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Best Dispersed Camping near Yellow Pine, ID

23 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Yellow Pine, Idaho, primarily on U.S. Forest Service land in the Payette National Forest. Free primitive sites are concentrated along waterways, including the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River, Upper Payette Lake, Little Payette Lake, and near Loon Lake. These areas typically consist of undesignated sites with fire rings and minimal development. East Fork Cxts offers seven dispersed sites along the old highway to Yellow Pine, while other areas like Upper Payette Lake and Little Payette Lake provide lakeside access with varying degrees of privacy and seclusion.

Access roads to dispersed sites range from maintained dirt and gravel routes to challenging high-clearance paths. Many areas require careful navigation, particularly with larger vehicles. The East Fork Cxts road is described as narrow and unsuitable for large RVs or campers. Most dispersed sites around Yellow Pine feature only basic amenities like fire rings, with some areas having vault toilets. Camping is generally free, though fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months. Visitors should pack out all trash and bring their own water, as drinking water is unavailable at most locations. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout national forest lands.

The dispersed camping experience near Yellow Pine provides excellent opportunities for river and lake access, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Many sites offer privacy and natural settings away from developed areas. Upper Payette Lake dispersed camping provides stunning lake views and access for paddleboards and kayaks. Sites near rivers allow campers to enjoy the peaceful sounds of flowing water. A visitor to East Fork Cxts noted, "Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River." Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly at Little Payette Lake, where a camper reported "LOTS of bugs" during summer months. Higher elevation sites experience cold nighttime temperatures even in summer, with one camper reporting "temps dropped into the upper 30s at night" in early August.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Yellow Pine, Idaho (20)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Yellow Pine, ID

24 Photos of 20 Yellow Pine Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Yellow Pine, ID

23 Reviews of 20 Yellow Pine Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Herrick Reservoir Access

    Just ok

    Camping is free, limit of 10 days. Not really any designated sites and surrounded by private land with aggressive signage. Not all roads around the reservoir are public, so be prepared to turn around and back up at dead ends. We came to an orange gate that said "private property", and stopped. While trying to turn around, we noticed a white truck sitting behind us. When we turned around and passed him, he motioned to roll down the window, and then berated us and called us idiots, even though we had not even entered the private land, nor did we want to. We felt threatened. In the end we chose a site on the upper road of the reservoir. The view was nice but not close to the pit toilet. No fire ring. No table. A no frills place. Like many lakes in Idaho, the reservoir is mostly dry. Not a huge deal but not the prettiest to look at. There is only one single pit toilet for the whole reservoir and someone was set up right next to it like it was their own. People ride off-road vehicles here. In an area with slim pickings for free camping, I guess you have to take what you can get.

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area

    Right on the river!

    These sites are on the old highway to Yellow Pine. There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area. The sites only consist of a fire ring a d a small parking area, but they are free.

  • Mackenzie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Indian Springs

    Great campsite, hard access

    The campsite is great but getting to it is a challenge, my F-150 was able to do it but anything longer or with less clearance would struggle. There is a ton of deadfall in the area, you need to come with a chainsaw to clear the access road.

  • Austin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Little Payette Lake (Dispersed)

    Dispersed Near McCall at Little Payette Lake

    Dirt road turn-off from Lick Creek Road.  4-5 pullouts for cars/RVs.  A few hundred years from the lake, but there is not really lake access.  Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august.  No fires were allowed due to wildfire restrictions.

    All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID.  Good alternative to when the state park fills up

  • Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Loon Lake

    Amazing views and history!

    This campground is a hike-in area unless you visit via dirt bikes, mountain bikes or horses. It is 4.4 miles to Loon Lake from the Chinook Campground.Chinook is the last place you can get water and use a pit toilet before going on the hike. Follow the Loon Lake Loop trail to get to the lake. It is likely you may be the only person camping there, but you will see people hiking in to visit the plane wreckage of a B-23 Dragon Bomber which crashed on the other side of the lake in 1943. The plane can be difficult to find as you have to bushwack to get to it. I did find a little trail that brought me out, but it is often hard to find. We hiked along the right side of the lake, then bushwacked to the left, forded a creek, and was able to find the plane. I have heard and red that you can find the plane by going around an unmaintained forest service trail on the left side of the lake as well. If you make it this far I encourage you to find the plane and read the informational signs no matter what. The story is incredible! While it is longer to hike back out on the rest of the loop, the trail is completely different than coming in and provides amazing views of the Secesh river. Don't expect any amenities when camping at Loon Lake. This spot is truly for those interested in packing in and packing out what they want to use in a remote setting.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Sunsets on a mountain lake.

