Tent camping in Bonners Ferry, Idaho provides access to the rugged Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges within the Kaniksu National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 7,000 feet with dense conifer forests and alpine lakes. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during July and August with cool nights in the 40s, creating ideal conditions for camping when mountain roads become accessible after snowmelt.
What to do
Cliff jumping at Green Bay: Visitors can enjoy this thrilling water activity at Green Bay Campground on Lake Pend Oreille. "Cliff jumping at Green Bay" is popular during summer months when the lake warms slightly. One camper noted, "We stumbled upon this GEM after having a hard time finding campgrounds that weren't full. A friend had suggested checking out the cliff jumping at Greenbay, and lo and behold, we found the campsite of our dreams."
Alpine lake swimming: For the more adventurous, Beehive Lake Dispersed offers crystal clear alpine water after a challenging hike. A visitor reports, "The alpine lake at the end of the trail is stunning—clear, pristine water surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. It's the kind of place that feels untouched and pure. The water is incredibly clear, perfect for a cold dip if you're brave enough!"
Huckleberry picking: Seasonal berry picking opportunities abound in the higher elevations around Bonners Ferry from July through September. The trails around Beehive Lake offer abundant wild huckleberries in season. "If you visit during the right season, you'll find huckleberries everywhere, which is a sweet bonus after the tough hike in," shares one camper.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the direct water access at Whitetail Campground near Troy. A reviewer shared, "Very quiet and beautiful spot. Our site had a nice open meadow and was right next to access to the river. We spent the afternoon with our chairs on the riverbank and dangling our feet in the water."
Midweek solitude: Tent campers consistently recommend weekday visits for maximum privacy. At Navigation Campground, one visitor reported, "Not accessible by car, and takes a couple of hours to hike to it, but well worth it for the solitude once you're there. While all the drive-up sites on lower Priest Lake were full there was no one at Navigation! (Literally NO ONE)."
Sheltered camping: Pack River Dispersed Site offers campsites along a peaceful river with natural protection. "A few sites available along this road. Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful," reports one camper who enjoyed the riverside location.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads leading to tent camping areas near Bonners Ferry require high-clearance vehicles. The route to Roman Nose Campground is particularly challenging. A camper noted, "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."
Trail navigation: Some hiking trails to backcountry camping spots are poorly marked and require preparation. At Beehive Lake, a visitor warned, "The hike to get there is pretty strenuous, with some tough climbs along the way. The trail itself isn't well marked, so you'll want to pay close attention or bring a good map to avoid getting off course."
Property boundaries: When accessing Solomon Lake Campsite, campers must navigate through private land. "This site is quite the drive in, the roads were decent at the time, all gravel, narrow at some points, through some private property, with limited signage," advises one camper who visited.
Tips for camping with families
Level tent pads: Roman Nose Campground offers specific flat areas for tent setup, making it easier for families with multiple tents or larger shelters. One camper described, "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."
Clean facilities: Families appreciate the maintained facilities at some established sites. At Whitetail Campground, a camper noted, "Clean bathrooms and water close by. The tent pads are level and usually rock free. The park keeps the campgrounds clean and accessible."
Midweek arrivals: For families seeking quieter camping experiences, arriving early in the week is recommended. As one Green Bay Campground visitor shared, "Our stay at the Green Bay campground was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to ourselves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site. Spots filled quickly in the days following."
Tips from RVers
Island alternatives: When RV sites fill up, consider Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground for tent camping if you have boat access. "First come, first serve sites are your best bet for getting a campsite on Priest Lake during peak season. I was able to snag one of the 10ish first come sites last minute for a weekend. With it being island camping, there is less traffic, fewer people, and plenty of lakefront sites."
Boat launch access: For tent campers with boats, Hill's Resort provides convenient facilities. "Access was easy- put in at Hill's Resort boat launch where I could also fill up with gas and grab anything else I may have forgotten from their gift shop like beach towels and more snacks."
Invasive species compliance: All watercraft used for camping access require proper permits. "A couple of things to note: Bring a shovel and make sure your watercraft has an Invasive Species sticker (I bought mine at Cabelas in Post Falls on the way up)."
