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)."
