Map showing campground location near Naples, Idaho

Roman Nose

With four designated sites plus a group tent area, Roman Nose Campground sits within Kaniksu National Forest and requires navigating a long, heavily washboarded dirt road that can take an hour to traverse. The Forest Service facility allows pets, campfires, and alcohol, with both toilets and trailhead parking available. Trails lead directly from each campsite to a series of three lakes, with the first lake accessible via a short, easy walk while the second and third lakes require a moderate hike.

The rough road access makes this spot less appealing for campers not planning to hike, though dispersed camping sites are available along the mountain roads leading up to the main campground. For a less remote option with easier access, Blue Lake RV Resort provides full hookups without the challenging drive.

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Location

Public Campground

Roman Nose is located in Idaho

Coordinates

48.6351787 N
116.567994 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
Group

Features

For Campers

Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 57 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
2 hrs 27 min from Spokane, WA
3 hrs 53 min from Lewiston, ID
4 hrs 13 min from Missoula, MT

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the hiking access to multiple lakes and uncrowded atmosphere. However, the rough washboard road and small campsites present challenges for some campers.

Meghan B.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2025

Roman Nose Campground, Dispersed, and Hike-In

We stayed the night in the campground near the trailhead and did a day-hike to the 3 lakes the next morning. The actual campground has 4 designated sites and a group tent area. Trails lead to the lakes from each campsite or from the trailhead parking lot. The first lake is a short, easy walk. The 2nd (Lower) and 3rd (Upper) lakes are a moderate hike and have a couple sites you can overnight at from the trailhead parking lot. There is also quite a few dispersed sites along the mountain roads on the way up. The road is long and VERY washboarded, but you have lots of great options if you plan on doing some hiking in the area. If you're not looking to hike, I'm not sure beating up your vehicle for a solid hour on a washboarded dirt road is worth it just for camping here.

Month of VisitAugust

(10) View All

Jason S.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2024

Campground small campsites, not close to the lake

I wouldn’t recommend this campground, especially if you’re hoping for a lakeside experience. The campground is actually a decent distance away, and it’s not easy to access. The road getting in is rough and bumpy, which made for an unpleasant drive. Once we arrived, the campsites were disappointingly small and cramped, making it difficult to set up comfortably. The lake itself wasn’t much better. It’s small, and the water is ice cold, so swimming wasn’t really an option. To top it off, there were no fish to be found, so fishing was a bust. Overall, between the rough road, tiny campsites, and lackluster lake, this campground just wasn’t worth the effort. There are much better options out there.

Month of VisitAugust

Shylean B.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 19, 2022

Quiet Beautiful Camping

This place is wonderful! It has about 5 camping spots and is normally not to busy. We really enjoyed the hike to the upper lakes as well.

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Roman Nose Lakes Campground?

Roman Nose Lakes Campground offers basic amenities with approximately 4-5 designated campsites plus a group tent area. The campground is fairly primitive, so don't expect extensive facilities. The campsites are set up near the trailhead to the lakes, providing convenient access to hiking trails. Note that the campground is not located directly on the lakeshores, so lakeside camping is not available. For the most current information about facilities and amenities, contact the managing agency before your trip.

How do I get to Roman Nose Campground in Idaho?

Access to Roman Nose Campground requires navigating rough, bumpy forest roads that can be challenging for some vehicles. The campground is located near the Roman Nose Lakes trailhead in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Be prepared for uneven terrain and possibly difficult driving conditions. Consider bringing a vehicle with decent clearance if possible. For specific directions, check with the Idaho Panhandle National Forest office or local ranger district for the most up-to-date road information and access points.

What hiking trails are near Roman Nose Campground?

Several hiking trails are accessible directly from Roman Nose Campground. The main trail system leads to three beautiful alpine lakes. The first lake is a short, easy walk from the trailhead, making it perfect for casual hikers. For more adventurous hikers, trails continue to the upper lakes, offering a more challenging experience with greater rewards. Each campsite has trail access, or you can start from the trailhead parking lot. The hike to all three lakes makes for an excellent day trip if you're staying at the campground.

What are the best times to visit Roman Nose Lakes for camping?

Summer and early fall are the optimal times to visit Roman Nose Lakes for camping. The alpine location means the area is typically accessible from late spring through early autumn, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. The campground is generally less crowded than other destinations in the region, even during peak season. Weather can change quickly in this mountain environment, so come prepared with appropriate gear regardless of when you visit. Always check current conditions before your trip, as forest road access may be limited by snow or other factors in shoulder seasons.

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