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Best Dispersed Camping near Kootenai, ID

27 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist near Kootenai, Idaho, primarily along Pack River and Clark Fork River. Pack River Dispersed Site offers multiple primitive camping spots along the riverside with no amenities. Reviews indicate "washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites." The area is suitable for tent camping and visitors note it's "good for horses, camping and solitude."

Clark Fork Drift Yard provides alternative free camping where the Clark Fork River empties into Lake Pend Oreille. This location has a boat ramp and dock but minimal amenities. A camper described it as "a parking lot on a gravel road very close to the highway" and noted it's "good for an overnight stay or day use, but NOT a full on campground at all." For those seeking more remote options, Beehive Lakes offers dispersed camping adjacent to its trailhead, though reaching the lake itself requires a "strenuous hike" with "some tough climbs." All sites adhere to standard 14-day camping limits on public lands. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, as one reviewer emphasized: "pack out your trash!"

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kootenai, Idaho (22)

    1. Pack River Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Naples, ID
    15 miles

    "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave not trace and pack out your trash!"

    "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."

    2. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    16 miles

    "It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    3. Clark Fork River Driftyard

    2 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    16 miles

    "There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available!"

    4. priest lake dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Coolin, ID
    21 miles

    "Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area."

    5. Off Grid Back Country North Idaho

    Be the first to review!
    Naples, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-5000

    6. Beehives Lakes

    1 Review
    Naples, ID
    24 miles

    "Awesome single site adjacent to the Beehive Lakes trailhead parking lot."

    7. Beehive Lake Dispersed

    1 Review
    Naples, ID
    25 miles

    "This hike-in lake campground is a true alpine treasure, but be prepared to work for it! The hike to get there is pretty strenuous, with some tough climbs along the way."

    8. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    30 miles

    "Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."

    "Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."

    9. Bead Lake

    1 Review
    Newport, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    10. Cee Cee Ah Creek

    2 Reviews
    Cusick, WA
    35 miles
    Website

    "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kootenai, ID

33 Photos of 22 Kootenai Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kootenai, ID

27 Reviews of 22 Kootenai Campgrounds

  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks Lake

    Great quiet place

    Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great introduction to backpacking, beautiful location

    This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

  • Marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2020

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    Free Camping

    The campgrounds are located on Sullivan Creek Rd that runs along Sullivan Creek. There over 30 sites along the river over several miles. Some of them do not have numbers. All the sites are first come and are Free

    We camped at site #6 over Memorial Day weekend.

    At the site there was a bear box and a fire ring with a moveable grill cover. Some of the sites do have bathrooms. However, we didn’t have one so make sure to bring the appropriate toilet supplies. The size of our site could fit two Rv’s and several tents (Our pop up tent trailer is 25ft). The site has a lot of shade so depending on the time of year make sure to bring the weather appropriate clothing. During our stay it got very cold and we needed to use our heater.

    The river is about 35 yards from the site and the dirt road is about 20 yards from the main Camping area.

    Dogs do not have to be on leash. However, this time of the year the river was cold and very fast and if your dog is not trained using a leash or tether system for safety would be beneficial.

    There are several hiking/game trails you can walk or drive too. Sullivan lake is right down the road about a 5 minute drive you can access additional hiking trails.

    Firewood is not provided so make sure to purchase prior and/or bring a ax to cut up the wood that has been left behind.

    Overall we loved this area and will be going back this summer when it’s warmer and the river is safe enough to swim with our dogs:)

    Here is the exact coordinates of the site #6

    https://maps.apple.com/?ll=48.832887,-117.249496&q=My%20Location&_ext=EiQpqFCSB5xqSEAxrBQYwPdPXcA5qFCSB5xqSEBBrBQYwPdPXcA%3D&t=m

  • Douglas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    Great FREE dispersed sites right on the creek!

    I found this awesome little campground on my way to Sullivan Lake from Metaline Falls.

    It is just off the main road, next to Sullivan Creek. It is fully a dispersed group of sites so no trash, water, toilet, or any amenities. There is an information sign and several rock rings for fires.  This is my kind of site, just throw your tent up where ever and go fish or hike. 

    The trees are fairly dense so the whole place is well shaded. Sullivan Creek is right there! Sullivan Lake is just a few miles to the east. With Metaline falls a few to the west, there are shops, eteries, and evan a movie theatre close by.

    All in all a great place to stay a couple of nights.

  • N
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Marshall Lake - CLOSED

    Older and Run Down

    Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.

  • Jeanna A.
    Sep. 22, 2019

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    Creek sings ya to sleep

    Nice location away from people but most all the sites are close to the dirt road and was woken up a couple of times by the sound and headlights of vehicles. But all in all well kept areas (some garbage left by previous campers, just packed it out with mine). Did have a late night bear visitor but was camping in my van so not too concerning. Very little fallen wood for fire, lots of kindling or if you want there is lots of logs in the creek.

  • Marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Sullivan creek campground#2

    4th of July

    We camped at site #14. Approximately 5 miles on East of East Sullivan Campground heading on Sullivan Creek Rd. (All camping is Free on Sullivan Creek Rd)

    The site is near the river (multiple paths for easy access), has a bear box, and a fire ring. Make sure to bring proper toiletry supplies to use the old fashion style because the closet toilet is 2 miles away.

    The site was great however the fire ring is about 30 yards away from where we parked our tent trailer and would be ideal for tent camping and is very shaded.

    Overall great trip!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp

    Ok

    It’s still ok to stay here, but not many spots left. Officer came by to say these roads aren’t supposed to be here (and many were already blocked off) but you can still park in any of the sandy/ dirt road but can’t pull off anywhere. Took our licenses down.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2023

    Lakes Divide Road

    Definitely a place if needed

    It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it. Wanted some privacy so I kept going. Someone had parked on the side of the road and went past that. Found a blocked entrance to a forest road about a mile in. Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog.

Guide to Kootenai

Pack River offers several dispersed camping sites near Kootenai, Idaho with good access for tent camping along forest service roads. These sites provide riverfront locations with no facilities—pack out all trash and bring your own water. The roads feature washboard sections and steep areas, making high-clearance vehicles preferable. A camper noted, "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."

Clark Fork River Driftyard provides free dispersed camping with a 3-day limit. Located where the river empties into Lake Pend Oreille, this area features a boat ramp, scattered fire rings, and a vault toilet but no other amenities. The gravel lot accommodates larger vehicles but offers minimal privacy. A review mentioned, "It was a little out of our way but you can't beat a free spot with a great view! This is a pack it in, pack it out area." Nearby Priest Lake also offers secluded riverside camping accessed via boat launch areas or off-road paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kootenai, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kootenai, ID is Pack River Dispersed Site with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Kootenai, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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