j
janelle H.
Scout
ScoutRose Lake
Rose Lake Boat Launch
Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices.
Dispersed Camping near Valleyford, WA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Dispersed camping sites dot the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding Valleyford, Washington, with several free primitive camping options within an hour's drive. Hog Lake Campground, despite its name, functions as a dispersed camping area with multiple pull-off spots along a gravel access road. Fishtrap Recreation Area offers additional dispersed camping opportunities, while Bonnie Lake Island provides a unique boat-in primitive camping experience. These sites typically have no designated boundaries or numbered sites, allowing campers to select natural clearings where previous use is evident.
Access roads to most dispersed sites are unpaved gravel with occasional rough sections that may present challenges during wet weather. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas, particularly at Hog Lake where reviews mention drainage ditches that could cause issues for larger RVs or trailers. Most sites permit camping for up to 14 days. Facilities are minimal to nonexistent—no drinking water, electricity, or sewer hookups. Some areas like Fishtrap and Escure Ranch have vault toilets, but Hog Lake's facilities are seasonal, with the gate to the lake sometimes locked. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, though most sites permit campfires when conditions allow.
The primitive camping landscape offers varied terrain, from lakeside spots to open prairie settings with limited shade. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer and coyotes. "We heard coyotes howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost," noted one Hog Lake visitor. Another camper mentioned, "There is a trail that goes to Hog Lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping." Bonnie Lake Island requires paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another half-mile up the lake, occasionally navigating around beaver dams. The island offers a unique camping experience, though space is limited to "enough flat spaces for a tent or two and trees for hammocks."
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Valleyford (13)
1. Hog Lake Campground
"BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road."
"I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites."
2. Fishtrap Recreation Area
"Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least) Cons:
No amenities (where we are, maybe further"
"A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents."
3. Bonnie Lake Island
"This is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow."
4. Rose Lake
"Free camping for up to three days. They have an open field above boat launch and a small parking lot.vault toilets. No garbage can. Please observe leave no trace practices."
"Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."
5. Bull Run Access Dispersed
"Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.)"
"If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."
6. copper mountain rd dispersed
"Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it."
"Very uneven but I found a spot close to even"
7. Lakes Divide Road
8. Bull Run Dispersed Camping
"Easy access to most of it in a car/van. Crushed gravel road with a few watery potholes."
9. Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
"The campground itself is on BLM land and is primitive. There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, corrals and horse water. "
"The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol."
10. Horse Camp Trailhead
"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."
Drive Time
- 20 min from Spokane, WA
- 32 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 1 hr 51 min from Lewiston, ID
- 2 hrs 47 min from Walla Walla, WA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Valleyford, WA
72 Photos of 13 Valleyford Campgrounds
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Valleyford, WA
101 Reviews of 13 Valleyford Campgrounds
Josh S.
TravelerFishtrap Recreation Area
Quiet Prairie Camping
Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.
Pros:
Very quiet open sites. Plenty of opportunity for solar 3 bar 5g Tmobile Open mostly level sites Not very busy Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)
Cons:
No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them) Dusty and dry Fire restrictions in place Sites have some trash in them.
Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay. It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.
- LLinnea W.Traveler
Fishtrap Recreation Area
Tent Camping meets dust
A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible.
- CChandra B.
GuideFishtrap Recreation Area
FishCamp
Great free camping near Spokane and supplies.
Gary M.GuideEscure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
Primitive but magnificent
The campground itself is on BLM land and is primitive. There is a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, corrals and horse water. The camping itself is on the primitive side, but the scenery it magnificent! The last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road, and a vehicle with ground clearance is highly desirable. A three mile hike/horseback ride takes you through Washington's Channeled Scablands to Towell Falls through spectacular buttes and meadows along the creek. The best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and before the RATTLESNAKES get populous. The night skies are particularly dark because you're a long way from any civilization. It's also interesting exploring the old ranch building that remain on the site. The area is popular with horsemen and trail groups up to a bit of "roughing it." It also can be a great day trip from the Spokane Washington area.
Kayln H.GuideHog Lake Campground
Great spot right off 90
BLM land was easy to find right off the highway. Rough gravel road easily traveled in a truck, low clearance vehicle may have trouble. There were a few people with campers at the end of the road. A lot of dispersed sites, some close to the road, a few very private. Two nice lakes.. at the end of the road you cross to state park land which does not allow camping but is very well marked with a gate and signs. There was a fe portapottys scatter along the road. Light freeway noise, did hear one night train, but for free and a beautiful landscape not too bad.
Overland S.GuideEscure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area
Astro Photographer’s Dream
The drive was mostly dirt roads. I managed just fine in a Subaru for context. The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol. I was getting close to where one of the waterfalls was and ran into a Coyote who would not budge. That pretty much ended the hike as I could hear others howling nearby.
The hike back was even amazing with the Sunset and landscape making me feel like I was on another planet. The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography. I’m an amateur and took my time to learn my camera a bit. This little adventure was my favorite thus far this year.
- Stephenie C.Traveler
Hog Lake Campground
Coyotes and trains, OH MY!
Nice little place. The road gets a bit rough. I personally would not want to drive anything bigger than a camper van down there but there are quite a few bug turnaround spots and some nice big sites. Be careful going into the sites as there is a dip. My Kia seemed to think I was just nose diving into a crevice as I was getting across with all its sensors screaming at me. Some coyotes came through camp at some point during the night. I heard them howling from a distance but only knew they came into camp because they left footprints in the frost. Only one other person was out there so nice and quiet
kara H.TravelerHog Lake Campground
Blm
Nice open blm area, rustic campsites. there's an established trail that goes to hog lake and the boat launch area which is only accessible on foot when we were camping. The lake access (with the toilet) is not open, gate is locked. Saw a rattlesnake on the trail but we kept our distance and he went on his way. Be kind to the animals, it's their home. Can stay up to 14 days
Guide to Valleyford
Primitive camping near Valleyford, Washington includes multiple free sites across Bureau of Land Management territories, typically accessible via unpaved roads that become challenging during wet seasons. Elevations range from approximately 2,100 to 2,400 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between day and night, especially during spring and fall months. Many dispersed sites lack defined boundaries, allowing campers to select clearings based on vehicle requirements and privacy needs.
What to do
Hike to Towell Falls: 3-mile trek through Escure Ranch Recreation Area's channeled scablands, featuring dramatic butte formations. "The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol," notes one Escure Ranch visitor. Spring visits offer wildflower displays before rattlesnake season peaks.
Paddle to island camping: Bonnie Lake Island provides a unique water-based camping opportunity requiring approximately 1.5 miles of paddling. "Access is by paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake. The creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam," reports a Bonnie Lake Island camper.
Stargazing away from light pollution: The remote locations offer exceptional night sky viewing. "The night skies are particularly dark because you're a long way from any civilization," mentions an Escure Ranch camper. Another notes, "The best part was pure luck as I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography."
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed sites offer privacy away from crowded campgrounds. At Bull Run Access, a camper advises: "If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. Privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect."
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse wildlife populations. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, campers report, "We experience wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes." Nighttime often brings coyote activity, with one camper noting, "Around 2:00 a.m. every morning the coyotes have a 2 to 3 minute party. It's amazing to hear them. Never saw one though they keep away."
Uncrowded fishing opportunities: Multiple sites provide access to lakes and waterways with fishing potential. "There seemed to be two large lots (one grass, one gravel) that were camping permissible," describes a Rose Lake visitor. "Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Valleyford, WA?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Valleyford, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Valleyford, WA is Hog Lake Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 42 reviews.
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dispersed camping near
Valleyford, WA?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Valleyford, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Valleyford, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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