Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sun Valley, ID

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Sun Valley, look no further. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sun Valley, ID (37)

Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Sun Valley

57 Reviews of 37 Sun Valley Campgrounds


  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Corral Creek Designated Dispersed
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Corral Creek Designated Dispersed

    Large dispersed site near creek

    Free 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.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Nice place close to great trailheads

    I enjoyed my 2 night stay here. I pitched a tent however it was quite windy due to it being an open area so just stake your tent down well. I had a spot right beside the salmon river and was able to access this campsite via my Honda Accord vehicle.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decker Flats Dispersed
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Decker Flats Dispersed

    Very nice stay close to the Sawtooth mountains

    This was a great stay. I found a place to pitch a tent right beside the river. There seemed to be plenty of spots some vacant at times. It was close to Highway 75 but did get some traffic noise but the river drowned most of it out. Would stay here again!

  • Ben H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Deadman Hole Dispersed
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Deadman Hole Dispersed

    Simple

    Stayed here for two nights. The first night I have the whole area to myself. The second night there was two other campers. Doesn't seem to be super popular or high in demand. So finding a spot shouldn't be a problem. There was about six or more parking/camping areas. No Wi-Fi or Verizon signal. There is a toilet available. Access to the river as well.

  • Kathryn D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Creekside!

    Delightful creekside free campsites! Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots! There are at least two pit toilets, one at a spot with two picnic tables, each has a great shade, fire pit, and a place for a camp stove! One has a flat raised gravel spot for a tent, which was good because we actually saw a couple mice. The second pit toilet was further down the road at a more separated spot, it looked like it was ADA accessible and also had a picnic table, etc. Close enough to Carey to get gas/ice. Only giving it 4 stars because of the mice (pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!) and the complete lack of trees, the covers over the picnic tables did proved shade, but it still got crazy hot.

  • Pearce F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Great night on Silver Creek

    Arrived later than I wanted and was thrilled to find site 1, I believe this was the North entrance, was available. Great spot with a pit toilet and table. Plenty of room to park and level. Loved listening to the creek all night. Wet a fly the next morning and caught a great brown trout. Lots of little dinkers, too.

  • Maddie P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

    Less busy than other camping areas

    Got to Stanley area around 6pm on a Friday. Drove to Stanley Lake and Iron Creek but everything was full. Decided to drive down Rd 653 then to Rd 633 to see if there was anything open and found a good spot about 2 miles in from hwy 21. I passed quite a few people but spots are pretty far apart and the only people I could see from my campsite were all the way across the valley. Only animals I saw were some antelope, ground squirrels, and cows. Pretty wildflowers all around too. It was a good place to stop for the night!

  • Nicki S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Creek
    Feb. 22, 2024

    Antelope Creek

    Great

    This site was pretty easy to find. 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. Tons of space, especially since we were by ourselves. Had a real fire pit! This was a cold stay and our tent was covered in frost in the morning, but a good spot to be. Close enough to town, close enough to hiking.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed
    Oct. 2, 2023

    Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed

    Nice location, campsites spreadout

    Quiet, private campsites. Close to Sun Valley. Place to turn around if unable to fine a campsite. No cell coverage. Only 3 day limit.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Creek
    Oct. 2, 2023

    Antelope Creek

    Close in to Sun Valley

    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. 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.

  • Nikki R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
    Sep. 11, 2023

    Lava Creek

    Rough field with fire pits with view of water

    Accesible by any car. Giant desert field with fire pits. No shade . No one there when I was there. Sunday evening Some broken glass around fire pit

  • Hawkin S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping
    Aug. 23, 2023

    Ice Cave Boondock - Dispersed BLM Camping

    Decent spot to crash

    There is not much exciting about this area if I am being honest. It's a good spot to set up and sleep for the night. There are not really any good views, and there aren't a ton of dedicated sites/fire rings. You just kind of have to pick a spot and setup. It worked fine to sleep at for one night, but I probably wouldn't spend an extended stay here.

    There was a river at the end of the road with one part that could potentially be used for cliff jumping. I didn't know if you could swim in this water though or how deep it really was so I didn't test it.

  • Courtney G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 12, 2023

    Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

    Love this spot!

    Took advice from the other review and entered through the east from hwy21. Found my spot about 2.5- 3 miles in. This was the only one I saw at about 7pm on a Wednesday. Had entertainment from cows in the distance!