    Once you turn off Hywy 95 on to Lost Valley Reservoir Road (about 16 miles North of Council), you will reach a Y in the well kept gravel road. If you turn left, you will come to Cold Spring Campground. There are RV/trailer and tent sites available for a small daily fee. There are campfire sites, hiking trails, toilets and water from a hand pump. You will need to pack out your own garbage as there are no dumpsters. Not a bad place but you are still about 1/2 mile away from the Lost Valley Reservoir.

    If you return to the Lost Valley Reservoir road, you can continue on to the Reservoir. After about 1/2 mile, you will see the lake off to your right. There are camp sites all along this stretch of the lake with direct access to the lake. A few sites have a common outhouse with no running water. Along this side of the lake there is also a boat launch area, but I believe this is a 'No Wake Lake'. Check local burn bans, and pack your garbage out.

    The road continues along the lake edge and over a small dam. There are several small, dirt access roads that lead to the lakes edge with camping sites at the end of each. Several roads are VERY rough and have deep ruts in them, and I personally wouldn't risk driving them without a vehicle that has plenty of clearance.

    The lake is small and as the summer progresses and water is drained from the reservoir, it shrinks. I prefer camping here until about the 1st or 2nd week of August. After this, the water levels drop drastically and green algae begins to accumulate around the lakes edge. There are small perch for fishing, but I did not catch any big enough to keep. We camped here in mid-July this year and had a campfire each night.

    Beautiful views, great hiking, refreshing water, and several families had ATV's. Huckleberries are usually ripe 1st/2nd weeks of August. Very relaxing. Enjoy.

  • Will M.
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area

    Great campgrounds tucked away

    Great spot tucked into the trees. Some sites are a bit cramped, but enjoyable. Cool trails and nearby water to keep the kids occupied. The road is tight but you can get a fifth wheeler in. Every spot looks very easy backing in. No sharp corners, no sacrifices were made in order to back in.

  • Spencer L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Lake Louie Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful

    Challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning. We did this hike in July in the evening time. There was plenty of shade and a cool breeze that made it enjoyable. Be aware of the temperature before tackling this hike. There are a number of campable areas surrounding the lake. Hammocking is ideal due to the close clumping of trees all around the lake.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 11, 2025

    Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot off the beaten path

    Nice flat spot with a stone fire ring. Hazard creek nearby isn't too loud and sounds great. Not much firewood is around as its all been picked already.

Guide to Yellow Pine

Dispersed camping opportunities near Yellow Pine, Idaho provide primitive backcountry experiences in the Payette National Forest. Sites range from 3,700 to 7,000 feet elevation, with most areas accessible from mid-June through October, depending on snow conditions. The region features mixed conifer forests dominated by lodgepole pine and Douglas fir, with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping below 40°F even during summer months.

What to do

Backpacking to alpine lakes: The Loon Lake trail offers a challenging 4.4-mile hike from Chinook Campground. "Challenging hike in with packs but very doable. Once you reach the lake it is stunning," notes Spencer L. about Lake Louie Dispersed Camping. Hammock camping is ideal due to the dense tree cover surrounding the lake.

Paddleboarding on secluded waters: Upper Payette Lake provides calm waters perfect for paddleboarding. "Bring your SUP or kayak, you'll want to be on the water! Lots of local fishing, hiking, and MTB trails," recommends Cody H. about Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area.

Historical exploration: The B-23 Dragon Bomber crash site at Loon Lake offers unique historical interest. The plane crashed in 1943, and while challenging to locate, the site includes informational signs about the incredible survival story. Follow unmaintained trails around the lake perimeter to reach the wreckage.

What campers like

Riverside solitude: The sound of flowing water creates natural white noise for peaceful sleep at many sites. "The fir trees stand tall and still... the white noise from the creek matched with the occasional bird or other nature sound is one of the most relaxing things on the planet," shares Kevin C. about Rapid Creek Dispersed Camping Area.

Off-grid tranquility: Brundage Reservoir dispersed camping provides exceptional seclusion. "So quiet, love paddle boarding and being the only one on the lake. Only one other camper on the weekend in a 7 site dispersed camping area. Each spot in its own area," reports Imerie T.

