Best Dispersed Camping near May, ID
Dispersed camping is permitted on public lands surrounding May, Idaho, with several primitive sites located along the Salmon River and throughout the Challis National Forest region. Free camping areas include Deer Gulch, with riverside pull-offs accessible via a narrow bridge, and Deadman Hole Recreation Site, which offers basic amenities while maintaining a dispersed camping feel. Additional options extend toward Mackay and Stanley, with sites like Big Lost River Dispersed and Bear Creek providing backcountry access on forest service roads. Most sites are situated on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or Forest Service land with standard 14-day stay limits.
Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation on unpaved roads that can become challenging after rain or during spring runoff. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites like Indian Springs, where reviews indicate "getting to it is a challenge" even for F-150 trucks. Several areas offer vault toilets, including Deer Gulch and Big Lost River Dispersed, though most lack potable water and trash services. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should pack out all waste. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with some areas like Deadman Hole reporting "zero cell reception" for major carriers.
The primitive sites near May provide excellent access to fishing, particularly along the Salmon River and Big Lost River. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose sightings reported at more remote locations. Campers appreciate the relative solitude, especially at higher elevation sites that offer relief from summer heat. The dispersed areas vary in proximity to road noise, with some reviewers noting Highway 93 is "close so some traffic noise" at Deer Gulch, while more remote sites provide greater quiet. Many campsites feature scenic mountain views and riverside locations that compensate for the lack of amenities. "There are no developed rings or tables but you can tell where people usually set up camp," noted one visitor to Bear Creek, highlighting the informal nature of these primitive sites.
