Top Free Dispersed Camping near Garden Valley, ID

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Garden Valley, ID (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)

    1. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    165 Saves

    Overview: 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch

    2. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    68 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Herrick Reservoir Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Herrick Reservoir Access
    • No image available

      4. Boise NF Road 82

      1 Review
      13 Saves

      Within 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
      • No image available
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs

          10. Ice Springs

          3 Reviews
          7 Photos
          11 Saves

          Overview: 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 14 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Garden Valley

        29 Reviews of 14 Garden Valley Campgrounds


        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
          Aug. 6, 2024

          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.

        • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Jun. 2, 2024

          Arrowrock 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

        • KThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area
          Aug. 13, 2023

          Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area

          Great secluded spot

          The fir trees stand tall and still. I can’t figure out if they are waiting for something to happen or if they simply don’t care.

          If you’re looking for sone sort of gorgeous panorama, this might not be the place for you. It’s really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful.

          You can’t see rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that’s really just as good. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet.

          It’s high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night.

          The campground is well maintained and the vault toilet was reasonably clean when I arrived. It became Kevin clean shortly after I set up camp.

          There are trails from both sites near the vault toilet that lead down to Rapid Creek.

          I never saw any bear scat but signs on the property warn of them so be smart with your food.

          All in all, Rapid Creek dispersed camping is excellent if you just want a quiet place where no one is around. It’s amazing but not for the reasons people usually like in my opinion. ◦

        • l
          Camper-submitted photo from Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
          Jul. 1, 2023

          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.

        • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619
          Jun. 28, 2023

          Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619

          Designated Dispersed 2023

          This area along lower Iron Creek Road had some rough free dispersed spots that had cell signal from Stanley. As of June 2023 there are info boards and signage that notes dispersed camping only in designated spots marked on the ground with new signs. I saw an A group and a B group and may be more farther up but the road was so rough washboard potholed I did not check. These sites are small and not suitable for RVs and large TTs in my opinion. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. However, this is very close to Stanley town.

        • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Jun. 25, 2023

          Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed

          FS road #638 Dispersed

          Area of FS road #638 and #630. Large flat area around an old burrow pit. Very popular and lots of campers when I visited. Not a lot of privacy in my opinion, but it is only a few miles from Stanley Lake boat ramp.

        • Jacob M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Boise NF Road 82
          Aug. 30, 2022

          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.

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
          Aug. 22, 2022

          Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed

          Great views and close to the lake

          I love this place as dispersed camping is our favorite. We are not stacked in n together and have great views of tue Sawtooth. My speed test was done with Verizon and I was using a WeBoost.

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
          Sep. 18, 2021

          Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

          First Dispersed Solo Moto

          Rode in on my GS fully packed and as previously reviewed it was a bumpy road from the dam but not difficult. I was the only one here but the neighboring site had a couple people. Very quiet location. Happy I didn’t stop at hotel as it was getting near dark as I rode in and wasn’t sure what to expect. If I’m ever passing through Boise again I’ll be stopping back here for the layover. Also, a toilet was available. That was unexpected.

        • Caley M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Jul. 22, 2021

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Quiet and free, Dispersed

          We drove way past Lucky Peak Res until we saw trees. There are 2 pull offs here with lots of spots to camp. There are lots of firepits around the area and water access. Cool spot.

        • Amy S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Oct. 27, 2020

          Ice Springs

          Great for ATV's

          If you are a fan of motorized vehicles and access to lots of off road adventure, this would be a great campground for you.  I like quiet tent camping, hence the 3 star rating, others might rate it higher.  We were here in the fall and there were a lot of hunters staying here.  We did see some road hunting so be careful if you are out here during hunting season.

        • John T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Oct. 12, 2020

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Arrowrock off season

          Super great spot that is close to town - pro's and con's are already covered and i agree - especially packing out more than you pack in as trash spoils the appeal.  Driving a large bed camper isn't so bad but is slower for sure and the narrow spots can be sketchy with multi-vehicle with trailers meeting there.  I like the shoulder seasons best - wish i had a boat to add additional fun.  Your results might vary but I've had nothing but fun in the area.

        • Rachel A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
          Jun. 24, 2020

          Alpine Lake

          Breathtaking, peaceful

          Alpine lake is approx. 5.5mi from the Redfish Lake Inlet. With a 2000ft elevation gain and some killer switchbacks as you hike into altitude, the lake rests at about 8300ft. Never have I witnessed such beauty and serene, crystal clear waters. Absolutely no services, only dispersed camping—pack in/pack out and worth every step! We have snow mid-June that was up to our thighs on the way up (ouch!) but by two days later had melted enough to reveal the trail floor. Don’t forget your sunscreen ;) You will not regret visiting this heaven on earth spot

        • April S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Jun. 15, 2020

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Fun for the day!

          This was a super fun spot to go play in the water for the day. Only thing I would change is the fact that there is no shade. The weather wasn’t great so while camping at night, it was crazy windy which was rough haha. Also, there were people blasting loud music until super late, but otherwise this is a nice spot.

        • Tiffany M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Jun. 11, 2020

          Ice Springs

          Beautiful

          I thought it was beautiful here. There are places to barbecue and have a fire and there is a river right below the camp sites. Very quiet.

