Best Dispersed Camping near Asotin, WA

Dispersed camping near Asotin, Washington occurs primarily on public lands in the surrounding region, with several primitive sites available in nearby Idaho and Oregon. The area includes sites like Red Bird Creek Trailhead and North Thomason Meadows, both offering free primitive camping with minimal to no amenities. Most locations are accessible via forest service roads and BLM-managed lands, with camping permitted without reservations at several locations within driving distance of Asotin.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads with varying conditions. Red Bird Creek Trailhead provides parking for up to 48 hours with no amenities or services. Sites like North Thomason Meadows and Starvation Springs NF 46 Site feature gravel road access that may require vehicles with decent tires, though not necessarily high clearance in all cases. Most areas completely lack facilities, with no drinking water, trash service, or toilets available. Horse Camp Trailhead is a notable exception, providing basic toilet facilities while maintaining the primitive camping experience.

These remote areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. Campers at Red Bird Creek report "owls calling throughout the evening," while North Thomason Meadows features "wildflower bloom in the spring" and views into the Imnaha and Snake River canyons. Sites are particularly valued for their seclusion and natural setting, though accessibility varies seasonally. The Starvation Springs area provides what one camper described as "plenty of large open sites with rock fire rings" and remains accessible without traveling "5 miles down some super washboarded gravel road." Campers should be prepared for completely self-sufficient camping, as one reviewer noted these locations are "remote" with a "50-minute drive to WiFi/restaurant/water refill."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Asotin, Washington (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Asotin, WA

5 Photos of 9 Asotin Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Asotin, WA

5 Reviews of 9 Asotin Campgrounds


  • Alyse L.
    Nov. 8, 2023

    North Thomason Meadows

    Wildflowers, raptors, beautiful views at the top of Imnaha Canyon

    I recommend this section of Wallowa-Whitman NF Rd 46 (4600) between Thomason Meadow Guard Station and Buckhorn Lookout because it is grazed less than surrounding areas, and thus has more plant diversity--i.e. great WILDFLOWER BLOOM in the spring. At 5000 feet, June to early July is a peak bloom time.

    This is the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake. Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors. One of the trailheads to the historic Nez Perce Nee -Me-Poo Trail is near this "Camp-1" dispersed spot.*

    *One of our maps calls the marked spot "FSR 46 Camp-1," but the dispersed camp sites are all along NF Rd 46 from here north to Buckhorn.

    The drive up to this area is well-maintained gravel, and an SUV with decent tires can do it. (We did it with a truck hauling a toy-hauler trailer). Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need--this area is REMOTE.

    Take Crow Creek Rd off of Hwy 82 (btwn Enterprise and Joseph). All is paved until your intersection with Zumwalt Road, where you veer R to stay on Zumwalt (aka Zumwalt-Buckhorn Rd). It's gravel after that intersection.

    Follow signs to Zumwalt Prairie or Buckhorn Lookout.

    Crossing over Zumwalt Prairie is a GORGEOUS drive. The Nature Conservancy has their Zumwalt Prairie Preserve here, and it's a great side trip from the camp spot.

    This section of NF-46 road is extremely quiet. Only the occasional ranch vehicle travels through. In fall this is a popular camp area for hunters.

    I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because of zero water, zero data, the ecosystem/soil that has been abused in the past (not wilderness), the 50-minute drive to WiFi/ restaurant/ water refill/ black water dump. But if I was comparing primitive camping to primitive camping, this would be a 5 of 5.

    I would go back here (in late spring or early fall) in a heartbeat.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    Beautiful View, Long Hike

    Trailhead view is beautiful. Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change. Parking is free for up to 48 hours. No amenities. Small store and restaurant nearby.

  • Megan K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Horse Camp Trailhead

    Fun Quick Trip Spot

    While this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in. I will be returning here soon and will take photos to share.

    Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail.

    The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road.

    Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can’t get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup.

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Starvation Springs NF 46 Site

    Nice spot not too far off the road! Easy access

    Not far up a nicely paved road, and then onto maybe 0.3-0.4 mile bumpy gravel/rock FS road. Plenty of large open sites with rock fire rings. Be aware of burn bans and/or prescribed burns in the area. This is a great spot for me and my 20 foot RV, with fantastic starlink speeds. Mid 80’s during the day in late July. Love this spot! It’s also great that it isn’t 5 miles down some super washboarded gravel road. Nice drive to it.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Red Bird Creek Trailhead

    Owls

    Great spot to camp out. Owls calling throughout the evening. Great cell service.


