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Best Dispersed Camping near Garden Valley, ID

40 Reviews

Boise National Forest offers several dispersed camping areas near Garden Valley, Idaho, with sites along rivers and near reservoirs. Tripod Dispersed camping and Beautiful Boise National Forest both receive high ratings from campers, with the latter providing riverside camping near four natural hot springs. A camper wrote, "It's next to the river, with little beaches. Perfect group spot with 4 different fire pits and sites." Most dispersed sites follow the standard 14-day stay limit.

Access roads to many sites can be challenging. The route to Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed involves narrow, bumpy dirt roads with steep drop-offs but rewards campers with beach camping and water activities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The road around the reservoir is pretty tight, though that doesn't discourage long trailers and toy haulers." Forest Service Campsite FR0215B offers free camping with ample space for RVs and tents, though no amenities are provided. Campers should be prepared with their own water, waste disposal plans, and supplies, as most dispersed sites lack facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Garden Valley, Idaho (19)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Garden Valley, ID

45 Photos of 19 Garden Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Garden Valley, ID

40 Reviews of 19 Garden Valley Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed

    Great place, Quiet

    Large open sites. Big rigs go left and park on top. Large areas, can accommodate dozens of RVs and tents.

    Avoid during holidays, people leave tents and rvs for days to keep the spot despite rules and the ranger station will do nothing about it. At those times expect loud parties and even fights or gunfire which the rangers will also do nothing about.

    Other than that its great. Take a right on the highway and head to the sourdough lodge for the best pancakes for hundreds of miles.

    There are many other dispersed and paid spots along the highway.

    Details: Free camping 14 Day limit No tables at campsites Minimal wood to scavenge Town of Lowman is close by No trash, water, or toilets

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

    Easy drive, Beautiful, avoid on holidays

    Easy to get to, no marked spots, tent or small to mid RV. Pit toilet on site. No boat launch but easy enough for small craft or floaties. Sloped, not much level spots. Nice views and easy bank fishing.

    Details: No site boundaries, easily crowds No trash or water Long drive to services Slow drive in if towing medium or large trailer No tables Minimal rock fire rings Long drive to town, bring plenty of stuff Free stat, 14 day limit, rangers may stop by and say hi, if you’re lucky they’ll clean and restock the toilet. Don’t count on being lucky

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2023

    Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    Rough road but beautiful location

    Entering the park is beautiful! There’s a paved road with campsites you need a reservation for. Where the coordinates are on this map is about 30 minutes down a gravel road that looks ok, but is very rutted. I drive a cargo van and it shook everything to the point where I didn’t want to do 30 minutes of it. There are signs that say “no roadside camping next 7 miles”, but after mile marker 7, you’ll notice fire rings off the sides of the roads on both sides, including lake front. So I just want to make sure y’all know that you don’t actually have to drive all the way down to the dispersed spots to find camping. Other than that, it’s a gorgeous area. No Verizon service for me.

  • Laura C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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. 💚

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Taylor C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2023

    Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619

    dope spot little sketch

    this camping site is great, super bumpy dirt road takes you to a few hidden plots tucked away by a river. private and easy to crash for the night

  • Austin L.
    Mar. 16, 2025

    Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

    Great location lots of utv noise and traffic

    The location is absolutely beautiful, a small piece of heaven. There are maybe 10-15 roughly built fire rings, and you can walk or park right on the waters edge. There is a single public use restroom that was in good condition and open in the winter. The only downside is that throughout the night and all day, multiple jeeps and side by sides traveling through to use the restroom and play in the water. They were all respectful though. It is roughly 10 miles of maintained dirt road to reach this site.

Guide to Garden Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Garden Valley, Idaho, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Garden Valley, Idaho

  • When visiting Herrick Reservoir Access, be aware that camping is free but limited to a 10-day stay, so plan your trip accordingly.
  • The roads around Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch can be bumpy, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for a smoother experience.
  • Always pack out what you pack in; many areas, like Boise NF Road 82, can be littered with trash, so doing your part helps keep these beautiful spots pristine.

Dispersed campers should check out Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

  • The Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed area offers stunning views and the chance to camp right by the water, but be cautious of muddy conditions near the shore.
  • This location is popular for its accessibility, allowing both drive-in and walk-in options, making it easy to set up camp and enjoy the scenery.
  • Be prepared for a rough road leading to the site; many visitors recommend taking it slow to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near Garden Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Garden Valley, Idaho?

Garden Valley offers several free dispersed camping options. Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed provides large open sites with ample space for RVs and tents, particularly if you go left and park on top. Another option is Herrick Reservoir Access, which offers free camping with a 10-day limit. Be aware that the area around Herrick is surrounded by private land with clear signage, and not all roads around the reservoir are public access. When exploring Garden Valley for dispersed camping, watch for private property boundaries, bring your own water, and prepare for variable road conditions depending on the specific location you choose.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Garden Valley, Idaho?

Dispersed camping in Garden Valley typically follows standard Forest Service regulations. At Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground, you'll find no marked spots and camping is first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Most dispersed sites in the area, like Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed, have a stay limit of 10-14 days. Campers must pack out all trash, properly extinguish fires, and maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources. During busy holidays, some areas experience issues with people leaving equipment to reserve spots despite regulations prohibiting this practice. Always respect private property boundaries, which are common throughout the region, and be prepared for primitive conditions with no services.

What facilities or amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Garden Valley?

Dispersed camping in Garden Valley offers minimal amenities. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground provides basic facilities including a pit toilet for the entire campground, picnic tables, fire pits with grills, and small steel tables. Some sites have water pumps, though they may not always be operational. At Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619, you'll find hidden plots tucked by a river but with few amenities. Most dispersed sites feature roughly built fire rings and natural scenery but lack potable water, electricity, or trash service. Cell coverage is typically limited or non-existent. Come prepared with all necessities including water, food, and waste disposal solutions, as services can be a considerable drive away.

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