  • Philip D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Modern Primitive Glory (N. Site)

    Paved parking spot, with access for a smaller camper; a few tent sites. Drop toilet, fire pit, picnic bench, Disabled parking spot. True tranquility and bliss, and skies for days.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lost River Dispersed
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Big Lost River Dispersed

    Surprisingly easy access. Clean and ADA accessible

    I selected this campground after missing out on a nearby first come first serve that was fully booked. I am just thrilled with the campsites and cleanliness of the pit toilets and nearby stream and fishing.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Creek
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Lava Creek

    Peaceful gem

    After a lil ways down from the road. We found this gem Beautiful scenery and no one else around

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Creek Rd Dispersed
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    Wow! Gorgeous

    The first part of the road allows for 3-day max camping, but a little further in, you’ll hit 16-day max stay! The sites further up are away from the others and run along a stream. Still further in, you’ll hit a Y in the road. The right side leads you to a small parking lot with bathrooms and access to a small pond, the left leads you up to more sites. Not too far past the pond, the dirt road is less smooth and has tall grass growing in the middle of the road. I scored a gorgeous site, with a campfire pit already established. The site overlooks the pond, with the Sun Valley Ski Resort seen in the distance and has a gorgeous Mountain View on the opposite side. Absolutely stunning! Plenty of ground squirrels and butterflies and have only seen 2 cars all day.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Iron Creek Camp on Forest Road 619

    Designated Dispersed 2023

    This area along lower Iron Creek Road had some rough free dispersed spots that had cell signal from Stanley. As of June 2023 there are info boards and signage that notes dispersed camping only in designated spots marked on the ground with new signs. I saw an A group and a B group and may be more farther up but the road was so rough washboard potholed I did not check. These sites are small and not suitable for RVs and large TTs in my opinion. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. However, this is very close to Stanley town.

  • Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed
    May. 2, 2023

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Pleasant surprise

    Use satellite view to see the sites. One site had a picnic table, tent pad and pit toilet, but was already occupied. The second location had two picnic tables with awnings, two tent pads and one pit toilet, complete with a mouse. We took the further site and a couple arrived at the other site around 7pm. It was very pleasant and quiet, but might not be if there were several campers in the large parking lot. Great, clean spot by the creek.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from County Road 210 Dispersed
    Oct. 3, 2022

    County Road 210 Dispersed

    October 1, 2022 Update (May Be Closed to Camping)

    I drove up to check out this area since we were staying in Salmon River Designated Spot 2 and there are now no camping signs all over in this area. It is very hard to tell if the signs are meant just for the specific area where they are posted as it is clear those are in previous camping spots, but there are other spots that do not have signs right next to those. You may want to check with the ranger station before heading up to see if camping is still allowed in this area. On a side note, as others have mentioned the road up is pretty steep and rutted so enter with caution. I would not have pulled my 30ft travel trailer up there for sure.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed

    Video Review Now Available

    In 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

  • Mondo Moto Media
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lost River Dispersed
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Big Lost River Dispersed

    Amazing views even worth the bit of washboard road you must go over

    Incredible views after driving through most of Idaho this spot is a relief! Water /fishing access ,private spots , even one really nice paved spot close to entrance , don’t miss the turn it’s near a cattle gate on the gravel road



Guide to Sun Valley

Camping near Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: The area is filled with trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the Harriman Trail, which provides access to beautiful scenery. One visitor noted, "It's literally integrated with the 'Harriman trail' which provides access up and down the valley for runners, bikers, and hikers" at North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest.

  • Fishing: If you love fishing, the nearby rivers and lakes are perfect spots. A camper at Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed shared, "Wet a fly the next morning and caught a great brown trout."

  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. One happy camper at Murdock Creek Dispersed mentioned, "There is a good chance at wildlife sightings."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A visitor at Pettit Lake Campground said, "Clean vault toilets and clean sites. Camp host was really helpful and sweet."
  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Alturas Inlet Campground described it as "one of the most gorgeous locations for camping."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer a peaceful experience away from the hustle and bustle. A camper at North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest appreciated the "quiet place" despite some highway noise.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed, do not have drinking water or trash services. One camper noted, "Pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!"
  • Bear Country: Be bear aware and store food properly. A visitor at Smokey Bear mentioned, "There were plenty of signs reminding campers to be bear aware."
  • Cell Service: Expect limited or no cell service in many areas. A camper at Wood River Campground said, "Zero cell reception."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A family at Murdock Creek Dispersed enjoyed the "picnic table, partial shade, and fire ring."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Pettit Lake Campground mentioned, "We used it as a base camp to mountain bike, play in the river."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at North Fork Campground - Sawtooth National Forest warned about a bear sighting nearby.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Stanton Crossing noted, "We have a 36ft travel trailer and were able to maneuver it very well."
  • Look for Paved Roads: Paved roads can make access easier. A visitor at Wood River Campground appreciated that "paved road throughout the campground helps to cut down on the dust."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds don’t have hookups. A camper at Pettit Lake Campground mentioned, "No cell coverage."

Camping around Sun Valley, Idaho, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sun Valley, ID?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sun Valley, ID is Lake Creek Rd Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sun Valley, ID?

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Sun Valley, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.