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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Rose Lake

Rose Lake, near Cataldo, Idaho, is a straightforward location for those looking to unwind by the water without breaking the bank. It offers a few campsites near the lake, perfect for pitching a tent or parking a van, and you can enjoy a campfire under the stars.

The area is known for its beautiful views and easy access to the lake, where you can kick back and watch the sunset from the dock. Visitors have mentioned that while the sites can be a bit uneven, there’s enough space for a few campers to spread out. One camper noted, “You can walk down to the lake and sit on the dock to watch the sunset,” which captures the charm of this spot.

Keep in mind that amenities are minimal here—there's no drinking water or trash service, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in. The location is pet-friendly, making it a decent choice for those traveling with furry companions. Just be ready for some bugs, especially in the warmer months.

If you're looking for a quick stopover or a simple camping experience, Rose Lake fits the bill. It’s not a destination for a full vacation, but it’s a nice place to rest your head while enjoying the natural beauty of Idaho.

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Location

Rose Lake is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.55335144 N
116.45734075 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Rose Lake needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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11 Reviews

Reviewed May. 11, 2024

Weird place

We didn't feel secure at this location, it was very removed from the main road, it was not looked after (grass was very high), and it seemed liked someone was living there permanently. Generally weird vibes.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2023

Not many spaces

I followed the road past the sportsman’s access sign as suggested by someone else. Turned left at the first corner, found one campsite and continued. The road turns into private land and I had to turn around. Camped at the first site. Wasn’t bad. Very open. Right near the water. Good gravel road. Only saw 2 other people while there. One stayed at the corner. Stayed one night. A deer walked right through camp.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Andrew S., August 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Andrew S., August 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Andrew S., August 18, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2022

It's a place to sleep

I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere. That is my only complaint, except for the people who parked right in front of the only restroom for the entire night. That was weird trying to get around their overspilled car to use the restroom. 

Plenty of room for people to camp. There was one car when we arrived, and more pulled up throughout the night. You can walk down to the lake and sit on the dock to watch the sunset.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by April C., October 13, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2022

Rose Lake

It’s a small area, but there is a big space for large vans and campers and as you go down to the lake there are two campsites next to the bathroom that are perfect for tent camping. (if you can get the spot)

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Jake M., September 24, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2022

Great spot on the lake

Great, easy location. The last road is unpaved for a short bit with minor potholes.

A handful of spots near the lake in three different nooks. A bit uneven but a couple blocks worked for us.

A bit busy with the boat dock and lots of bugs at night. Still worth it!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2022

Beautiful, Simple

For a free stop on the way to a primary destination, this was the most pleasant surprise. Strolled in at 11 pm and although it was dark & other campers, it was easy to find a spot. The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Brooke T., July 3, 2022
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Brooke T., July 3, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2021

Bad Timing?

Packed up and left due to a belligerent and homeless vagrant. Small, beautiful lake. Uneven, rocky dispersed camping areas.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Daniel , August 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Daniel , August 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Daniel , August 21, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2020

A decent stop

Pulled into the campground late at night. It was snowy so we were the only ones. We were able to pull off beside of the bathroom. There were 2 picnic tables/fire rings off to the side. Nice lake when waking up. Would explore other options next time but is nice if you’re in a pinch.

Reviewed Aug. 15, 2020

Convenient Stop

We pulled in after sundown — so grateful to find a safe spot close to the Hwy (en route to our next national park). There was no entry signage beyond the boat launch. The Dyrt map and other reviewer’s directions were accurate. There seemed to be two large lots (one grass, one gravel) that were camping permissible. We were in the second gravel lot. There appeared to be 5 total groups of campers spread over two spacious lots with plenty room for more. There are fewer options for tent campers. One is a little clearing and fire ring under the trees at the rear of the gravel lot (see pic). The gravel lot proved to be a very uncomfortable slant for our rooftop tent.

Toilet. Pretty little lake (but nothing you’d want to swim in. Pretty murky and gas polluted water by the boat launch). 3 night limit. Not a place you target for a vacation, but a lovely free spot along the way.

  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Kathleen D., August 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Kathleen D., August 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Kathleen D., August 15, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019

Nice spot for a quick stop

Rose Lake campsite is a nice spot minutes right off of the highway. The original posting has the public access area for the camping but the camping area is near the boat launch(take your first left when going to the public access). Near the public access there is a outhouse. When you get to the correct area there is a mowed area to park your travel trailer, setup a tent or park your RV. This area is very buggy so be prepared, we stopped in late July. There is no cell phone service too! Check out our blog at www.unnadventures.com or follow our journey on facebook or instagram at Unnamed Adventures.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by UnnamedAdventures  , August 5, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by UnnamedAdventures  , August 5, 2019
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Reviewed Jul. 4, 2019

Boat access

Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Jess G., July 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Jess G., July 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Rose Lake by Jess G., July 4, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Rose Lake?

    Rose Lake is located at 2198 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Rose Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rose Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Rose Lake have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Rose Lake does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rose Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.