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Best Dispersed Camping near Spink, ID

34 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Spink, Idaho concentrates around several lake and reservoir areas on public lands, including Little Payette Lake, Upper Payette Lake, and Lost Valley Reservoir. These primitive sites predominantly fall under Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction, with most locations requiring no fees or reservations. Multiple areas offer road access to lake shores and mountain settings, particularly along Lick Creek Road, Warren Wagon Road, and various forest service routes throughout the region.

Access roads to many sites are unpaved and may present challenges during wet weather or winter months. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching remote locations, particularly at Brundage Reservoir and Goose Lake camping areas. Most dispersed sites feature only basic fire rings with no amenities such as potable water, tables, or trash service. A camper noted, "You can't see Rapid Creek from the campground but you can hear it. The white noise from the creek matched with occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet." Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, and camping durations typically follow the standard 14-day limit on public lands.

The camping areas provide varying degrees of seclusion and natural experiences. Lake Louise requires a hike-in approach that rewards visitors with solitude and scenic mountain views. One visitor described it as "a challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning." Sites around Little Payette Lake remain popular due to their proximity to McCall, approximately six minutes away by car, though several reviews mention persistent mosquito issues during summer months. Seasonal water levels affect campsite quality at Lost Valley Reservoir, where the lake shrinks considerably by late summer. Upper Payette Lake dispersed areas include multiple restroom facilities, unusual for primitive camping, and provide excellent paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities on calm waters.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Spink, Idaho (28)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Spink, ID

34 Photos of 28 Spink Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Spink, ID

34 Reviews of 28 Spink Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Christine
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Mann Creek Recreation Area

    Gorgeous, safe and quiet

    Great place to stop on our drive from CA to ID. The other campground is just a few hundred yards up the road and it is a very park like gorgeous setting with restrooms. It was completely full on a weekday so we came to the primitive site. Wonderful. Level. Lots of respectful families Boondocking. We parked with our carryall trailer and our two vehicles and slept in our truck. What a gorgeous view and skies to wake up to. There’s a day use area further south that you can stop at on your way out for the restroom. If we go this way again, we will definitely stop here. Follow the directions, not the GPS coordinates. There is two roads to get in more creek and man creek. More creek will make you wish you had a sports bra on and a new suspension for your car when your finally get to pavement...

  • Shay S.
    May. 1, 2024

    Short's Bar Recreation Area

    Busy

    This camp site was popping with people who are definitely staying a while. 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

  • Will M.
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Great campgrounds tucked away

    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. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area

    Right on the river!

    These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area. The sites only consist of a fire ring a d a small parking area, but they are free.

Guide to Spink

Primitive camping near Spink, Idaho offers multiple options around lakes and reservoirs with varying vehicle access requirements. High elevation camping sites typically range from 5,000-7,000 feet, creating cool nighttime temperatures even during summer months. Most dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.

What to do

Paddle boarding on calm waters: At Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area, the serene water conditions make for excellent paddling experiences. A visitor noted, "Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails."

Fishing for trout: Mountain lakes throughout the region provide good fishing opportunities, particularly at Goose Lake Camping Area. A camper described it as a "great place to camp and enjoy some mountain lake trout over a fire along with the cool crisp air at night."

Exploring off-road trails: Lost Valley Reservoir area connects to numerous off-road paths. "Plenty of off-road trails," reports one visitor, while another mentions the "great fishing, great sights" available to those who venture into this backcountry camping area.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer direct water access. A camper at Upper Payette Lake shared, "Instead of turning right to get into the campground, keep driving straight and you will find the dispersed camping. Perfectly secluded and beautiful views of the water."

Spacious camping areas: Dispersed sites generally provide more room than developed campgrounds. At Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area, "There is a lot of space in each camp. Not much land in between each camp so be courteous."

Reliable connectivity: Some higher elevation sites maintain workable signal strength. One camper noted, "We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection" at Upper Payette Lake, making this area suitable for remote workers needing occasional connectivity.

What you should know

Insect conditions: Mosquitoes present a significant challenge in certain locations. At Little Payette Lake, a camper warned, "Horrible mosquitoes. We may be packing up to leave early." Another visitor noted, "No bugs during the day but Dawn/dusk mosquitoes."

Site accessibility: Many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. At Brundage Reservoir, you'll find "7 site dispersed camping area, each spot in its own area. One big area for group."

Seasonal water levels: Reservoir levels fluctuate significantly throughout summer. A visitor to Lost Valley Reservoir observed this affects beach conditions, noting "The beach is very rocky."

Tips for camping with families

Easy access sites: For families, consider camping areas with shorter walks to water. At Warren Wagon Rd, campers enjoy "quick, short walking access to river and creek."

Group camping options: Some areas accommodate multiple vehicles or tents. A visitor noted, "We ended up taking 3 spot because we had a group with us" at Warren Wagon Road.

Kid-friendly activities: Natural features keep children occupied at primitive sites. Lost Valley offers "cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in."

Tips from RVers

Leveling considerations: Prepare equipment for uneven terrain. At Little Payette Lake, visitors should expect "sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things."

Access road conditions: Vehicle clearance requirements vary by location. At Brundage Resivour Dispersed Camping, campers must "haul ALL your own stuff in & OUT," suggesting challenging access conditions.

Site selection for larger rigs: Some primitive camping areas accommodate larger vehicles with advance planning. At Lost Valley Reservoir, "Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Spink, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Spink, ID is Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) with a 3.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Spink, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Spink, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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