Planning a dispersed camping trip near Lewiston? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Idaho camping adventure.
The Horse Camp Trailhead serves as the north end of the popular Sand Mountain OHV Trail system. The actual trail begins on the north side of the 381 road while the trailhead is on the southern side. Some dispersed camping is available on a first come first serve basis.
Guide
I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.
This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*
*One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.
The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.
Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.
Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.
Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.
This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.
I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.
Ranger
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. I will be returning here soon and will take photos to share.
Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail.
The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road.
Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can’t get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lewiston, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lewiston, ID is Red Bird Creek Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lewiston, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Lewiston, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
