HARD CREEK DISPERSED
Open for dispersed camping. No current closures affecting the Hard Creek area. Standard 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 11:56AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundaries. WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/10/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…
About
Hard Creek Dispersed is a primitive camping area situated in the Hazard Lakes portion of the Payette National Forest, managed by the New Meadows Ranger District in Idaho County. The site caters primarily to equestrian users and those with stock, offering hitching posts and access to the Hard Creek Trailhead. From here, the Upper Hazard/Hard Creek Basin Trail #169 leads into the scenic Hazard Lakes backcountry. As a dispersed camping area, facilities are minimal. A vault toilet is available along with fire rings and some picnic tables, but there is no potable water. Campers should bring their own water supply and pack out all trash. The area is suitable for tents and smaller camping setups; large RVs are not recommended due to the primitive road conditions and lack of designated pull-through sites. The standard Payette National Forest stay limit applies: 14 days within any 30-day consecutive period. After reaching the limit, campers must relocate at least 5 miles from the original site.
Directions
Located in the Hazard Lakes area of the Payette National Forest, accessible from the New Meadows Ranger District. Contact the ranger district for current road conditions.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 347-0300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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