“I’d rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth.” – Steve McQueen
Grandjean Rd Dispersed Site #1
We were able to stay in this gem of a spot by a pure twist of fate. We went downhill Mountain Biking at Sun Valley and I had a rough time of it, pushing myself a little too hard and crashing several times. So we decided to take a break and went into the lodge and there we struck up a conversation about our travels with a bartender who suggested this spot he thought we would like. He was not mistaken! Sitting right on the edge of the South Fork of the Payette River it was a peaceful place to camp with the sound of the water running by. Chairs sitting by the water edge as we ate dinner and had some drinks by the campfire at night. Mason was happy to do some of his camping favorites too - play in the water and run around off leash. It was a large pull out and there is always the risk that others will pull in right on top of you, but we were fortunate and nobody did until just before we were leaving. This spot will be one that we return to for sure. This is a dispersed camping area with no bathrooms, no garbage service and no phone coverage. At the end of FS Rd 524 there is also an established campground - Grandjean Campground. The established campground has 31 sites, toilets, and drinking water.
Grandjean Rd Dispersed Site #2
In 2018 we returned to the same area and found the site we visited last time taken so we found another private spot on the river. The temps had reached 100 that day so a spot on the water was important and this one was perfect. Someone had built a nice pool on the river's edge and we put our chairs in there and read a book and enjoyed some summer beverages! In the evening we rode our bikes up the road to the hot springs.
Getting Here: Off Hwy 21 between Lowman and Stanley ID. About 21 miles from Lowman, ID and about 37 miles from Stanley, ID. Take the Grandjean Rd FS Rd 524. Several spur roads leave 524 and there are several dispersed spots to choose from.
Nearby Hikes, Bikes & Other Sights.....
Sacajawea Hot Springs
Just up the road past the site where we camped you will find the Sacajawea Hot Springs. This is a natural hot springs area and people have used rocks and tarps to contain water into small pools. The water runs down the hillside and you can tell at a glance that it is HOT by looking at the steam coming off the hillside. Some pools are too hot to even get your feet into. Be careful with pets who love the water - Mason didn't get to be off leash here.
Just up the road past the site where we camped you will find the Sacajawea Hot Springs. This is a natural hot springs area and people have used rocks and tarps to contain water into small pools. The water runs down the hillside and you can tell at a glance that it is HOT by looking at the steam coming off the hillside. Some pools are too hot to even get your feet into. Be careful with pets who love the water - Mason didn't get to be off leash here.
