Spencer, Idaho sits near several established and dispersed camping options within national forests and public lands. Stoddard Creek Campground, located just off Interstate 15, provides developed sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets in a forested setting. Dispersed camping opportunities exist along Stoddard Creek, offering more primitive experiences without designated facilities. The area includes both developed sites suitable for RVs and tents as well as more remote options for those seeking solitude in the surrounding mountains and creek drainages.
Camping in this region typically operates seasonally from late May through September due to mountain weather conditions. Roads to dispersed sites may require higher clearance vehicles, particularly after spring runoff. "The campground is technically closed in the winter. We arrived late April and most of the snow had melted. There was one pit toilet left unlocked (bring TP) and no locked gate," noted one winter visitor to Stoddard Creek. The established campgrounds generally provide drinking water during the peak season, while dispersed campers should pack their own supplies. Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout much of the area, particularly in more remote locations away from the interstate corridor.
Campers frequently mention the quiet, shaded environment of Stoddard Creek Campground despite its proximity to the interstate. The area attracts both overnight travelers using it as a convenient stopover and outdoor enthusiasts planning longer stays. According to one visitor, "We had a great pull through site with a level graveled area for the large picnic table and separate stove stand. The green meadows, surrounding trees, and excellent maintenance made this a beautiful campground." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with visitors reporting elk sightings. Those seeking more solitude might prefer the dispersed camping areas along forest roads, which offer larger sites with fewer neighbors but require self-sufficiency as they lack amenities beyond fire rings in some locations.
"The fire pit was also located in this area but safely away from the table. The green meadows, surrounding trees, and excellent maintenance made this a beautiful campground."
"Walking up road we had access to a number of trails some of which are for UTVs but were not busy while we were there. LOTS of RV groups up the road."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $125 / night
"Well maintained gravel road giving easy access to great camping."
"Make sure you keep your wheels on the room as you turn off of highway 20. It's narrow."
"No cell phone service with Verizon but very close to lots of great parks and trails."
"It is also close to Coolidge ghost town if you want to check it out. That is ultimately what brought up out this way and what a neat place to hike!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 - $150 / night
"This campground is situation on Henrys Lake and provides amazing views from the campground. There are trails to explore without going too far."
"Save money with the Idaho State Parks Pass. RV and tent camping fishing and boating. I have stayed here numerous times. Cell service spotty but can be achieved."
from $60 - $70 / night
"East Creek is located 40 min south of Dillon, MT near Lima (15 miles north of the Montana/Idaho state line just off I-15)."
"Awesome campground with simple access from Lima, well maintained and primo location. Couldn’t get the hand pump well to draw any water but creek access at the base of the CG area is easy."
GuideGreat choice for an overnight between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Easy in and out with our 36’ motorhome and tow vehicle. We chose the first spot we came to. It was a big pull-through. There was quite a bit of traffic, but it didn’t disturb us. We could see many other sites, but we wanted to be ready to pull out first thing the next morning. Got a good night’s sleep!
GuideGreat little spot! You have your choice between the view of the wide open field or you have the little stream in the back.
ScoutI've stayed at this site every year since 2016, for fishing and bird watching. My first years there, it was a true BLM dispersed camping site. People camped wherever they wanted, many right on the lake shore. The place got loved to death though, starting in 2020 when COVID refugees moved in. In 2023, the BLM started making changes. The lake shore was completely blocked off, which reduced the area where people could camp and the size of the rigs they could drive in, because there wasn't a good place to turn a big rig around. Then in 2025 a new camping area had been constructed with designated sites, well off the lake. These sites have fire rings and picnic tables. They're level, many are pull through, and they're arranged in a loop so it's not a problem to turn around. But you can't camp along the road that goes from the boat ramp to Hope Creek, as before. I was fine camped in the new area in 2026, but of course it wasn't the same. There are still dispersed sites at the top of The Cliffs and all along Red Rock Road though.
RangerThis campground is in a great location, about 15 miles SW of Yellowstone. Nestled on the shore of Henry's Lake in several loops, all but the tent area have various combinations of electric, water, and sewer hookups. We had site 23 in the Blue Dun loop, which had water, electric, and a great view of Henry's Lake and the nearby mountains. A nice walking path along the shoreline of the lake and marsh offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. Only downfall here was the lack of a dump station, though some sites in the Caddis loop have full hookups with sewer. Good ATT cell signal. Not much privacy between campsites, but who looks at them when you can be looking at the scenery?
GuideI'm here at the offseason. What a wonderful place, wonderful people.
GuideThere are quite a few sites here for dry camping. Roads were decent however larger rigs may struggle venturing into the trees. We rode our Ebikes to Henry’s Lake - such a beautiful ride. ATV trails connect for miles. We visited in late September and cows were roaming thru the sites. There were very few campers near - great place!
