Dispersed camping near Mesa, Idaho offers multiple free camping options surrounding the town's mountainous regions. Most sites lie between 4,000-6,000 feet elevation, resulting in significant temperature fluctuations even during summer months. Sites frequently feature primitive conditions with minimal infrastructure, though several locations provide vault toilets and hand pump water sources.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, anglers can catch small perch throughout the summer. As one visitor mentioned, "Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails" while noting that fishing success tends to diminish as summer progresses.
Off-road trails: The area surrounding Mann Creek Recreation Area provides extensive ATV routes, particularly on roads past the reservoir. According to a camper, "Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's. There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer. Spring and fall are really nice times of year here."
Huckleberry picking: August brings prime huckleberry season to the higher elevation campsites. Visitors can find productive picking areas along hiking trails and forest roads. When ripe, these wild berries provide a seasonal treat for campers willing to search the surrounding forests.
Swimming: Several reservoir locations offer swimming opportunities, though water levels and quality vary by season. The natural lakes maintain better water quality throughout summer compared to reservoirs, which can develop algae blooms by mid-August as water levels drop.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas provide significant space between camping spots. At Little Payette Lake Dispersed, campers appreciate the natural separation despite proximity to McCall. One visitor noted, "Dogs loved being off leash. We drove a bit further down the road and there were some dsp camping spots. Found a nice large flat area for 2 nights."
Natural sounds: The ambient sounds of flowing water create peaceful camping environments. A camper at Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area shared, "You can't see rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that's really just as good. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet."
Lake access: Waterfront camping remains highly sought after despite minimal amenities. One visitor to Lost Valley Reservoir reported, "Camped right on the water! I usually go up on Monday stay till Saturday, one of the benefits of being retired! Definitely going to go one more time, maybe two this summer. Very very scenic."
Free camping options: The abundance of no-cost sites attracts budget-conscious travelers. Most dispersed sites throughout the region remain free, with 10-14 day stay limits enforced on public lands.
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads to many dispersed sites deteriorate throughout the camping season. Several campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after periods of rain.
Wildlife encounters: Bears and other wildlife frequent these camping areas. At Herrick Reservoir Access, proper food storage becomes essential as bears occasionally visit campsites. Coyotes remain common throughout the region, with frequent nighttime howling reported at multiple locations.
Property boundaries: Public and private land boundaries often lack clear markings. A camper at Herrick Reservoir warned, "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."
Insect pressure: Mosquitoes create significant challenges for campers, particularly near water sources. A visitor to Little Payette Lake reported, "Horrible mesquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early. Beautiful space though... Mosquitoes……. Thousands."
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites: Look for locations with ample room for children to explore safely. Mann Creek offers "a park like setting. Plenty of room to roam from this base camp. It does get pretty hot in the summer."
Swimming access: For families with children, sites with gentle shorelines provide safer water access. Avoid reservoir edges with steep drop-offs or unstable footing.
Multi-day planning: Prepare for temperature fluctuations with appropriate clothing layers. At Tripod Dispersed camping, a regular visitor shared, "We spend lots of summers here. So many open spaces. Lots of cattle roaming. Creeks, lake, and hiking."
Limited facilities: Most sites lack running water or flush toilets. Bring portable toilet solutions for younger children who may struggle with pit toilets or natural alternatives.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level areas to reduce setup time. At Mann Creek, "Easy enough pull off with lots of open dispersed sites. Granted, little shade and little privacy. Lots of people on a Monday night. Very warm in summer."
Summer heat preparation: RVs without air conditioning can become uncomfortably hot during summer days. One camper noted, "There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer. Spring and fall are really nice times of year here."
Water conservation: With no hookups available, conserve fresh water supplies. Most RVers recommend bringing at least 1-2 gallons per person per day for drinking and cooking needs, plus additional water for basic hygiene.
Site access: Larger rigs should scout locations before attempting access. Some campers report, "The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in."
