Top Free Dispersed Camping near Garden City, ID
Want to go dispersed camping near Garden City? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Garden City, ID (16)
1. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
4 Reviews•8 Photos•165 SavesOverview: Willow Creek Campground is located along the Middle Fork of the Boise River Forest Service (FS) road 268 and the north end of the Arrowrock Reservior. There are 9 campsites at the campground. A stay at the campground enables guests to enjoy all the beauty and recreation offered along the river and reservoir. Weather is usually good from mid-May through late September and is easily accessible by car in good weather, although the road is sometimes rough and the drive can be seemingly long. Checking with the District on road conditions before heading out is recommended. Natural Features: Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Waterfowl, eagles and osprey are attracted to the river. Recreation: There are several trails in the area including trail #189 beginning near Cottonwood Campground, leading to Bald Mountain Peak. Check the Idaho City Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for trails in the area that are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. The Middle Fork Boise River and Arrowrock Reservoir offer excellent trout fishing and good swimming holes. Big game hunting is a popular activity in season.
- Pets
- Fires
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Morley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites
1 Review•22 Saves- Phone Service
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Little Camas Reservoir
12 Reviews•21 Photos•137 SavesAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
1 Review•2 Photos•68 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Little Camas Reservoir
7 Reviews•21 Photos•36 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
6. Boise NF Road 82
1 Review•13 SavesWithin the national forests, the majority of land is open for “dispersed camping”, outside of developed campgrounds. These locations are usually wide spots off of forest roads, with no facilities provided, such as water, bathrooms or tables. Many people enjoy the solitude of camping away from developed campgrounds. Follow these guidelines to ensure that these areas can be enjoyed safely by you, and future generations.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
7. Marsing Murphy Rd Dispersed
1 Review•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
8. Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park
4 Reviews•25 Photos•191 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. The Rock Stage Stop - BLM Dispersed
1 Review•1 Photo•30 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
10. Ice Springs
3 Reviews•7 Photos•11 SavesOverview: The Ice Springs Campground has 3 campsites on Fall Creek near the Anderson Ranch Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, boating, waterskiing and riding personal watercraft. It is also has good smallmouth bass and kokanee fishing. This area had a major wildfire in 2012 and conditions may have altered. There is a nearby trailhead at Camp Creek, south, to the end of Forest Service (FS) road 128, which heads north past Dog Mountain, all the way to Horse Ranch Mountain, about 17 miles. A shorter hike can be done by setting up a shuttle at Bear Hole Trailhead, north on FS road 129.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Garden City
58 Reviews of 16 Garden City Campgrounds
Harry D.
Scout
Little Camas Reservoir
Peace among cows
Beautiful scenery, easy drive in for most vehicles and surprisingly good phone service. Had the place all to myself and got some really nice long exposure shots of the night sky.
Corinne H.
TravelerLittle Camas Reservoir
Beautiful and quiet
Was worried about the weather when I pulled up at dusk during a storm but it passed south of me and I got to watch the lightening. It is remote without any services for miles in either direction off 20, so do check the weather and come prepared.
We had it to ourselves in mid September. Toilets had lots of TP and were clean. Saw some big scat (moose?).
- BBrendan R.Scout
Succor Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Nice flat spot
After a couple dry creek beds there’s a less developed path that goes up a hill. There’s some old headstones from the 1800’s, (yes really) and a stone fire ring. Smooth dirt and very isolated
Bradley B.
Guide
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Chill
Nice lil spot to relax . Really rough road is the only bad part
- SSarah S.Traveler
Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
Beautiful spot, but difficult to get to
About an hour off the highway, 7 miles of which are washboard-bumpy gravel roads along the lake cliffside (Had to drive under 10mph those last 7 miles). We were in an AWD sprinter van, and the road conditions definitely put a damper on the night. Site is right on the water gorgeous once you’re there. The stars were incredible. Toilet on site but the flies were swarming.
- CClaude K.Traveler
Little Camas Reservoir
Pretty and quiet
Nice level sites overlooking lake. Easy to get to. Lots of cows wandering around. Toilets were clean. We had the place to ourselves.
- PP S.Scout
Little Camas Reservoir
Nice area. Lightly visited
There are vault toilets in two locations. No other facilities. Very few people. Where we stayed overnight, we didn't see anyone else. Lots of gnat-type flying bugs. Almost no mosquitos. Great views of the mountains around the lake and very quiet. Difficult to access the water as it is deep mud near the shoreline. Lots of grazing cattle nearby.
