Best Dispersed Camping near Potlatch, ID

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Potlatch

27 Reviews of 15 Potlatch Campgrounds

• J

  Jessica S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  great spot except the hunters

  We were glad we read the reviews for directions & info about spots — like others mentioned, the best spot is a big grassy area amongst the trees (continue past the first circular parking area). However, the entire area has sportsman access, so we listened to gun shots most of the day… not exactly the peaceful nature vibe we were hoping for. Would likely come back, but pray it’s a day of no hunters

• T

  Tyler B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 12, 2024

  Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

  Crowded primitive

  A bathroom and a parking lot to camp in. THE VIEWS are are a must see, the scablands of Washington are up there with the badlands in unique

• 

  Steve G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Calm Breeze and Amazing Sunset!

  Stopped at the little restaurant and got a fantastic meal after being on the road all day then headed past all the massive houses to end up in such a gorgeous location. This is one of my favorite spots now!

• 

  Kaitlin K.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 30, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Buggy but Beautiful

  We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.

• 

  Overland S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 15, 2024

  Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

  Astro Photographer’s Dream

  The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol. I was getting close to where one of the waterfalls was and ran into a Coyote who would not budge. That pretty much ended the hike as I could hear others howling nearby.

  The hike back was even amazing with the Sunset and landscape making me feel like I was on another planet. The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography. I’m an amateur and took my time to learn my camera a bit. This little adventure was my favorite thus far this year.

• K

  Kelly P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 7, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Beautiful area with mosques

  Just stopped for one night but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty spot close to the lake, but the mosquitoes are abundant! I had my door opened for just a few minutes and had to kill like 20 before I could sleep.

• S

  Snake P.

  Traveler

  

  May. 17, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Very good camping

  Went with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect. 

  Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone. 

  Good site to camp for a family.

• 

  Gisele S.

  Scout

  

  May. 11, 2024

  Rose Lake

  Weird place

  We didn't feel secure at this location, it was very removed from the main road, it was not looked after (grass was very high), and it seemed liked someone was living there permanently. Generally weird vibes.

• A

  Andrew S.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 18, 2023

  Rose Lake

  Not many spaces

  I followed the road past the sportsman’s access sign as suggested by someone else. Turned left at the first corner, found one campsite and continued. The road turns into private land and I had to turn around. Camped at the first site. Wasn’t bad. Very open. Right near the water. Good gravel road. Only saw 2 other people while there. One stayed at the corner. Stayed one night. A deer walked right through camp.

• S

  Sabriya

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 24, 2023

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Great Campsite!

  Very quiet, isolated camp spot. This is the best spot to set up: Cross the one-lane bridge > make a right till you hit the parking lot > make another right towards the sign that says "sportsman access (or something like that)" > stay straight until you are prompted to make a left. Instead of making that left, stay right there. Spacious enough for you to set up a tent and park your car.

• 

  PJ M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2023

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Nice 3 Day Option

  Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run rd

  4 spots that I found.  One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed).  There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.

  You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that.  More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer.  There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol).  I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.

  Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.

  Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape.  Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.

  This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.

• 

  April C.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 13, 2022

  Rose Lake

  It's a place to sleep

  I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere. That is my only complaint, except for the people who parked right in front of the only restroom for the entire night. That was weird trying to get around their overspilled car to use the restroom. 

  Plenty of room for people to camp. There was one car when we arrived, and more pulled up throughout the night. You can walk down to the lake and sit on the dock to watch the sunset.

• J

  Jake M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 24, 2022

  Rose Lake

  Rose Lake

  It’s a small area, but there is a big space for large vans and campers and as you go down to the lake there are two campsites next to the bathroom that are perfect for tent camping. (if you can get the spot)

• 

  Russell P.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2022

  Rose Lake

  Great spot on the lake

  Great, easy location. The last road is unpaved for a short bit with minor potholes.

  A handful of spots near the lake in three different nooks. A bit uneven but a couple blocks worked for us.

  A bit busy with the boat dock and lots of bugs at night. Still worth it!

• 

  Brooke T.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 3, 2022

  Rose Lake

  Beautiful, Simple

  For a free stop on the way to a primary destination, this was the most pleasant surprise. Strolled in at 11 pm and although it was dark & other campers, it was easy to find a spot. The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us.

