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Established Camping

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground, near Bayview, Idaho, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and soak in some stunning natural beauty. This place is all about the great outdoors, with free camping and a laid-back vibe that keeps visitors coming back for more.

The campground offers a few primitive sites right by the lake, perfect for pitching a tent or parking your RV. Many campers rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the gorgeous views, with one visitor noting, “It’s one of my all-time favorite places on earth.” Just keep in mind, there’s no drinking water available, so bring your own or plan to filter it.

Getting here might be a bit of an adventure, as the road is gravel and can be tricky for low-clearance vehicles. But trust me, the drive is worth it. You’ll find yourself surrounded by mountain ranges and plenty of wildlife, making it a great spot for hiking, fishing, or just kicking back by the water. As one happy camper put it, “It is quiet and peaceful. Lots of great recreation areas and wildlife in the area.”

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy nature, Whiskey Rock Bay is a solid choice. Just remember to pack your essentials, including firewood and a good water filter, and you’ll be set for a memorable camping experience.

Fee Info

There is no fee to use this site.

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Location

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

By road: From Clark Fork drive south on Road 278 (Johnson Creek Road) and continue 30 miles to the site. By boat: The site is located on the west shore of Pend Oreille Lake about 10 miles south of Garfield Bay.

Coordinates

48.05143250940017 N
116.4550287455404 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Whiskey Rock Bay Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2024

Breathtaking views from this lovely campground

This lakeside campground is a true hidden getaway, perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds. The lake itself is stunning—clear, beautiful water. However, be aware that there’s a steep drop-off down to the lake, which might make getting to the water a little tricky depdning on which campsite you get. The road to get there is long and rough, I wouldn't recommend bringing a standard camping trailer, and you probably wouldn't want to take a car. But the remoteness is what makes this spot so amazing.  It’s incredibly peaceful, and when we visited, there was only one other camper around, so it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path campground with amazing lake views and don’t mind a bit of a drive, this spot is worth the effort. Just make sure your vehicle can handle the rough road.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Jason S., October 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Jason S., October 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Jason S., October 15, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Whiskey rock

Beautiful one of the best stops on my travels

Site6
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2021

Amazing place

One of my all time favorite places on earth. Sketchy drive but worth it!

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2021

Beautiful Lake Side Campground

The road in and out is all gravel. While a low clearance vehicle could make it, I recommend a high clearance vehicle. But the campground itself is fantastic. Camping is free and there are vault toilets. I did see one water spigot, but I recommend filtering your own water. A few of the campsite are right on the lake while others and more inland. Definitely recommend!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2019

Best secret on Pend O'reille

Whiskey Rock is one of the nicest spots on the lake. It's a serious drive by car and most of the traffic is by boat. I was once here the week before July 4th and even then, there wasn't a lot of people. This spot sits between several mountain ranges and right on the lake. It is quiet and peaceful. Lots of great recreation areas and wildlife in the area. Great views. The campsites are primitive, but there are outhouses on site. No potable water, so bring a filter or a jug!

  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Celine K., October 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Celine K., October 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Celine K., October 29, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2016

Beautiful Campsites Reached by Boat

There are quite a few beautiful spots along this bay of Lake Pend Oreille that can be reached only by boat. This is a great place to feel secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of the lake, without having to drive the boat too far. We put the boat in at the Farragut State park and drove a mere ten minutes across the lake to this beautiful (free) safe haven. Because of where the bank is situated, the camps receive beautiful early morning light and then are shaded enough throughout the rest of the day. We had enough space at our camp to set up two tents, a kitchen, a fireplace, and our own bathroom. Other campers were along the bay, but we still had ample privacy. We all had a great time, and were even able to set up our hammock in the trees to overlook the lake. I loved this bay and hope to return many times in the future.

  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Jade F., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Jade F., August 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Whiskey Rock Bay Campground by Jade F., August 27, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Whiskey Rock Bay Campground in Idaho?

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground is accessible by both road and water. The road leading to the campground is entirely gravel and can be challenging to navigate. While a low clearance vehicle could make it, a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended for safety and comfort. The drive is described as somewhat sketchy but worth the effort for the destination. For those looking to avoid the rugged road access, boating to the campground is a popular alternative, with many visitors putting in at Farragut State Park and making the relatively short boat journey to reach this secluded spot.

What amenities are available at Whiskey Rock Bay Campground?

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground features vault toilets and a water spigot, though filtering your own water is recommended. Camping is free, making it an economical option for visitors. Some campsites are positioned right along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille. The campground maintains a natural setting without extensive facilities, perfect for those seeking a more primitive camping experience in a stunning lakeside location.

What are the best times to visit Whiskey Rock Bay Campground?

The ideal time to visit Whiskey Rock Bay Campground is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant for enjoying Lake Pend Oreille. Even during peak times like early July, the campground remains relatively uncrowded, offering a peaceful experience. The location between mountain ranges provides beautiful scenery year-round, though spring and fall visits may offer additional solitude. Summer allows for the best lake activities, while shoulder seasons provide quieter camping with fewer boaters on the water.

Can I boat to Whiskey Rock Bay Campground?

Yes, boating to Whiskey Rock Bay Campground is not only possible but highly popular. Many visitors prefer boat access to avoid the rugged drive on gravel roads. The campground features several beautiful spots along the bay that are easily accessible by water. Farragut State Park offers a convenient boat launch point for reaching the campground. This boat-in option makes Whiskey Rock Bay a perfect destination for those looking to combine camping with boating on Lake Pend Oreille, without having to travel too far across the water.