Cabins near Athol, Idaho offer year-round access to outdoor recreation in the Idaho Panhandle. Located at elevations around 2,300 feet, the area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and cold winters that typically drop below freezing. Most cabin rentals are concentrated around Lake Coeur d'Alene and smaller surrounding lakes, with spring and fall offering less crowded conditions.
What to do
Lake activities: 5 miles to Lake Coeur d'Alene: Visitors at Camp Coeur D Alene can enjoy direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. "We took the paddle boat our for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience!" reports Angela F., who appreciated the complimentary paddle boat use.
Hiking: Multiple trail systems: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers several hiking trails within walking distance of their cabins. "There is a clean shower/bathroom building and a beach within walking distance of the campground... Several hiking trails, including an equestrian trail, waterfall, fishing and lots of wildlife," notes Joel R., who spotted deer, moose, owls, and hawks during his three-week stay.
Wildlife viewing: Accessible from campsites: The area around Athol provides opportunities to observe native wildlife. "There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose. We didn't get to see her but enjoyed looking," mentions Julie M. about her experience at Camp Coeur D Alene, which also features trail hiking along streams.
What campers like
Heated cabins for cooler weather: Most cabin rentals in the region offer electricity and heating options for comfort during spring and fall. "The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities," explains Phil G. about Wolf Lodge Campground.
Lakefront access: Private beach areas are a significant draw for cabin campers. "Peaceful, quiet, and beautiful! Right on the lakefront with your own private beach," writes Mackenzie M. about her experience at Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground, noting they also have "a cute little restaurant with a bar and you can get to go drinks."
Clean shower facilities: Most cabin rentals provide access to clean bathroom facilities. "This campground was super cozy and safe. They had firewood for sale, a pool, and clean showers and bathrooms," reports Sienna V. about her comfortable stay at Camp Coeur D'Alene, where she could connect to wifi even from her tent site.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book ahead for summer: Cabin availability becomes limited from June through August. "Very quiet campground with lovely trees. Bathrooms were clean with minimal bugs. Showers available," notes Derek S. about Waldron Campground, which is typically busiest during summer holidays.
Highway proximity: Sound considerations: Some cabins near Athol are located close to Interstate 90. "This KOA was a convenient location for us as we travel after an 'errand day' in Spokane... However, this KOA is surrounded by residences and businesses, and also right next to very active train tracks," explains Meghan B. about noise levels at area campgrounds.
Communal fire pits: Not all cabins have private fire rings. "Fire pits are communal but we didn't mind it all, so we went to buy wood at the store. They asked if we had a fire pit and we said no so they delivered us our own personal fire pit and wood to our campsite," shares Mackenzie M. about the accommodating service at Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple cabin types: Compare layouts first: Cabin camping options near Athol include both basic and deluxe units. "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing! This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood) which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile," shares Jared about his experience at Camp Coeur D'Alene.
Recreation amenities: Pack outdoor games: Many cabin locations offer recreational facilities. "The campground has beautiful treed sites with lots of amenities. They are redoing the pool, and the bathrooms are very clean. Very friendly staff," writes Julie M. about her extended stay at Camp Coeur D'Alene, where she enjoyed hiking trails alongside streams.
Kid-friendly options: Choose activity-centered sites: Mirror Lake: Bigfoot Campout provides family-oriented activities in a more secluded setting. "The views of Mirror Lake are just phenomenal. Clean campground with all the amenities. The dock is fantastic and the fishing is top notch. Electric hookups if you are a 'glamper,'" recommends Nathaniel, who considers it a "hidden gem of the Idaho Panhandle."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Request specific areas: Cabin areas often share space with RV sections. "Cute campground with plenty to do and lots of amenities. Canoe and float rentals, live music on weekends. Full hook ups, clean showers and laundry too. It was perfect for our quick stop over," writes Erin A. about Wolf Lodge Campground, though she notes the absence of fire rings.
Cabin alternatives: Consider RV rentals: For larger groups, RV rental options may provide more space than standard cabins. "We have stayed at. Peaceful at night, nice pines surrounding sites, friendly and attentive staff, and a ton of activities. Pool, hot tub, nice lake for fishing and boating, laundry facilities that take cards," notes Rich S. about his experience at Thousand Trails Little Diamond, which offers cabin rentals with standard amenities.
