Dispersed camping near Idaho City provides access to the Boise National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,900 to 9,800 feet. The area typically receives 30-40 inches of annual precipitation with winter snow accumulation affecting access to higher elevation sites. The forest's mix of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir creates natural shade at many campsites, particularly important during summer when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Little Camas Reservoir offers good fishing access with "tons of beach area, not many people!" according to one camper at Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed. At Willow Creek Campground, visitors note it's a "great fishing location. Even has a sunken truck that's been there for more years than most locals said they've known."
Swimming and water recreation: Water activities are popular during summer months. At Arrowrock Reservoir, campers appreciate that "the water is clean and there is tons of beach area! Bring the kayaks and get paddling!" Some sites provide direct water access as "people park their trailers at lake front but beware of the dune sand, you might get stuck."
Night sky viewing: The area's distance from urban light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Little Camas Reservoir, one visitor "got some really nice long exposure shots of the night sky." Another notes the reservoir area offers "great views of the mountains around the lake and very quiet."
What campers like
Proximity to Boise: Free camping near Idaho City provides quick wilderness access from urban areas. One visitor described Arrowrock as "one of the best places close to the city. Far enough away that you still get out of service, a good view of the stars, a swim, and some magnificent overall views. Nothing like waking up here. 40 minutes from downtown Boise."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, several dispersed sites maintain connectivity. At Little Camas Reservoir, campers report "T-Mobile worked well" and "surprisingly good phone service." This makes these locations suitable for remote workers or those needing to stay connected.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. At Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground, visitors note "our neighbors were sparse and quiet and we enjoyed the peace of this area." The camp offers "large open sites. Big rigs go left and park on top. Large areas, can accommodate dozens of RVs and tents."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires careful driving. At Irish Point, reviewers warn "about an hour off the highway, 7 miles of which are washboard-bumpy gravel roads along the lake cliffside" and "had to drive under 10mph those last 7 miles." Another notes the road is "all gravel on a steep hillside along the shore and several miles to get in. Many potholes and ruts."
Seasonal limitations: Winter access becomes difficult or impossible at many sites. At Little Camas Reservoir, a visitor discovered "in the winter it is not plowed, so you can't access it. Found out the hard way, lol." For Arrowrock areas, a reviewer warns "if you don't have a four wheel drive vehicle don't go, all wheel drive won't do it in winter."
Trash management: Pack out all waste as garbage accumulation is a consistent issue. At Willow Creek Campground, a camper reported: "Trash...trash... trash... trash everywhere. I wanted to cry. Cleaned up what I could take back with me, but there was just so much I couldn't take it all." Similarly, at FR0215B Dispersed, reviewers note no trash facilities are available.
Tips for camping with families
Choose less remote options: For family camping, sites closer to Idaho City offer easier access to supplies. Forest Service Road 82 provides no-cost camping with vehicle access suitable for family setups, though one camper warned they "cleaned up two trash bags full of garbage" from prior users.
Water safety considerations: If camping near reservoirs with children, be aware of shoreline conditions. At Little Camas, campers note it's "difficult to access the water as it is deep mud near the shoreline." Arrowrock offers better water access as "you can put it [boat] in the water right off the beach and camp next to it."
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season and proximity to water. A Little Camas visitor suggests "bringing bug repellent or a thermacell to ward off bugs" while noting there were "lots of gnat-type flying bugs. Almost no mosquitos." Another camper attempting to avoid mosquitoes by camping away from water reported "it didn't really work."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: At Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground, an RVer with a 30-foot travel trailer advised: "Tough access. Bad road... once was probably enough for quite some time." Consider smaller rigs or carefully scout locations first, as "the road around the reservoir is pretty tight, though that doesn't discourage long trailers and toy haulers."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites lack naturally flat areas. Irish Point is described as "sloped, not much level spots" while offering "nice views and easy bank fishing." Consider bringing leveling blocks or hydraulic systems if traveling in larger RVs.
Holiday congestion: During peak periods, free camping near Idaho City becomes crowded. One RVer notes at FR0215B Dispersed to "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." This creates difficult conditions for large rigs needing adequate turning space.
