Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to New Meadows? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Numerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. __No amenities available.
There are several dispersed campsites along the lakeshore located just before and beyond Upper Payette Lake Campground. Sites have no amenities and are often difficult to access with a big RV as the ground can be wet through most of July.
Dispersed Camping
This is a small, quiet two-unit dispersed camping area located in the Paddy Flat area. Adjacent to Rapid Creek. Tables, fire rings and toilet available on site.
This is a dispersed camping area located along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The site is full during the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival held in late July to early August most years, but otherwise is generally available for use. A good spot if you have stock. There are few amenities, 2 vault restrooms and fire rings mark the dispersed campsites. Some tables are available. Sites are accessed by native surface roads (gravel).
Traveler
Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.
The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.
Traveler
We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in October. There were many spots available along the road leading up to this site. But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees. And once we got our camper backed in, we didn’t even know the road was there. And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection.
Traveler
Two other RVs already here so we backed into the shaded nook just as you pull off Lick Creek Rd. Views of the lake but log jams and swampy shore mean no access.
No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes.
TravelerThis is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles. The sign says you can camp up to 10 days consecutive, we only stayed for the night and continued on. This is also right on little salmon river.
TravelerThis camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available
Guide
The fir trees stand tall and still. I can’t figure out if they are waiting for something to happen or if they simply don’t care.
If you’re looking for sone sort of gorgeous panorama, this might not be the place for you. It’s really just a small meadow in the mountains that the BLM put a vault toilet and a couple of fire rings in. That being said, this place is beautiful.
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.
It’s high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night.
The campground is well maintained and the vault toilet was reasonably clean when I arrived. It became Kevin clean shortly after I set up camp.
There are trails from both sites near the vault toilet that lead down to Rapid Creek.
I never saw any bear scat but signs on the property warn of them so be smart with your food.
All in all, Rapid Creek dispersed camping is excellent if you just want a quiet place where no one is around. It’s amazing but not for the reasons people usually like in my opinion. ◦
TravelerNot super crazy view, but free. Not too many spots available in July. LOTS of bugs
Guide
Nice oasis. Clean bathrooms and good sized sites. Even sites have the table and pit on the back side of your trailer. Lots of skeeters to take your spray. We also ran into a couple bull snakes.
Traveler
until the late 1980s my family and I camped here with our RVs all the time but a chipmunk they have been trying to save since( they are everywhere...) has resulted in the campgrounds being closed for vehicle use. great place to take a tent and a six pack! little store 3 miles down the road.
Traveler
This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot.
TravelerGreat place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...
GuideGreat spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. 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.
LegendDirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road. 4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs. A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access. Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august. No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.
All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID. Good alternative to when the state park fills up
TravelerJust came back from my second week long trip in 3 weeks there. 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.
LegendThis is a great campground near the reservoir. Lots of shade trees, almost a park like setting. Plenty of room to roam from this base camp. It does get pretty hot in the summer.
LegendThis is a great area. There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground. 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.
TravelerThere are some seriously beautiful spots to camp here. Another review says that it’s $10 to camp, but that is in the actual campground. Instead of turning right to get into the campground, keep driving straight and you will find the dispersed camping. Perfectly secluded and beautiful views of the water.
GuideOne of the few dispersed areas I’ve visited with multiple bathrooms.
Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you’ll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails.
A really beautiful area amazing views.
Legend
This campground is a hike-in area unless you visit via dirt bikes, mountain bikes or horses. It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake. It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943. The plane can be difficult to find as you have to bushwack to get to it. I did find a little trail that brought me out, but it is often hard to find. We hiked along the right side of the lake, then bushwacked to the left, forded a creek, and was able to find the plane. I have heard and red that you can find the plane by going around an unmaintained forest service trail on the left side of the lake as well. If you make it this far I encourage you to find the plane and read the informational signs no matter what. The story is incredible! While it is longer to hike back out on the rest of the loop, the trail is completely different than coming in and provides amazing views of the Secesh river. Don't expect any amenities when camping at Loon Lake. This spot is truly for those interested in packing in and packing out what they want to use in a remote setting.
Legend
Challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable. Be aware of the temperature before tackling this hike. There are a number of campable areas surrounding the lake. Hammocking is ideal due to the close clumping of trees all around the lake.
Legend
These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area. The sites only consist of a fire ring a d a small parking area, but they are free.
RangerLiked it enough to come back. Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices. Bathrooms are really dirty. Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive. Nice fire pits. Close to water for playing in. There are some towns nearby. Would recommend just use the woods whenever possible.
RangerThere is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom. I’m pretty sure it’s pet friendly. You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky.
TravelerI’d go back here for sure nice person runs the place and the lots are big enough you don’t hear your neighbors.
TravelerGreat fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails.
Guide9 great sites along the river, fire rings, CTX toilets and down the road from Yellowpine where you can get a beer and use WiFi.
TravelerHas designated campsites and primitive large campsites if you are willing to drive in a ways. Its a wonderful place to camp or just spend time fishing the day away.
No fire rings are in the primitive area so if you want fire and there is a ban your out of luck. Very limited shade
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Meadows, Idaho, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of camping options, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Meadows, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Meadows, ID is Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Meadows, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near New Meadows, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
