Top Free Dispersed Camping near Ola, ID
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Ola? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Ola, ID (10)
1. Public Boat Lanch
11 Reviews•31 Photos•85 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
3. Boise National Forest Willow Creek Campground (Mountain Home)
4 Reviews•8 Photos•165 SavesOverview: Willow Creek Campground is located along the Middle Fork of the Boise River Forest Service (FS) road 268 and the north end of the Arrowrock Reservior. There are 9 campsites at the campground. A stay at the campground enables guests to enjoy all the beauty and recreation offered along the river and reservoir. Weather is usually good from mid-May through late September and is easily accessible by car in good weather, although the road is sometimes rough and the drive can be seemingly long. Checking with the District on road conditions before heading out is recommended. Natural Features: Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Waterfowl, eagles and osprey are attracted to the river. Recreation: There are several trails in the area including trail #189 beginning near Cottonwood Campground, leading to Bald Mountain Peak. Check the Idaho City Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for trails in the area that are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. The Middle Fork Boise River and Arrowrock Reservoir offer excellent trout fishing and good swimming holes. Big game hunting is a popular activity in season.
- Pets
- Fires
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
4. Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
1 Review•2 Photos•68 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Cascade Idaho Dispersed
Be the first to review!- Pets
- Dispersed
7. 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
8. Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry Camping
1 Review•4 Photos•89 SavesDispersed Camping
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Boise NF Road 82
1 Review•13 SavesWithin the national forests, the majority of land is open for “dispersed camping”, outside of developed campgrounds. These locations are usually wide spots off of forest roads, with no facilities provided, such as water, bathrooms or tables. Many people enjoy the solitude of camping away from developed campgrounds. Follow these guidelines to ensure that these areas can be enjoyed safely by you, and future generations.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
10. Hitt Mountain Dispersed Campground and Trailhead
Be the first to review!•4 SavesThis dispersed campground if access via Highway 71 out of Cambridge. Dispersed campground with an outhouse, fire rings and some tables. Places to tie stock are available. Trailhead - parking lot site.
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Ola
21 Reviews of 10 Ola Campgrounds
Bradley B.
Guide
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Chill
Nice lil spot to relax . Really rough road is the only bad part
- SSarah S.
Traveler
Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
Beautiful spot, but difficult to get to
About an hour off the highway, 7 miles of which are washboard-bumpy gravel roads along the lake cliffside (Had to drive under 10mph those last 7 miles). We were in an AWD sprinter van, and the road conditions definitely put a damper on the night. Site is right on the water gorgeous once you’re there. The stars were incredible. Toilet on site but the flies were swarming.
ConnerGuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
If you want lake access this place is magical
There are many group sites and single sites. Many sites own a corner turn. Also your entire campsite will be visible to every car passing. There are other sites on the other side of the road that are more private. Be wary the road is very dangerous getting in. Take it slow.
Some people park their trailers at lake front but beware of the dune sand , you might get stuck.
I love being able to jump into the lake and ride my bike along the lake.
T
- 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. ◦
- lleeTraveler
Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch
good for a short stay
A variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek. A fair amount of RV and ATV traffic but still feels pretty secluded. No bathrooms or anything like that but it's only a 3 minute drive from Idaho City.
- Jacob M.Traveler
Boise NF Road 82
Ok area
Was fairly trashed campground. Cleaned up two trash bags full of garbage. Random shoes, shell casing and mysterious empty glass containers.
- mmitch C.Guide
Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
Awesome reservoir
Free camping among the sparsely located pine trees. Great views of the water and mountains. Vault toilet nearby.
- CCharlieTraveler
Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground
First Dispersed Solo Moto
Rode in on my GS fully packed and as previously reviewed it was a bumpy road from the dam but not difficult. I was the only one here but the neighboring site had a couple people. Very quiet location. Happy I didn’t stop at hotel as it was getting near dark as I rode in and wasn’t sure what to expect. If I’m ever passing through Boise again I’ll be stopping back here for the layover. Also, a toilet was available. That was unexpected.
Caley M.GuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Quiet and free, Dispersed
We drove way past Lucky Peak Res until we saw trees. There are 2 pull offs here with lots of spots to camp. There are lots of firepits around the area and water access. Cool spot.
- John T.
ScoutArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Arrowrock off season
Super great spot that is close to town - pro's and con's are already covered and i agree - especially packing out more than you pack in as trash spoils the appeal. Driving a large bed camper isn't so bad but is slower for sure and the narrow spots can be sketchy with multi-vehicle with trailers meeting there. I like the shoulder seasons best - wish i had a boat to add additional fun. Your results might vary but I've had nothing but fun in the area.
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.
April S.TravelerArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Fun for the day!
This was a super fun spot to go play in the water for the day. Only thing I would change is the fact that there is no shade. The weather wasn’t great so while camping at night, it was crazy windy which was rough haha. Also, there were people blasting loud music until super late, but otherwise this is a nice spot.
