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Dispersed Camping

Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed

4 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed is located near Redfish Lake in Idaho, surrounded by forested terrain and mountain views. Temperatures in the area range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Redfish Lake itself, offering opportunities for boating and fishing, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which provides numerous hiking trails.

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Location

Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.1723 N
114.9063 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

Nip and Tuck Rd - Dispersed Camping

7 min away

Lake View Campground

Lake View Campground

22 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2025

Dispersed camping near the Salmon river

There is an outhouse and each site has a fire ring. Some sites are large enough for bigger rigs. Directly across the street there is a nice gravel mountain bike trail that leads past the ranger station

Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Amy K., July 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Amy K., July 22, 2025
  • (8) View All
The Wandering Shores ..The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2022

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

Month of VisitOctober
  • Play button icon
Hannah C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Gorgeous fall views

When I got to redfish lake, it was already to late in the season (September) to camp here. I was still able to check out the campground and it had amazing spots right on the lake. There were nice restrooms and water available. I would like to come back here in the summer and camp here when the water isn't to cold and the campground is open!

  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Hannah C., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Hannah C., July 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Hannah C., July 31, 2020
  • (4) View All
Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2019

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.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Annie C., August 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Annie C., August 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed by Annie C., August 1, 2019
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Redfish Lake in Idaho?

Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed camping is available along Highway 75 near Redfish Lake when the main campgrounds are full. For additional options, check out the Salmon River Designated Spots in Sawtooth National Forest. The Forest Service Office down the road provides maps of forest roads in the area where dispersed camping is permitted. These free sites offer a great alternative when the main Redfish Lake campgrounds are at capacity.

What is the Redfish Lake overflow dispersed camping area?

The Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed camping area is a free alternative when the main Redfish Lake campgrounds are full. It features basic amenities including fire rings at each site and an outhouse. Some sites can accommodate larger rigs. The area is located along Highway 75 and provides a convenient option for campers who arrive when the main campgrounds are already reserved or at capacity.

Are there shower facilities at Redfish Lake for dispersed campers?

The Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed camping area does not have shower facilities on-site. Basic amenities include an outhouse and fire rings. For showers, check the main Redfish Lake recreation area, which typically offers more developed facilities. Dispersed campers often use the main recreation area's amenities while enjoying the free camping options nearby. Contact the Forest Service Office for current information about shower access.

Is there free dispersed camping available near Stanley, Idaho?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Stanley, Idaho in the Sawtooth National Forest. Options include the Redfish Lake Overflow sites along Highway 75 and the Salmon River Designated Spots (areas 1, 2, and 3). These free boondocking sites have a 10-day stay limit between May 1 and September 15. The Forest Service Office can provide maps showing these dispersed camping locations throughout the area.

Do I need reservations for Redfish Lake campgrounds?

Reservations are highly recommended for the main Redfish Lake campgrounds, especially during peak season. These campgrounds fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. The Redfish Lake Overflow Dispersed camping area serves as a free alternative when the main campgrounds are full, and doesn't require reservations. During September and other shoulder season times, campgrounds may have more availability. Check with the Forest Service for the most current reservation requirements.

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