Primitive camping near Gibbonsville, Idaho centers around the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Salmon-Challis National Forest regions, with elevations ranging from 4,600 feet in river valleys to over 9,000 feet at mountain peaks. Weather patterns fluctuate drastically between seasons, with July-August offering consistent warm conditions while spring and fall campers should prepare for frost even during summer months. Forest Service roads throughout the area require careful navigation and typically open by late May, depending on snowmelt conditions.
What to do
Trail access to Continental Divide: Lost Horse Dispersed Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for hikers looking to access sections of the CDT. A camper noted, "This is my favorite area for dispersed camping in the area. Lost Horse creek is beautiful."
Creek fishing opportunities: Seasonal fishing spots abound in the region's creeks and rivers, particularly during early summer when water levels stabilize. Multiple accessible fishing spots exist along the creek banks, suitable for casual anglers with basic gear. According to one visitor at Salmon Creek Camp on Loening Road, "Deer Gulch 20 minutes further down is decent... Plenty of open space, though."
Mountain biking routes: Several logging roads and unmarked trails provide opportunities for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers seeking technical terrain. Most routes require substantial elevation changes and navigation skills. Riders should check with the North Fork Ranger District office for current trail conditions and closures.
What campers like
Secluded creek sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at creek-adjacent camping spots throughout the region. At Upper Seymour Lake Dispersed Camping, one visitor observed, "The area is BEAUTIFUL. The lake is stunning, and sits nestled right up against some pretty dramatic mountains. Lots of trees and dispersed camping sites throughout."
Free camping options: Most dispersed sites in the area have no fees and operate on a first-come basis. At Bobcat Gulch, a camper reported, "FREE and pretty quiet for the Saturday night I stayed - 4 open spots at 8:30pm."
Dark night skies: The minimal light pollution throughout the region creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. Summer nights typically offer clear viewing conditions between 10pm-3am, with the Milky Way clearly visible during new moon periods.
What you should know
Bridge conditions affect access: Several camping areas require crossing bridges with specific weight and width limitations. A camper at Salmon Creek noted, "The first bridge is closed, and the second bridge is pretty narrow. I have a 16 foot camper, and didn't feel comfortable crossing it."
Campsite maintenance concerns: Some areas experience trash issues from inconsiderate campers. At Lost Horse Dispersed Campground, one visitor reported, "We encountered more trash here than we've ever seen camping before. I mean, full trash bags left behind that were of course then scavenged by wildlife and spread all over."
Varying traffic levels: Road traffic can significantly impact camping experience, particularly during summer weekends and hunting seasons. A Lost Horse camper observed, "The road in is BUSY. We have camped at a number of dispersed locations over the years and this was BY FAR the busiest forest road we have seen."
Tips for camping with families
Sites with established fire rings: Families should prioritize spots with established fire rings to minimize safety concerns. Look for areas where previous use indicates a safe fire zone. One camper at Bobcat Gulch mentioned, "Pretty small and basic campground. I counted what I think was 9 sites? There are no numbered sites, just designated fire rings to indicate the different sites."
Creek sound considerations: While water features enhance camping experiences, rapidly flowing creeks can present safety concerns for young children and may require constant supervision. Sites set back 30-50 feet from water provide both convenience and safety margin.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring comprehensive packing even for summer trips. At Flower Lake Dispersed Camping, a visitor shared, "Definitely check the weather before going in. We were expecting snow that day, but this was more than we were imagining. It was COLD. Intense wind."
Tips from RVers
Road width limitations: Most forest roads narrow significantly after main turnoffs, presenting challenges for units over 25 feet. At Lost Horse Dispersed Campground, one RVer noted, "The last 2.3 miles of the drive was on a fairly rough, but very manageable, forest road. (Mostly washboard and a few holes)."
Level site scarcity: Truly level sites suitable for larger RVs are limited throughout the region. Campers with units exceeding 20 feet should bring leveling blocks and scout potential sites before committing to locations.
Early arrival strategy: Peak season weekends often require Thursday arrival to secure desirable spots. According to campers, Friday afternoon and weekend traffic dramatically increases competition for prime sites near creeks or with mountain views.
