Top Free Dispersed Camping near Pollock, ID

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pollock, ID (26)

Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Pollock

24 Reviews of 26 Pollock Campgrounds


  • Nick J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Aneroid Lake Backcountry Dispersed Campsite

    Great Backcountry High Alpine Lake

    Aneroid Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The dispersed camping for backpackers is on the North side of the lake, whereas the South side is private property (Camp Halton). The lake is stocked every few years with rainbow trout, and has a good supply of brook trout.

    The water is very cold but worth the dip if it's a hot summer day.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Amazing, peaceful location!

    We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in October. There were many spots available along the road leading up to this site. 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. And once we got our camper backed in, we didn’t even know the road was there. And the VIEW! Wow!! Looking across the lake with the most beautiful sunsets. We stayed for 3 nights. We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection.

  • Kaye S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Payette Lake - Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Little Payette Lake - Dispersed

    Free, easy access and Close to McCall

    Two other RVs already here so we backed into the shaded nook just as you pull off Lick Creek Rd. Views of the lake but log jams and swampy shore mean no access.

    No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes.

  • christian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed

    Stopped for the night

    This is a little pullout off route 95. Has about 10-15 feet of separation from main road, which gives privacy and protection from cars. The surface is a gravel and can fit a fairly decent amount of vehicles. The sign says you can camp up to 10 days consecutive, we only stayed for the night and continued on. This is also right on little salmon river.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Short's Bar Recreation Area
    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

  • Alyse L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Thomason Meadows
    Nov. 8, 2023

    North Thomason Meadows

    Wildflowers, raptors, beautiful views at the top of Imnaha Canyon

    I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.

    This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*

    *One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.

    The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.

    Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.

    Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.

    Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.

    This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.

    I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.

    I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area
    Aug. 13, 2023

    Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Great secluded spot

    The fir trees stand tall and still. I can’t figure out if they are waiting for something to happen or if they simply don’t care.

    If you’re looking for sone sort of gorgeous panorama, this might not be the place for you. 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.

    You can’t see rapid creek from the campground but you can hear it. And that’s really just as good. The white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet.

    It’s high enough in elevation that this place gets nippy at night. I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night.

    The campground is well maintained and the vault toilet was reasonably clean when I arrived. It became Kevin clean shortly after I set up camp.

    There are trails from both sites near the vault toilet that lead down to Rapid Creek.

    I never saw any bear scat but signs on the property warn of them so be smart with your food.

    All in all, Rapid Creek dispersed camping is excellent if you just want a quiet place where no one is around. It’s amazing but not for the reasons people usually like in my opinion. ◦

  • Fishin' R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Feb. 9, 2022

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Very Quiet

    until the late 1980s my family and I camped here with our RVs all the time but a chipmunk they have been trying to save since( they are everywhere...) has resulted in the campgrounds being closed for vehicle use. great place to take a tent and a six pack! little store 3 miles down the road.

  • Will M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    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.

  • Austin C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Payette Lake - Dispersed
    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

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Lake
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Ice Lake

    Nine-Mile Hike

    The water is no-joke cold. Fantastic nine-mile hike into the forest. Stayed two nights. Elevation is ~8,000 feet. Got altitude sickness on day two.

    No fires allowed. No amenities. Back-country hikers only. No cell service. Perfect getaway.

  • Larry J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Great dispersed camping

    Just came back from my second week long trip in 3 weeks there. Camped right on the water! I usually go up on Monday stay till Saturday, one of the benefits of being retired! Definitely going to go one more time, maybe two this summer. Very very scenic.

  • Cheyenne P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Jul. 30, 2020

    Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Spot!

    There are some seriously beautiful spots to camp here. Another review says that it’s $10 to camp, but that is in the actual campground. Instead of turning right to get into the campground, keep driving straight and you will find the dispersed camping. Perfectly secluded and beautiful views of the water.

  • Cody H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    If you want beauty and seclusion, skip McCall and head to Upper Payette!

    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! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails.

    A really beautiful area amazing views.

  • Hannah W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Loon Lake
    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.

  • Spencer L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry Camping
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Lake Louie Dispersed Backcountry 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.

  • Hannah W.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area
    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.

  • Easton S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Sep. 17, 2019

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Second annual

    Liked it enough to come back. Had a huge group and multiple dogs in the group site. Very clean camp area. Extremely reasonable prices. Bathrooms are really dirty. Water for drinking is available just a short walk or really short drive. Nice fire pits. Close to water for playing in. There are some towns nearby. Would recommend just use the woods whenever possible.

  • Easton S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    Jul. 24, 2019

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Lots of trees

    There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous. Good drinking water. A fairly dirty pit bathroom. I’m pretty sure it’s pet friendly. You can walk to the reservoir. The beach is very rocky.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area
    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.



Guide to Pollock

Camping near Pollock, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: There are great trails nearby. At Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park, one visitor mentioned, "Lots of activities, biking, lake, showers, laundry, full hookup." This campground is perfect for those who love to explore on foot or two wheels.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Huckleberry Campground — Lake Cascade State Park is right on the river. A reviewer said, "Clean campsite right on the river which has access for boat put in/wade access. Perfect for fishing the St. Joe."
  • Wildlife watching: The area is rich in wildlife. One camper at Upper Payette Lake Campground noted, "Wildlife are present in this area each night."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Black Bear RV Park said, "Great bathrooms and showers, great laundry room."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. At Last Chance Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Very nice, large campsite spots with picnic table and fire pit."
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often make a big difference. A camper at McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge shared, "Escorted to our spot and helped us back in."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Shorts Bar Recreation Site, have few facilities. A visitor said, "This campground does not have many amenities, but it is right on the Salmon River."
  • Crowded during peak season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Ponderosa Campground noted, "Very large and busy campground. Seems like the sites are very close together."
  • Road conditions: Some access roads can be tricky. A reviewer at Last Chance Campground mentioned, "The road leading up to sites is very narrow and steep grade."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Peninsula Campground — Ponderosa State Park, one family said, "The campground is Huge and accommodates a lot of spaces but they are far enough apart to not feel at all crowded."
  • Pack games and outdoor gear: Bring along bikes, fishing rods, or board games. A camper at Huckleberry Campground mentioned, "Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have fire pits for cooking. A visitor at Ponderosa Campground said, "What a great place to spend time with your family! Clean bathrooms, easy hookups."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at McCall RV Resort - Northfolk Lodge noted, "We reserved a full hook-up site."
  • Be aware of space limitations: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Upper Payette Lake Campground mentioned, "Tight if bringing a longer RV, groups can be accommodated in the circle drive."
  • Plan for weather: Check the forecast before you go. A visitor at Last Chance Campground shared, "It was very quiet and not every campsite was occupied."

Camping near Pollock, Idaho, has something for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pollock, ID?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pollock, ID is Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pollock, ID?

    TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Pollock, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.