Kelda C.GuideLittle Camas Reservoir
Secluded and Pretty
I stayed here for about a week. My spot was a short distance from the water in an attempt to avoid the mosquitoes (didn't really work), but still really serene. It's about a 30 minute drive to stores in Mountain Home. I also appreciated that you're only on non paved roads for about 1/2 mile. Would definitely come back here.
Katrina H.TravelerMorley Nelson Snake River Dispersed Campsites
Rough road but with beautiful views
We parked right beside the river, and it was absolutely gorgeous. However, I don't recommend taking a car on this road. It's definitely an ATV road as it's very rough.
Casey B.Guide
Owyhee-Dispersed
Beautiful, but...
It's an absolutely stunning location, but there are very few spots with any shade at all and it gets HOT out there. Depending on how rugged your vehicle is, spots are limited. No T-Mobile service. Oh, and the bugs are insane.
- MMelanieTraveler
Little Camas Reservoir
Quiet night by the water
Fairly easy access off US 20. There is open grazing so we did have cattle close to our campsite by morning. Tons of bugs but not many mosquitoes. Quiet and not many others. T-Mobile worked well. There was some in/out movement around 5:30 am but as an early riser I wasn't disturbed.
Emily S.Traveler
Little Camas Reservoir
Pretty reservoir
Pretty little spot with pretty decent cell service. Lots of space for my dogs to run around. Could see other campers in the distance. Everyone had lots of room to themselves. I could see it becoming a little bit busier on the weekend. No facilities available at all, which is fine by me! Unfortunately people seem to leave trash around. There was a fire pit which I appreciated but greasy tends in the pit. There also trash bags and a few other things around. Overall, this did not majorly detract from the site. I would recommend bringing bug repellent or a thermacell to ward off bugs.
ConnerGuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
If you want lake access this place is magical
There are many group sites and single sites. Many sites own a corner turn. Also your entire campsite will be visible to every car passing. There are other sites on the other side of the road that are more private. Be wary the road is very dangerous getting in. Take it slow.
Some people park their trailers at lake front but beware of the dune sand , you might get stuck.
I love being able to jump into the lake and ride my bike along the lake.
T
- CCaroline P.Scout
Owyhee-Dispersed
Rocky campsites
All sites are on tent-stake-resistant river cobble, though some disguised with a thin layer of dirt, or a white layer of alkali or talc. Combined with the smell of dead fish, difficult fishing access (river level 2000+ cfs), frequent lack of shade, poison ivy, invasive plants, trash hither and yon, we yawned and went on. . .
Lauren J.ScoutOwyhee-Dispersed
The views are Beautiful
The views are beautiful, but some of the sites are less than to be desired. If you have a 4WD vehicle you should be just fine, but if you have a trailer or camper, that can really limit what spots you can get to. Also, people really need to learn how to not leave trash behind. There is no cell service so you really get to just enjoy the scenery.
- VVeronica G.Traveler
Owyhee-Dispersed
Quiet.
This place is absolutely beautiful and would be perfect if it weren't for people leaving so much trash behind. My wife and I spent a lot of time picking up countless bullet casing and other trash. We heard numerous birds in the area, such as killdeer, mourning doves and owls. We saw a few small bunnies, not sure of the kind. There's a lot of dispersed camping. We saw RVs, Vans and a few tents. It was very quiet and people usually only stayed a few nights. We were here for 9 days. The hot springs are off the road across the street from the sign. It was a little too hot for my liking but my wife enjoyed wading in it.
- TTate W.Guide
Little Camas Reservoir
Just a parking place really
A great little spot off the road next to the reservoir. Has a bathroom and a few camping rings. Nothing special but a peaceful place.
Cyndy & Selena R.GuideMarsing Murphy Rd Dispersed
Rutted roads, high tension wires, traffic
Bad roads, high tension wires crackled with electricity, and a lot of traffic on the main road.
- AAndrew M.
RangerLittle Camas Reservoir
Quiet and peaceful
This is a clearly dispersed location. There is a single pit toilet. Camped right next to the lake. Lots of bugs being close to water but seemingly few mosquitoes
- lleeTraveler
Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
good for a short stay
A variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek. A fair amount of RV and ATV traffic but still feels pretty secluded. No bathrooms or anything like that but it's only a 3 minute drive from Idaho City.
aaron S.RangerOwyhee-Dispersed
Beautiful but boisterous.
