The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Stanley, Idaho
Camper submitted image from Petit Lake Dispersed CampingView 2 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Stanley, Idaho

Petit Lake Dispersed Camping

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Sawtooth National Forest manages this free dispersed area near the southeastern shore of Petit Lake, where a road extends roughly 1.5 miles to a dead end and opens up into a range of established sites, several with fire rings. The road is in good shape, with only a couple of large rocks to watch for, and reviewers confirm any vehicle can make it through with room to execute a three-point turnaround. Campers interested in free camping near Sawtooth National Forest will find this one of the more accessible options in the corridor.

The area sits within five minutes of Petit Lake and the Alice-Toxaway Loop trailhead, making it a practical base for hikers, anglers, and paddlers. Reviewers counted at least seven sites near the entrance alone, with more extending farther back. One camper set up along a stream for a full week. The sites accommodate both tent campers and larger trailer rigs without much difficulty.

Cell coverage is absent here. Starlink works between the trees, according to one reviewer, but anyone relying on a standard mobile connection should plan accordingly. A pit toilet is available at the trailhead. The Pettit Lake Campground fee area sits less than a mile west for those who prefer developed facilities. Weekend occupancy can shift quickly, so arriving Sunday evening or mid-week gives the best chance of finding an open spot.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip

The Great Northern Road Trip Segment: Glacier National Park to Seattle

Glacier National Park to Seattle: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsPetit Lake Dispersed Camping is located in Idaho near Stanley

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

43.98661826692313 N
114.85756326772074 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Idaho Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Petit Lake Dispersed Camping

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors consistently highlighted excellent dispersed camping with numerous established sites accessible to all vehicle types. Many mentioned proximity to lake and trails, though no cell coverage should be expected.

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2025

Great spots, close to the Tin Cup trailhead!

Within 5 minutes from the lake and the trailhead for the Alice-Toxaway Loop. Quite a few camping spots available back this direction, I saw at least 7 spots up close to the entrance, and it did go back farther. Plenty of room for trailer rigs or just tents like me.

I came on a Sunday night, several people leaving, several spots available. Not sure if it would be the same towards the beginning of the weekend.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2024

Alone on a stream,

There are many sites up until the dead-end about 1.5 miles from the pay campground.  I camped up on the stream.  Great boondocking was here for a week. The road is in great shape. A couple of big rocks here and there.  Plenty of places to do a 3-point turnaround with any rig.

No cell coverage.  Got ok starlink between trees.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 13, 2024

Beautiful Area

This area just up the road from the campground offers lots of dispersed camping.  There are many established sites, some with fire rings, any car can make it.

Visited August 17-18, 2023 (adding reviews for past camp sites before I knew of the dyrt)

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Petit Lake Dispersed Camping by Andrew T., May 13, 2024
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Petit Lake Dispersed Camping by Andrew T., May 13, 2024
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Pettit Lake in Idaho?

Dispersed camping at Pettit Lake is allowed along the road heading up from the main pay campground. There are numerous established sites extending about 1.5 miles from the pay campground until you reach a dead-end. Many of these sites have fire rings already in place. The road is accessible by any vehicle, though there are occasional large rocks to navigate around. Look for sites both near the entrance (at least 7 spots) and further back, with options along the stream for a more scenic experience.

What do visitors say about Pettit Lake Campground in their reviews?

Visitors to Pettit Lake dispersed camping consistently give it high marks for its convenient location and abundance of camping options. Campers appreciate that it's just a 5-minute drive from the lake and the trailhead for the Alice-Toxaway Loop. The area accommodates both tent campers and those with trailers, with plenty of room for different setups. Many enjoy the stream-side spots for extended stays. Campers also note the good road conditions despite a few large rocks, with ample opportunities for turning around larger rigs using 3-point turns.

What amenities are available at Pettit Lake Campground in Idaho?

Pettit Lake dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, as is typical with dispersed sites. Some established sites have fire rings, but you should be prepared to be self-sufficient. There is no cell coverage in the area. The dispersed sites are primitive with no running water, toilets, or garbage service. You'll need to pack in your own water and pack out all trash. The main pay campground nearby likely offers more facilities, but the dispersed areas are true boondocking experiences.

Are there vacation rentals available near Pettit Lake in Idaho?

There are no vacation rentals directly at Pettit Lake dispersed camping area. The area is primarily dedicated to primitive camping in a natural setting. For those seeking rental accommodations, check the nearby towns of Stanley or Ketchum, which likely offer vacation homes, cabins, and other rental options within driving distance of Pettit Lake. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area has various lodging alternatives, but you'll need to look beyond the immediate lake area for proper vacation rentals.

Keep Exploring