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Best Dispersed Camping near Hayden Lake, ID

34 Reviews

Free camping areas near Hayden Lake, Idaho include Rose Lake, Bull Run Access, and several locations along the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Rose Lake offers basic amenities with a vault toilet, fire rings, and lake access via a dock, though the terrain is notably uneven for camping. Bull Run Access Dispersed provides larger open areas suitable for bigger rigs, situated between Highway 3 and the Coeur d'Alene River. Most sites are located along forest roads with varying accessibility and limited facilities.

Several areas maintain the standard 3-day maximum stay limit typical of Idaho Fish and Wildlife properties. Road conditions vary, with most locations requiring modest navigation of dirt or gravel roads. Mosquitoes can be problematic near the water, particularly at Bull Run Access. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Cross the one-lane bridge, make a right till you hit the parking lot, make another right towards the sportsman access sign." The area experiences seasonal hunting activity, which creates additional traffic and noise at certain times of year.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hayden Lake, Idaho (17)

    1. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    20 miles
    Website

    "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."

    2. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "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."

    3. copper mountain rd dispersed

    1 Review
    Cataldo, ID
    15 miles

    "Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."

    4. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    14 miles

    5. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    32 miles

    "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!"

    6. Bull Run Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Medimont, ID
    21 miles

    7. Hanks Meadow

    1 Review
    Murray, ID
    31 miles

    "Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."

    8. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    37 miles

    "It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    9. Clark Fork River Driftyard

    2 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    37 miles

    "There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available!"

    10. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    44 miles

    "Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."

    "Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hayden Lake, ID

28 Photos of 17 Hayden Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hayden Lake, ID

34 Reviews of 17 Hayden Lake Campgrounds

  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks Lake

    Great quiet place

    Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

  • Kaitlin K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Buggy but Beautiful

    We 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.

  • N
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Marshall Lake - CLOSED

    Older and Run Down

    Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2024

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Very good camping

    Went 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.

  • William P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Rose Lake

    Great location for a stopover

    I 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.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2019

    Rose Lake

    Boat access

    Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.

  • PJ M.
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Nice 3 Day Option

    Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run rd

    4 spots that I found.  One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed).  There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.

    You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that.  More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer.  There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol).  I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.

    Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.

    Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape.  Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.

    This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.

  • Kathleen D.
    Aug. 15, 2020

    Rose Lake

    Convenient Stop

    We pulled in after sundown — so grateful to find a safe spot close to the Hwy (en route to our next national park). There was no entry signage beyond the boat launch. The Dyrt map and other reviewer’s directions were accurate. There seemed to be two large lots (one grass, one gravel) that were camping permissible. We were in the second gravel lot. There appeared to be 5 total groups of campers spread over two spacious lots with plenty room for more. There are fewer options for tent campers. One is a little clearing and fire ring under the trees at the rear of the gravel lot (see pic). The gravel lot proved to be a very uncomfortable slant for our rooftop tent.

    Toilet. Pretty little lake (but nothing you’d want to swim in. Pretty murky and gas polluted water by the boat launch). 3 night limit. Not a place you target for a vacation, but a lovely free spot along the way.

  • Brooke T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2022

    Rose Lake

    Beautiful, Simple

    For a free stop on the way to a primary destination, this was the most pleasant surprise. Strolled in at 11 pm and although it was dark & other campers, it was easy to find a spot. The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us.

Guide to Hayden Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hayden Lake, Idaho, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Hayden Lake

  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at Rose Lake, where you can set up camp right by the water and watch the sunset from the dock.
  • Explore the scenic trails around Bull Run Access Dispersed, which offers a grassy area among the trees, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.
  • Experience the peacefulness of Lakes Divide Road, where you can hike through the forest and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Hayden Lake, Idaho

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like South Hayes Gulch on Bottle Bay Road, which can fill up quickly due to its proximity to the lake.
  • Be prepared for uneven terrain at places like Rose Lake, where leveling your tent can be a challenge, but the views make it worthwhile.
  • Bring insect repellent when camping near water, as locations like Bull Run Access Dispersed can have a lot of mosquitoes, especially during warmer months.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • Find a secluded campsite at Clark Fork Drift Yard, where you can enjoy quiet evenings after the boats leave the lake.
  • Discover the charm of Hawkeye Campground, which is big rig friendly and offers ample space for both tents and RVs.
  • Experience the unique setting of Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw, where you can enjoy the natural beauty while being away from the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Hayden Lake?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Hayden Lake. Bull Run Access Dispersed offers multiple sites with easy access, including spots suitable for larger RVs (up to 40ft fifth wheels). After crossing the bike path, take the first right at the sportsman's access sign. The area features secluded campsites amongst trees, with some spots offering water views. Another option is Rose Lake, which provides free camping for up to 3 days with spacious sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. It's conveniently located right off I-90 with lake access, a dock for fishing, and a clean vault toilet.

What security measures are in place at Hayden Lake Open Space for dispersed camping?

Specific security measures at Hayden Lake Open Space are limited as is typical with dispersed camping areas. Based on similar sites like Cooks Lake, which features approximately 6 dispersed sites, security is minimal with no dedicated rangers or regular patrols. For more structured security, consider areas like Big Creek, Calder, where the secluded nature of sites offers natural privacy. When camping in dispersed areas, it's best to practice standard precautions: camp with others when possible, secure valuables, maintain awareness of surroundings, and follow Leave No Trace principles to respect the area and other campers.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hayden Lake, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hayden Lake, ID is Rose Lake with a 3.1-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hayden Lake, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Hayden Lake, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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