Primitive camping near Athol, Idaho offers multiple dispersed options on public land at elevations between 2,100-3,000 feet with summer highs typically reaching 85°F. The area sits within the Coeur d'Alene River basin and Kaniksu National Forest, creating diverse riparian and forest camping environments. Most locations have no amenities and require campers to be fully self-sufficient with water, waste management, and navigating sometimes challenging forest roads.
What to do
Fishing access points: Several camping areas provide direct river or lake access for anglers. At North Fork Coeur D'Alene River, "You're not camping right on it as there are some bushes and an incline, but every spot has a tiny little 1 minute walk down to the water which is awesome," notes one camper. The fishing can be excellent: "The fish were jumping like CRAZY the night I stayed!"
Boating opportunities: Multiple sites serve as boat launches near water bodies. Rose Lake features "Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well." Visitors note it has a "Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers!"
Wildlife viewing: The area's forests and wetlands support diverse wildlife watching. At Copper Mountain dispersed sites, you'll find "Mountain views" with sites "up the road about 10 minutes. Great views. Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate."
What campers like
River proximity: The sound of flowing water enhances many sites. At Pack River Dispersed Site, campers appreciate "Quiet riverside camp area" with "A few sites available along this road." Another camper notes it's good for "camping and solitude."
Lake views: Several sites offer water views as their main attraction. Visitors to Clark Fork Drift Yard enjoy "looking at the mountains. It's close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible." The site features a "boat launch with dock and another without."
Seclusion options: For those seeking privacy, some sites offer more isolated settings. At Bull Run Access Dispersed, "the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you'll see a big shady area in the trees." Other campers recommend: "If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."
What you should know
Insect activity: Most riverside and lakefront sites have significant mosquito populations. A camper at Lakes Divide Road notes: "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it."
Road conditions: Many sites require navigating unpaved roads of varying quality. At Pack River, expect "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites."
Limited amenities: Most sites have no facilities whatsoever. At Hanks Meadow, there's "Approximately room for four camper setups. Couple of fire rings. Beautiful mountain side. Have to ford Creek to access."
Local interactions: Some areas have established local communities nearby. At Bull Run Access, one camper observed: "the locals in this area were understandably curious. However there is a fine line between driving by to see what's with the unfamiliar vehicle, and deliberately trying to make visitors feel uncomfortable."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with level ground and natural boundaries. Cooks Lake offers "4-5 camp sites at the main campground, well-separated and each with a fire pit." The water features are family-friendly: "The water was warm and we swam all day. Bats at night, and the stars!!"
Nature exploration: Several sites offer opportunities for children to observe wildlife safely. Bull Run Access has "a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers."
Safety considerations: Some areas require extra vigilance with children. Clark Fork Drift Yard has a "log jam [that] is a good spot to bird watch" but families should note "there is a risk of flooding" during certain seasons.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs better than large ones. Bull Run Access is one exception, where a camper reported: "We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around."
Leveling challenges: Many sites are not level, requiring additional equipment. At Rose Lake, one camper noted: "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere."
Access routes: Scout ahead when possible or research thoroughly. For Bull Run Access: "Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called 'South Bull Run Rd' > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run rd."