- BBrianna S.Traveler
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
RAV4 Camping
Awesome place! Like some of the others said, drive in could be a bit sketchy it you’re towing or have a large vehicle - but we passed plenty of boats/RV’s, just have to go slow. There’s multiple spaces and if you’re not too specific about being near the water, you can have some decent privacy.
- EEric Y.Guide
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Irish Point
We camped at Irish Point at Arrowhead's designated dispersed camping area. The road around the reservoir is pretty tight, though that doesn't discourage long trailers and toy haulers. We're pretty self-contained so didn't miss any usual camp ground amenities. Our neighbors were sparse and quiet and we enjoyed the peace of this area.
- Bryan R.Scout
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Easy place
Gets busy in the summer
- Laura C.Guide
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Private
Me and boyfriend enjoy going here in the fall and spring to get away from the city for a day or two. There is hiking right across the street. Mt Heinen which is a very strenous hike. Its over 9 miles(up and back) and over a 3,000 ft gain so be prepared if you try to tackle this summit. Anyways, the campground has some fire pits but no picnic tables. There are a few trees for shade. One part of this campground that confuses me is that there use to be a small outhouse in summer of 2018 but when I came in 2019 in march and April there was not one? When we come in the fall and spring theres no one other than us there. In the summer it does get quite a few people there. Also it gets super hot in the summertime so be sure to bring plenty of water. Good thing is you can take a dip in the cold reservoir to cool off. There's no trash services so pack it in and pack it out. A lot of people come here to party and leave trash around so i make it a point to pick it up. Please don't be those people to ruin a beautiful free spot. 💚
- Brett P.Guide
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Tons of beach area, not many people!
Be careful as the drive is a little sketchy. The water is clean and there is tons of beach area! Bring the kayaks and get paddling!
- LLaurie W.Traveler
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Good place to swim and boat
So hot and no shade. If it were not close to the water you may not have a way to beat the heat. It was beyond crowded and hard to find a secluded spot to camp away from others. Only pro is its close to town and you can swim, fish, and boat.
- Eden T.Traveler
Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Beach camping at Arrowrock
Arrowrock is a great and easy weekend get away. It’s only about 1.5 hours from Boise. It can get very crowded on holidays and weekends though so try to arrive early. Most people just camp out on the beach wherever you can find space. If you have a boat you can put it in the water right off the beach and camp next to it.
Simran D.GuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Classic Idaho
Honestly one of the best places close to the city. Far enough away that you still get out of service, a good view of the stars, a swim, and some magnificent overall views. Nothing like waking up here. 40 minutes from downtown Boise
Katie F.GuideArrowrock Reservoir Dispersed
Uncrowded desert camping along the water
Arrowrock Reservoir is a decent place to camp. The drive there is long and slow-going along a washboard dirt road, but the best part is that this spot is usually uncrowded, which is nice when you are looking for some quiet solitude. It's a steep hike down to the water in the reservoir, but not too bad. The camp sites are nice and have some pine trees, but other than that, the landscape is very desert-y.
Guide to Ola
Camping near Ola, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Horsethief Reservoir Campground, provide great fishing opportunities. One reviewer mentioned, "This lake offers great fishing and kayaking," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.
- Hiking: The area is surrounded by trails. A visitor at Pine Flats Campground noted, "There is a nice hiking trail that leads to the hot springs," which is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery.
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Sugarloaf Campground — Lake Cascade State Park have spotted various birds, with one saying, "Saw and heard sandhill cranes, geese, pelicans and many more species."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. One review for Boise Riverside RV Park stated, "The laundry building was clean and maintained," which is a big plus for many.
- Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Country Corners Campground & RV Park shared, "The owners were very laid back and welcoming," making for a pleasant stay.
- Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Pine Flats (ID) highlighted, "Absolutely beautiful area at night the sky is so dark we could see the milky way."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Horsethief Reservoir Campground, lack basic amenities. A camper mentioned, "NO water/electric/sewer or dump stations or garbage," so be prepared to bring your supplies.
- Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One reviewer at Silver Creek noted, "It can get a little busy," especially on weekends.
- Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife. A visitor at Mann Creek Recreation Area warned, "We also ran into a couple bull snakes," so keep an eye out.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Sugarloaf Campground said, "Not crowded and fairly quiet," which is great for families wanting to relax.
- Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor gear. A reviewer at Pine Flats Campground mentioned, "Nice place to stay if you are on the fence for choosing this location," indicating it’s a good spot for family activities.
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand is essential. One camper at Country Corners Campground & RV Park appreciated the "24/7 free showers," which is a nice perk after a day of fun.
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Boise Riverside RV Park noted, "The approach was better. Still very tight," so be cautious when booking.
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. One visitor at Hi-Valley RV Park mentioned, "Good power, good water pressure," which is crucial for a comfortable stay.
- Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Horsethief Reservoir Campground said, "You look out your front window used to see the lake and mountains now you see the top of some one's tents," so choose your spot wisely.
Camping near Ola, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ola, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ola, ID is Public Boat Lanch with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ola, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Ola, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.