Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Sawtooth National Forest, ID has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sawtooth National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Sawtooth National Forest, ID. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest."
"Visited in August 2024
Driving past mega mansions will eventually lead you to a dirt road stretching into an open valley."
"I wont rattle on about how we were within 2 mins of a hiking trail that leads you to "Hell's Roaring lake", or about the amazing Trout fishing within 10 feet of my tent, or even the stunning sunrises every"
"There was road noise from the nearby highway but otherwise it was quiet. I saw people fishing so I assume it's good for that. The river is great for rinsing off as well."
"There are dirt roads all over the place that have spots to camp. Beautiful views of the mountains and lots of rivers and creeks."
"Got a spot right where the river runs out of the lake. Beautiful area. Stars at night were amazing."
"This is a dispersed camp spot with no services at all, but it is free. Nice and quiet, but a few folks did pass by in the dirt road/trail. The road in is a bit bumpy, but not terrible, just go slow."
"Dispersed camping just north of Sun Valley. This Forest Road is popular being so close to town, but if you venture 3 to 4 miles in it's very quiet and peaceful."
"Best location I have been to yet. A lot of places are very small not big enough for larger vehicles and this spot is big enough for 30 foot trailer."
"Great boondocking was here for a week. The road is in great shape. A couple of big rocks here and there. Plenty of places to do a 3-point turnaround with any rig.
No cell coverage. "
"Within 5 minutes from the lake and the trailhead for the Alice-Toxaway Loop."
"We came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around."
"No facilities. Close to town, a few pretty sites with some shade."
"Close to Sun Valley. Place to turn around if unable to fine a campsite. No cell coverage. Only 3 day limit."
"A bit close to the highway, but right on Salmon River, really lovely. There was a fire ring"
"Nice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots."
"There were a couple of campers camped closer to the road from the turn-off but we managed to find a spot that was secluded and perfect for us right next to the creek."
GuideIn this video we provide a comprehensive review of 3 of the free boondocking(dispersed camping) sites near Stanley, Idaho in the Sawtooth National Forest. Salmon River Designated Spots 1, 2 and 3. All locations are in the Sawtooth National Forest and there is a 10 day stay limit between May 1- September 15th with an unlimited stay limited outside of that time period.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WWH8Vb49Ow&t=531s
LegendThis forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road.
The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point.
There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time. There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.
There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade.
The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you.
Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.
LegendFree designated dispersed campsite along Sawtooth Nation Forest Road 137. Camped here at the end of September 2024. Very large designated dispersed site set downhill from the forest road; no issues with dust from this road. The area is level. May be able to park 3 rigs. Tent camping is possible back from the parking area toward the metal firering. This area can accommodate 3 or 4 tents, or one big hot tent. Corral Creek is just down a short path from the campsite. The sound of the creek can be heard at the site. Very quiet area. Mountains on either side of the site. The parking area is dirt and gravel. The "tent" area is grass and dirt. Don't see opportunities for hammock camping. No cell service. No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. 3 day limit. Hiking trailheads and vault toilet at the end of the forest road.
LegendIf you show up to Redfish Lake on a busy weekend and all of the campgrounds are reserved/full, no worries. There is a bunch of free dispersed camping all along highway 75. A quick stop at the Forest Service Office down the road and I had a pretty good map of the forest roads in the area, but more importantly, a tip about free camping a stone’s throw away from Redfish Lake and Sunny Gulch campground. The road in is a bit rough with ruts and rocks, but there are several established sites with fire rings. There was a loop to the right with about 8 such sites and a loop to the right with about 5 sites as well as one that was hidden behind the site I chose that you had to walk in to(it was actually a nicer site than the one I chose, but I was tired and set up before I saw it on my explorations. There was one vault toilet that was not especially clean, but free is free, and if you really wanted to, you could walk less than a quarter mile across to the developed Sunny Gulch campground. There are no picnic tables or grills or tent pads, but definitely stone fire rings at each site so no worries as long as you brought your own camp chair. If you need a shower, head into Redfish Lake to use the public pay showers there.
