Several free dispersed camping areas exist around Donnelly, Idaho, primarily on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. The region features sites like Little Payette Lake, Lost Valley Reservoir, Upper Payette Lake, and Lake Louie dispersed camping areas. These primitive campsites are positioned along forest service roads, reservoir edges, and mountain lakes, providing access to public lands without developed facilities. Most areas permit camping for up to 14 days, following standard public land regulations for dispersed camping.
Road access varies significantly between sites, with many requiring navigation on unpaved forest roads. Little Payette Lake camping areas are accessible via Lick Creek Road with multiple pull-offs available, while Upper Payette Lake sites require travel along forest roads that may become challenging during wet conditions. According to one visitor, "Each spot has its own area. Haul ALL your own stuff in & OUT." Most sites lack drinking water, restrooms, or other amenities, though a few areas like Lost Valley Reservoir provide vault toilets. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, so campers should check current regulations before visiting.
These primitive camping areas provide excellent access to outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, paddling, and hiking trails. Dispersed camping around Donnelly offers true wilderness experiences with minimal crowds and maximum flexibility for self-sufficient campers. Campsites at Upper Payette Lake offer scenic lake views and water access. One camper noted, "Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights." Brundage Reservoir camping remains relatively uncrowded even during peak season, with one visitor describing it as "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake." Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, though mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at dawn and dusk. Many sites feature existing fire rings, though firewood collection may be limited near popular camping areas. Several locations provide opportunities for off-road trail exploration, hiking, and water-based recreation as alternatives to more developed campgrounds in the McCall area.
"Found a nice large flat area for 2 nights. Lots of mosquitoes."
"Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable."
"It’s really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful."
"After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake."
"Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in."
"So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area Each spot in its own area. One big area for group."
"Close by the lake so you can swim, fish, etc. Camp sites seemed pretty separated so you can have privacy. Lots of mosquitoes and flies."
"Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek. It does get busy on the weekends"
"awesome undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night"
"Dispersed camping areas all over the mountain."
"But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees."
"One of the few dispersed areas I’ve visited with multiple bathrooms. Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you’ll want to be on the water!"
GuideThe road getting up there was a bit difficult even with 4-wheel drive after all the rain. But once in the right area, I found a great little cut off road that dead ended at a camp site. Lots of deer, no other people around.
TravelerPlenty of room, close to town, free, toilets, great views.
GuideRight off NF-490 road about 2 min from Hells Canyon Overlook. There would be road noise except hardly anyone comes up here, especially at night. Large open area, flat and hard-packed ground.
GuideWhat a beautiful overnight stay. Dispersed camping FYI: DRIVE PAST campground about 4 miles/11 minutes and you will start noticing creek side spots. (Don't be fooled by the flat open area before the campground, unless you want to be on the reservoir) Worth the drive in, fairly smooth gravel road.
ScoutThe pin is off from the actual location. Nice spots right on river amd a few with firepits.
TravelerThe road that the coordinates lead us to was very narrow and rough and ended at a gate just 300 feet from the lake. Fortunately there was a turn around at the gate otherwise we would have been screwed
TravelerSome friends and I were roadtripping around eastern Oregon and hells canyon was part of the route. We were panning to hit up a spot down in the canyon but when we drove by this set up we had to check it out. Plenty of space for multiple tents on multiple sights. Drivable trails around the pond where you can go fishing. A few campers even were set up back there.
Walking over late in the evening to Stargate over the canyon… And then woke up to watch the sunrise over the canyon. It’s like a two minute walk from this campsite so much space and there was hardly anyone there.
Will visit again next time I’m through
LegendHorrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though. Next to road so you do have that noise. It is a traveled road so about every 10 mins a car drives by. Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things. Pros——- super close to McCall, like 6mins drive time. Beautiful. Dead end. Huge trees. Cons——- Mosquitoes……. Thousands. Road noise. Can’t access lake from here to many logs. Did I mention the 🦟 Mosquitoes!??
GuideEasy enough pull off with lots of open dispersed sites. Granted, little shade and little privacy. Lots of people on a Monday night. Very warm in summer.
Dispersed camping near Donnelly, Idaho provides access to multiple mountain lakes and reservoirs with varied elevation ranging from 4,800 feet to over 6,000 feet. Most sites follow a standard 14-day stay limit under Forest Service regulations. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime with nighttime lows dropping to 40-50°F even in July and August, requiring appropriate camping gear.