TravelerThe reason it’s a 5 is because Preston hooked us up last minute with a spot and electrical. Everything else in west Yellowstone closed or full. Looks like a great spot when RV park is open!
TravelerReally nice quiet place. We enjoyed our stay. There’s a lake here and while we stayed the water was like glass! It provides a perfect reflection of the surroundings. There’s a highway close but we didn’t hear a thing while we slept.
LegendI can't give it a 5 because it doesn't have electricity or water, but as a place to stop for ten bucks a night, it's fantastic. They do provide trash pickup, level spots, shade pit toilets and some recreational items like volleyball space, a dock and a boat ramp and a frisbee golf course.
Camping sites near Spencer, Idaho range from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed options throughout the Targhee National Forest. Most campsites sit at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Forest service roads leading to dispersed sites often require high-clearance vehicles, especially in early summer when muddy conditions persist after snowmelt.
Mountain biking trails: Access several moderate to challenging trails from Stoddard Creek Campground. "Walking up road we had access to a number of trails some of which are for UTVs but were not busy while we were there," notes Mark M., who stayed in October 2023.
Fishing for trout: Cast a line at Henrys Lake State Park Campground, located about 45 minutes from Spencer. "GREAT fishing from shore or boat. There is one grassy area for tents and smaller RVs and a new section that will accommodate all sizes," reports Betty G.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best chance to spot elk, moose and deer. "We heard Elk and Northern Saw-whet owls" at Stoddard Creek during an April visit, according to one camper who enjoyed the off-season solitude.
Quiet locations: Many sites provide separation from other campers, particularly at Stoddard Creek Dispersed Camping. "Well maintained gravel road giving easy access to great camping," reports Neil H., who appreciated the "easy access shady large sites."
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at established campgrounds receive regular maintenance. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen in a campground, and not smelly either," noted Linda G. about Stoddard Creek Campground. Another camper, David C., confirmed: "The bathrooms were extremely nice! They didn't even smell bad!"
Affordable rates: Most Forest Service campgrounds charge modest fees with discounts for seniors. At East Creek Campground, campers enjoy seclusion with just four sites available. "East Creek Campground is a quaint low-use campground. There are 4 tent sites with 2 vault toilets," explains Donna S.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds near Spencer operate from late May through September or early October due to snow conditions. Sierra T. notes that Stoddard Creek "is actually free until Memorial Day (the camp host was actually there doing maintenance and said that it only charges a fee Memorial - Labor Day)."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity ranges from spotty to nonexistent in the Spencer area. One camper at West Dubois Pulloff on Route 22 mentioned that finding the turnoff "is difficult to see at night, it's just two wheel tracks."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water, especially early or late in the season. At East Creek Campground, Tim R. noted: "It looks like there was a pump for water, but it was either broken, or I just don't know how to use it. Be sure to bring water."
Wind conditions: Exposed camping areas can experience significant wind. The pulloff near Dubois offers "good option for the night the bit windy and not much protection," according to Zaq O.
Level sites for easy setup: Many campsites in the Spencer area feature well-maintained pads. "Level, clean sites - didn't even have to adjust the camper," reports Andrew M. about his stay at Stoddard Creek Campground.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, Steel Creek Group Campground provides designated areas with picnic tables and fire rings. The campground operates from May to October.
Day trip opportunities: Base camp near Spencer for access to multiple destinations. At Henrys Lake State Park, one camper noted: "We used it as a basecamp for day trips into Yellowstone and it was reasonable."
Kid-friendly biking: Several campgrounds feature internal loops ideal for children learning to ride. "My kids loved riding their bikes around the campsites and there are some really cool trails," explains a parent who stayed at Henrys Lake.
Pull-through site availability: Several campgrounds offer sites designed for easy RV access. "We had a very nice pull through site #6, with a level graveled area for the large picnic table and separate stove stand," notes Bruce P. about Stoddard Creek Campground.
Route planning advice: Choose your access road carefully when approaching campgrounds. "Both AAA and Google routed us to exit 180 and we drove for 4 miles on sometimes paved, sometimes gravel road to arrive. When we got within a quarter mile of the campground, we came to exit 184 which was right at the campground (no gravel travel required)," explains an RVer about their Stoddard Creek experience.
Weather preparedness: Mountain campgrounds can experience rapid temperature drops. "It snowed and we actually had frost on the windows the next morning," reported Sheila W. about her spring camping trip at Beaverhead National Forest Price Creek Campground.
Site selection tip: At Henrys Lake State Park, Lee D. advises: "Our site (35) had a view of the water but in my opinion, Site 33 is the best as you have an unobstructed view of the lake."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Spencer, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Spencer, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Spencer, ID and 33 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Spencer, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spencer, ID is Stoddard Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Spencer, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 free dispersed camping spots near Spencer, ID.
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