Top Free Dispersed Camping near New Meadows, ID
Looking for dispersed camping near New Meadows? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near New Meadows, ID (27)
1. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
7 Reviews•32 Photos•167 SavesNumerous dispersed campsites are located around the Lost Valley Reservoir. __No amenities available.
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
3 Reviews•10 Photos•107 SavesThere 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Little Payette Lake - Dispersed
3 Reviews•13 Photos•42 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry Camping
1 Review•4 Photos•89 SavesDispersed Camping
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area
1 Review•4 Photos•44 SavesThis 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.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
6. Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed
1 Review•2 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Loon Lake
1 Review•5 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
8. Short's Bar Recreation Area
1 Review•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
9. Fiddle Creek Recreation Site
1 Review•2 Photos•1 Save- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area
2 Reviews•1 Photo•44 SavesThis 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).
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In New Meadows
22 Reviews of 27 New Meadows Campgrounds
Nick J.
Traveler
Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake
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.
- R
Ronda D.Traveler
Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Amazing, peaceful location!
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.
Kaye S.Traveler
Little Payette Lake - Dispersed
Free, easy access and Close to McCall
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.
christian L.TravelerLittle Salmon River Pullout Dispersed
Stopped for the night
This 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.
- SShay S.Traveler
Short's Bar Recreation Area
Busy
This 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
- KKevin C.
Guide
Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area
Great secluded spot
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. ◦
- Sierra J.Traveler
Little Payette Lake - Dispersed
Lots of bugs but pretty view
Not super crazy view, but free. Not too many spots available in July. LOTS of bugs
Fishin' R.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Very Quiet
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.
- RRanier E.Traveler
Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site
Great Dispersed Camping Spot
This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot.
Will M.GuideLost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Great campgrounds tucked away
Great 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.
Austin C.
LegendLittle Payette Lake - Dispersed
Dispersed Near McCall at Little Payette Lake
Dirt 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
- Larry J.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Great dispersed camping
Just 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.
Cheyenne P.TravelerUpper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Beautiful Spot!
There 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.
Cody H.GuideUpper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
If you want beauty and seclusion, skip McCall and head to Upper Payette!
One 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.
Hannah W.Legend
Loon Lake
Amazing views and history!
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.
Spencer L.Legend
Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry Camping
Beautiful
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.
- Hannah W.Legend
East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area
Right on the river!
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.
Easton S.
RangerLost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Second annual
Liked 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.
- Easton S.Ranger
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Lots of trees
There 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.
- KKiwi S.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Absolutely beautiful
Great fishing, great sights. Plenty of off-road trails.
- Courtney R.Guide
East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area
Camping by the river
9 great sites along the river, fire rings, CTX toilets and down the road from Yellowpine where you can get a beer and use WiFi.
- DDenise L.Traveler
Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.
Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.
If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.
The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.
The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.
Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.
Guide to New Meadows
Camping near New Meadows, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to bustling campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "Goose Trial is right at the campsite. Nice easy trail," while staying at Last Chance Campground.
- Fishing: The lakes and rivers are perfect for fishing. A review from Huckleberry Campground highlights, "Clean campsite right on the river which has access for boat put in/wade access. Perfect for fishing the St. Joe."
- Bird Watching: If you're into birding, Sugarloaf Campground is a unique spot. One visitor noted, "Hundreds of bird houses along the in road and a nice backwater Bay that is a bird sanctuary."
What campers like
- Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park. One review states, "The campground is huge and accommodates a lot of spaces but they are far enough apart to not feel at all crowded."
- Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Sugarloaf Campground said, "The campground is clean. No hookups but has water spickets around the campground."
- Natural Beauty: Campers love the stunning views. A review from Upper Payette Lake Campground mentions, "This site and the surrounding area is filled with lush vegetation and this crisp, cool, blue blue lake."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Horsethief Reservoir Campground, have minimal services. A camper noted, "The camp spots have all been paved now. It felt like we were camping in a parking lot."
- Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One visitor at Ponderosa Campground mentioned, "Very large and busy campground. Seems like the sites are very close together."
- Road Conditions: Some access roads can be narrow and steep. A review from Last Chance Campground warns, "The road leading up to sites is very narrow and steep grade."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with activities for kids. A review from Huckleberry Campground mentions, "Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied."
- Plan for Nearby Towns: If you need supplies or a meal, McCall is just a short drive away. One camper at Last Chance Campground said, "McCall is only 15 minutes away for a burger and beer!"
- Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Peninsula Campground suggested, "Lots of activities, biking, lake, showers, laundry."
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookup Availability: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. A review from Sugarloaf Campground states, "NO electric hookups."
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can be cramped for larger RVs. A camper at Horsethief Reservoir Campground noted, "The placement of the fire pits makes it where you can't sit around the fire."
- Plan for Waste Disposal: Make sure to know where to dump waste. A review from Woodhead Campground mentions, "Nice facility love the fish cleaning stations."
Camping around New Meadows, Idaho, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it's a perfect getaway for families and nature lovers alike.
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 27 dispersed camping locations near New Meadows, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.