Paddleboarding on uncrowded waters: Brundage Reservoir offers secluded paddling experiences, often with minimal crowds even during peak season. According to a camper at Brundage Resivour Dispersed Camping: "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area."
Fishing for mountain trout: Several lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities in alpine settings. Goose Lake features "undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night," according to a visitor.
Hiking accessible trails: The area around Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides multiple recreation options. A visitor notes, "Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails."
Lake views and sunsets: Many rustic camping spots near Donnelly feature prime lakeside viewing areas. A camper at Upper Payette Lake shared: "And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection."
Spacious campsites: Many dispersed sites offer good separation between camping areas. At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, a visitor observed: "There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom."
Off-road exploration: Multiple forest roads and trails support ATV and dirt bike activities. A visitor to Lost Valley Reservoir noted: "Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails."
Seasonal mosquito activity: Insects can be problematic at certain times. A camper at Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) reported: "Horrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though. Next to road so you do have that noise. It is a traveled road so about every 10 mins a car drives by."
Limited lake access: Some sites advertised as lakeside may have restricted water access. A Little Payette Lake visitor noted: "Dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road. 4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs. A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access. Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august."
Water level fluctuations: Reservoir levels typically drop throughout summer. One camper at Herrick Reservoir Access observed: "Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own."
Pack bug protection: Morning and evening insect activity requires preparation. According to a Warren Wagon Rd camper: "We love this spot. We ended up taking 3 spots because we had a group with us. Only Mosquitoes at dusk and dawn. Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek."
Plan for temperature swings: Mountain elevation causes significant day-to-night temperature differences. A visitor to Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area shared: "It's high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night."
Consider hike-in options: For families with older children, backpacking opportunities exist. A visitor to Lake Louie Dispersed Camping reported: "Challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable."
Site leveling challenges: Many primitive camping sites near Donnelly require leveling equipment. A Little Payette Lake camper advised: "Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things."
Road conditions vary: Forest roads accessing primitive camping sites deteriorate during wet weather. One camper at Upper Payette Lake recommended: "There are some seriously beautiful spots to camp here. Another review says that it's $10 to camp, but that is in the actual campground. Instead of turning right to get into the campground, keep driving straight and you will find the dispersed camping."
Pack out all waste: No services exist at most primitive sites. A Brundage Reservoir visitor emphasized: "Each spot in its own area. One big area for group. Haul ALL your own stuff in & OUT. Water is great."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best spots for dispersed camping near Donnelly and Cascade, Idaho?
The Donnelly-Cascade area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) provides multiple pullouts for cars/RVs a few hundred yards from the lake via a dirt road off Lick Creek Road. For those seeking water views, East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area features seven sites overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River, though the narrow road isn't suitable for large RVs. Other notable options include Upper Payette Lake, Hazard Creek, and Lake Louie (requires hiking in). Each site offers unique experiences, from riverside camping to mountain lake settings, with varying accessibility and amenities.
Is free camping available in the Donnelly and Cascade area of Idaho?
Yes, free camping is readily available in the Donnelly and Cascade area. Mann Creek Recreation Area offers primitive boondocking sites at no cost, making it popular with families and budget-conscious travelers. Similarly, Short's Bar Recreation Area provides free riverside camping with basic amenities like portable toilets. While free, these areas typically have stay limits (usually 10-14 days) and may have seasonal closures or restrictions. For those willing to hike, Loon Lake and Goose Lake offer beautiful free camping experiences. Remember that while these sites are free, they generally lack amenities like running water, hookups, or garbage service, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.
What regulations should I know about for dispersed camping in Donnelly, Idaho?
When dispersed camping near Donnelly, Idaho, be aware that many areas enforce a 10-day stay limit, as seen at Herrick Reservoir Access. Fire restrictions are common, especially during summer months—Little Payette Lake often prohibits fires during wildfire season. Always verify current fire regulations before your trip. Watch for private property boundaries, which are sometimes marked with gates or signage. At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, campers should respect established sites and practice Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed areas lack services like trash collection, so plan to pack out all waste. Check with the local Forest Service office for the most current regulations before your trip.
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