The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Harrison. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Harrison. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Harrison, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."
"The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."
"Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.)"
"If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."
"Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."
"BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road."
"I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites."
"Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."
"I met some cool Idaho locals that said they’ve been coming here since they were kids!"
"While this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in."
"There are secluded dispersed campsites on Big Creek between the campgrounds on Big Creek RD. If you're set up for off grid its definitely worth spending a few days fly fishing or hiking the area."
GuideBLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.
TravelerNice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet
TravelerNice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days
RangerWas a good site, safe, people def. Stay longer than 14 days lol
GuideWe were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.
LegendThis is great for boondocking and we liked it. Be aware that its gravel road and bumpy in spots. We came upon a group that had high centered their airstream trailer trying to cross a small drainage ditch to access a site. You may need to do some tricky maneuvering to get into and out of some of these road spurs and spots. We had very high winds one night, but by luck we had selected a spot at the end of the road near hog lake that had us nestled between to small "hills" and trees which protected us. we were not in the open and exposed to the wind directly. Even so, it shook our trailer but we were snug and secure. Not for the novice boodndocker. This is BLM open land camping at its purest.
TravelerWent with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect.
Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone.
Good site to camp for a family.
TravelerI spent 1 night here on my way to Coeur d’Alene. I might spend a couple more! Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting.
There is a vault toilet with its own parking space. I van camped there. Above me were 2 parking lots where 2-3 other campers were. Plenty of room to spread out and have decent privacy.
TravelerBy far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water! Me and my friends stayed at the lower lake, both hammock and tent camping.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Harrison, Idaho, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Harrison, Idaho?
Several excellent dispersed camping spots are available near Harrison, Idaho. Bull Run Access Dispersed offers spacious sites with easy access for large rigs, including fifth wheels up to 40 feet. The dirt roads are navigable, with plenty of turnaround space. For a lakeside experience, Rose Lake provides elevated views through the trees and is a convenient overnight stop when traveling through the area. Both locations are within easy reach of Harrison and offer the freedom of dispersed camping in beautiful natural settings.
What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Harrison, Idaho?
Dispersed camping sites near Harrison offer minimal amenities, staying true to their primitive nature. Hog Lake Campground provides rustic campsites with no hookups, though cell phone service is excellent due to nearby towers. Some sites feature lake access and trails, though gate access may vary seasonally. At Stevens Lakes Backcountry, you'll find beautiful mountain lake camping with no facilities, requiring hikers to pack in all supplies and follow leave-no-trace principles. Most dispersed areas around Harrison have no drinking water, electricity, or garbage service, so campers should come prepared with everything needed for their stay.
Are permits required for dispersed camping around Harrison, Idaho?
Most dispersed camping areas around Harrison are on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and typically don't require specific permits. At Bonnie Lake Island, a primitive BLM site accessible by paddling, no permits are needed for overnight stays. Similarly, the North Fork Coeur D'Alene River area follows standard national forest dispersed camping regulations with a typical 14-day stay limit. While permits aren't usually required, it's always recommended to check with local ranger districts or the BLM office before your trip, as regulations may change seasonally or in response to fire danger levels.
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