Top Free Dispersed Camping near Idaho City, ID

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Idaho City? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Idaho City, ID (21)

    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
    Camper-submitted photo from Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)

    1. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    165 Saves

    Overview: Willow Creek Campground is located along the Middle Fork of the Boise River Forest Service (FS) road 268 and the north end of the Arrowrock Reservior. There are 9 campsites at the campground. A stay at the campground enables guests to enjoy all the beauty and recreation offered along the river and reservoir. Weather is usually good from mid-May through late September and is easily accessible by car in good weather, although the road is sometimes rough and the drive can be seemingly long. Checking with the District on road conditions before heading out is recommended. Natural Features: Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Waterfowl, eagles and osprey are attracted to the river. Recreation: There are several trails in the area including trail #189 beginning near Cottonwood Campground, leading to Bald Mountain Peak. Check the Idaho City Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for trails in the area that are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. The Middle Fork Boise River and Arrowrock Reservoir offer excellent trout fishing and good swimming holes. Big game hunting is a popular activity in season.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch

    2. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    68 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir

    3. Little Camas Reservoir

    12 Reviews
    21 Photos
    137 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • No image available

      4. Boise NF Road 82

      1 Review
      13 Saves

      Within the national forests, the majority of land is open for “dispersed camping”, outside of developed campgrounds. These locations are usually wide spots off of forest roads, with no facilities provided, such as water, bathrooms or tables. Many people enjoy the solitude of camping away from developed campgrounds. Follow these guidelines to ensure that these areas can be enjoyed safely by you, and future generations.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      • Drinking Water
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs
      Camper-submitted photo from Ice Springs

      6. Ice Springs

      3 Reviews
      7 Photos
      11 Saves

      Overview: The Ice Springs Campground has 3 campsites on Fall Creek near the Anderson Ranch Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, boating, waterskiing and riding personal watercraft. It is also has good smallmouth bass and kokanee fishing. This area had a major wildfire in 2012 and conditions may have altered. There is a nearby trailhead at Camp Creek, south, to the end of Forest Service (FS) road 128, which heads north past Dog Mountain, all the way to Horse Ranch Mountain, about 17 miles. A shorter hike can be done by setting up a shuttle at Bear Hole Trailhead, north on FS road 129.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      • Alcohol
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Herrick Reservoir Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Herrick Reservoir Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Lake
        Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Middle Cramer Lake Dispersed
      Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Idaho City

      46 Reviews of 21 Idaho City Campgrounds


      • Harry D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Oct. 10, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Peace among cows

        Beautiful scenery, easy drive in for most vehicles and surprisingly good phone service. Had the place all to myself and got some really nice long exposure shots of the night sky.

      • Corinne H.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Sep. 20, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Beautiful and quiet

        Was worried about the weather when I pulled up at dusk during a storm but it passed south of me and I got to watch the lightening. It is remote without any services for miles in either direction off 20, so do check the weather and come prepared.

        We had it to ourselves in mid September. Toilets had lots of TP and were clean. Saw some big scat (moose?).

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
        Aug. 6, 2024

        Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

        Beautiful spot, but difficult to get to

        About an hour off the highway, 7 miles of which are washboard-bumpy gravel roads along the lake cliffside (Had to drive under 10mph those last 7 miles). We were in an AWD sprinter van, and the road conditions definitely put a damper on the night. Site is right on the water gorgeous once you’re there. The stars were incredible. Toilet on site but the flies were swarming.

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jul. 27, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Pretty and quiet

        Nice level sites overlooking lake. Easy to get to. Lots of cows wandering around. Toilets were clean. We had the place to ourselves.

      • P
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jul. 1, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Nice area. Lightly visited

        There are vault toilets in two locations. No other facilities. Very few people. Where we stayed overnight, we didn't see anyone else. Lots of gnat-type flying bugs. Almost no mosquitos. Great views of the mountains around the lake and very quiet. Difficult to access the water as it is deep mud near the shoreline. Lots of grazing cattle nearby.

