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Best Dispersed Camping near Elk City, ID

8 Reviews

The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness near Elk City offers several free dispersed camping options. Stanley Hot Springs provides backcountry campsites accessible via a 5-mile hike from Wilderness Gateway Campground, gaining approximately 1,500 feet in elevation. The creek crossing can be challenging, particularly during spring runoff when water levels are high. A review mentioned, "Getting to the hot springs can be a little tricky as there 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."

Rocky Ridge Lake Campground offers primitive camping with basic amenities including pit toilets and picnic tables. Located on the historic Lolo Motorway, this secluded mountain lake setting requires vehicles with high clearance. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with one camper noting, "There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there." Additional dispersed options include Pealy Loop and Fiddle Creek Recreation Sites along the river, both offering free camping with a 14-day limit. These areas provide fire pits but no water or trash service, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared for backcountry conditions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Elk City, Idaho (11)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elk City, ID

6 Photos of 11 Elk City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elk City, ID

8 Reviews of 11 Elk City Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed

    Great and free

    We came upon this site after passing on the White Bird Recreation Site just north of here - it's so much better and we're so glad we came here. It's an established campground, with maybe 4 or 5 sites, all open, spread out, right on the river. There's a picnic table and fire pit for each site, and a porta potty. Verizon was roaming and AT.T. had great reception. Despite being right off the main road, it was very quiet and you couldn't hear or see traffic since you're lower down on the river. Easy access for big rigs. We stayed here two nights. Ranger came through to check on things, always love to see that.

    Beautiful spot. Free! 14 day limit. No trash service, no water other than the river. The campground was nice and clean.

  • Marley F.
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    Nice Spot

    My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.

  • 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.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Wilderness camp with a hot springs soak

    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.

  • Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Very secluded mountain lake camp

    Great 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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed

    Easy in, easy out

    A fabulous little spot next to the river for an overnight or two or three. There was a toilet and easy access to the river to fetch water to filter. Right along the road though below the road so the road sounds were not troublesome. A pretty little spot.

  • Pat F.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Beautiful lake

    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.

  • Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Great secluded place to get a real camping experience

    Beautiful mountain lake setting high in the mountains.

Guide to Elk City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Elk City, Idaho, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those seeking a true wilderness experience.

Dispersed campers should check out Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

  • This site is just under a five-mile hike from the Wilderness Gateway Campground, providing a rewarding trek to a hot springs soak after a day of exploring.
  • Campers can filter water from a nearby creek, making it convenient for those who want to enjoy the natural surroundings without carrying excessive supplies.
  • Be prepared for a creek crossing, which can vary in difficulty depending on the season, so check conditions before heading out. More details can be found at Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Elk City, Idaho

  • When visiting Rocky Ridge Lake Campground, keep an eye out for wildlife, including moose and elk, which often roam the area.
  • This site offers a peaceful mountain lake setting, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Remember to pack out everything you bring in, as there are no trash facilities available, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.

Enjoy hiking and exploration while free camping near Elk City

  • The Loon Lake area is known for its stunning views and historical significance, including the wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber from 1943.
  • Hikers can enjoy a unique experience by following the Loon Lake Loop trail, which offers different perspectives of the landscape on the way in and out.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience, as this site is accessible primarily by foot, dirt bikes, or horses, making it a great choice for adventurous campers.

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 Fog Mountain Trailhead with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Elk City, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Elk City, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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