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Best Dispersed Camping near Orofino, ID

8 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Orofino, Idaho, primarily in the surrounding national forests. Rocky Ridge Lake Campground, located near Kooskia, offers free primitive camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings. The site sits at higher elevation and requires vehicles with adequate clearance. A recent visitor noted, "Great peaceful mountain lake setting with elk often on the hillside above," highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.

Elk River area provides multiple free dispersed camping sites along several miles of road, with a small local store nearby and a dump station on the edge of town. Red Bird Creek Trailhead offers parking for up to 48 hours with access to hiking trails leading to the Snake River, though the hike involves significant elevation change over 5+ miles each way. For backcountry enthusiasts, Stanley Hot Springs offers wilderness camping accessible via a 5-mile hike with 1500 feet of elevation gain. Most dispersed sites in the region follow pack-in, pack-out principles with limited or no facilities, and several areas implement seasonal fire restrictions.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Orofino, Idaho (11)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Orofino, ID

10 Photos of 11 Orofino Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Orofino, ID

8 Reviews of 11 Orofino Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Wilderness camp with a hot springs soak

    If a backpacking trip in to a wilderness area with a hot springs next to your campsite sounds like the perfect trip, then Stanley Hot Springs is for you.  Stanley Hot Springs located in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is just under a 5 mile hike from the trail head located in the Wilderness Gateway Campground.  The trip in to the hot springs gains about 1500 feet, but the climb is worth it as you get to soak your tired legs after the hike. 

    Plenty of campsites can be found around and near the Hot Springs.  Water can be filtered from the near by creek.  You are backpacking so be prepared to bring out everything you bring in.  You are also in Bear Territory so be prepared to hang your food in a tree and bring bear spray.

    Getting to the hot springs can be a little tricky as their is no bridge over the creek, so you will have to ford the creek, unless you can find a series of log jams to cross on.  Best bet for finding you way is to ask someone hiking out for suggestions on crossing the creek.

    The creek crossing will not be possible in the spring or during high water flows.   We managed an easy crossing over log jams in July, but others a week earlier forded the creek in waist deep water.

    The area was clean during our visit, so please keep it that way.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful View, Long Hike

    Trailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities. Small store and restaurant nearby.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Horse Camp Trailhead

    Fun Quick Trip Spot

    While this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in. I will be returning here soon and will take photos to share.

    Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail.

    The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road.

    Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can’t get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2019

    Donkey Creek Campground

    Awesome spot beside the rapids

    This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek. There is one vault toilet and two fire rings with grills, but also a couple more spots with just rock rings. We tent camped last year and RV camped this time. Very nice!

  • Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Very secluded mountain lake camp

    Great peaceful mountain lake setting with elk often on the hillside above located on the historic lolo motorway not suitable for low clearance vehicles but it is a beautiful place to go get away

  • Pat F.
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Beautiful lake

    There was a cow moose feeding in the lake when we were there. She would stomp around up to her neck in the lake, then eat the plants that would float to the surface.

  • Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2018

    Rocky Ridge Lake Campground

    Great secluded place to get a real camping experience

    Beautiful mountain lake setting high in the mountains.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    Owls

    Great spot to camp out. Owls calling throughout the evening. Great cell service.

Guide to Orofino

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Orofino, Idaho, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Orofino, Idaho

Dispersed campers should check out Rocky Ridge Lake

  • Enjoy the serene beauty of Rocky Ridge Lake Campground, where you might spot wildlife like moose while soaking in the picturesque mountain lake setting.
  • This area allows for campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, making it a great choice for those who love to cook outdoors.
  • With no reservations required, you can easily find a spot to set up camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Hiking and exploring while free camping near Orofino

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Orofino?

Dispersed camping sites around Orofino are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Donkey Creek Campground offers basic facilities including a vault toilet and fire rings with grills near flowing water. Horse Camp Trailhead provides a convenient overnight spot but has no amenities. Most dispersed sites in the area follow pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles, so come prepared with your own water, waste disposal plans, and camping supplies. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, though some locations like Red Bird Creek report good connectivity.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Orofino, Idaho?

Free dispersed camping options near Orofino include Red Bird Creek Trailhead, which offers free parking for up to 48 hours with beautiful views and trail access to the Snake River. Another option is Saint Joe NF Dispersed Camping, which provides free camping opportunities in the national forest. These areas operate on pack-in, pack-out principles, so be prepared to carry out all trash and leave no trace of your stay. Remember to check current forest regulations before your trip, as rules for dispersed camping can change seasonally.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in Orofino, Idaho?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Orofino, with summer providing warm days and cool nights. Rocky Ridge Lake Campground is particularly beautiful during summer months when wildlife is active – visitors have spotted moose feeding in the lake. Stanley Hot Springs - Backcountry Dispersed Campsite is ideal in late summer when trails are dry and hot springs provide a perfect temperature contrast to cooler evening temperatures. Be aware that high mountain locations may have snow lingering into June, and forest roads can be inaccessible during winter and spring thaw.

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