The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Dubois, ID

14 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options surround Dubois, Idaho, with West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 providing open views but minimal protection from wind. The turnoff south of the highway can be difficult to spot at night, consisting of two wheel tracks leading to flat camping areas. Stoddard Creek Dispersed Camping offers shady sites with well-maintained gravel road access, while Henry's Fork Rivercamp provides riverside camping with mountain views and rock fire rings.

The BLM Skull Canyon Road area requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rough, narrow rocky track about a mile from Highway 28. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Canyon walls on each side. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site." S Antelope Flat Road receives high ratings despite large potholes on the entrance road and maintains a 14-day stay limit. Most primitive sites in the area lack drinking water, toilets, and trash service, though fires are permitted at many locations. Mosquitoes can be problematic at riverside areas, particularly at Mesa Falls Scenic Byway sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Dubois, IdahoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dubois, Idaho (18)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Dubois Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dubois, ID

11 Photos of 18 Dubois Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dubois, ID

14 Reviews of 18 Dubois Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2019

    Coal Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Flat camping area next to Coal Creek

    Coal Creek Disperse Camping Area is a large flat grassy parking area just barely off the main road. Site has a large rock fire ring with plenty of flat areas to set up a tent or park a camper. Site is right next to Coal Creek. Being so close to the road you will have no privacy, but the remoteness of the area should mean little to no traffic at night. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 7000 feet

  • Abner H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Lava Hiking Trailhead

    Lots of Quiet Space - Some Amenities

    Stayed at the trailhead parking lot boondocking (No toilets, no water, no electric).  Fairly level area with a fire ring, picnic tables under a shelter, metal charcoal grill and easy access to the lava field (Hells Half Acre) hiking trails.    Access from US 20 to the trailhead parking is gravel and easily accessible for all vehicles with several large turnouts that can be camped at.  The rest of the loop past the turn to the trailhead parking is not graveled but still passable by most vehicles.  I would be more hesitant to use the loop in wet weather where the ground may be soft.

    Unfortunately as you can see in a couple of the pictures not everyone cares for our public lands appropriately, there is some garbage left around and someone has taken it upon themselves to use signs and structures for target practice.

    - AT&T has 2 bars of LTE and very slow data with a 243ms ping time and a 10Mbps download once it eventually started 

    - T-Mobile has 3 bars and my hotspot was able to achieve 18.85Mbps download although it too had a long ping time of 292ms

    - Starlink has an unobstructed view of the sky with a 226.6Mbps download speed and 27ms ping

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2019

    6100X Dispersed Camping Area

    Just a grass camping area next to a creek

    Dispersed Camping Area 6100X is not much to talk about. The location is just barely off the road in a bumpy grassy area along Forest Service route 100. This camping area is wide open, not much of a site, but does have a small rock fire ring. I would suggest not using the fire ring as small sage brush is growing along the edge of the ring, would build a new ring if you wanted a fire. While the ground is a little bumpy you should have no problem find a level enough spot for a tent and a camper should be no problem at all. Disperse camping along FS route 100 is only allowed in designated locations in this part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. All forest service disperse camping rules are in affect. Stay is limited to 16 days. No facilities at this site so come prepared. Site is at an elevation of 7024 feet.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in a Canyon

    Coordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.

  • jsbeezg The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Lava Hiking Trailhead

    Great location for the night

    Nice location away from the highway to spend the night. Dirt road that is a little rough but accessible by low clearance car. Several pull outs to car camp.

  • angy M.
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Wood Road Dispersed Site

    Great spot off the beaten path

    Great spot down by river. Mostly sunny area but found this spot with shade. Rough rd coming in but camper van accessible. Rock fire ring. There are houses across river but this site is private from that . Only bad thing is it’s quite a little drive back here. At 2pm on a Sunday no one around so far.

  • S
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Henry's Fork Rivercamp

    Last minute camp site!

    We decided to camp on the way back up from Jackson and found this little gem! There were plenty of RVs camping in open areas right by the entrance but if you follow the dirt road, there’s more secluded spots within the trees. The road was a bit rocky, but our sedan made it through with some careful maneuvering.

  • Johnothan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Island Park Dam

    Excellent Boondocks location

    Free to stay up to 14 days. Busy on weekends.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Island Park Dam

    Quiet & Secluded

    Large graveled parking area next to Island Park Reservoir. Parking, pit toilets. Level & no road noise. Room for several vehicles. Still two feet of snow in April

Guide to Dubois

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dubois, Idaho, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Stunning Views at West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy open views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for a night under the stars.
  • The site is easily accessible by vehicle, allowing for a convenient drive-in experience.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, as the area offers little protection from the elements.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Dubois, Idaho

  • Always check for the visibility of turn-offs, especially at night, as some access points can be hard to spot, like the one leading to Birch Creek Camp on Eight Mile Canyon Road.
  • Bring your own firewood, as many sites, including BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed, do not provide this amenity.
  • Keep in mind that some areas may lack cell service, so plan accordingly for navigation and communication.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Dubois

  • Experience the thrill of fly fishing at Henry's Fork Rivercamp, where the river meadows provide a perfect backdrop for anglers.
  • Explore the sandy landscapes at St Anthony Dunes, which offer unique opportunities for sandboarding and hiking.
  • For those looking for a quiet retreat, Wood Road Dispersed Site provides a serene environment ideal for birdwatching and nature photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Dubois, Wyoming?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Dubois, Wyoming. West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 offers convenient camping spots with beautiful Teton views at sunrise. Look for wheel tracks leading south off the main road, though they can be difficult to spot at night. The camping area is flat and quiet. For those willing to venture a bit further, BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed provides beautiful canyon views with large dirt and gravel sites, though you'll need high clearance to navigate the rough, narrow track leading to the sites. Most dispersed sites in the area feature fire rings and room for tents or small campers, but generally lack amenities like water or toilets.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Dubois area?

Dispersed camping in the Dubois area typically follows standard BLM and Forest Service regulations. Most sites, like Island Park Dam and S Antelope Flat Road, have a 14-day maximum stay limit. Fire safety is important - only use established fire rings where available. Many dispersed sites are located just off main roads with limited privacy, so respect neighboring campers. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. Some areas may have seasonal fire restrictions, especially during dry summer months. Be aware that most dispersed sites lack facilities like toilets and water, so come prepared with supplies and know proper waste disposal methods. Always check current regulations with local ranger stations before your trip.

What seasons or months are best for dispersed camping around Dubois?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Dubois. Sites like Henry's Fork Rivercamp provide secluded spots within trees during summer months, though the access road can be rocky. Be prepared for significant snow as late as April, as noted at Lava Hiking Trailhead, where some areas may still have two feet of snow in spring. Summer weekends tend to be busier, particularly at popular spots. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures - access to many dispersed sites becomes difficult or impossible without proper equipment and experience.

Keep Exploring