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Best Dispersed Camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping options surround the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho, with several remote sites requiring various levels of access commitment. Rocky Ridge Lake Campground provides free primitive sites with picnic tables and vault toilets on the historic Lolo Motorway. The area requires high-clearance vehicles but rewards visitors with wildlife viewing. One camper wrote, "There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there." Stanley Hot Springs offers backcountry camping accessible via a challenging 5-mile hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain from Wilderness Gateway Campground. The hot springs requires fording a creek, which becomes impossible during spring runoff.

Several additional dispersed camping opportunities exist along forest roads throughout the region. Squaw Creek Road provides primitive tent and RV sites with drive-in or walk-in access. The St. Joe River Road features riverside camping spots with small boat launches and established fire rings, though camping is prohibited from spring to mid-July. Elk River area offers numerous free dispersed sites extending for several miles. Most sites permit campfires and allow pets, but facilities are minimal or nonexistent, requiring visitors to pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (11)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

5 Photos of 11 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

6 Reviews of 11 Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Wilderness camp with a hot springs soak

    If a backpacking trip in to a wilderness area with a hot springs next to your campsite sounds like the perfect trip, then Stanley Hot Springs is for you.  Stanley Hot Springs located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is just under a 5 mile hike from the trail head located in the Wilderness Gateway Campground.  The trip in to the hot springs gains about 1500 feet, but the climb is worth it as you get to soak your tired legs after the hike. 

    Plenty of campsites can be found around and near the Hot Springs.  Water can be filtered from the near by creek.  You are backpacking so be prepared to bring out everything you bring in.  You are also in Bear Territory so be prepared to hang your food in a tree and bring bear spray.

    Getting to the hot springs can be a little tricky as their is no bridge over the creek, so you will have to ford the creek, unless you can find a series of log jams to cross on.  Best bet for finding you way is to ask someone hiking out for suggestions on crossing the creek.

    The creek crossing will not be possible in the spring or during high water flows.   We managed an easy crossing over log jams in July, but others a week earlier forded the creek in waist deep water.

    The area was clean during our visit, so please keep it that way.

  • Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Very secluded mountain lake camp

    Great peaceful mountain lake setting with elk often on the hillside above located on the historic lolo motorway not suitable for low clearance vehicles but it is a beautiful place to go get away

  • Katrina H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Squaw Creek Road

    Beautiful Spot And Very Remote

    We camped along a lovely creek, we were hyper aware of the fact that we were in bear country but we didn't seeing any traces of them. We didn't have any phone service and were very far away from any civilization, which made us uneasy, but if that's your thing, then this is the perfect place for you! No one traveled the gravel road while we were there.

  • F
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Dispersed Site on St. Joe River Rd

    Free spot right by the river

    Found this great little riverside spot while checking out the paid campgrounds along St Joe River. Saw several similar sites that were already taken. This one has a small boat launch and several fire pits. Camping is prohibited from spring to mid July. Not the best spot for swimming due to the current in this section of the river but good enough to wade in and cool off anyway. We slept in a tent and loved the river sounds. There were some mosquitoes but with bugspray it was fine.

  • Pat F.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Beautiful lake

    There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there. She would stomp around up to her neck in the lake, then eat the plants that would float to the surface.

  • Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Great secluded place to get a real camping experience

    Beautiful mountain lake setting high in the mountains.

Guide to Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Enjoy Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

  • This well-reviewed spot allows campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families and friends looking to enjoy a cozy evening by the lake at Rocky Ridge Lake Campground.
  • With no permits required, you can easily set up camp and soak in the stunning mountain lake views, perfect for a weekend getaway.
  • The lack of trash services at North Fork Clearwater River encourages campers to leave no trace, ensuring the area remains beautiful for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests offer exceptional dispersed camping options. For adventure seekers, Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite provides a rewarding backcountry experience with natural hot springs adjacent to campsites following a 5-mile hike into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Those seeking mountain lake settings should explore Rocky Ridge Lake Campground, which offers peaceful surroundings where moose often feed in the water. For water access, spots along the North Fork Clearwater River provide excellent riverside camping. The St. Joe River area has numerous riverfront dispersed sites with small boat launches, though camping is prohibited from spring until mid-July. For seclusion, Squaw Creek Road area offers creek-side camping in deep wilderness, though prepare for no cell service and bear-aware camping practices.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is Rocky Ridge Lake Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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