Within Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Bell Bay Campground sits 36 miles south of Coeur d'Alene along a winding road that takes about an hour to navigate. This Forest Service campground operates seasonally from mid-May through late August, accommodating RVs up to 43 feet alongside tent campers who can access sites by driving, walking, or arriving by boat.
The campground features two loops with sites positioned at different elevations above the lake. Lower loop sites face the water directly, while upper sites across the road offer partial lake views through the trees. Saraj B. notes campers can access the lake via a "pretty steep trail directly from our campsite." Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and pressurized water spigots distributed throughout the campground.
Boat access requires navigating the steep trail between the docks and camping areas, which several reviewers describe as challenging when carrying gear. The campground provides firewood for purchase, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival. Sites tend to be closely spaced, and the remote location means no services exist along the access road from Coeur d'Alene.
Reservations help secure waterfront sites during peak season, particularly those coveted lower loop spots with direct lake views.
Description
Overview
Bell Bay Campground is a prime place to set up camp on Coeur d'Alene Lake. The upper camp loop is on a hill overlooking the beautiful lake, while the lower loop sits on a short ridge along the shoreline.
Recreation
Hikers enjoy the Bell Bay Trail, a foot path that runs for a mile around the lake shore. The lake beach offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, power boating and canoeing. Anglers enjoy the abundance of trout, salmon and panfish in the vast lake.
Facilities
Bell Bay campground offers six reservable single family sites and several other sites that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a large group campground on the upper loop that can accommodate up to 60 guests. Drinking water, vault toilets and campfire rings are provided. The lower loop has two docks where boats can be moored. The walk from the docks is fairly steep but short.
Natural Features
Located in the Panhandle of northern Idaho, the campground is surrounded by a forest of Ponderosa and other mixed pines. It lies on the southeast shores of Coeur d'Alene Lake just north of Harrison, Idaho. The lake spans 50 square miles, offering countless recreation opportunities and scenic views for visitors.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on the northern side of the lake, is a popular destination. About an hour away, the area offers paddle boat rentals, ferry rides, sea plane rides and more.
Location
Public CampgroundBell Bay Campground - CLOSED is located in Idaho
Directions
From Pinehurst, Idaho, take Interstate 90 west and turn south on Highway 3. Make a right on Highway 97 and continue north for 13 miles. Turn west onto Road 314 (also known as East Point Road) and continue 3 miles to campground.
Address
406 East Point Rd.
Harrison, ID 83833
Coordinates
47.4763889 N
116.8413889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 3/27/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/27/26- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 3/27/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 3/27/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 44 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 1 hr 13 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 15 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 35 min from Walla Walla, WA
