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janelle H.
Scout
ScoutRose Lake
Rose Lake Boat Launch
Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices.
Dispersed Camping near Spirit Lake, ID
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Spirit Lake (21)
1. Rose Lake
"Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices."
"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."
2. copper mountain rd dispersed
"Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."
"Very uneven but I found a spot close to even"
3. Bull Run Access Dispersed
"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. Cooks Lake
"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."
5. Lakes Divide Road
6. Clark Fork Drift Yard
"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."
"There is a train near by, but we really didn’t notice the noise."
7. Clark Fork River Driftyard
"There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available!"
"After checking all the campsites in the area and finding them full, we had no choice but to check out the one dispersed campground in the area, which was Clark Fork River Driftyard."
8. priest lake dispersed camping
"Was a bit challenging to find at first but once we found the right turn off it was simple."
"Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area."
9. North Fork Chewelah Creek
"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. "
"I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek."
10. Bead Lake
Drive Time
- 28 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 46 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 23 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 20 min from Walla Walla, WA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Spirit Lake, ID
39 Photos of 21 Spirit Lake Campgrounds
Andrea R.
Marshall Lake - CLOSED
Jennifer R.
Cooks Lake
Connie H.
Clark Fork River Driftyard
Emilee B.
Clark Fork Drift Yard
Jess G.
Rose Lake
Dee 🥰.
priest lake dispersed camping
Snake P.
Bull Run Access Dispersed
Joe B.
Cee Cee Ah Creek
Kevin K.
North Fork Coeur D'Alene River
King K.
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Jason S.
Beehive Lake Dispersed
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Spirit Lake, ID
55 Reviews of 21 Spirit Lake Campgrounds
Jennifer R.
GuideCooks 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
Connie H.
RangerClark Fork River Driftyard
Great place for an overnight or a couple days!
We found this spot to be great for an overnight stop. It was a little out of our way… but you can’t beat a free spot with a great view! Camping limit is 3 days. There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available! There are small fire rings scattered throughout the area. It was a pretty quiet spot, other than the trains going by, but that didn’t bother us at all. There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us. The boat ramp had a lot of visitors in the early morning and you could hear gunshots in the distance from others hunting, which also didn’t bother us at all. Overall, we thought this was a pretty great find!
- NNaomi C.
TravelerNorth 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.GuideBull 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.
- RRae F.Guide
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Large rig approved - Private creek access
I had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
- KKim A.Guide
Bull Run Dispersed Camping
Bull Run
Lovely spot. The sound of waterfowl are so peaceful. Excellant fishing spot if you have the appropriate license. Easy access to most of it in a car/van. Crushed gravel road with a few watery potholes. Right off the Cour de lain trail which is asphat paved so great spot for bike rides, walks, skateboard is your pebble aware 😂🛹. 3 days camping only allowed. Within site of some homes so wear clothes 😂 From the trail head take the little road with a sign that says "sportsmans access". i did not drive over to the wooded side as theres one spot thats a little iffy for my low vlearance van. More shade and privacy over there. This is a great spot for solar panels.
Nancy R.GuideMarshall 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.
- SSnake P.Traveler
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.
Guide to Spirit Lake
Dispersed camping areas near Spirit Lake, Idaho sit at elevations between 2,000-2,500 feet with pine forests creating natural privacy between sites. The region experiences typical North Idaho conditions with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season, cooling to 45-60°F at night. Free camping options typically allow 3-14 day stays depending on the specific land management rules.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes around Spirit Lake offer good fishing conditions. Rose Lake provides boat access with "a dock to go out to fish on as well" according to Jess G., who also noted the "nice big parking lot for boats and trailers." Bull Run Access Dispersed is located "very close to highway 3" but campers report the more common noise is actually "the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer."
Wildlife watching: The wetland areas support diverse bird populations. At North Fork Chewelah Creek, campers enjoy "hearing the birds" which one reviewer called "really cool." The area also supports various mammals - one camper reported: "The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are known to frequent the area."
Scenic drives: Copper Mountain Road offers access to higher elevation views. Kara S. mentions it's "up the road about 10 minutes" with "great views" though she notes there's "a little bit of noise from the interstate." Many of the forest roads provide scenic routes through dense pine forests with pullouts for photography.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed areas offer good separation between campers. At Cooks Lake, one camper described "4-5 camp sites at the main campground, well-separated and each with a fire pit." They added there are "a couple of other little pods of sites, most had fire pits, and they were fairly level and well-separated as well."
Natural water features: Several free camping sites near Spirit Lake offer water access. One camper at Cee Cee Ah Creek appreciated that "there is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days." Another camper at North Fork Chewelah Creek mentioned "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."
Established fire rings: Most sites come with pre-existing fire pits. At Bull Run Access, a camper noted finding "a large loop with fire pits already setup." Another camper at Chewelah Creek explained "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."
What you should know
Insect activity: Beyond mosquitoes, campers report various bug issues at different sites. At Bull Run Access, one camper warned of "lots of bees and mosquitoes" while another mentioned being in a "beautiful area with mosquitoes" that are "abundant" - adding "I had my door opened for just a few minutes and had to kill like 20 before I could sleep."
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require travel on unpaved roads. At Clark Fork Drift Yard, which offers free camping for up to 3 days, the site is described as "a parking lot on a gravel road very close to the highway." One camper advised: "This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available!"
Variable site quality: The appeal of sites can vary greatly. A camper at Lakes Divide Road described it as "a steep but well maintained forest road" but noted limitations: "Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog." Another camper at Clark Fork described it as "not much to look at, but free. No amenities."
Tips for camping with families
Look for shaded sites: During summer heat, tree cover makes a significant difference. Snake P. found at Bull Run Access that 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."
Consider toilets: Only some dispersed sites have bathroom facilities. At Rose Lake, campers noted there is "a vault toilet with its own parking space." However, quality varies - at Cooks Lake, a camper warned the "vault toilet was disgusting, beware."
Bring entertainment: While natural features provide primary recreation, consider additional activities. One parent camping at Cee Cee Ah Creek appreciated having "plenty of room for a few tents to go up and parking off the road." Another mentioned that North Fork Chewelah Creek was ideal for a first-time camping experience: "First time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot... The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Check reviews for specific RV size accommodation before arrival. At Clark Fork Drift Yard, one camper described it as "a great find" for an overnight stop but emphasized it's "a pack it in, pack it out area." Another camper at Bull Run Access provided detailed access directions: "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."
Levelness challenges: Many free sites near Spirit Lake have uneven terrain. At Rose Lake, April C. noted "it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere." Similarly, at Cooks Lake, a camper mentioned that while sites were "fairly level," finding a completely flat area required searching: "there was one spot that was level enough for a tent."
Overnight options: Several sites work well for quick stays while traveling through. One RVer at Rose Lake called it a "convenient stop" explaining they "pulled in after sundown — so grateful to find a safe spot close to the Hwy (en route to our next national park)." Another camper at Clark Fork Drift Yard called it "a pretty great find" that was "great for an overnight stop."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Spirit Lake, ID?
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 3.2-star rating from 14 reviews.
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dispersed camping near
Spirit Lake, ID?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Spirit Lake, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Spirit Lake, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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