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Best Dispersed Camping near Elk River, ID

8 Reviews

Several miles of free dispersed camping sites surround Elk River, Idaho, across national forest land. These primitive sites provide basic camping with no amenities. A dump station is available on the edge of town, along with trash disposal. The small local store in Elk River offers limited supplies for campers needing essentials.

Forest Service roads in the area provide access to numerous backcountry camping opportunities. The Horse Camp Trailhead area offers dispersed camping with vault toilets but can experience road noise from passing vehicles. A camper wrote, "Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well." Some campers venture further into the wilderness for more seclusion. Big Creek area north of Elk River features secluded sites suitable for off-grid camping, particularly appealing to those interested in fly fishing. The 14-day stay limit typically applies to all dispersed sites in the national forest.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Elk River, Idaho (16)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elk River, ID

11 Photos of 16 Elk River Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elk River, ID

8 Reviews of 16 Elk River Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2024

    Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed

    Great location near the Hiawatha trail

    This is primitive off grid camping. No services, no water, no tables, just a bathroom in a field with a few campsites around it near the creek. Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2021

    Stevens Lakes Backcountry

    Beautiful hike with breathtaking views!

    By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water! Me and my friends stayed at the lower lake, both hammock and tent camping.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Horse Camp Trailhead

    Fun Quick Trip Spot

    While this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in. I will be returning here soon and will take photos to share.

    Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail.

    The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road.

    Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can’t get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2019

    Donkey Creek Campground

    Awesome spot beside the rapids

    This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek. There is one vault toilet and two fire rings with grills, but also a couple more spots with just rock rings. We tent camped last year and RV camped this time. Very nice!

  • 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

  • F
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Dispersed Site on St. Joe River Rd

    Free spot right by the river

    Found this great little riverside spot while checking out the paid campgrounds along St Joe River. Saw several similar sites that were already taken. This one has a small boat launch and several fire pits. Camping is prohibited from spring to mid July. Not the best spot for swimming due to the current in this section of the river but good enough to wade in and cool off anyway. We slept in a tent and loved the river sounds. There were some mosquitoes but with bugspray it was fine.

  • 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 River

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Elk River, Idaho, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Horse Camp Trailhead

  • Located in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Horse Camp Trailhead is a great choice for those seeking a quick overnight escape.
  • This area allows campfires and pets, making it ideal for families and friends looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
  • While it can get noisy during peak times, venturing further into the wilderness offers a more peaceful camping experience.

Scenic views while free camping near Elk River

  • For breathtaking mountain lake views, Rocky Ridge Lake Campground provides a stunning backdrop, often frequented by wildlife like moose and elk.
  • The campground is free and features picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for a day of relaxation or a night under the stars.
  • Access is easy via a drive-in route, allowing campers to bring along their gear without hassle.

Fishing and hiking for dispersed campers

  • If you're looking for a spot to fish and hike, Donkey Creek Campground is nestled near the swiftly flowing Marble Creek, perfect for both activities.
  • This area is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out site, encouraging campers to leave no trace and maintain the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  • With a couple of fire rings available, it's a great place to gather around the fire after a day of exploring the trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping at Elk River, Idaho?

Dispersed camping in the Elk River area follows standard Forest Service regulations: pack in, pack out all trash, and leave no trace. At Dispersed Site on St. Joe River Rd, camping is prohibited from spring to mid-July, indicating seasonal restrictions exist in the region. Saint Joe NF Dispersed Camping areas are generally free but require self-contained waste management. Campfires should only be built in existing fire rings. Typically, the 14-day stay limit applies throughout National Forest lands. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they change seasonally. Most dispersed sites have no reservation system and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

What amenities are available for dispersed campers at Elk River, Idaho?

Dispersed camping around Elk River offers minimal amenities, as is typical with off-grid camping. At Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed, you'll find basic vault toilets in a field setting, but no water services or tables. Similarly, Donkey Creek Campground provides vault toilets and some fire rings with grills, while being situated near flowing water (Marble Creek). Most dispersed sites in the area feature established fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, cooking equipment, and sanitation supplies. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. Plan to be entirely self-sufficient with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal methods.

Where can I find dispersed camping sites along Elk River in Idaho?

Dispersed camping options near Elk River in Idaho include Big Creek, Calder, Idaho which offers secluded sites between established campgrounds along Big Creek Road, perfect for off-grid camping and fly fishing. For those seeking mountain lake settings, Rocky Ridge Lake Campground provides peaceful dispersed sites with opportunities to spot wildlife like elk and moose. The area around St. Joe River also contains numerous dispersed camping options. When searching for sites, look for established fire rings which often indicate dispersed camping areas. Most dispersed sites in the region require high-clearance vehicles to access, so prepare accordingly.

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