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Best Dispersed Camping near Riggins, ID

33 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas line the Salmon River corridor near Riggins, Idaho, with multiple pullout sites offering riverside camping. Little Salmon River Pullout features gravel surfaces accommodating multiple vehicles with a 10-day stay limit, while Fiddle Creek Recreation Site provides river access with some tight turns that may challenge larger trailers. Short's Bar Recreation Area includes basic vault toilets but can become crowded during peak seasons. Most sites permit fires and allow pets, but lack drinking water and hookups.

Further options include Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping, which offers flat spots with stone fire rings but limited natural firewood, and Pealy Loop Recreation Site with designated sites including picnic tables and fire pits approximately 20 miles north of Riggins. For those willing to venture farther, Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides multiple bathroom facilities and water access. A camper noted, "Stunning views on the calm water. Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water!" Most dispersed sites in the region enforce a 14-day camping limit and require visitors to pack out all trash.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Riggins, Idaho (30)

    1. Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Pollock, ID
    4 miles

    "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 pin is off from the actual location. Nice spots right on river amd a few with firepits."

    2. Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    1 Review
    Riggins, ID
    4 miles

    "My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway."

    3. Short's Bar Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Riggins, ID
    1 mile

    "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"

    4. Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Pollock, ID
    16 miles

    "Nice flat spot with a stone fire ring. Hazard creek nearby isn't too loud and sounds great. Not much firewood is around as its all been picked already."

    5. Island Bar on Big Salmon Road

    Be the first to review!
    Riggins, ID
    3 miles

    6. Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Imnaha, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 426-5546

    "Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle."

    "This is a great overlook on Hell Canyon and awesome dispersed overland camp spot."

    7. Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    White Bird, ID
    20 miles

    "Easy access for big rigs. We stayed here two nights. Ranger came through to check on things, always love to see that. Beautiful spot. Free! 14 day limit."

    "A fabulous little spot next to the river for an overnight or two or three. There was a toilet and easy access to the river to fetch water to filter."

    8. Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Payette National Forest, ID
    24 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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!"

    9. Kirkwood Ranch

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    Riggins, ID
    13 miles

    10. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    New Meadows, ID
    32 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Riggins, ID

28 Photos of 30 Riggins Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Riggins, ID

33 Reviews of 30 Riggins Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 6, 2025

    Pealy Loop Recreation Site Dispersed

    Great and free

    We came upon this site after passing on the White Bird Recreation Site just north of here - it's so much better and we're so glad we came here. It's an established campground, with maybe 4 or 5 sites, all open, spread out, right on the river. There's a picnic table and fire pit for each site, and a porta potty. Verizon was roaming and AT.T. had great reception. Despite being right off the main road, it was very quiet and you couldn't hear or see traffic since you're lower down on the river. Easy access for big rigs. We stayed here two nights. Ranger came through to check on things, always love to see that.

    Beautiful spot. Free! 14 day limit. No trash service, no water other than the river. The campground was nice and clean.

  • Nick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Marley F.
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Fiddle Creek Recreation Site

    Nice Spot

    My husband and I were looking for a quick spot to camp and found this right off the highway, it was perfect for a last minute camping. There’s a few more spots off the highway. We loved that it was right on the river, too. Pretty easy access, but if you have a longer trailer than I would suggest going in the first turn out, because the second one is tight.

  • Alyse L.
    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.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Amanda P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek - Dispersed Site

    A wonderful escape

    Tons of changes in terrain but the drive is not for the faint of heart. Be ready to share space with free roaming mountain cattle. Other than a forest service vehicle and maybe 2 others it was just us up there! We came by way of Imanha.

Guide to Riggins

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Riggins, Idaho, where nature's tranquility meets stunning landscapes. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides breathtaking views of the lake, especially during sunset, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the Little Salmon River Pullout Dispersed offers a serene setting with a comfortable distance from the main road, ensuring privacy while enjoying the sounds of nature.
  • If you prefer a more secluded experience, the Fiddle Creek Recreation Site is right by the river, providing a picturesque environment for relaxation and fishing.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Riggins, Idaho

Activities While Free Camping Near Riggins

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Riggins, Idaho?

Free dispersed camping near Riggins can be found along the Salmon River at Fiddle Creek Recreation Site and Short's Bar Recreation Area, both offering riverside camping with easy highway access. For those willing to venture further, Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area is located about 16 miles north of Council off Highway 95. The area around Riggins offers numerous pull-offs and established dispersed sites, particularly along river corridors. Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended. Look for obvious parking areas with fire rings indicating established camping spots.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Riggins area?

Dispersed camping near Riggins typically follows standard National Forest Service rules: camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. At Pealy Loop Recreation Site, camping is permitted in designated areas with established sites. Pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Seasonal fire restrictions are common, especially during summer months—check current restrictions before your trip. At Hells Canyon Overlook Near Saddle Creek, be prepared to share space with free-roaming cattle. Many areas require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass for parking. Always check with the local Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest office for the most current regulations before your trip.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Riggins?

Dispersed camping sites around Riggins offer minimal amenities. Some established sites like Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) provide pullouts for cars/RVs with lake proximity but limited access. Most dispersed sites offer natural features rather than facilities—riverfront access, privacy, and scenic views are the primary draws. At Loon Lake, which requires a 4.4-mile hike from Chinook Campground, there are no amenities, and you'll need to pack in water. Occasionally, you'll find basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive toilets at semi-developed recreation sites. Cell service is typically nonexistent, and potable water is unavailable at most locations. Plan to bring everything you need and pack out all waste.

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