Dispersed camping options near Bonners Ferry extend beyond established campgrounds into the surrounding Kootenai and Colville National Forests. Situated at approximately 1,900 feet elevation, this northern Idaho region experiences temperature swings between 20°F in winter to 90°F during summer months. The area's proximity to the Canadian border means camping season typically runs from late April through October, with forest service roads becoming snow-covered and inaccessible during winter.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Moyie River at Meadow Creek Campground provides productive fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "Great, quiet campsite. Access to the lake is very close, there is a day use area with toilets, benches and fire pits right near the lake and the campsites are just a bit further off the lake," reports one camper at Smith Lake.
Hiking trails: The Buck Mountain Trail #176 near Meadow Creek offers panoramic views of the Cabinets and Selkirks mountain ranges. "Watch out for grizzly and black bears in this area!" warns one reviewer. Another camper noted about nearby Roman Nose: "We really enjoyed the hike to the upper lakes as well."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide swimming and paddling opportunities. At Blue Lake RV Resort, "They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. The little lake is full of catfish and turtles that you can feed," according to one visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground upkeep receives frequent positive mentions. "By far the cleanest, most well kept campground I've ever visited," writes a visitor to Meadow Creek. Another camper at North Haven Campground states: "Their showers are emaculant and luxurious. Wife refused to use ours."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports various wildlife viewing opportunities. At Smith Lake, one camper mentions: "There are lots of squirrels and birds to listen to/watch in the trees." Blue Lake visitors frequently note seeing turtles in the lake: "I got to do yoga by the lake at sunrise, not too buggy and I saw lots of turtles."
Year-round options: Some campgrounds remain accessible during colder months. "Nice RV campsites with water & electric hookups yr round. WiFi & free laundry, bathroom, & showers via coded entry," notes a visitor to The Hemlocks RV and Lodging.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise, which can disrupt light sleepers. At Boundary County Fairgrounds, one camper reported: "A train engine was going back and forth on the tracks at 1:00 am, then idling with air pressure releases for about an hour waiting for another train to pass. It was so loud it vibrated the trailer."
Local use patterns: Understanding peak usage helps avoid crowds. "We pulled in on a hot summer afternoon and a few kids were at the playground... Then about 100 cars show up and start to block me in. I just barely get everything out away and move to the back of the lot when the place is overrun with soccer mom's and little league players," warns a visitor to the Boundary County Fairgrounds.
Road conditions: Access to more remote sites can be challenging. "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," notes a camper about Roman Nose.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Multiple campgrounds offer kid-friendly water features. "Kelly and Bill live right there but after they make sure you are all set, they leave you alone. Great for kids to explore and play in the creek. There was paint and brushes, and the kids were invited to paint a rock and plant it on the creek path," shares a visitor to Trout Creek Base Camp.
Camping site selection: Family groups should consider space constraints at certain campgrounds. "This is a small campground just a few minutes outside of Bonner's Ferry. Probably 6 spaces, all big enough for a car or van but not suitable for large RVs," notes a Smith Lake camper.
Alternative accommodations: For families wanting camping experiences without tents, several options exist. "We stayed in a yurt it was clean and dry. The camp grounds were nice maybe a bit over crowded but I guess it was that time of the year," reports a visitor to Yaak River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have restrictions on RV sizes. "I wouldn't recommend anything over 25 ft but that's me. Our 34RLSA 5er couldn't get in. Deep woods feel with all the trees and shade. Solar would be a challenge," cautions a Yaak River Campground visitor.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited to specific campgrounds. "We have 21 sites with full hookups, or water and electric," states information from North Haven Campground, while Blue Lake RV Resort offers "full hookup pull through that are all side by side without much space, and some more nicely spaced water and electric sites amongst the trees."
Overflow options: During peak season, the fairgrounds provides backup camping. "Big parking lot, park with tables, trash cans etc. and it's 72 hour parking. It is at the fairgrounds so you'd want to be mindful of events (we happened to stay on the night of the rodeo) which created a very busy parking lot," advises a Boundary County Fairgrounds visitor.
