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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 dispersed campsites near May 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.
"No dump or water. Lots of sites to the left and right after crossing the bridge."
"Just off the main highway, and only a narrow bridge as an obstacle. There is currently a 30’ish foot big fifth wheel here, so I guess it can handle the weight."
"Just off highway 93 S .. small dispersed campground .. maybe 4 sites in total with fire rings most with access to Salmon river."
"A fire ring, shade cover and picnic table are provided for the five campsites as well as a pit toilet. The river is about a four -8 minute walk or so from most campsites. Very clean"
"Though this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!
The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?)"
"Beautiful little site on BLM land right next to the Salmon river. Fairly easy access, one lane bridge off Highway 93 and a short drive on dirt road to the site."
"Would recommend 4 wheel drive. Might dry out later in the season."
"Near the lake. No water, has vault toilets. Roads can be slick."
"Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river."
"I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked."
"Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief!"
"The road first takes you through a canyon with a few dispersed spots with tables and fire pits. Saw one vault toilet too. As you continue to this spot, there’s lots of places to pull off and camp."
"This is an amazing secluded spot deep into the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho. We've been coming here for years and my fathers been coming here since the 60's. "
"Dirt road with loose gravel but my AWD suv had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge."
GuideOn left, out East Fork Rd from Challis. Long ways. Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river. Small metal fire ring Great views and quiet!
GuideVery remote campsite far away from the highway. Dirt roads all the way and two gates that must be opened and closed to get through to BLM land. Beautiful scenic, but remote.
GuideThe campsite is great but getting to it is a challenge, my F-150 was able to do it but anything longer or with less clearance would struggle. There is a ton of deadfall in the area, you need to come with a chainsaw to clear the access road.
TravelerGPS coordinates show for Eagle, ID but the drycamping spot isn’t remotely close to Eagle. It’s near Challis, ID.
GuideThis is a nice campground right off the road though so you do get some car noise. A fire ring, shade cover and picnic table are provided for the five campsites as well as a pit toilet. The river is about a four -8 minute walk or so from most campsites. Very clean
TravelerI selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing.
GuideProbably 15 spots. AT&T 1-2 5G. Pit toilets, 10 day max stay right on Big Lost River, fishing might be good? No garbage, water. Not bad for a 2-3 nighter.
LegendThough this campground sits along the highway it is easier to tolerate noise when its free!
The campground loop is gravel and has “pull next to” (bump out?) type sites with covered picnic table and a fire pit. There are also pit toilets and a hand pump water spigot. There is also a boat ramp and a day use area.
The river is very shallow and the bank is quite muddy -- our little dog sank up to her belly.
No privacy here and lots of road noise but you get to see the river and the meandering cows across the river.
Did not see any wildlife unless you count the swarms of tiny bugs of the variety that squeeze their little bug bodies through your screens.
Zero cell reception ATT, verizon or TMobile. The WeBoost was able to give us bars of LTE but still was not very usable.
Good for an overnight but not much around to keep us occupied for anything longer.
TravelerThe road first takes you through a canyon with a few dispersed spots with tables and fire pits. Saw one vault toilet too. As you continue to this spot, there’s lots of places to pull off and camp. The road goes for quite a while and you can get to some beautiful creek/forest spots with 4WD. Lots of wildflowers :)
Dispersed camping near May, Idaho offers several primitive sites throughout Challis National Forest and the surrounding Bureau of Land Management lands. Summer temperatures in the region typically range from 75-90°F during day with cooler 45-55°F nights at higher elevations. Most free camping locations sit at elevations between 4,500-7,500 feet with access to fishing opportunities along various waterways.
Fishing access: Big Lost River Dispersed features multiple sites directly alongside the river. "Clean for being free. Nice to be next to the river. Seems to be a popular place. Very rustic. Pack out your own trash," writes LeRoy U. These riverside campsites provide easy access for anglers.
Wildlife viewing: The remote forest service roads near Winged Fork Pl Dispersed offer opportunities to spot wildlife. "Saw mama moose and twin babies. Despite July heat we had 77 degree days and cool breezes," notes one camper who enjoyed cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Water recreation: The Salmon River access points provide options for various water activities. "Boat launch for rafting, kayaking, fishing" is available at Deadman Hole, making it a practical base for water enthusiasts looking to explore the river.
Seasonal weather advantages: Higher elevation spots provide relief from summer heat. At Winged Fork Pl Dispersed, temperatures remain moderate even in July, with one camper reporting "77 degree days and cool breezes" despite summer heat elsewhere.
Connectivity options: Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. At Deer Gulch, "I had full bars with Verizon (the cell tower was within line of sight) but my friend with t-mobile had no service whatsoever," explains Ted T. This information helps remote workers plan accordingly.
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. Deadman Hole offers "Serious star gazing opportunities," according to Nancy C., making it worth considering for astronomy enthusiasts.
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. At Indian Springs, "getting to it is a challenge, my F-150 was able to do it but anything longer or with less clearance would struggle," warns Mackenzie F.
Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain sites, particularly near water. "Mosquito swarms! Beware!" cautions Gabriel M. about Mackay Reservoir Fishing Access, suggesting bug protection is essential during summer months.
Site preparation: Some areas require significant clearing. At Indian Springs, "There is a ton of deadfall in the area, you need to come with a chainsaw to clear the access road," advises one camper who had to remove fallen trees to access the site.
Look for established amenities: Some dispersed sites offer basic facilities that benefit families. At Bear Creek Dispersed Campground, "The road first takes you through a canyon with a few dispersed spots with tables and fire pits. Saw one vault toilet too," notes Nikki A.
Consider timing for toilet availability: Seasonal facilities may not be consistent. "Port-a-potties were there when we first set up camp but they were later taken by forest staff which left us without a toilet," reports Jamie M. at Bear Creek, highlighting the importance of bringing portable options.
Choose sites with natural play areas: Look for locations with safe water access for children. Old Drag campsite offers "Access to the river, nice little fire ring," according to Mackenzie F., providing natural entertainment for kids.
Bridge clearance considerations: Some sites have narrow access points. At Deer Gulch, "Just off the main highway, and only a narrow bridge as an obstacle. There is currently a 30'ish foot big fifth wheel here, so I guess it can handle the weight. Just watch your sides if you are pulling a camper," advises Kenny R.
Space for larger rigs: Certain areas accommodate bigger RVs despite remote locations. At Mackay Reservoir Fishing Access, "Dirt road with loose gravel but my AWD suv had no problem towing my 30ft camper up and down to the waters edge," reports Gabriel M.
Level parking considerations: Many dispersed sites lack formal pads. "Plenty of room for RVs and tents. Lots of open space next to the river. There are some shaded spots, and plenty of unshaded in case you have Starlink," notes a camper at Deer Gulch, highlighting considerations for satellite reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near May, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near May, ID is Deer Gulch with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near May, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near May, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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