Map showing campground location near Osburn, Idaho

Camper submitted image from Lake Elsie Campground

Lake Elsie Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing, kayaking, and ATV riding draw campers up to Lake Elsie, a small alpine lake set within Coeur d'Alene National Forest roughly 30 minutes off I-90. The campground has around 11 first-come, first-served sites positioned directly along the lakeshore, each with a fire pit. Pit toilets are on-site. The lake runs cold even in summer, though reviewers note it's swimmable during warmer months.

The access road is the most important factor to plan around. It runs approximately 8 miles of narrow, winding, steep dirt with significant potholes, and multiple reviewers flag it as unsuitable for trailers or large rigs. Snow can linger on the road through mid-June. Budget at least 30 minutes from the pavement. For campers who want a developed base with hookups, Wallace RV Park is an option to the northeast, and Coeur d'Alene NF Dispersed near Big Creek sits a few miles to the northwest for those preferring dispersed camping.

Noise levels vary considerably by season. Summer weekends bring ATV and dirt bike riders who use the extensive trail network surrounding the lake, and the water amplifies sound. Bears have been reported moving through the campground at night, so proper food storage is necessary. Lili G. describes the road as "NARROW, WINDY, AND STEEP, not at all trailer or big rig friendly." Visiting on a weekday or in early fall tends to mean fewer crowds and quieter conditions overall.

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Map & DirectionsLake Elsie Campground is located in Idaho near Osburn

Public Campground

Coordinates

47.42800063 N
116.02300055 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 24 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
1 hr 53 min from Spokane, WA
2 hrs 34 min from Missoula, MT
3 hrs 19 min from Lewiston, ID

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Lake Elsie Campground

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5 Stars

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2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the scenic lakeside sites and excellent fishing opportunities. Noise from ATVs and dirt bikes can be significant during busy seasons, with several visitors recommending off-season visits for a quieter experience.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Natalie J.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2025

Pretty and easy access lake, but loud and many bears

Convenient lake to get to by car, 30 minutes off the highway. Great fishing spot and is beautiful. If you are not into ATV and dirt bike riding, I would not recommend. Other campers were riding their bikes all day and night making it very loud, especially with the echos off the lake. Also, multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart.

Month of VisitJune

Samuel H.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2024

Beautiful!

What a place! I saw no trash or broken glass, it was very clean. I got there after dark and left first thing in the morning, wish I had more time to explore. Sites only had a fire pit, I believe there are also pit toilets but I didn’t have time to check them out.

The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that’s pushing it pretty hard.

Month of VisitOctober

(7) View All

Diadra G.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2024

Disappointed - people ruined this hidden gem

This is my 2nd time visiting and the quality has dramatically dropped. Maybe the difference was that I went in early fall 4 years ago and this time was late summer but YIKES.

There was broken glass EVERYWHERE. We cleaned up so much trash in our site and off the road. The pit toilet was completely out of toilet paper (which we anticipated). Despite being stage 1 fire restrictions, multiple people were having fires, one person's was still smoldering when I got up the next morning. Due to the number of people, ATVs, dirt bikes, nearby shooting range, etc it was just much more noisy in the busy season. I recommend going in the off season.

The road up to the lake is really rough and narrow but manageable with a proper vehicle.

The lake is gorgeous! I just wish people were more considerate.

FYI There is a moose that frequents the area so keep your trash in your car to avoid feeding the moose.

Month of VisitAugust

lili G.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2022

Beautiful lakeside campground

This is one of the most spectacular campsites I have ever been to. It’s off I-90, down a long (8ish mile) dirt road. ROAD IS NARROW, WINDY, AND STEEP. not at all trailer or big rig friendly. the site is free, and there are 11 first come first serve sites. remember to pack our trash and not litter. this lake is a gem

Month of VisitAugust

Ivy K.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2020

Easy escape

A bit of a drive off I-90 but well worth the the stop. Multiple campsites right along the lake. It might get a bit crowded on summer weekends but multiple sites were vacant when we arrived on a Thursday afternoon in July.

Nathan M.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2020

Pretty cool place

Good place if you like to ride your toys. You’ll want to bring good cars because the road gets pretty primitive. Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding.

Saphrenne R.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2020

My Personal Favorite!

This is one of my favorite camping spots. There is a beautiful alpine lake, which is obviously cold spring water. But, you can get away with taking a dip in the summer season! There is really good fishing and ATV trails for MILES through the wilderness! Seriously, one of the most fun places to camp.

The road down is decent, kinda narrow at times. But, I've seen people tow trailers down to the lake before. The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware.

Russell M.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2019

Sure a neat little fun place

Roughly 11 miles from where the asphalt ends is this little hidden gem. Narrow road up to the lake but definitely worth it. Tons of riding trails and and a quiet campground.

Jessica C.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 11, 2017

Mtn top lake!

We stay here often. Easy to drive up to. Any vehicle will do. Dirt road to the top where you will find a lovely little lake with 4-5 camp spots surrounding it. We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere! There is a outhouse bathroom but you are on you're own otherwise!

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Elsie Campground located in Idaho?

Lake Elsie Campground is a scenic alpine lake destination located off Interstate 90 in Idaho. This hidden gem sits at the end of a mountain road approximately 11 miles from where the pavement ends. The campground is nestled in a beautiful wilderness area surrounded by forests and mountains, offering a peaceful retreat in the Idaho backcountry. Its relatively remote location contributes to its tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers seeking solitude.

What facilities are available at Lake Elsie Campground?

Lake Elsie Campground offers basic facilities for a primitive camping experience. The site includes pit toilets/outhouses for visitor use. Each campsite features a fire pit, but there are no picnic tables, electricity, or running water available. The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis, so visitors must take all trash with them when departing. There are no garbage services or dump stations on site. Plan to bring everything you need, including drinking water and all camping supplies.

What camping options are available at Lake Elsie?

Lake Elsie offers approximately 11 first-come, first-served primitive campsites situated around the lake. The campground is free to use and does not take reservations. Sites can accommodate tents and small vehicles but are not suitable for RVs or trailers due to the narrow access road. The campground can get crowded during summer weekends, so arriving on weekdays or during shoulder seasons increases your chances of securing a spot. The area is particularly popular with ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts as there are numerous riding trails accessible from the campground.

How do I get to Lake Elsie Campground in Idaho?

To reach Lake Elsie Campground, take Interstate 90 in Idaho and follow the exit toward the campground. After leaving the highway, you'll travel approximately 8 miles on a dirt road to reach the lake. Be prepared for a challenging drive - the road is narrow, windy, steep, and has potholes in places. The route is not suitable for trailers or big rigs. While most passenger vehicles can make the journey, a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, especially during inclement weather or early/late season visits.

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