RangerLarge open sites. Big rigs go left and park on top. Large areas, can accommodate dozens of RVs and tents.
Avoid during holidays, people leave tents and rvs for days to keep the spot despite rules and the ranger station will do nothing about it. At those times expect loud parties and even fights or gunfire which the rangers will also do nothing about.
Other than that its great. Take a right on the highway and head to the sourdough lodge for the best pancakes for hundreds of miles.
There are many other dispersed and paid spots along the highway.
Details: Free camping 14 Day limit No tables at campsites Minimal wood to scavenge Town of Lowman is close by No trash, water, or toilets
GuideNice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots. Would pick the first or second. The road is difficult between the second and third access roads. Would recommend walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle. There is more dispersed camping farther up the road but you begin to lose cell coverage.
GuideOn left, out East Fork Rd from Challis. Long ways. Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river. Small metal fire ring Great views and quiet!
GuideWe came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around. All sites looked nice and we counted 12 designated dispersed sites, #1 was the furthest in. We ended up in 2C(the furthest in of three sites of area #2. The site was next to the river. It was 4.5 miles in on the dirt road and our closest neighbor was back up the road 3.5 miles in camp Murdock, roughly a twenty minute drive. The only animals we saw were ground squirrels. It was so peaceful and a wonderful experience.
TravelerPerfect for an overnight stop during a long drive. The access road also serves residential property some distance away so is well maintained. The primitive camping spots are close enough to the highway to make it a quick drive but far enough away to buffer most noise from passing traffic. Even though the landscape seems sparse there was very active wildlife during our stay, with many species of birds throughout the night and a chorus of coyotes at one point. The water level was really low, which would probably inhibit launching larger water craft, but the reservoir still provided a peaceful atmosphere. There definitely isn't any nearby wood for fires so people do need to bring in their own.
Dispersed camping near Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best dispersed camping spots in Sawtooth National Forest?
Sawtooth National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed provides free boondocking along Highway 75 when the main campgrounds are full, with plenty of forest roads to explore. Salmon River Designated Spots feature numbered sites with a 10-day stay limit between May 1 and September. For those near Ketchum, Lake Creek Rd Dispersed offers quick access just off Highway 75. Most dispersed sites in the Sawtooth area are accessible via forest service roads, with options ranging from riverside spots to higher elevation locations with mountain views. The best sites typically offer level ground, shade, and some distance from main roads for privacy. Availability is best during weekdays and non-holiday periods.
Are there any amenities available at dispersed camping areas in Sawtooth National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Sawtooth National Forest offers minimal amenities by design. Cougar Dispersed Camping Area features 12 designated dispersed sites with basic fire rings but no water or toilets. Some areas like Little Camas Reservoir may have vault toilets available. Most dispersed sites throughout the forest have primitive fire rings, but you should plan to pack in all water and pack out all waste. There's no electricity, hookups, or dump stations at these locations. Cell service varies dramatically by location, with better reception near towns like Stanley and Ketchum. For supplies and amenities, the nearest towns offer stores, public restrooms, and water. Always carry everything you need, including emergency supplies, as services are limited in remote areas.
What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Sawtooths?
Dispersed camping in Sawtooth National Forest generally doesn't require specific permits, but several regulations apply. There's a 10-day stay limit between May 1 and September at most locations like Corral Creek Designated Dispersed. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 200 feet from roads and trails. Use existing fire rings when available, and always check current fire restrictions as they change seasonally. Forest Service Campsite FR0215B and similar areas require you to camp only in designated spots, not creating new sites. Pack out all trash and waste. Motorized travel is restricted to established roads and trails. During peak season, rangers may patrol dispersed areas to enforce regulations. For activities like fishing or hiking in wilderness areas, additional permits may be required. Check with the nearest ranger station for current conditions and restrictions.
Keep Exploring
