot along the way" by one reviewer.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Dalton Gardens, Idaho (18)

    1. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    19 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."

    2. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "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.)"

    "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."

    3. copper mountain rd dispersed

    1 Review
    Cataldo, ID
    14 miles

    "Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."

    4. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    13 miles

    5. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    32 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. Bull Run Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Medimont, ID
    20 miles

    7. Hanks Meadow

    1 Review
    Murray, ID
    32 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."

    8. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    39 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"

    9. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    46 miles

    "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."

    "Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."

    10. Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw

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    St. Maries, ID
    31 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dalton Gardens, ID

26 Photos of 18 Dalton Gardens Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dalton Gardens, ID

36 Reviews of 18 Dalton Gardens 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

  • 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.

  • Brian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Bonnie Lake Island

    Bonnie Lake Island. Boat in island campsite in scab-land canyon lake

    This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow. The island and surrounding sq. mile of land is owned by the BLM. Access is by paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake. The creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam. The island is rocky and brushy with enough flat spaces for a tent or two and trees for hammocks. The steep canyon walls provide a stage for coyotes to sing back and forth. Please use sanitary bags to pack out your waste (poop). The island's soil isn't deep enough for proper burial.

    There is a spit of land on shore where you can camp too, but I've not done that.

  • 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.

  • Kathleen D.
    Aug. 15, 2020

    Rose Lake

    Convenient Stop

    We pulled in after sundown — so grateful to find a safe spot close to the Hwy (en route to our next national park). There was no entry signage beyond the boat launch. The Dyrt map and other reviewer’s directions were accurate. There seemed to be two large lots (one grass, one gravel) that were camping permissible. We were in the second gravel lot. There appeared to be 5 total groups of campers spread over two spacious lots with plenty room for more. There are fewer options for tent campers. One is a little clearing and fire ring under the trees at the rear of the gravel lot (see pic). The gravel lot proved to be a very uncomfortable slant for our rooftop tent.

    Toilet. Pretty little lake (but nothing you’d want to swim in. Pretty murky and gas polluted water by the boat launch). 3 night limit. Not a place you target for a vacation, but a lovely free spot along the way.

Guide to Dalton Gardens

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dalton Gardens, Idaho, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Dalton Gardens

  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at Rose Lake, where you can find a peaceful spot right by the water and take in stunning sunsets.
  • Explore the scenic trails around Bull Run Access Dispersed, which offers a grassy area among the trees, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
  • Experience the tranquility of Clark Fork Drift Yard, where you can unwind after a day of boating and fishing, enjoying the quiet once the boats leave.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Dalton Gardens, Idaho

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot at Lakes Divide Road, as it can get busy, especially during weekends.
  • Be prepared for uneven terrain at Rose Lake, where leveling your tent can be a challenge, but the views make it worthwhile.
  • Keep an eye out for mosquitoes at Bull Run Access Dispersed, especially during warmer months, and bring repellent to enhance your camping experience.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw

  • Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw is a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet escape, offering a drive-in access that makes it easy to set up camp.
  • This area is perfect for tent camping, providing a rustic experience without the need for permits, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous trips.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty and solitude that Tingley Springs offers, allowing you to connect with nature away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dalton Gardens, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dalton Gardens, ID is Rose Lake with a 3.1-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dalton Gardens, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Dalton Gardens, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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