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Best Dispersed Camping near Sun Valley, ID

86 Reviews

The Sawtooth National Forest surrounding Sun Valley, Idaho features predominantly dispersed camping options along forest roads and creek drainages. Popular areas include Lake Creek Road Dispersed, just past Ketchum, and Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed, both offering free primitive camping with mountain views. These sites typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities are minimal to nonexistent. The North Fork Big Wood River area provides wooded sites with water access, while areas like Silver Creek West Access Area offer fishing opportunities with basic facilities including vault toilets.

Stay limits vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites near Sun Valley enforcing a 3-day maximum. As one camper noted, "The first part of Lake Creek Road allows for 3-day max camping, but a little further in, you'll hit 16-day max stay." Road conditions transition from paved to dirt or gravel, often with washboard sections requiring slower travel. Cell service is generally available closer to town but diminishes in more remote locations. Most dispersed sites lack water, trash service, and toilets, requiring self-sufficiency. Summer temperatures can be hot with limited shade in many locations, while spring brings variable conditions and potential road access issues.

Mountain views and water features rank as primary attractions according to visitor reviews. Campers frequently mention the solitude and scenic beauty, particularly at sites along creeks. One visitor described their Lake Creek experience: "Woke up to the most wonderful views! Mountains, meadows, flowers, and a creek bed." Wildlife sightings commonly include ground squirrels and occasional larger mammals. Sites closer to town fill quickly, especially on summer weekends, while those requiring longer drives on forest roads offer more privacy and availability. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, and established fire rings are present at many sites. The proximity to hiking trails and fishing opportunities enhances the camping experience throughout the region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sun Valley, Idaho (41)

    1. Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Ketchum, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 622-0090

    "This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest."

    "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."

    2. Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Sun Valley, ID
    4 miles

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

    "No facilities. Close to town, a few pretty sites with some shade."

    3. Antelope Creek

    3 Reviews
    Sun Valley, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 735-2060

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Uncle Johns Gulch on Corral Creek Road

    2 Reviews
    Sun Valley, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "Large campsites next to stream nestled in a beautiful valley. Hiking/mtb trail next to campsites."

    5. North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5

    3 Reviews
    Ketchum, ID
    11 miles

    "Dispersed camping just north of Sun Valley. This Forest Road is popular being so close to town, but if you venture 3 to 4 miles in it's very quiet and peaceful."

    "Best location I have been to yet. A lot of places are very small not big enough for larger vehicles and this spot is big enough for 30 foot trailer."

    6. Corral Creek Designated Dispersed

    1 Review
    Sun Valley, ID
    6 miles

    7. Cougar Dispersed Camping Area

    1 Review
    Ketchum, ID
    11 miles
    Website

    "We came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around."

    8. Lane Creek Road

    Be the first to review!
    Sun Valley, ID
    5 miles

    9. Murdock Creek

    Be the first to review!
    Ketchum, ID
    10 miles

    10. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Picabo, ID
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 886-2206

    "Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots!"

    "Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sun Valley, ID

74 Photos of 41 Sun Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sun Valley, ID

86 Reviews of 41 Sun Valley Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    Open Spaces and Free

    This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road. 

    The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point. 

    There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time.  There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.

    There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade. 

    The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you. 

    Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.

  • The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed

    Dispersed with vault toilet

    If you show up to Redfish Lake on a busy weekend and all of the campgrounds are reserved/full, no worries. There is a bunch of free dispersed camping all along highway 75. A quick stop at the Forest Service Office down the road and I had a pretty good map of the forest roads in the area, but more importantly, a tip about free camping a stone’s throw away from Redfish Lake and Sunny Gulch campground. The road in is a bit rough with ruts and rocks, but there are several established sites with fire rings. There was a loop to the right with about 8 such sites and a loop to the right with about 5 sites as well as one that was hidden behind the site I chose that you had to walk in to(it was actually a nicer site than the one I chose, but I was tired and set up before I saw it on my explorations. There was one vault toilet that was not especially clean, but free is free, and if you really wanted to, you could walk less than a quarter mile across to the developed Sunny Gulch campground. There are no picnic tables or grills or tent pads, but definitely stone fire rings at each site so no worries as long as you brought your own camp chair. If you need a shower, head into Redfish Lake to use the public pay showers there.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Cia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Winged Fork Pl Dispersed

    Gorgeous site

    On left, out East Fork Rd from Challis. Long ways. Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river. Small metal fire ring Great views and quiet!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Cougar Dispersed Camping Area

    Peaceful Near a Flowing River

    We came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around. All sites looked nice and we counted 12 designated dispersed sites, #1 was the furthest in. We ended up in 2C(the furthest in of three sites of area #2. The site was next to the river. It was 4.5 miles in on the dirt road and our closest neighbor was back up the road 3.5 miles in camp Murdock, roughly a twenty minute drive. The only animals we saw were ground squirrels. It was so peaceful and a wonderful experience.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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.

  • Kathryn D.
    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.

