Best Dispersed Camping near Grangeville, ID

Dispersed camping near Grangeville, Idaho occurs primarily on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Several free primitive sites are located along rivers and forest roads, including Pealy Loop and Fiddle Creek Recreation Sites along the Salmon River, Little Salmon River Pullout, and Short's Bar Recreation Area. These areas generally provide basic camping with minimal development and no services. Most sites operate under a 14-day stay limit and serve as access points to the surrounding wilderness.

Access to most dispersed camping areas requires driving on unpaved roads that may present challenges during wet weather or winter months. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote locations like Rocky Ridge Lake or sites along the historic Lolo Motorway. Most sites lack amenities such as potable water, trash service, or permanent restroom facilities, though some like Short's Bar and Rocky Ridge Lake do have vault toilets. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with campfires permitted at most sites when conditions allow. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region.

The camping experience varies widely depending on location, with riverside sites providing water access and mountain sites offering seclusion and wildlife viewing opportunities. Sites along Highway 95, such as Little Salmon River Pullout, provide convenient overnight stops but experience road noise. More remote areas like North Thomason Meadows feature wildflower displays in spring and expansive views. Some visitors report remarkable wildlife sightings, including moose at Rocky Ridge Lake. A camper at Pealy Loop noted: "Despite being right off the main road, it was very quiet and you couldn't hear or see traffic since you're lower down on the river." Another visitor described Red Bird Creek Trailhead as having "owls calling throughout the evening."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Grangeville, Idaho (16)

    1. Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    White Bird, ID
    18 miles

    "Easy access for big rigs. We stayed here two nights. Ranger came through to check on things, always love to see that. Beautiful spot. Free! 14 day limit."

    "A fabulous little spot next to the river for an overnight or two or three. There was a toilet and easy access to the river to fetch water to filter."

    2. Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    1 Review
    Riggins, ID
    32 miles

    "My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway."

    4. Short's Bar Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Riggins, ID
    37 miles

    "These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available"

    5. Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Pollock, ID
    41 miles

    "Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles."

    "The pin is off from the actual location. Nice spots right on river amd a few with firepits."

    6. Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Asotin, WA
    41 miles
    Website

    "Trailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities."

    7. North Thomason Meadows

    1 Review
    Imnaha, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 426-5546

    "One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.* *One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along"

    8. Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID
    46 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "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."

    10. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Imnaha, OR
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 426-5546

    "Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle."

    "This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Grangeville, ID

6 Photos of 16 Grangeville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grangeville, ID

15 Reviews of 16 Grangeville Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed

    Great and free

    We came upon this site after passing on the White Bird Recreation Site just north of here - it's so much better and we're so glad we came here. It's an established campground, with maybe 4 or 5 sites, all open, spread out, right on the river. There's a picnic table and fire pit for each site, and a porta potty. Verizon was roaming and AT.T. had great reception. Despite being right off the main road, it was very quiet and you couldn't hear or see traffic since you're lower down on the river. Easy access for big rigs. We stayed here two nights. Ranger came through to check on things, always love to see that.

    Beautiful spot. Free! 14 day limit. No trash service, no water other than the river. The campground was nice and clean.

  • Marley F.
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    Nice Spot

    My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.

  • Alyse L.
    Nov. 8, 2023

    North Thomason Meadows

    Wildflowers, raptors, beautiful views at the top of Imnaha Canyon

    I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.

    This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*

    *One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.

    The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.

    Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.

    Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.

    Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.

    This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.

    I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.

    I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Wilderness camp with a hot springs soak

    If a backpacking trip in to a wilderness area with a hot springs next to your campsite sounds like the perfect trip, then Stanley Hot Springs is for you.  Stanley Hot Springs located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is just under a 5 mile hike from the trail head located in the Wilderness Gateway Campground.  The trip in to the hot springs gains about 1500 feet, but the climb is worth it as you get to soak your tired legs after the hike. 

    Plenty of campsites can be found around and near the Hot Springs.  Water can be filtered from the near by creek.  You are backpacking so be prepared to bring out everything you bring in.  You are also in Bear Territory so be prepared to hang your food in a tree and bring bear spray.

    Getting to the hot springs can be a little tricky as their is no bridge over the creek, so you will have to ford the creek, unless you can find a series of log jams to cross on.  Best bet for finding you way is to ask someone hiking out for suggestions on crossing the creek.

    The creek crossing will not be possible in the spring or during high water flows.   We managed an easy crossing over log jams in July, but others a week earlier forded the creek in waist deep water.

    The area was clean during our visit, so please keep it that way.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful View, Long Hike

    Trailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities. Small store and restaurant nearby.

  • Amanda P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    A wonderful escape

    Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. Other than a forest service vehicle and maybe 2 others it was just us up there! We came by way of Imanha.

