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janelle H.
Scout
ScoutRose Lake
Rose Lake Boat Launch
Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices.
Dispersed Camping near St. Maries, ID
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The St. Joe National Forest area near St. Maries offers several free dispersed camping options along forest roads and waterways. Bull Run Access provides the most developed dispersed sites, with locations suitable for various camping styles from tents to large RVs. The main camping area features a large loop with established fire pits, located past the one-lane bridge and Coeur d'Alene Trail access parking. As one camper noted, "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 trees."
Rose Lake offers boat access camping with several sites near the dock and lake shore. The area includes a vault toilet and gravel parking area, though campers report uneven terrain at most sites. Tingley Springs, Lakes Divide Road, and Copper Mountain Road provide more remote boondocking options with minimal amenities. Most dispersed sites in the region have a 3-day maximum stay limit, and many campers report abundant mosquitoes, particularly near water. Road conditions vary, but most access roads are navigable by standard vehicles in dry conditions, with some requiring higher clearance for the more remote sites.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near St. Maries (18)
1. Rose Lake
"Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices."
"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."
2. Bull Run Access Dispersed
"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."
3. Bull Run Dispersed Camping
"Easy access to most of it in a car/van. Crushed gravel road with a few watery potholes."
4. copper mountain rd dispersed
"Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."
"Very uneven but I found a spot close to even"
5. Tingley Springs on Phillip Draw
6. Lakes Divide Road
7. Big Creek, Calder, Idaho
"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. Horse Camp Trailhead
"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."
9. Donkey Creek Campground
"This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek."
10. Saint Joe NF Dispersed Camping
Drive Time
- 57 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 1 hr 15 min from Spokane, WA
- 1 hr 47 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 3 min from Walla Walla, WA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. Maries, ID
24 Photos of 18 St. Maries Campgrounds
Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. Maries, ID
39 Reviews of 18 St. Maries Campgrounds
Kaitlin K.
GuideBull 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.
- KKim A.Guide
Bull Run Dispersed Camping
Bull Run
Lovely spot. The sound of waterfowl are so peaceful. Excellant fishing spot if you have the appropriate license. Easy access to most of it in a car/van. Crushed gravel road with a few watery potholes. Right off the Cour de lain trail which is asphat paved so great spot for bike rides, walks, skateboard is your pebble aware 😂🛹. 3 days camping only allowed. Within site of some homes so wear clothes 😂 From the trail head take the little road with a sign that says "sportsmans access". i did not drive over to the wooded side as theres one spot thats a little iffy for my low vlearance van. More shade and privacy over there. This is a great spot for solar panels.
- JJason S.
RangerCliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed
Great location near the Hiawatha trail
This is primitive off grid camping. No services, no water, no tables, just a bathroom in a field with a few campsites around it near the creek. Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer.
- SSnake P.
TravelerBull 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.Traveler
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.
- jjoshuaTraveler
Stevens Lakes Backcountry
Beautiful hike with breathtaking views!
By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water! Me and my friends stayed at the lower lake, both hammock and tent camping.
Jess G.
LegendRose 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.
Brian L.GuideBonnie 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.
Guide to St. Maries
Dispersed camping near St. Maries, Idaho offers several secluded forest sites throughout the St. Joe National Forest region. The area sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation with surrounding mountains rising to over 6,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments from riverside flats to mountain lookouts. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The St. Joe River and surrounding lakes provide excellent fishing. At Donkey Creek Campground, you'll find "awesome spot beside the rapids" with "swiftly flowing Marble Creek" nearby, perfect for anglers seeking moving water.
Hiking trails: The region offers numerous day hikes. One camper noted at Horse Camp Trailhead that they've "wondered into wilderness to camp farther away from the trail" and mentions "Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites."
Boating access: Several sites provide boat launch facilities. At Copper Mountain Rd Dispersed, you can enjoy "mountain views" while being relatively close to water access points. As one camper notes, this area offers "great views" while being just "about 10 minutes" up the road.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many dispersed areas offer room to spread out. According to one camper at Bull Run Access Dispersed, "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."
Natural water features: The combination of rivers, creeks and small lakes creates picturesque camping. At Big Creek, campers appreciate that "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. Very serene!"
Privacy options: Many sites offer seclusion from other campers. As one visitor to Rose Lake observed, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Areas like Lakes Divide Road can be challenging during wet seasons, as one camper noted it's "a steep but well maintained forest road" where they "found a blocked entrance to a forest road about a mile in. Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog."
Wildlife encounters: Bears and moose are present in the region, requiring proper food storage. Keep all food secure and be aware of seasonal wildlife activity patterns.
Cell coverage: Most primitive camping near St. Maries offers limited or no cell service. One Rose Lake camper specifically mentioned "There is no cell phone service" at that location.
Tips for camping with families
Best family sites: Some dispersed areas are more suitable for children. At Lakes Divide Road, families can find sites that are accessible but should note one camper's experience: "My husband and I went to this location and the first couple sites were taken and we found a rd to the left near the end and took it with a site right to the left as you turned."
Swimming safety: Water temperatures remain cool even in summer months. Be cautious with children around the swift-moving rivers and creeks in the area.
Easy access options: Look for sites with minimal hiking required. Bull Run Access offers several family-friendly spots as one camper describes: "Good site to camp for a family."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in quality. Horse Camp Trailhead access requires caution as "the coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road."
Leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling equipment. At Rose Lake, campers report significant terrain issues: "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere."
Turnaround space: Scout ahead before bringing larger rigs. Bull Run Access offers good options where 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)."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around St. Maries?
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around St. Maries?
Dispersed camping around St. Maries is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed offers basic vault toilets near the creek but no water, tables, or other services - just open spaces for camping. Similarly, Rose Lake provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at its sites, plus a dock for fishing and a large parking area for boats and trailers. Most dispersed sites in the area feature natural clearings for tents or vehicles and sometimes established fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, toilet supplies, and all other necessities for self-sufficient camping.
Where can I find dispersed camping near St. Maries, Idaho?
Where can I find dispersed camping near St. Maries, Idaho?
Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near St. Maries. Bull Run Access Dispersed offers multiple camping spots with room for large rigs - take South Bull Run Road, cross over the Coeur d'Alene Trail access, and continue down West Bull Run Road to find several spots with established fire pits. For secluded camping along a creek, Big Creek, Calder, Idaho provides peaceful sites between established campgrounds on Big Creek Road that are perfect for off-grid camping and fly fishing. Other options include Saint Joe National Forest dispersed areas, where free camping is generally available throughout the forest on public lands.
When is the best season for dispersed camping in St. Maries, Idaho?
When is the best season for dispersed camping in St. Maries, Idaho?
Late spring through early fall (mid-May to October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around St. Maries. Stevens Lakes Backcountry is a favorite during summer months when the mountain lake hikes are accessible and both lower and upper lakes provide excellent camping spots. For paddlers, Bonnie Lake Island is ideal during the warmer months when you can access this primitive BLM site by paddling up Rock Creek. Weather is typically mild during summer, with perfect conditions often found in May and September when crowds are smaller but temperatures remain comfortable. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures.
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