Dispersed camping options near Picabo, Idaho range from completely free backcountry sites to minimally developed Forest Service campgrounds. The area sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet with a semi-arid climate characterized by low humidity and significant temperature swings between day and night. Spring runoff typically peaks in May, affecting stream crossings and road conditions on routes to remote camping areas.
What to do
Hiking trails accessibility: Broad Canyon Campground provides direct access to high mountain lakes via the campground trailhead. According to Kenny M., "There is a great trailhead hence the campground name which is a great day hike or backpacking trail. The high mountain lakes are beautiful and the fishing is fun."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Fish Creek Reservoir area offers excellent bird watching. A camper noted: "We saw bald eagles among other cool birds" and mentioned that "everything improves in the evening (and particularly once the mosquitoes go away)."
Mountain climbing: Hyndman Campground serves as a basecamp for peak bagging in the Pioneer Mountains. Mary D. reports: "Met several wonderful people along the trail, at the site, and during the summit. If going in fall, prepare for some ice in the evening and light fog."
What campers like
Uncrowded experience: Iron Bog Campground offers solitude even during peak season. One visitor explained: "I was happy to find this low use campground in the middle of the summer, when almost everything seems like it's packed to the gills. There are ample trails that are available kicking off straight from the campground into the wilderness."
Spacious campsites: Little Wood River campground provides well-distributed sites with privacy. Sam C. noted: "Very nice and clean for a free campground, camp spots are spaced out nicely so that people are not stacked right on top of each other."
Stream proximity: Uncle Johns Gulch features riverside camping with recreation options. A camper described: "Large campsites next to stream nestled in a beautiful valley. Hiking/mtb trail next to campsites."
What you should know
No cell service: Multiple campgrounds have zero connectivity. At Fish Creek Reservoir, a reviewer explicitly mentioned "No cell service whatsoever, so be aware of that," while another camper at Little Wood River similarly reported: "the site doesn't have cell service but that didn't bother me."
Water availability: Water sources are unreliable and may require treatment. At Little Wood River, a visitor warned: "The portable water on site has a yellow tint to it even after letting it run for a min or so. It was good enough for me and the dogs to drink but not for my wife."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds close water systems early. At Iron Bog Campground in late September, Fred S. discovered: "The hand water pump did not pump water; water was probably turned off for the season. No payment envelopes were provided - maybe because it was the end of the season."
Tips for camping with families
Bring sufficient water: Many campgrounds have limited or no water sources. Kenny M. advises at Broad Canyon: "This is a free campground so I tried to rate it accordingly. First off it does not have water at this location. So you'll need to bring your own. the next campground over (Star hope) has an old fashioned water pump where we always fill up our water coolers."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Evening temperatures drop significantly even in summer. At Hyndman Campground, a camper recommends: "If going in fall, prepare for some ice in the evening and light fog."
Scout sites before committing: Campground maintenance varies significantly. Fred S. observed at Iron Bog: "Looks like some of the sites have not been maintained in a while; overgrown with weeds, grass and sagebrush. Sites have tables and fire rings; some had shade-awnings over the tables."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds can accommodate smaller RVs despite being primarily tent-focused. At Iron Bog, a visitor observed: "Sites are big and able to accommodate even larger RVs (although the guy across from me struggled to fit his 30' rig in his spot, he did it!)."
Road conditions: Access roads are generally passable but vary by season. Fred S. reported: "Gravel road to this out-of-the-way campground was in good condition. Gravel campground road and site driveways. Site sizes varied."
Alternative options: Look for dispersed sites if established campgrounds are full. Fred S. noted: "There were several boondocking sites on the way to the campground."
