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Best Dispersed Camping near Idaho City, ID

60 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Idaho City provides several free options within the Boise National Forest. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch offers numerous primitive sites just minutes from town, featuring established fire rings along a shallow creek. According to one visitor, it has "a variety of free and dispersed sites, most with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek" though some note it "feels more like an RV park than a tent site" during busy periods.

Arrowrock Reservoir offers additional dispersed camping with waterfront access, though the road requires careful navigation. Reviews consistently mention the challenging access: "The drive there is long and slow-going along a washboard dirt road" and "Be careful as the drive is a little sketchy." High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially for sites beyond the reservoir. Most dispersed areas follow the standard 14-day camping limit. The area attracts boondockers seeking water recreation, with Irish Point providing designated dispersed camping with vault toilets. Pack out all trash, as multiple reviews note issues with litter at these otherwise scenic locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Idaho City, Idaho (27)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Idaho City, ID

66 Photos of 27 Idaho City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Idaho City, ID

60 Reviews of 27 Idaho City Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed

    Great place, Quiet

    Large open sites. Big rigs go left and park on top. Large areas, can accommodate dozens of RVs and tents.

    Avoid during holidays, people leave tents and rvs for days to keep the spot despite rules and the ranger station will do nothing about it. At those times expect loud parties and even fights or gunfire which the rangers will also do nothing about.

    Other than that its great. Take a right on the highway and head to the sourdough lodge for the best pancakes for hundreds of miles.

    There are many other dispersed and paid spots along the highway.

    Details: Free camping 14 Day limit No tables at campsites Minimal wood to scavenge Town of Lowman is close by No trash, water, or toilets

  • Sadie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 24, 2025

    Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground

    Easy drive, Beautiful, avoid on holidays

    Easy to get to, no marked spots, tent or small to mid RV. Pit toilet on site. No boat launch but easy enough for small craft or floaties. Sloped, not much level spots. Nice views and easy bank fishing.

    Details: No site boundaries, easily crowds No trash or water Long drive to services Slow drive in if towing medium or large trailer No tables Minimal rock fire rings Long drive to town, bring plenty of stuff Free stat, 14 day limit, rangers may stop by and say hi, if you’re lucky they’ll clean and restock the toilet. Don’t count on being lucky

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2023

    Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    Rough road but beautiful location

    Entering the park is beautiful! There’s a paved road with campsites you need a reservation for. Where the coordinates are on this map is about 30 minutes down a gravel road that looks ok, but is very rutted. I drive a cargo van and it shook everything to the point where I didn’t want to do 30 minutes of it. There are signs that say “no roadside camping next 7 miles”, but after mile marker 7, you’ll notice fire rings off the sides of the roads on both sides, including lake front. So I just want to make sure y’all know that you don’t actually have to drive all the way down to the dispersed spots to find camping. Other than that, it’s a gorgeous area. No Verizon service for me.

  • Laura C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2019

    Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

    Private

    Me and boyfriend enjoy going here in the fall and spring to get away from the city for a day or two. There is hiking right across the street. Mt Heinen which is a very strenous hike. Its over 9 miles(up and back) and over a 3,000 ft gain so be prepared if you try to tackle this summit. Anyways, the campground has some fire pits but no picnic tables. There are a few trees for shade. One part of this campground that confuses me is that there use to be a small outhouse in summer of 2018 but when I came in 2019 in march and April there was not one? When we come in the fall and spring theres no one other than us there. In the summer it does get quite a few people there. Also it gets super hot in the summertime so be sure to bring plenty of water. Good thing is you can take a dip in the cold reservoir to cool off. There's no trash services so pack it in and pack it out. A lot of people come here to party and leave trash around so i make it a point to pick it up. Please don't be those people to ruin a beautiful free spot. 💚

  • Amber R.
    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Idaho City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Idaho City, Idaho, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed

  • This location provides stunning views and easy access to the water, making it a great spot for swimming and fishing. Check it out at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed.
  • Be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride; the road leading to the area can be rough, but the scenic beauty is worth the journey.
  • Campers have noted the presence of fire rings and the option to park right by the beach, although caution is advised due to muddy conditions.

Top activities while free camping near Idaho City

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground, where the waters are known for their abundance of fish.
  • For those who enjoy biking, the trails around Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed offer beautiful routes along the lakeside.
  • Stargazing is a must in these remote areas, with minimal light pollution allowing for breathtaking views of the night sky.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Idaho City, Idaho

  • Always check road conditions before heading to Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground, as the access road can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles.
  • Bring insect repellent; some campers have reported that the area can be buggy during certain seasons, particularly near the water.
  • Make sure to pack out what you pack in, as some areas, like Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch, have been noted for litter and trash left behind by previous visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in Idaho City?

Yes, there is plenty of free camping available near Idaho City. Herrick Reservoir Access offers free camping with a 10-day limit, though be aware of surrounding private property with clear signage. Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground is another free option with pit toilets and easy access for tents or small to mid-sized RVs. While there are no marked spots, it offers nice views and bank fishing opportunities. Most dispersed sites in the Boise National Forest surrounding Idaho City are free to use, though they typically lack amenities like trash service or potable water, so come prepared to pack out all waste and bring your own supplies.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Idaho City?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Idaho City. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch offers free dispersed sites with rock campfire rings just a 3-minute drive from Idaho City. The creek provides a pleasant backdrop with relatively secluded spots despite some RV and ATV traffic. Another option is Forest Service Campsite FR0215B Dispersed, which features large open sites that can accommodate many vehicles. The area has spaces suitable for both big rigs and tents, though it can get crowded during holidays. Additional dispersed camping can be found along forest service roads throughout the Boise National Forest surrounding Idaho City.

What are the best dispersed camping spots in Idaho City?

Among the best dispersed camping spots near Idaho City, Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch stands out for its proximity to town (just 3 minutes away) and lovely creek access. The sites feature rock campfire rings and feel secluded despite being easily accessible. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground offers a beautiful location with picnic tables, fire pits with grills, and vault toilets, though it requires navigating about 15 miles of bumpy dirt road. For those seeking spectacular views, the areas around Arrowrock Reservoir provide scenic camping with hiking opportunities nearby. When selecting a spot, consider vehicle clearance requirements, as many access roads can be rutted or rough, especially after rain or during spring thaw.

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