Best Dispersed Camping near Ponderay, ID

Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

The campgrounds are located on Sullivan Creek Rd that runs along Sullivan Creek. There over 30 sites along the river over several miles. Some of them do not have numbers. All the sites are first come and are Free

We camped at site #6 over Memorial Day weekend.

At the site there was a bear box and a fire ring with a moveable grill cover. Some of the sites do have bathrooms. However, we didn’t have one so make sure to bring the appropriate toilet supplies. The size of our site could fit two Rv’s and several tents (Our pop up tent trailer is 25ft). The site has a lot of shade so depending on the time of year make sure to bring the weather appropriate clothing. During our stay it got very cold and we needed to use our heater.

The river is about 35 yards from the site and the dirt road is about 20 yards from the main Camping area.

Dogs do not have to be on leash. However, this time of the year the river was cold and very fast and if your dog is not trained using a leash or tether system for safety would be beneficial.

There are several hiking/game trails you can walk or drive too. Sullivan lake is right down the road about a 5 minute drive you can access additional hiking trails.

Firewood is not provided so make sure to purchase prior and/or bring a ax to cut up the wood that has been left behind.

Overall we loved this area and will be going back this summer when it’s warmer and the river is safe enough to swim with our dogs:)

Here is the exact coordinates of the site #6

https://maps.apple.com/?ll=48.832887,-117.249496&q=My%20Location&_ext=EiQpqFCSB5xqSEAxrBQYwPdPXcA5qFCSB5xqSEBBrBQYwPdPXcA%3D&t=m

I found this awesome little campground on my way to Sullivan Lake from Metaline Falls.

It is just off the main road, next to Sullivan Creek. It is fully a dispersed group of sites so no trash, water, toilet, or any amenities. There is an information sign and several rock rings for fires.  This is my kind of site, just throw your tent up where ever and go fish or hike. 

The trees are fairly dense so the whole place is well shaded. Sullivan Creek is right there! Sullivan Lake is just a few miles to the east. With Metaline falls a few to the west, there are shops, eteries, and evan a movie theatre close by.

All in all a great place to stay a couple of nights.

The good -A beautiful camp ground. Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.  

The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.

We camped at site #14. Approximately 5 miles on East of East Sullivan Campground heading on Sullivan Creek Rd. (All camping is Free on Sullivan Creek Rd)

The site is near the river (multiple paths for easy access), has a bear box, and a fire ring. Make sure to bring proper toiletry supplies to use the old fashion style because the closet toilet is 2 miles away.

The site was great however the fire ring is about 30 yards away from where we parked our tent trailer and would be ideal for tent camping and is very shaded.

Overall great trip!