  • Shay S.
    May. 1, 2024

    Short's Bar Recreation Area

    Busy

    This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available

  • 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

  • christian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed

    Stopped for the night

    This is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles. The sign says you can camp up to 10 days consecutive, we only stayed for the night and continued on. This is also right on little salmon river.


Guide to Grangeville

Primitive camping near Grangeville, Idaho occurs in National Forest and BLM lands throughout Idaho County at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 feet. The area sits at the edge of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests where the terrain transitions from prairie grasslands to dense forest. Winter access to higher elevation sites becomes limited by snow accumulation from November through April, with spring runoff affecting river camping locations.

What to do

Fishing access: Little Salmon River Pullout provides direct river access for anglers. The site sits directly on the Little Salmon River with approximately 10-15 feet of separation from Highway 95. "This is also right on little salmon river," notes camper Christian L.

Hiking trails: Red Bird Creek Trailhead offers a challenging hike with significant elevation change. "Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change," reports Leah G. The trailhead also serves as a dispersed camping area with parking permitted up to 48 hours.

Wildlife viewing: Spring through fall provides optimal wildlife spotting conditions throughout the area. At higher elevations, "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," describes Pat F. about their experience at Rocky Ridge Lake.

What campers like

River proximity: Fiddle Creek Recreation Site offers riverside camping with easy highway access. "My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. We loved that it was right on the river, too," shares Marley F.

Solitude: The more remote camping areas provide peaceful experiences away from crowds. "This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through," explains Alyse L. about the North Thomason Meadows area, adding that fall becomes more popular with hunters.

Natural surroundings: The diversity of ecosystems creates varied camping experiences. "Great spot to camp out. Owls calling throughout the evening. Great cell service," says David C. about his experience at Red Bird Creek Trailhead.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many sites require navigating unpaved roads with varying degrees of maintenance. Hells Canyon Overlook requires preparation: "Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle," warns Amanda P.

Seasonal considerations: Spring brings wildflower displays at higher elevations. "June to early July is a peak bloom time" for wildflowers at North Thomason Meadows according to Alyse L., who recommends this area "because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity."

Limited facilities: Most sites provide minimal amenities. At Short's Bar Recreation Area, "Porta potty's available," notes Shay S., but most other dispersed sites lack restroom facilities entirely.

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Keep children away from swift river currents at riverside camps. "This is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars," explains Christian L. about Little Salmon River Pullout.

Local facilities: Know where to find supplies if needed. Near Red Bird Creek Trailhead, Leah G. mentions there's a "Small store and restaurant nearby" which can be useful for families needing additional provisions.

Popular vs. quiet sites: Some areas attract more visitors than others. Short's Bar Recreation Area tends to be busier: "This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while," reports Shay S., which might appeal to families wanting social interaction.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Rocky Ridge Lake Campground presents challenges for larger rigs. Christopher R. notes it's "located on the historic lolo motorway not suitable for low clearance vehicles but it is a beautiful place to go get away."

Parking surfaces: Most dispersed sites have uneven, natural surfaces. At Little Salmon River Pullout, "The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles," notes Christian L.

Turn radius concerns: Some sites have limited maneuvering space. Regarding Fiddle Creek Recreation Site, Marley F. advises, "if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Grangeville?

Dispersed camping around Grangeville typically follows standard Forest Service regulations. At sites like Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed, the maximum stay is 10 consecutive days. Most areas require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal and fire management. At Red Bird Creek Trailhead, parking is free for up to 48 hours, making it ideal for short stays or as a basecamp for hiking. Generally, camping must occur at least 100 feet from water sources, and existing fire rings should be used when available. Some areas have seasonal restrictions, particularly during high fire danger periods. Always check current regulations with the local ranger district before your trip, as they can change based on conditions.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Grangeville, Idaho?

Several excellent free dispersed camping options exist near Grangeville. Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed offers established sites with picnic tables and fire pits right along the river. It's more developed than typical dispersed camping but remains free. For those seeking mountain views, Rocky Ridge Lake Campground provides a peaceful lake setting where you might spot elk on nearby hillsides or even moose feeding in the water. Other options include Short's Bar Recreation Area and Little Salmon River Pullout, both offering riverside camping. Most sites in the area follow the standard Forest Service 14-day stay limit, and many are accessible via Highway 95, though some mountain locations require high-clearance vehicles.

Is Fiddle Creek a good spot for dispersed camping near Grangeville?

Fiddle Creek Recreation Site is an excellent dispersed camping option near Grangeville, especially for last-minute trips. Located right off the highway with easy access, it offers the perfect riverside camping experience. The site accommodates various camping setups, though those with longer trailers should exercise caution when entering. For those seeking alternative riverside options, Short's Bar Recreation Area provides similar amenities with porta-potties available. Both locations offer the convenience of highway proximity while still providing the natural riverside environment that makes dispersed camping in this region special.