Guide to Asotin

Primitive camping near Asotin, Washington offers several remote locations in the high elevation zones between 5,000-6,000 feet in the Blue Mountains and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The Continental Divide Trail and Nez Perce Trail systems pass through portions of this area, providing historical and natural points of interest for backcountry campers. Weather conditions can shift dramatically in these higher elevations, with summer thunderstorms common and significant temperature drops at night even during peak season.

What to do

Hiking Snake River trails: The hike from Red Bird Creek Trailhead features a challenging descent to the Snake River. "Hike is down to the Snake River, which is over 5 miles each way. Major elevation change," notes reviewer Leah G., who adds that the "trailhead view is beautiful."

Wildlife observation: The elevation and remote setting create prime conditions for wildlife encounters. At Horse Camp Trailhead, campers report good opportunities to spot native species. "I have wandered into wilderness to camp farther away from the trail," explains one camper who frequently visits this area for short overnight trips.

Wildflower viewing: Spring and early summer bring wildflower displays to high meadow areas. North Thomason Meadows sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation where campers can experience seasonal flora. This area "has more plant diversity" according to reviewer Alyse L., who notes the area is "grazed less than surrounding areas."

What campers like

Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in remote camping areas creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Starvation Springs NF 46 Site, Kenny R. mentions "fantastic starlink speeds" while enjoying the night skies, noting that summer temperatures reach the "mid 80's during the day in late July."

Canyon views: The elevated position of many dispersed sites provides panoramic vistas across major river drainages. North Thomason Meadows sits "at the top of the Imnaha River breaks, and you can see fully down into the BEAUTIFUL canyonlands of the Imnaha and Snake," according to visitor reviews.

Bird watching: The diverse terrain supports numerous bird species, particularly raptors. "Birdwatching was good for us out here too, especially raptors," reports one camper at North Thomason Meadows. At Red Bird Creek, David C. mentions "owls calling throughout the evening" during his stay.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access routes vary significantly in quality and maintenance. Kenny R. describes Starvation Springs as "not far up a nicely paved road, and then onto maybe 0.3-0.4 mile bumpy gravel/rock FS road," noting it "isn't 5 miles down some super washboarded gravel road."

Self-sufficiency requirements: These remote sites demand complete preparedness. "Bring all the water and supplies and tools you need," advises a North Thomason Meadows visitor who notes there is "zero water, zero data" and it's a "50-minute drive to WiFi/restaurant/water refill/black water dump."

Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect both access and camping comfort. The ideal camping window for many sites runs from late spring through early fall. Alyse L. specifically recommends visiting North Thomason Meadows "in late spring or early fall" for the best experience.

Tips for camping with families

Short-stay options: For families seeking quick outdoor experiences, Horse Camp Trailhead provides convenient access. "This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in," says Megan K., who values its proximity to home for spontaneous trips.

Alternative sites: Have backup locations ready during peak seasons. Horse Camp Trailhead visitors suggest nearby alternatives: "Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can't get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup."

Timing considerations: Schedule around hunting seasons when areas may become crowded. North Thomason Meadows reports indicate "in fall this is a popular camp area for hunters," suggesting families might prefer spring or summer visits for a quieter experience.

Tips from RVers

Suitable rig sizes: Some dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles despite primitive conditions. Kenny R. brings a "20 foot RV" to Starvation Springs and finds "plenty of large open sites with rock fire rings" that work well for recreational vehicles.

Fire safety awareness: Check current regulations before planning campfires. "Be aware of burn bans and/or prescribed burns in the area," cautions an RVer at Starvation Springs, emphasizing the importance of monitoring local fire conditions before travel.

GPS reliability: Standard mapping applications may not provide accurate directions to remote sites. Regarding Horse Camp Trailhead, Megan K. warns "the coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road," suggesting travelers verify routes through multiple sources before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Asotin, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Asotin, WA is Red Bird Creek Trailhead with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Asotin, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Asotin, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.