Dispersed camping near Ola, Idaho provides primitive backcountry experiences in the Boise National Forest at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during July and August, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with highs in the 60-70°F range. Access to most rustic camping areas requires high-clearance vehicles due to unmaintained forest roads.
What to do
Water activities at Tripod Reservoir: This small reservoir offers fishing and swimming opportunities in a remote setting. "We spend lots of summers here. So many open spaces. Lots of cattle roaming. Creeks, lake, and hiking," notes one Tripod Dispersed camping visitor.
Hiking near Idaho City: From Mores Creek by Steamboat Gulch, you can access multiple trail systems. "A variety of free and dispersed sites, most of them with rock campfire rings, near a nice shallow creek... only a 3 minute drive from Idaho City," reports one camper, making it convenient for supply runs.
Fishing at Mann Creek: This recreation area provides bank fishing access and boat launching for anglers. "This is a great area. There is camping around the reservoir and at the near by campground. Up past the reservoir there are roads to ride ATV's," shares a frequent visitor.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Boise National Forest offers stream-side primitive sites. "I love this area so very much. It's next to the river, with little beaches. We are near 4 natural hot springs!! Yes there is a road next to the campsite, but we are down a little slope," explains a camper at Beautiful Boise National Forest.
Lakefront access: Many rustic camping spots near Ola allow direct water access. At Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground, campers appreciate the "Free camping among the sparsely located pine trees. Great views of the water and mountains. Vault toilet nearby."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote nature of these sites means minimal light pollution. One Irish Point camper notes: "Site is right on the water gorgeous once you're there. The stars were incredible."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Most access roads are unpaved and can be challenging. "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)," warns one Irish Point visitor.
Limited facilities: Bring everything you need. At Herrick Reservoir Access, "Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense at lower elevations. One Mann Creek visitor notes: "There is not a lot of shade and it gets hot in the summer. Spring and fall are really nice times of year here."
Crowding on holidays: Though generally quiet, some areas get busy during peak times. At Irish Point: "No site boundaries, easily crowds. No trash or water. Long drive to services."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety precautions: Reservoirs have fluctuating water levels and unmarked hazards. At Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed, "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."
Bug protection essential: Insects can be numerous near water. "The amount of bugs at sunset was BIBLICAL!" warns one camper at Oasis Recreation Site.
Heat management strategies: Limited shade makes summer camping challenging. A Mann Creek visitor suggests: "Spring and fall are really nice times of year here," when temperatures are more moderate.
Wildlife awareness: Cattle and wildlife frequent these areas. At Tripod Dispersed camping, visitors note: "Lots of cattle roaming," which can be exciting for children but requires proper distance and respect.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Most areas lack designated spaces. At Irish Point, "Sloped, not much level spots. Nice views and easy bank fishing," requiring careful positioning for RVs.
Towing challenges: Large trailers face difficult access roads. "It will take you about 20-30 minutes from Boise to get to the dam and then another 30 minutes to get to Irish Point if you are towing a trailer. You'll have to go slow," advises an RVer.
Self-contained requirements: No services available on-site. "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," reports an Arrowrock camper who stayed at Irish Point.
Length restrictions: Some areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. One visitor at Irish Point notes they brought a "30ft travel trailer and once was probably enough for quite some time. Tough access. Bad road."
