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Best Dispersed Camping near Payette National Forest

27 Reviews

Primitive camping areas surround the lakes near Payette National Forest, with several free options available in close proximity to McCall. Little Payette Lake offers 4-5 pull-out spots along a dirt road off Lick Creek Road, providing nearby but not direct lake access. Upper Payette Lake features secluded dispersed sites with vault toilets, boat access, and mountain views. While these areas lack drinking water, showers, or trash services, most permit fires and allow pets.

The Loon Lake area requires a 4.4-mile hike from Chinook Campground unless accessing by mountain bike or horseback, offering true backcountry camping and historical interest with a B-23 Dragon Bomber crash site. Mosquitoes represent a consistent challenge throughout the region, particularly at dawn and dusk. According to reviews, Little Payette Lake can have "thousands of mosquitoes" during summer months, though the trade-off is "beautiful space" and proximity to town. At Upper Payette Lake, visitors note the "stunning views on calm water" make it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, with one camper suggesting to "skip McCall and head to Upper Payette" for more seclusion.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Payette National Forest (27)

    1. Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    5 Reviews
    McCall, ID
    9 miles
    Website

    "Found a nice large flat area for 2 nights. Lots of mosquitoes."

    2. Lake Louie Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Spink, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-0700

    "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."

    3. Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Payette National Forest, ID
    14 miles
    Website

    "But they were close to the road and we wanted to be off the road. We ended up at the last spot on the road right before the interpretive trail at the end. This spot was tucked into the trees."

    "One of the few dispersed areas I’ve visited with multiple bathrooms. Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you’ll want to be on the water!"

    4. Warren Wagon Rd

    1 Review
    McCall, ID
    11 miles

    "Lake is just down the road, but you have quick, short walking access to river & creek. It does get busy on the weekends"

    5. Brundage Resivour Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    New Meadows, ID
    14 miles

    "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area Each spot in its own area. One big area for group."

    6. Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    1 Review
    Spink, ID
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Loon Lake

    1 Review
    Warren, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 634-0700

    "It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake."

    8. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Yellow Pine, ID
    17 miles
    Website

    "These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River."

    9. Goose Lake Camping Area

    1 Review
    New Meadows, ID
    17 miles

    "awesome undeveloped camp sites spaced out along the lake great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night"

    10. Black Lee Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Payette National Forest, ID
    5 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Payette National Forest

33 Photos of 27 Payette National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Payette National Forest

27 Reviews of 27 Payette National Forest Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    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 and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • Marley F.
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    Nice Spot

    My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    Dispersed Near McCall at Little Payette Lake

    Dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road.  4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs.  A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access.  Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august.  No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.

    All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID.  Good alternative to when the state park fills up

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Loon Lake

    Amazing views and history!

    This campground is a hike-in area unless you visit via dirt bikes, mountain bikes or horses. It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake. It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943. The plane can be difficult to find as you have to bushwack to get to it. I did find a little trail that brought me out, but it is often hard to find. We hiked along the right side of the lake, then bushwacked to the left, forded a creek, and was able to find the plane. I have heard and red that you can find the plane by going around an unmaintained forest service trail on the left side of the lake as well. If you make it this far I encourage you to find the plane and read the informational signs no matter what. The story is incredible! While it is longer to hike back out on the rest of the loop, the trail is completely different than coming in and provides amazing views of the Secesh river. Don't expect any amenities when camping at Loon Lake. This spot is truly for those interested in packing in and packing out what they want to use in a remote setting.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.

    Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.

    If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.

    The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.

    The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.

    Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.

  • Shay S.
    May. 1, 2024

    Short's Bar Recreation Area

    Busy

    This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. These people let us camp near them but idk if they’d let us stay that long. Good for one night! Neighbors kind of loud but sooo pretty by the river!!! Easy to get in and out. Porta potty’s available

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area

    Right on the river!

    These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area. The sites only consist of a fire ring a d a small parking area, but they are free.

  • Will M.
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Great campgrounds tucked away

    Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.

  • Spencer L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Lake Louie Dispersed 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.

Guide to Payette National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Payette National Forest in Idaho, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Payette National Forest, Idaho

Enjoy fishing and water activities while free camping near Payette National Forest

  • The stunning views and calm waters at Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area make it a perfect spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
  • Campers at Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area can enjoy fishing right from their site, with the soothing sounds of the creek enhancing the experience.
  • For those interested in hiking, the trails around Loon Lake lead to beautiful views and opportunities to explore the area’s history, including a plane wreck from 1943.

Dispersed campers should check out Loon Lake

  • The hike-in access to Loon Lake offers a sense of seclusion, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Campers can enjoy the unique experience of visiting the B-23 Dragon Bomber wreckage, which adds an adventurous twist to the camping trip.
  • With no amenities available, Loon Lake is perfect for those who appreciate a true backcountry experience, requiring campers to pack in and pack out all their supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping fees for dispersed sites in Payette National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Payette National Forest is generally free, but with some limitations. At Herrick Reservoir Access, camping is free with a 10-day stay limit. Similarly, Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area offers free dispersed camping options. Note that some developed campgrounds in the forest may charge small daily fees, but true dispersed sites typically don't have any cost associated. Always check current regulations as fees and stay limits can change seasonally or based on conditions. Fire restrictions may also be in place depending on the time of year and current fire danger.

What facilities are available at Payette National Forest campgrounds compared to dispersed sites?

Dispersed sites in Payette National Forest typically offer minimal to no facilities. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area has seven sites with two pit toilets and fire rings overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. Short's Bar Recreation Area provides porta-potties but few other amenities. In contrast, developed campgrounds like Cold Spring (near Lost Valley Reservoir) offer designated RV/trailer sites, tent sites, and campfire rings for a fee. Most dispersed sites lack potable water, garbage service, and toilets. When camping at dispersed sites, be prepared to pack out all trash, bring your own water, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Payette National Forest near McCall, Idaho?

Payette National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near McCall. Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) is accessible via a dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road with 4-5 pullouts for cars and RVs. It's located a few hundred yards from the lake. Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides additional options in the area. For those willing to hike, there are remote locations like Loon Lake, accessible via a 4.4-mile trail from Chinook Campground. Other dispersed sites can be found along forest roads throughout the area, with varying degrees of accessibility depending on your vehicle type.

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