Best Dispersed Camping near Ola, ID
Dispersed camping around Ola, Idaho includes several primitive sites on public lands, primarily concentrated along reservoir shorelines and forest access roads. The Tripod Reservoir and Herrick Reservoir areas provide free dispersed camping opportunities on undeveloped land, while locations like Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed and Irish Point Dispersed Camp Ground offer additional options within driving distance. These sites are typically unmarked with minimal or no designated boundaries, allowing campers to select their own areas on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or Forest Service land where overnight stays are permitted.
Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved roads that vary significantly in quality. The route to Irish Point features several miles of washboard gravel roads along reservoir cliffs that necessitate slow driving, particularly with trailers. Herrick Reservoir has limited public road access with private property nearby requiring careful navigation. Most areas enforce a 14-day camping limit and provide no amenities beyond occasional vault toilets. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, and campers must pack in all water and supplies while packing out all waste, as trash service is not available at these primitive locations.
These public lands provide direct water access at several sites, with Arrowrock and Irish Point offering shoreline camping opportunities. Campers frequently mention the solitude and natural setting as primary draws, though summer heat can be intense at lower elevations with limited shade. Reviews indicate varying experiences with road conditions and accessibility. "The road to get to Irish Point is all gravel on a steep hillside along the shore and several miles to get in. Many potholes and ruts," noted one visitor. Another camper at Herrick Reservoir shared that "camping is free, limit of 10 days" but cautioned about "aggressive private property signage" in surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of respecting land boundaries when selecting a site.