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Best Dispersed Camping near Donnelly, ID

33 Reviews

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. 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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Donnelly, Idaho (28)

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35 Photos of 28 Donnelly Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Donnelly, ID

33 Reviews of 28 Donnelly Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. 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. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    Dispersed Near McCall at Little Payette Lake

    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.  No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.

    All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID.  Good alternative to when the state park fills up

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Loon Lake

    Amazing views and history!

    This campground is a hike-in area unless you visit via dirt bikes, mountain bikes or horses. It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake. It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943. The plane can be difficult to find as you have to bushwack to get to it. I did find a little trail that brought me out, but it is often hard to find. We hiked along the right side of the lake, then bushwacked to the left, forded a creek, and was able to find the plane. I have heard and red that you can find the plane by going around an unmaintained forest service trail on the left side of the lake as well. If you make it this far I encourage you to find the plane and read the informational signs no matter what. The story is incredible! While it is longer to hike back out on the rest of the loop, the trail is completely different than coming in and provides amazing views of the Secesh river. Don't expect any amenities when camping at Loon Lake. This spot is truly for those interested in packing in and packing out what they want to use in a remote setting.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.

    Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.

    If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. 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. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.

    The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.

    The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.

    Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.

  • Christine
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Gorgeous, safe and quiet

    Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...

  • Shay S.
    May. 1, 2024

    Short's Bar Recreation Area

    Busy

    This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available

  • Will M.
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Great campgrounds tucked away

    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. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area

    Right on the river!

    These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area. The sites only consist of a fire ring a d a small parking area, but they are free.

  • Spencer L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Lake Louie Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful

    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. Be aware of the temperature before tackling this hike. There are a number of campable areas surrounding the lake. Hammocking is ideal due to the close clumping of trees all around the lake.

Guide to Donnelly

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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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