Alternative to crowded campgrounds: When popular areas fill up, dispersed camping offers reliable backup options. "All said, it was a painless & free site only a few minutes from downtown McCall, ID. Good alternative to when the state park fills up," shares Austin C. about Little Payette Lake.

What you should know

Road conditions vary dramatically: Access roads range from well-maintained dirt to technical 4x4 trails. "The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area," warns Hannah C. about East Fork Cxts sites.

Seasonal mosquito problems: Insect activity peaks in July and August, particularly near lakes and standing water. "Mosquitoes were pretty prevalent in early august," reports Austin C., while another camper at Little Payette Lake described "Mosquitoes……. Thousands" and notes they're typically worst at dawn and dusk.

Cold nights year-round: Even during peak summer, temperatures drop significantly after sunset. "I stayed in early August and the temps dropped into the upper 30s at night," reports Kevin C. about Rapid Creek. Pack appropriate sleeping gear even for summer trips.

Tips for camping with families

Consider proximity to amenities: Sites near Yellow Pine village offer convenience. "9 great sites along the river, fire rings, CTX toilets and down the road from Yellowpine where you can get a beer and use WiFi," shares Courtney R. about East Fork Cxts.

Check for level ground: Many dispersed sites feature uneven terrain. "Sloped ground so make sure you can level all your things," advises Imerie T. about camping near Warren Wagon Rd, highlighting the importance of site selection when camping with children.

Plan for weather variability: Temperature swings of 40+ degrees between day and night are common in this mountain region. Bring layers and adequate sleeping gear for children, who lose body heat more quickly than adults.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions limit options: Many roads to rustic camping near Yellow Pine are unsuitable for larger vehicles. "There are 7 of them with two pit toilets. Sites are right on the water overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The road is narrow, so I would not suggest a big camper or rv in this area," notes Hannah C.

Satellite connectivity exists: For those needing to stay connected, some sites can accommodate satellite internet. "We set up Starlink so we could work on Friday and had no issues with the connection," shares Ronda D. about Upper Payette Lake, making it viable for digital nomads.

Scout first with smaller vehicle: Before attempting to reach remote camping areas with an RV, scout the route with a smaller vehicle to identify potential clearance issues, tight turns, and suitable parking areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Yellow Pine dispersed camping located in Idaho?

Yellow Pine dispersed camping is located in central Idaho, nestled in the Payette National Forest region. The main access point is via the East Fork Road, which connects to the South Fork of the Salmon River. East Fork Cxts-Dispersed Site Camping Area provides camping along the old highway to Yellow Pine with sites overlooking the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The Yellow Pine area is also accessible from McCall via Lick Creek Road, where Little Payette Lake (Dispersed) offers additional camping opportunities in the vicinity.

Are campfires allowed at Yellow Pine dispersed camping areas?

Campfires are generally allowed at Yellow Pine dispersed camping areas, but seasonal restrictions apply during dry periods and wildfire season. Lost Valley Reservoir Dispersed Camping Area typically permits campfires, with many sites featuring established fire rings. However, during high fire danger periods, complete bans may be enforced as noted at Goose Lake Camping Area, where campers enjoy trout fishing and campfires when conditions permit. Always check current fire restrictions with the Payette National Forest before your trip, as regulations change based on weather conditions and fire danger levels.

What amenities are available at Yellow Pine dispersed camping?

Yellow Pine dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed sites. At Hazard Creek Dispersed Camping, you'll find flat spots with stone fire rings but limited facilities. Some areas like Upper Payette Lake Dispersed Camping Area provide more secluded spots away from main roads. A few locations, such as East Fork dispersed sites, do offer pit toilets, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. Most dispersed sites are primitive with no potable water, no trash service, and no hookups. Be prepared to pack in everything you need and pack out all waste.

Is 4WD required to access Yellow Pine dispersed camping?

4WD requirements vary depending on the specific dispersed camping location around Yellow Pine. Indian Springs is challenging to access and requires high clearance vehicles—even an F-150 struggled on this route. For more remote sites like Loon Lake, vehicle access isn't possible at all as it's a hike-in area accessed via a 4.4-mile trail from Chinook Campground. Some areas have well-maintained gravel roads, while others feature tight, narrow forest roads that may become difficult after rain or snow. It's generally recommended to use a vehicle with higher clearance and 4WD capability, especially for accessing the more remote dispersed sites.

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