If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Elk City, look no further. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Elk City. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Idaho camping adventure.
Currently the forest is open to dispersed camping in most areas. Limited motorized access for dispersed camping or parking may be allowed from the centerline of designated roads (300 feet) and designated trails (100 feet).
Camping in dispersed sites is limited to a total of 18 days of use. Camps must be moved to a minimum of 5 miles from the original site to qualify for a new 18-day limit; camps cannot be returned to the original sites within 45 days [36 CFR 261.58(a)].
A few rules may be posted on campgrounds or at popular dispersed sites. The rules are meant to protect the site and the environment and to help you enjoy your camping trip.
This very rustic dispersed campground is located adjacent to the Chamberlain Basin aristrip and is used primarily by pilots and their families flying in for the night. During hunting season it is also used as a staging area for outfitters and guides. Campground has outhouses and fire rings but no tables.
Designated camping areas adjacent to Lake Creek. Vault toilet, fire rings and some tables available. Popular with ATV users and stock users. Located near the Burgdorf Hot springs. Many trails are located nearby. This area typically has warm days, but cool nights - birng appropriate gear. Thirty one miles north of McCall on Warren Wagon Road, two miles east on Forest Road #246.
Traveler
There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there. She would stomp around up to her neck in the lake, then eat the plants that would float to the surface.
Legend
If a backpacking trip in to a wilderness area with a hot springs next to your campsite sounds like the perfect trip, then Stanley Hot Springs is for you. Stanley Hot Springs located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is just under a 5 mile hike from the trail head located in the Wilderness Gateway Campground. The trip in to the hot springs gains about 1500 feet, but the climb is worth it as you get to soak your tired legs after the hike.
Plenty of campsites can be found around and near the Hot Springs. Water can be filtered from the near by creek. You are backpacking so be prepared to bring out everything you bring in. You are also in Bear Territory so be prepared to hang your food in a tree and bring bear spray.
Getting to the hot springs can be a little tricky as their is no bridge over the creek, so you will have to ford the creek, unless you can find a series of log jams to cross on. Best bet for finding you way is to ask someone hiking out for suggestions on crossing the creek.
The creek crossing will not be possible in the spring or during high water flows. We managed an easy crossing over log jams in July, but others a week earlier forded the creek in waist deep water.
The area was clean during our visit, so please keep it that way.
Legend
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.
RangerBeautiful mountain lake setting high in the mountains.
RangerGreat peaceful mountain lake setting with elk often on the hillside above located on the historic lolo motorway not suitable for low clearance vehicles but it is a beautiful place to go get away
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Elk City, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elk City, ID is Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Elk City, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Elk City, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
