Idaho Free Camping--with Great Fishing

On some of those forever long stretches of highway, we're always on the lookout for great places to overnight. Idaho is one of our favorites for giving us a lot what we look for. If northern Idaho is the panhandle, then for us, it's 'Out of the fire and into the fryin' pan.' Smack down in the lower left hand corner of that frying pan rolls the Snake River, filling up the C.J. Strike Reservoir, an oddly shaped body of fresh water appealing to fishers and RVers who love quiet and economy.

Strike Reservoir is a part of one of Idaho's 20 wildlife management areas. While the principal purpose of the management area is to provide bird and waterfowl habitat, recreationists will find a great place to nest themselves.

Imagine waking up to the sounds of water lapping just outside your door, perhaps punctuated by an occasional quack of a passing duck. Or casting out your fishing line, then sitting in the shaded comfort of your awning? It's all possible, as in several places along the management area, camping is allowed. Shsh! Don't say it too loud, but another great thing about is that the camping's free! How's that again? Yes, as part of Idaho's Sportsman's Access Area program, the "fee" for camping is nada, zip, er--priceless.

How can all this be true? How can a government entity offer free camping? "Idaho sportsmen have provided the funding to obtain and manage these access sites through their purchase of hunting and fishing licenses," says Stephen Measley, the State's Fish and Game Director. Other funding comes from federal excise tax collections on the sales of sporting goods.

Sounds good to us. We've tried camping in many of Idaho's Sportsman's Access areas in our travels, and while the amenities vary, we could never argue with the price.

One of our favorite freebie areas along the reservoir is Jack's Creek. While less than 25 miles from Interstate 84, it may as well be on the other side of the planet. The solitude of the area is profound--you might not see anyone for days. Bring along your fishing pole and expect to find perch, bass, even lake sturgeon. If you'd prefer to "bag" your catch on film, bird watchers will find a network of trails and roads that will take you to areas where birds live, work, and play. A boat ramp and dock isn't far, and the reservoir is huge and great for exploration.

Come nightfall, pull out the camp chairs and the kindling. Camp fires are allowed in the area. Since the nearest town of any size to the south is nearly 200 miles away, star gazing in the direction of Nevada may be worth bringing a blanket and telescope.

Getting there can be a bit challenging. Here's the easiest routing: From Interstate 84, take exit 112 to Hammett. Travel south on State Route 78--and it's easy for us to say "Just go 25.4 miles." One look at a detail map of the area will make you question our sanity. Go ahead, lot's of folks do! Take our word for it--travel 'mostly' south on Highway 78. Be aware that along the way 78 may try and masquerade as State Route 51--but really, even under that mask, it's still Highway 78. When you get to Bruneau, much of the battle is over.

Where the highway crosses Belle Street, you have 3.9 miles to go to the turnoff to the camp area. The highway here travels east, then northeast. Yes, you're doing fine. Keep your eyes peeled for the "Sportsman's Access" sign that will take you off to the right of the highway. It's an easily missed spot, the road is rather nondescript, and will take you upcountry about a half mile to the edge of the reservoir. Look for a spot "out of the way," and set up your camp.

For GPS users, life is easier by entering these coordinates: N42.54.155, W115.51.90. For information on licensing requirements for fishing, call Idaho Fish and Game at 208-334-3700.