Guide to Sun Valley

Dispersed camping sites around Sun Valley, Idaho range between 5,800-7,000 feet in elevation, leading to significant temperature swings even in summer months. Most sites close to town enforce shorter 3-5 day maximum stays, while sites farther into the forest often permit longer 14-16 day visits. Fire restrictions frequently begin in early July and extend through September depending on conditions.

What to do

Fishing access points: Silver Creek West Access Area offers excellent trout fishing opportunities just south of Sun Valley. The creek is known for clear waters where "trout [are] visible" according to one visitor at Silver Creek West Access Area.

Mountain biking trails: Camp near Uncle Johns Gulch for immediate trail access. A camper noted the area has a "Hiking/mtb trail next to campsites" making it convenient for morning rides at Uncle Johns Gulch on Corral Creek Road.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at North Fork Big Wood River dispersed camping provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Expect to see "ground squirrels" regularly, with occasional moose sightings in wetter areas, especially during spring and fall.

What campers like

Creek access for cooling off: Multiple sites along Corral Creek offer water access for hot summer days. One visitor appreciated that "The creek is perfect for dogs and kids to wade in" at Lake Creek Rd Dispersed.

Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing, particularly at higher elevation sites. A camper at Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed mentioned the "Starry skies" as a highlight of their stay.

Cell service availability: Sites closer to Sun Valley typically offer workable connectivity. A camper at Lake Creek Road noted, "Cell reception works... even if at only one bar!" which is valuable for those needing to stay connected.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Some forest roads deteriorate several miles in. At Antelope Creek, one camper warned "Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road" and recommended "walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle" before attempting certain sections.

Temperature fluctuations: Despite warm days, nights can be surprisingly cold even in summer. A camper at Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed reported it "Got very cold at night" during summer camping.

Variable site sizes: Some dispersed areas can accommodate large setups while others are limited. At North Fork Big Wood River, a camper found the "spot is big enough for 30 foot trailer" while noting many dispersed sites in the area aren't suitable for larger vehicles.

Tips for camping with families

Look for sites with shade: During hot summer months, shaded sites provide relief, especially with children. At Antelope Creek, campers found "a spot that was secluded and perfect for us right next to the creek" with good tree coverage.

Proximity to town conveniences: For family camping, staying within 15-20 minutes of Sun Valley provides quick access to supplies and activities. A visitor at Antelope Creek appreciated the "Nice location, close to town" which made their family stay more convenient.

Best times to arrive: Sites fill quickly during peak season. A Lake Creek Road camper observed campsites "were all full by the evening so come earlier!" with most prime spots taken by early afternoon on summer weekends.

Tips from RVers

Level parking areas: Look for sites with naturally level parking to avoid extensive setup time. Corral Creek Designated Dispersed sites have "dirt and gravel" parking areas that are "mostly level" according to a recent visitor.

Designated turnaround points: Some forest roads have limited turnaround options for larger rigs. One camper at North Fork Big Wood River dispersed #5 noted they "travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around" which helped with positioning their vehicle.

Solar capabilities: Many sites offer open exposure for solar setups. A Corral Creek camper mentioned "No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible" which benefits RVers relying on solar power for extended stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for dispersed camping in Sun Valley?

The prime dispersed camping season near Sun Valley runs from late spring through early fall (May through September). Many forest roads, including access to Cougar Dispersed Camping Area, typically open in May when rangers clear the roads after winter. By late September, as experienced at Corral Creek Designated Dispersed, the weather remains pleasant but with fewer crowds. Summer offers ideal conditions but expect more competition for prime spots. Winter camping is possible in lower elevation areas, but many forest roads become inaccessible due to snow.

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Sun Valley, Idaho?

The Sun Valley area offers excellent dispersed camping options in the Sawtooth National Forest. Lake Creek Rd Dispersed is highly recommended, located just a quick drive down Lake Creek Road from Highway 75 past Ketchum. For those willing to venture a bit further, Antelope Creek provides a nice location close to town with multiple access points, though the steep entry from the main road requires careful navigation. Other notable options include Corral Creek areas, Silver Creek Public Access sites, and various spots along forest roads throughout the Sawtooth National Forest.

Do I need permits for dispersed camping in Sun Valley?

Dispersed camping in the Sun Valley area generally doesn't require permits, but does have stay limits. At Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed and other Sawtooth National Forest sites, a 10-day stay limit applies between May 1 and September 15. Some areas like Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed are on BLM land with similar regulations. Specific locations may have shorter limits—some sites along Corral Creek Canyon have only a 3-day maximum stay. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current regulations at the Forest Service Office in the area before setting up camp.

Are there any amenities available for dry camping in Sun Valley?

While dispersed camping means limited amenities, some areas offer basic facilities. Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed provides pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and shaded areas along a slow-moving river. At Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed, you'll find quiet, private sites but no cell coverage. Further up Lake Creek Road, there's a small parking lot with bathrooms and access to hiking trails. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings, but you'll need to bring your own water, pack out all trash, and be prepared for truly dry camping with no hookups, water sources, or dump stations.

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