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Best Dispersed Camping near North Fork, ID

6 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround North Fork, Idaho, with Deer Gulch being the most highly rated option. Located along the Salmon River just off Highway 93, Deer Gulch features vault toilets, fire rings, and open grassy areas with some shade trees. The site requires crossing a narrow bridge that can accommodate larger vehicles, including fifth wheels up to 30 feet. Verizon cell service is available, but T-Mobile has no coverage.

Bobcat Gulch offers nine primitive sites with designated fire rings and one accessible pit toilet. Sites back up to the river but sit close enough to the highway that traffic noise is noticeable. Further options include Salmon Creek Camp on Loening Road, though reviews indicate access issues with a closed first bridge and narrow second bridge. In Montana, Lost Horse Dispersed Campground provides sites along Lost Horse Creek approximately 4.6 miles from Highway 93, with the final 2.3 miles on rough forest roads. "This area just seems to attract a different kind of camping crowd, one that doesn't respect the land," notes one camper, mentioning trash problems despite the area's natural beauty.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near North Fork, Idaho (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near North Fork, ID

11 Photos of 10 North Fork Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near North Fork, ID

6 Reviews of 10 North Fork Campgrounds

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    4 or 5 dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek road

    Pleasant and next to creek

    Being only a very short distance from the main road, the dirt access road is smooth though it has scattered potholes and is through a country residential area. Once you pass the private properties, you enter into the forest and drive fairly close to a creek. There are numerous pull outs along the road with a few of them only a few steps away from the creek. Verizon is one bar. It is primitive camping at its best, no services but a fabulous place to spend a night or two. The road had more traffic on it than I expected, but there were no problems. The sites were all clean, and a few had fire pits. Just passed the second (actual) cattle guard which is where the private property seems to end, you'll find a cluster of sites that are well isolated - I went beyond that to a very nice pull out as I wanted to be a little further from the private property.

  • Opus 15 !.
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    Very busy road

    From the highway 93 turn it is 4.6 miles to where we camped. The last 2.3 miles of the drive was on a fairly rough, but very manageable, forest road. (Mostly washboard and a few holes) It was 11.8 miles from our camp to Darby, and about 13 miles to the Yellowstone Ranch.

    We grabbed a nice big spot right next to Lost Horse Creek late Friday afternoon. Another RV came into the area later in the evening and crowded us a little bit but we still had plenty of room to spread out. The road in is BUSY. We have camped at a number of dispersed locations over the years and this was BY FAR the busiest forest road we have seen. On Friday night we counted 50 cars passing by before we stopped counting. We drove west down the road a ways Saturday and saw a handful of other sites, but not enough to justify the traffic. We found out that “Twin Lakes” is about 20 miles down the rough forest road from our campsite. We didn’t venture that far as we could only go about 8-10 MPH max in our truck on the washboard road. Maybe we should have tried because it seemed to be quite the attraction given the traffic. This place will do in a pinch but if you are looking for a quiet dispersed camping area kept driving. This is not for you!

  • Kelsey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    Pretty spot, but full of trash

    A ton of dispersed sites right near the creek, but poorly taken care of by campers. We encountered more trash here than we’ve ever seen camping before. I mean, full trash bags left behind that were of course then scavenged by wildlife and spread all over. We also found human poop and used toilet paper in multiple spots, even though there IS a toilet provided here! We found tampons too…it was seriously disgusting…and obviously a popular spot for burning pallets because we found handfuls of nails scattered around, so be mindful of your tires!! This area just seems to attract a different kind of camping crowd, one that doesn’t respect the land or keeping it clean and better than you found it. It was pretty unfortunate because it really is a pretty and overall peaceful area.

  • Steve O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2023

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    My go too dispersed area in the bitterroot .

    This is my favorite area for dispersed camping in the area. Lost Horse creek is beautiful. Can get a little tight with campers in peak season.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Lost Horse Dispersed Campground

    Beautiful spot

    Camp is easy to get to. Gravel road for about 2 miles but it's pretty smooth. The view is gorgeous. Trees, mountains, and a nice sized river that cuts through.

    Good size sites and fire pits as well

Guide to North Fork

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near North Fork, Idaho, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Bobcat Gulch

  • Bobcat Gulch offers a peaceful setting with several sites backing up to the river, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway.
  • This spot is free to use and features a large accessible pit toilet, ensuring basic amenities are available for visitors.
  • While it’s close to the highway, the quiet atmosphere on weekends makes it a great choice for a night under the stars.

Top activities while free camping near North Fork

  • Enjoy campfires at Lost Horse Dispersed Campground, where you can roast marshmallows and share stories with friends and family.
  • Explore the nearby trails and take in the stunning views of the Bitterroot National Forest, which surrounds the Ladder Dispersed Site.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Big Hole River Camp, where you can cast a line and enjoy the peaceful waters.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The picturesque scenery at Deer Gulch provides a stunning backdrop for photography and nature walks, with beautiful grass and trees lining the area.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of the Salmon River while staying at Salmon Creek Camp on Loening Road, perfect for a refreshing dip on warm days.
  • For those looking for a more rugged experience, the dispersed sites along Chaffin Creek Road offer a chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness, though amenities are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at North Fork dispersed camping sites?

Amenities at North Fork dispersed camping sites are typically minimal. Deer Gulch offers vault toilets, established fire rings, and spacious grassy areas ideal for RVs and tents. This site provides beautiful mountain views with easy river access. Lost Horse Dispersed Campground features established fire pits alongside a creek, though facilities are limited. Most dispersed sites in the area have fire rings as their primary amenity, with some locations offering vault toilets. You won't find water hookups, electrical connections, dump stations, or garbage service at these sites. Cell service varies by location, with some areas reporting full bars on Verizon. Remember to pack out all trash and bring your own water, firewood, and other essentials.

Where is dispersed camping allowed along the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River?

Dispersed camping is available at several locations along the North Fork Coeur d'Alene River. Bobcat Gulch offers about 9 unmarked sites with designated fire rings along the river. The sites are free to use and generally quiet. Other options include Salmon Creek Camp on Loening Road, though be aware that bridge access can be limited, with the first bridge sometimes closed and the second being quite narrow. Many dispersed sites can be found along forest roads that follow the river, providing access to waterfront camping. Always follow Leave No Trace principles when using these areas, as some dispersed camping areas have experienced issues with trash being left behind.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near North Fork, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near North Fork, ID is Bobcat Gulch with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near North Fork, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near North Fork, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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