      • Kelda C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jun. 27, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Secluded and Pretty

        I stayed here for about a week. My spot was a short distance from the water in an attempt to avoid the mosquitoes (didn't really work), but still really serene. It's about a 30 minute drive to stores in Mountain Home. I also appreciated that you're only on non paved roads for about 1/2 mile. Would definitely come back here.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jun. 24, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Quiet night by the water

        Fairly easy access off US 20. There is open grazing so we did have cattle close to our campsite by morning. Tons of bugs but not many mosquitoes. Quiet and not many others. T-Mobile worked well. There was some in/out movement around 5:30 am but as an early riser I wasn't disturbed.

      • Emily S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jun. 21, 2024

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Pretty reservoir

        Pretty little spot with pretty decent cell service. Lots of space for my dogs to run around. Could see other campers in the distance. Everyone had lots of room to themselves. I could see it becoming a little bit busier on the weekend. No facilities available at all, which is fine by me! Unfortunately people seem to leave trash around. There was a fire pit which I appreciated but greasy tends in the pit. There also trash bags and a few other things around. Overall, this did not majorly detract from the site. I would recommend bringing bug repellent or a thermacell to ward off bugs.

      • Conner The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
        Jun. 2, 2024

        Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

        If you want lake access this place is magical

        There are many group sites and single sites. Many sites own a corner turn. Also your entire campsite will be visible to every car passing. There are other sites on the other side of the road that are more private. Be wary the road is very dangerous getting in. Take it slow.

        Some people park their trailers at lake front but beware of the dune sand , you might get stuck.

        I love being able to jump into the lake and ride my bike along the lake.

        T

      • T
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Sep. 27, 2023

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Just a parking place really

        A great little spot off the road next to the reservoir. Has a bathroom and a few camping rings. Nothing special but a peaceful place.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jul. 19, 2023

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Quiet and peaceful

        This is a clearly dispersed location. There is a single pit toilet. Camped right next to the lake. Lots of bugs being close to water but seemingly few mosquitoes

      • l
        Camper-submitted photo from Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
        Jul. 1, 2023

        Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch

        good for a short stay

        A variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek. A fair amount of RV and ATV traffic but still feels pretty secluded. No bathrooms or anything like that but it's only a 3 minute drive from Idaho City.

      • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619
        Jun. 28, 2023

        Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619

        Designated Dispersed 2023

        This area along lower Iron Creek Road had some rough free dispersed spots that had cell signal from Stanley. As of June 2023 there are info boards and signage that notes dispersed camping only in designated spots marked on the ground with new signs. I saw an A group and a B group and may be more farther up but the road was so rough washboard potholed I did not check. These sites are small and not suitable for RVs and large TTs in my opinion. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. However, this is very close to Stanley town.

      • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
        Jun. 25, 2023

        Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed

        FS road #638 Dispersed

        Area of FS road #638 and #630. Large flat area around an old burrow pit. Very popular and lots of campers when I visited. Not a lot of privacy in my opinion, but it is only a few miles from Stanley Lake boat ramp.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        May. 2, 2023

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Would work in a pinch

        Down a dirt road. This used to be a boat ramp, but it doesn't exist anymore. A few fire pits scattered around the hill and by the water. Vault toilet available. Great views of the mountains. No privacy other than some sage brush. No room for big rigs, 4wd not required.

      • Jacob M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Boise NF Road 82
        Aug. 30, 2022

        Boise NF Road 82

        Ok area

        Was fairly trashed campground. Cleaned up two trash bags full of garbage. Random shoes, shell casing and mysterious empty glass containers.

      • LThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed
        Aug. 22, 2022

        Stanley Lake FS 638 Road Dispersed

        Great views and close to the lake

        I love this place as dispersed camping is our favorite. We are not stacked in n together and have great views of tue Sawtooth. My speed test was done with Verizon and I was using a WeBoost.

      • Becbecandbunny O.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jul. 7, 2022

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Peaceful spot

        This is our 2nd stay at this campground but different season. The reservoir is low but the view is still gorgeous. We had the place to ourselves.

        Good cell coverage (TMobile).