        • B
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          May. 1, 2020

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          RAV4 Camping

          Awesome place! Like some of the others said, drive in could be a bit sketchy it you’re towing or have a large vehicle - but we passed plenty of boats/RV’s, just have to go slow. There’s multiple spaces and if you’re not too specific about being near the water, you can have some decent privacy.

        • E
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Feb. 12, 2020

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Irish Point

          We camped at Irish Point at Arrowhead's designated dispersed camping area. The road around the reservoir is pretty tight, though that doesn't discourage long trailers and toy haulers. We're pretty self-contained so didn't miss any usual camp ground amenities. Our neighbors were sparse and quiet and we enjoyed the peace of this area.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
          Jul. 14, 2019

          Ice Springs

          Deer Carcasses

          Deer carcasses and no toilet. The campground is used by hunters in RVs/trailers. The place was rancid, we did not stay here.

        • Laura C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Jun. 5, 2019

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Private

          Me and boyfriend enjoy going here in the fall and spring to get away from the city for a day or two. There is hiking right across the street. Mt Heinen which is a very strenous hike. Its over 9 miles(up and back) and over a 3,000 ft gain so be prepared if you try to tackle this summit. Anyways, the campground has some fire pits but no picnic tables. There are a few trees for shade. One part of this campground that confuses me is that there use to be a small outhouse in summer of 2018 but when I came in 2019 in march and April there was not one? When we come in the fall and spring theres no one other than us there. In the summer it does get quite a few people there. Also it gets super hot in the summertime so be sure to bring plenty of water. Good thing is you can take a dip in the cold reservoir to cool off. There's no trash services so pack it in and pack it out. A lot of people come here to party and leave trash around so i make it a point to pick it up. Please don't be those people to ruin a beautiful free spot. 💚

        • Brett P.
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Sep. 23, 2018

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Tons of beach area, not many people!

          Be careful as the drive is a little sketchy. The water is clean and there is tons of beach area! Bring the kayaks and get paddling!

        • Amy C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
          Aug. 30, 2018

          Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed

          Ranger Review—Matador Pocket Blanket

          Felt like absolute royalty at this backcountry campsite i the Sawtooth Mountains! Backpackers looking for the money spot, this is your jam. One must be willing to hike 9 miles to get this spot. It it is absolutely worth it, views across Middle Cramer Lake and the waterfall flowing down from upper Cramer lake. Tent sites a plenty, trees galore for hammocking, a fire pit in place and some downed logs to make seats for everyone to kick back and take a load off after the long hike.

          Take the shuttle across Redfish Lake for $18 RT per person or it’ll be 11 miles!

        • L
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Aug. 6, 2018

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Good place to swim and boat

          So hot and no shade. If it were not close to the water you may not have a way to beat the heat. It was beyond crowded and hard to find a secluded spot to camp away from others. Only pro is its close to town and you can swim, fish, and boat.

        • Eden T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
          Jul. 10, 2018

          Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

          Beach camping at Arrowrock

          Arrowrock is a great and easy weekend get away. It’s only about 1.5 hours from Boise. It can get very crowded on holidays and weekends though so try to arrive early. Most people just camp out on the beach wherever you can find space. If you have a boat you can put it in the water right off the beach and camp next to it.



        Guide to Garden Valley

        Camping near Garden Valley, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do:

        • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Horsethief Reservoir Campground, provide great access to fishing and boating. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake offers great fishing and kayaking."
        • Hiking: Trails abound in the area, especially near Pine Flats Campground. A visitor noted, "There are lots of different pools to soak in," referring to the nearby hot springs accessible via a short hike.
        • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Sugarloaf Campground — Lake Cascade State Park are known for their birdwatching opportunities. One camper shared, "Hundreds of bird houses along the in road and a nice backwater Bay that is a bird sanctuary."

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at places like Boise Riverside RV Park. A reviewer stated, "The campground is clean. No hookups but has water spickets around the campground."
        • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. One visitor at Bonneville said, "Beautiful location on a hill with views all around."
        • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of spots like Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed. A review mentioned, "Nice lil spot to relax."

        What you should know:

        • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Sugarloaf Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No hookups but has water spickets around the campground."
        • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One visitor at Kirkham Campground mentioned, "This is probably one of the most known hot springs in Idaho."
        • Road Conditions: Access roads can be rough, especially for dispersed camping. A reviewer at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed warned, "The road is severely pot-holed."

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Macks Creek Park, which is noted for being kid-friendly. A visitor said, "The camping was pleasant and kid friendly."
        • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Pine Flats Campground mentioned, "There is a nice hiking trail that leads to the hot springs."
        • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A review from Horsethief Reservoir Campground reminded, "The river is pretty fast at the campground, so swimming isn't advisable."

        Tips from RVers:

        • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pine Flats Campground cautioned, "I must say they are true to length."
        • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with hookups if needed. One camper at Boise Riverside RV Park appreciated, "Electric hookups and drinking water."
        • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can get busy. A visitor at Kirkham Campground noted, "It can be crowded."

        Camping near Garden Valley, Idaho, has something for everyone. With beautiful landscapes and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Garden Valley, ID?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Garden Valley, 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 Valley, ID?

          TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Garden Valley, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.