Athol, Idaho offers varied camping options situated at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet in northern Idaho's panhandle region. The area features a mix of coniferous forests and proximity to Lake Pend Oreille, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping options remain available at select locations with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails near Farragut: The park offers extensive trail systems beyond the main paths. "Farragut State Park has abundant hiking, water activities and interesting interpretive exhibits. And Lake Pend Oreille is simply breathtaking," notes a reviewer from Gilmore Campground. For more secluded hiking, trail 70 along Idlewilde Bay provides moderate difficulty with lake access points.
Fishing opportunities: Mirror Lake provides excellent fishing spots with dock access. "The dock is fantastic and the fishing is top notch," reports a camper who stayed at Mirror Lake: Bigfoot Campout. The relatively small lake size makes it ideal for beginners or families seeking calmer waters than Lake Pend Oreille.
Off-season recreation: While summer draws crowds, spring and fall camping offers quieter experiences. