Best Dispersed Camping near Princeton, ID

Join the fun near Princeton. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Princeton is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Princeton and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Princeton, Idaho (16)

    1. Horse Camp Trailhead

    1 Review
    Harvard, ID
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Elk River

    1 Review
    Elk River, ID
    32 miles

    "Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well. There is a small local store nearby. Dump site on edge of town with trash available."

    4. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    47 miles
    Website

    "Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."

    "The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."

    5. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "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.)"

    "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."

    6. Donkey Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Calder, ID
    40 miles
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    "This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek."

    7. Big Creek, Calder, Idaho

    1 Review
    Calder, ID
    42 miles

    "There are secluded dispersed campsites on Big Creek between the campgrounds on Big Creek RD. If you're set up for off grid its definitely worth spending a few days fly fishing or hiking the area."

    8. Bonnie Lake Island

    1 Review
    St. John, WA
    43 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Asotin, ID
    48 miles
    Website

    "Trailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Princeton, ID

13 Photos of 16 Princeton Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Princeton, ID

24 Reviews of 16 Princeton Campgrounds


  • Kaitlin K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful View, Long Hike

    Trailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities. Small store and restaurant nearby.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • William P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Rose Lake

    Great location for a stopover

    I spent 1 night here on my way to Coeur d’Alene. I might spend a couple more! Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting.

    There is a vault toilet with its own parking space. I van camped there. Above me were 2 parking lots where 2-3 other campers were. Plenty of room to spread out and have decent privacy.

  • Brian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • PJ M.
    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.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.
    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.


Guide to Princeton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Princeton, Idaho, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Princeton

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Horse Camp Trailhead, which provides access to scenic trails and beautiful views of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, the Donkey Creek Campground is located near Marble Creek, offering a great spot to cast a line and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider paddling to Bonnie Lake Island, where you can camp on a primitive island surrounded by stunning canyon views.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Princeton, Idaho

  • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at places like Rose Lake, which has no trash services. Keeping the area clean ensures it remains beautiful for future visitors.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities at locations such as Bull Run Access Dispersed. Bring your own water and supplies, as these areas often lack drinking water and restrooms.
  • Check the local regulations regarding campfires, as some areas like Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw allow fires, while others may have restrictions.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Saint Joe NF Dispersed Camping area offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful forest surroundings, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
  • For a more adventurous experience, the Red Bird Creek Trailhead provides access to challenging hikes with breathtaking views of the Snake River.
  • If you're looking for a family-friendly spot, consider the Canyon Creek Recreation Area, which is accessible by car and offers plenty of space for kids to explore and play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Princeton, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Princeton, ID is Horse Camp Trailhead with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Princeton, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.