• 

  Brian L.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 4, 2022

  Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

  Beautiful spot in the scablands

  Rock creek runs through this lovely BLM land with 2 sets of falls. It's a great spot in late winter or early spring if you're looking for solitude. We visited in February and saw 4 or 5 people, but no one stayed the night except us. Towell falls is beautiful, but we have yet to visit Breeden falls. The ranch has an interesting history and it's fun to poke around the old structures.

• 

  Mahe G.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 4, 2022

  Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

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• 

  Daniel

  Guide

  

  Aug. 21, 2021

  Rose Lake

  Bad Timing?

  Packed up and left due to a belligerent and homeless vagrant. Small, beautiful lake. Uneven, rocky dispersed camping areas.

• E

  Eric

  Guide

  

  Dec. 14, 2020

  Rose Lake

  A decent stop

  Pulled into the campground late at night. It was snowy so we were the only ones. We were able to pull off beside of the bathroom. There were 2 picnic tables/fire rings off to the side. Nice lake when waking up. Would explore other options next time but is nice if you’re in a pinch.

• 

  Megan K.

  Ranger

  

  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.

• 

  Kathleen D.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 15, 2020

  Rose Lake

  Convenient Stop

  We pulled in after sundown — so grateful to find a safe spot close to the Hwy (en route to our next national park). There was no entry signage beyond the boat launch. The Dyrt map and other reviewer’s directions were accurate. There seemed to be two large lots (one grass, one gravel) that were camping permissible. We were in the second gravel lot. There appeared to be 5 total groups of campers spread over two spacious lots with plenty room for more. There are fewer options for tent campers. One is a little clearing and fire ring under the trees at the rear of the gravel lot (see pic). The gravel lot proved to be a very uncomfortable slant for our rooftop tent.

  Toilet. Pretty little lake (but nothing you’d want to swim in. Pretty murky and gas polluted water by the boat launch). 3 night limit. Not a place you target for a vacation, but a lovely free spot along the way.

• 

  Heather R.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 24, 2020

  Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

  Stars, coyotes, and accessibility!

  This is a lovely secluded spot for amazing star-gazing on a clear night. At night it is in complete darkness, away from traffic noise, and you can hear the coyotes as they move nearer (I know, a little creepy, but making a little noise is all you need to do). It is very flat and would be reasonably accessible for someone using a wheelchair or with other mobility restrictions. The picnic tables are even accessible! There are fire rings, a pit toilet, and stables and water for your horses. No portable water for humans, so bring your own. There's no shade other than under a nice picnic table shelter, so it was best for us to come late in the day and then make breakfast under that shelter.

• 

  Brian L.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 1, 2020

  Bonnie Lake Island

  Bonnie Lake Island. Boat in island campsite in scab-land canyon lake

  This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow. The island and surrounding sq. mile of land is owned by the BLM. Access is by paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake. The creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam. The island is rocky and brushy with enough flat spaces for a tent or two and trees for hammocks. The steep canyon walls provide a stage for coyotes to sing back and forth. Please use sanitary bags to pack out your waste (poop). The island's soil isn't deep enough for proper burial.

  There is a spit of land on shore where you can camp too, but I've not done that.

• 

  UnnamedAdventures

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 5, 2019

  Rose Lake

  Nice spot for a quick stop

  Rose Lake campsite is a nice spot minutes right off of the highway. The original posting has the public access area for the camping but the camping area is near the boat launch(take your first left when going to the public access). Near the public access there is a outhouse. When you get to the correct area there is a mowed area to park your travel trailer, setup a tent or park your RV. This area is very buggy so be prepared, we stopped in late July. There is no cell phone service too! Check out our blog at www.unnadventures.com or follow our journey on facebook or instagram at Unnamed Adventures.

• 

  Gary M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 31, 2019

  Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area

  Primitive but magnificent

  The campground itself is on BLM land and is primitive.  There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, corrals and horse water.  The camping itself is on the primitive side, but the scenery it magnificent!  The last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road, and a vehicle with ground clearance is highly desirable. A three mile hike/horseback ride takes you through Washington's Channeled Scablands to Towell Falls through spectacular buttes and meadows along the creek.  The best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and before the RATTLESNAKES get populous.  The night skies are particularly dark because you're a long way from any civilization.  It's also interesting exploring the old ranch building that remain on the site. The area is popular with horsemen and trail groups up to a bit of "roughing it." It also can be a great day trip from the Spokane Washington area.

• G

  Gordie H.

  Guide

  

  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!

• 

  Jess G.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 4, 2019

  Rose Lake

  Boat access

  Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.