Dispersed camping near Wallace, Idaho offers opportunities in the St. Joe National Forest and surrounding public lands where elevations range from 2,200 to 6,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with mid-summer temperatures reaching 75-85°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Forest roads become impassable during winter months and spring thaw periods.
What to do
Fly fishing access points: The North Fork Coeur D'Alene River provides multiple fishing spots. "Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas," notes Kevin K., who mentions finding a vault toilet about 1/8 mile away from the pull-off area.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Stevens Lakes Backcountry requires a challenging hike but rewards with excellent camping options. "By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs," says Joshua.
Mountain biking: Cliff Creek Campground Primitive Dispersed provides access to the Hiawatha trail. "Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer," explains Jason S.
What campers like
Secluded riverside spots: Dispersed Site on St. Joe River Rd offers free camping with river access. "Found this great little riverside spot while checking out the paid campgrounds along St Joe River. This one has a small boat launch and several fire pits," according to Frederick R., who notes that camping is prohibited from spring to mid-July.
Proximity to water: Many free camping areas include creekside or riverside options. "We went to a spot off of the river, but next to a creek. The river spots fill up pretty fast, and the creek spots have more privacy. Our spot had a ton of room for our big group," says Joe B. about North Fork Coeur D'Alene River.
Shaded camping areas: Bull Run Access Dispersed has several site options with varying shade coverage. "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 trees," notes Snake P., who calls it "the best site there" for its privacy and shade.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Camping availability varies by time of year. Frederick R. mentions that at Dispersed Site on St. Joe River Rd, "Camping is prohibited from spring to mid July."
Noise considerations: Some areas experience unexpected noise disruptions. Jessica S. reports about Bull Run Access: "We listened to gun shots most of the day... not exactly the peaceful nature vibe we were hoping for. Would likely come back, but pray it's a day of no hunters."
Limited amenities: Rose Lake offers basic facilities. "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," according to William P.
Mosquito preparation: Several locations report significant mosquito activity during summer months. "Pretty spot close to the lake, but the mosquitoes are abundant! I had my door opened for just a few minutes and had to kill like 20 before I could sleep," warns Kelly P. about Bull Run Access.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Look for spots away from main areas. "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," suggests Kaitlin K. about Bull Run Access.
Water safety: River currents can be strong in some areas. Frederick R. notes that at Dispersed Site on St. Joe River Rd, it's "not the best spot for swimming due to the current in this section of the river but good enough to wade in and cool off anyway."
Weather preparation: Hanks Meadow offers beautiful but potentially remote camping. "Beautiful! Quiet River sign meadow. Approximately room for four camper setups. Couple of fire rings. Beautiful mountain side. Have to ford Creek to access," reports David M., who found it less crowded than other areas during holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access limitations: Most free camping sites have limited access for larger vehicles. "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," says Kaitlin K. about Bull Run Access, making it one of the few areas that can accommodate larger RVs.
Uneven parking surfaces: Leveling can be challenging at some locations. April C. notes about Rose Lake: "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere."
Site approach directions: For off-grid primitive camping near Wallace, access routes are critical. "Cross the one-lane bridge > make a right till you hit the parking lot > make another right towards the sign that says 'sportsman access' > stay straight until you are prompted to make a left. Instead of making that left, stay right there," provides Sabriya with detailed directions to the best spot at Bull Run Access.