Our site was located right off the road along the river. The views of the canyon were spectacular and our site was about a 5 minute walk along the road to Snively Hot Springs. Amazing backdrop for free dispersed camping. HOWEVER, the clientele around us wasn’t so idyllic. We were surrounded by loud campers that were partying and yelling well past 11 PM (most of the noise was coming from the hot springs). Cars were coming and going all night (Wednesday) so it was hard to get a peaceful night’s rest. To top it off, we witnessed our neighbor get into a verbal altercation with some interlopers who were fishing near his tent. He was very aggressive, threatening them with a large log and shouting expletive loaded threats at them….all in front of my 7 and 4 year old daughter. It was a bit freaky. I’d give the location 5 stars, the the experience 1 star. If you manage to hit it in a down time when you can get some solitude, this area would be hard to beat.
On a side note, we checked out the hot springs in the morning. They were cool, but again the experience was tainted by the amount of trash and litter around the fringes of the hot springs from partying the night before.
- MMalcolm C.Guide
Little Camas Reservoir
Would work in a pinch
Down a dirt road. This used to be a boat ramp, but it doesn't exist anymore. A few fire pits scattered around the hill and by the water. Vault toilet available. Great views of the mountains. No privacy other than some sage brush. No room for big rigs, 4wd not required.
- FFu yang J.Traveler
Owyhee-Dispersed
Amazing views! Sunset to sunrise
Was driving thru to seattle from the Midwest. My last stop! Easy to find. No signal and no fires allowed due to BLM land. Was a brisk 12° in mid/late November. A few campers. If you have an off road vehicle- it’s great to climb up some hills to find the perfect spot!
- Jacob M.Traveler
Boise NF Road 82
Ok area
Was fairly trashed campground. Cleaned up two trash bags full of garbage. Random shoes, shell casing and mysterious empty glass containers.
Jennifer R.Traveler
Owyhee River - Below Dam - Owyhee Dam Park
Lots of great spots !
Lots of great spots as yoi river along the river, not necessarily the coordinates provided here. Epic fishing. :)
Becbecandbunny O.RangerLittle Camas Reservoir
Peaceful spot
This is our 2nd stay at this campground but different season. The reservoir is low but the view is still gorgeous. We had the place to ourselves.
Good cell coverage (TMobile).
- mmitch C.Guide
Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
Awesome reservoir
Free camping among the sparsely located pine trees. Great views of the water and mountains. Vault toilet nearby.
Guide to Garden City
Camping near Garden City, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and various campground options. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a full-service RV park, there's something for everyone.
What to do:
- Explore the Greenbelt: The Greenbelt is a popular spot for walking and biking along the river. One visitor mentioned, "The Greenbelt is pretty, but VERY overcrowded," so be prepared for some company.
- Visit local parks: Check out parks like Celebration Park, where one reviewer noted, "There’s a large area at the road's end for turning around, though the approach to the gated campsites is somewhat rough."
- Enjoy water activities: Many campgrounds, like Macks Creek Park, offer access to the water. A camper shared, "The camping was pleasant and kid-friendly," making it a great spot for families.
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Mountain View RV Park said, "The bathrooms are so well maintained. They look brand new and almost untouched."
- Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Ambassador RV Resort mentioned, "The entire staff is so nice, friendly & helpful."
- Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at Swan Falls - Idaho Power said, "Once you get past the 7 miles with no camping, there are a large amount of campsites."
What you should know:
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or airports. A camper at Rivers Edge RV Park noted, "The bathrooms... horror movie material! Showers, I'm pretty sure have never been cleaned."
- Road conditions: Be cautious of rough roads leading to some campgrounds. One visitor at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed mentioned, "The road is severely pot-holed."
- Reservation policies: Some campgrounds have strict cancellation policies. A frustrated camper at Boise Riverside RV Park shared, "Toni will not return a call and refuses to negotiate."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose kid-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. A reviewer at Celebration Park mentioned, "The vault toilets are cleaned every day and the camp host was active."
- Pack for comfort: Bring along items to keep your family comfortable. One camper at Macks Creek Park said, "The campgrounds were lovely and well maintained."
- Plan for noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider earplugs. A visitor at Riddle noted, "You are right next to I-84 so there is lots of road noise."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Boise Meridian RV Resort mentioned, "The sites are pretty close, and the wifi is not great."
- Look for full hookups: Many RV parks offer full hookups for convenience. One reviewer at Ambassador RV Resort said, "The pool, hot tub, and steam room are centrally located and are clean and inviting."
- Be prepared for weather: Idaho can have unpredictable weather, so pack accordingly. A visitor at Rivers Edge RV Park shared, "The campground looks like a farm storage area overall with the basketball court covered by a dog kennel."
Camping around Garden City, ID, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Garden City, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Garden City, ID is Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home) with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Garden City, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Garden City, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.