      • Amber R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Apr. 19, 2022

        Little Camas Reservoir

        A pleasant place for a stop along the way

        Perfect for an overnight stop during a long drive. The access road also serves residential property some distance away so is well maintained. The primitive camping spots are close enough to the highway to make it a quick drive but far enough away to buffer most noise from passing traffic. Even though the landscape seems sparse there was very active wildlife during our stay, with many species of birds throughout the night and a chorus of coyotes at one point. The water level was really low, which would probably inhibit launching larger water craft, but the reservoir still provided a peaceful atmosphere. There definitely isn't any nearby wood for fires so people do need to bring in their own.

      • Becbecandbunny O.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Apr. 10, 2022

        Little Camas Reservoir

        Great boondocking off the Hwy 20

        So happy we pulled off the road to stay here despite waking up to snow. Beautiful area with a view of the reservoir below. Very quiet.

        Sites marked with fire rings. No other signage seen. There is one pit toilet.

        Decent cell coverage. Road heading into the campground was accessible by a 2WD vehicle.

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
        Sep. 18, 2021

        Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

        First Dispersed Solo Moto

        Rode in on my GS fully packed and as previously reviewed it was a bumpy road from the dam but not difficult. I was the only one here but the neighboring site had a couple people. Very quiet location. Happy I didn’t stop at hotel as it was getting near dark as I rode in and wasn’t sure what to expect. If I’m ever passing through Boise again I’ll be stopping back here for the layover. Also, a toilet was available. That was unexpected.

      • Caley M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
        Jul. 22, 2021

        Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

        Quiet and free, Dispersed

        We drove way past Lucky Peak Res until we saw trees. There are 2 pull offs here with lots of spots to camp. There are lots of firepits around the area and water access. Cool spot.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Camas Reservoir
        Jan. 17, 2021

        Little Camas Reservoir

        A forgotten gem

        We camped here in June 2020. There are clean vault toilets but not much else. The reservoir was practically empty. There were not picnic tables and the roads off the main road were not maintained. It was hard to tell if there were campsites there at all, but there were fire rings so we pulled in next to one and set up. One other camper came in later and set up down by the lake, but otherwise it was really quiet. Nice place to get away from everyone during a pandemic.



      Guide to Idaho City

      Camping near Idaho City, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to pitch a tent or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For instance, at Pine Flats Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There is a nice hiking trail that leads to the hot springs, a very nice benefit of this campground."
      • Hot Springs: Many campgrounds are near hot springs. A visitor at Kirkham Campground said, "The springs are awesome and there are several," making it a great spot for relaxation after a day of hiking.
      • Fishing and Boating: At Macks Creek Park, a camper noted, "Great day access for boats," which is perfect for those looking to enjoy some time on the water.

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Mountain View RV Park said, "The bathrooms are so well maintained. They look brand new."
      • Scenic Views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A visitor at Bonneville shared, "The campground itself is tucked into a valley of sorts so you are surrounded by trees everywhere."
      • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Pine Flats Campground mentioned, "The cool hippy dude is the campground host and he is pretty friendly."

      What you should know:

      • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A visitor to Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed warned, "The road is severely pot-holed," so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
      • Crowded Areas: Popular spots can get busy, especially during peak season. One camper at Kirkham Campground noted, "This is probably one of the most known hot springs in Idaho," indicating it can be crowded.
      • Wildlife: Be aware of the local wildlife. A reviewer at Deadwood Campground mentioned, "There are bears in the area so keep that in mind."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A parent at Macks Creek Park said, "The camping was pleasant and kid-friendly."
      • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Pine Flats Campground suggested, "The hot springs are accessible via a short trail," which can be a fun family outing.
      • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Kirkham Campground advised, "You have to pay a day use fee to get in the hot springs," so be prepared for costs.

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pine Flats Campground mentioned, "I must say they are true to length," which can be tricky for larger RVs.
      • Utilities Availability: Look for campgrounds with good utility access. A visitor at KOA Boise Meridian RV Resort noted, "The sites are level and the utilities are in good repair."
      • Noise Levels: Be aware of noise from nearby roads or airports. A camper at Mountain View RV Park said, "It can get a little noisy from the jets but it didn’t bother us too much."

      Camping near Idaho City, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground, and you'll have a great time!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Idaho City, ID?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Idaho City, ID is Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home) with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Idaho City, ID?

        TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Idaho City, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.