If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Grangeville, look no further. Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Currently the forest is open to dispersed camping in most areas. Limited motorized access for dispersed camping or parking may be allowed from the centerline of designated roads (300 feet) and designated trails (100 feet).
Camping in dispersed sites is limited to a total of 18 days of use. Camps must be moved to a minimum of 5 miles from the original site to qualify for a new 18-day limit; camps cannot be returned to the original sites within 45 days [36 CFR 261.58(a)].
A few rules may be posted on campgrounds or at popular dispersed sites. The rules are meant to protect the site and the environment and to help you enjoy your camping trip.
Dispersed camping is a popular camping method for many visitors to the Forest. Choosing to camp along a stream or adjacent to a meadow where there are no picnic tables, toilets or firerings allows campers to enjoy a more primitive experience.
It is recommend that dispersed campers keep to traditional campsites off of established 'two-track' vehicles routes which have been used in the past. Most of these routes are less than 300 feet from a designated open road.
There are some areas on the Forest that are closed to dispersed camping. These include administrative site, special use permit area, or sensitive areas for archeology or wildlife.
Please remove all temporary structures before you leave such as meat poles, toilets, furniture, and ditches around your tents. To find out more about minimum impact camping please visit our outdoor ethics section. Some general rules of use and restrictions also apply to visitor using dispersed camping sites. These include regulations like forest-wide camping stay limits; use of camp fires, firearms, and fireworks; and controlling pets.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerThis 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
Guide
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.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot.
Legend
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.
RangerBeautiful mountain lake setting high in the mountains.
RangerGreat 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grangeville, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grangeville, ID is Fiddle Creek Recreation Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Grangeville, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Grangeville, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
