Map showing campground location near Porthill, Idaho

Camper submitted image from Brush Lake Campground

Brush Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

A rough access road sets the tone early at Brush Lake Campground, a small Forest Service site tucked into Kaniksu National Forest outside Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The drive in is bumpy enough to filter out casual visitors, which partly explains why the campground tends to run quiet and uncrowded, particularly on weekdays. Sites are situated along the swampy southern end of the lake, where lily pads and aquatic vegetation cover much of the water's surface near camp.

That lakeside position comes with a trade-off. Direct water access for kayaking or fishing isn't available from the campsites themselves. A day-use area with a boat launch and fishing dock sits on a different part of the lake, requiring either a walk or a short drive. On the upside, reviewers noted the campground stays surprisingly mosquito-free despite the marshy surroundings, and each site has a covered picnic table shelter that provides some protection if weather moves in. The pit toilets are well-maintained and consistently described as clean.

Bear activity has been noted in the area, with posted signage along the approximately six-mile round-trip trail that leads north to a larger lake. Pets are welcome but should be kept close. "Everything was clean and well maintained," one camper noted, adding they would return on a future pass-through. The Robinson Lake Campground sits to the northeast for those wanting to compare nearby options before committing.

Brush Lake is a workable base for fall foliage trips or low-key overnight stops along the International Selkirk Loop.

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Map & DirectionsBrush Lake Campground is located in Idaho near Porthill

Public Campground

Coordinates

48.89200059 N
116.3320004 W

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Presented by

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T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
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Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Pets

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

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General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 35 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
2 hrs 5 min from Spokane, WA
3 hrs 30 min from Lewiston, ID
3 hrs 33 min from Missoula, MT

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Brush Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

A hidden gem offering peace and quiet with well-maintained facilities and clean restrooms. Access requires navigating a rough road, but visitors appreciate the uncrowded lakeside setting.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Ma K.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2026

Quiet tranquility, without hookups

The campground is on shore of swampy southern segment...an ~6 mile rt hike trail goes north to larger lake séen in photos. Signs warn if bears, so dog and I skipped hike this time. we started at site 3 moving to site to 6 for more cover...would recommend to all

Site6

Month of VisitJuly

Steve C.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2025

Nice overnight spot

We spent one night as part of our trip around the International Selkirk Loop. Small and quiet and just far enough off the highway where it wasn’t crowded during the week. The campground is on the east end of the lake where the water is pretty well covered with Lilly pads and other aquatic plants. Our camp site was right on the lake and we were expecting to be overrun with bugs but it was surprisingly nice, not a single mosquito bite! Everything was clean and well maintained we would stay here again if we pass back through.

Site#1

Month of VisitAugust

Jason S.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2024

Beautiful but swampy little lake camping

This little lake campground is a real hidden gem, especially if you're looking for some peace and quiet. The lake itself is small but beautiful, though it is a bit swampy around the edges. The campground itself is next to the very swampy side of the lake, so you can't really put a kayak in the water or fish or anything from the campground without walking around to the other side of the lake or drive to the day use area. There’s a boat launch and a fishing dock at the day use area.

When I visited, the place was nearly empty, which made it feel like a true escape. The campground is very well taken care of. It’s clean, and each campsite has a nice shelter over the picnic tables, which is great if the weather turns. The pit toilets were also really clean—much better than I expected for this type of setup.

The road getting there is pretty rough, so be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride. But once you're there, the quiet, the fall colors, and the overall atmosphere more than make up for it. The lake, while a little swampy at the edges, still makes for a pretty view, especially with the vibrant autumn leaves around.

Month of VisitOctober

Richard

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 16, 2021

Offgrid

The wildlife is here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Brush Lake Campground?

Brush Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground is small and quiet, providing a peaceful setting for overnight stays. While specific facilities aren't extensive, the natural surroundings and tranquil environment are the main attractions. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies as this is a more primitive camping location. For the most current amenity information, contact the managing agency before your trip.

Can you swim or fish at Brush Lake in Idaho?

Fishing is possible at Brush Lake, though the eastern end near the campground has extensive lily pads and aquatic plants that may limit water access. Swimming is challenging due to the swampy conditions around the edges of the lake, particularly near the campground area. For better water activities, you might need to find access points on other parts of the lake away from the campground. The lake itself is small but scenic, offering opportunities to enjoy wildlife viewing instead.

Where is Brush Lake Campground located in Idaho?

Brush Lake Campground is located in northern Idaho, just off the International Selkirk Loop scenic byway. The campground sits on the eastern shore of Brush Lake, nestled in a quiet area that allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of North Idaho. It's positioned in a relatively secluded spot that offers peace and quiet while still being accessible from nearby highways, making it a convenient stop for those traveling through the region.

How far is Brush Lake Campground from Bonners Ferry?

Brush Lake Campground is located near Bonners Ferry in Idaho's northern panhandle region. The campground makes a good base for exploring the Bonners Ferry area while enjoying a quieter setting away from town. Visitors traveling along the International Selkirk Loop often use this campground as a stopping point. For exact distance and driving directions from Bonners Ferry to the campground, check with local tourism information or use an updated mapping service before your trip.

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