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Best Dispersed Camping near Spirit Lake, ID

40 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Spirit Lake, Idaho include several free primitive sites within a short drive. Rose Lake offers lakeside camping with a vault toilet and boat access, making it convenient for overnight stays. Bull Run Access provides secluded sites with established fire rings and accommodates larger RVs. According to reviews, Bull Run Access can handle fifth wheels up to 40 feet long with "lots of spaces and places to turn around." Pack River Dispersed Site features riverside camping with good privacy but requires navigating washboard roads with some steep sections.

Most dispersed sites in the area permit fires in established rings when no fire restrictions are in place. Campers should bring all necessary water as drinking water is not available at these locations. Several campers noted significant mosquito activity, particularly at lakeside sites like Bull Run Access where visitors reported "lots of bees and mosquitoes" due to proximity to water. Bear activity is present in the region; proper food storage in bear-proof containers is essential, especially at sites like Cooks Lake which is located in bear country.

The majority of these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical stay limits of 3-14 days depending on land management regulations. Bull Run Access is managed by Idaho Fish and Wildlife with a strict 3-day maximum stay. Vault toilets are available at Rose Lake and some other locations, but facilities are minimal. Cell service is unreliable throughout the area. Summer weekends see increased visitation, particularly at water-adjacent sites. For optimal solitude, midweek visits during spring and fall are recommended. Winter access may be limited by snow conditions on forest roads.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Spirit Lake, Idaho (17)

    1. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    34 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."

    2. Cooks Lake

    3 Reviews
    Usk, WA
    30 miles

    "Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."

    "Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."

    3. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "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."

    4. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    33 miles

    ". It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    5. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    29 miles

    6. Bead Lake

    1 Review
    Newport, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    7. Cee Cee Ah Creek

    2 Reviews
    Cusick, WA
    35 miles
    Website

    "Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."

    8. North Fork Chewelah Creek

    5 Reviews
    Chewelah, WA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 684-7000

    "At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  "

    "Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."

    9. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River

    4 Reviews
    Kellogg, ID
    42 miles

    "Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."

    "I met some cool Idaho locals that said they’ve been coming here since they were kids!"

    10. Hanks Meadow

    1 Review
    Murray, ID
    37 miles

    "Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Spirit Lake, ID

33 Photos of 17 Spirit Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Spirit Lake, ID

40 Reviews of 17 Spirit Lake Campgrounds

  • Jennifer R.
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Cooks Lake

    Great quiet place

    Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Very refreshing and beautiful!

    First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot.  The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt.  At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop.  Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest.  There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites.  The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road.  It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek.  There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area.  The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water.  I enjoyed the peace and quiet!

  • Kaitlin K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Bull 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.

  • N
    Sep. 30, 2020

    Marshall Lake - CLOSED

    Older and Run Down

    Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2024

    Bull 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    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.

  • King K.
    Jul. 20, 2022

    North Fork Chewelah Creek

    Comfortable

    The good -A beautiful camp ground. Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.  

    The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2019

    Rose 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.

  • PJ M.
    Jul. 8, 2023

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Nice 3 Day Option

    Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run rd

    4 spots that I found.  One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed).  There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.

    You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that.  More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer.  There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol).  I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.

    Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.

    Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape.  Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.

    This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.

Guide to Spirit Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Spirit Lake, Idaho, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of sites offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Spirit Lake, Idaho

  • Always bring your own supplies, as many sites like Cooks Lake do not provide drinking water or firewood.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions; for instance, Rose Lake has no electric hookups or trash services, so pack out what you bring in.
  • Familiarize yourself with local wildlife regulations, especially in areas like North Fork Chewelah Creek, where bear-proof containers are recommended.

Scenic views and activities for dispersed campers

Best practices for a successful camping experience

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Lakes Divide Road, which can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
  • Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, particularly in sensitive areas like South Hayes Gulch on Bottle Bay Road.
  • Keep your campsite clean and organized to avoid attracting wildlife, as noted by visitors at Bead Lake, where wildlife encounters are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Spirit Lake, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Spirit Lake, ID is Rose Lake with a 3.1-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Spirit Lake, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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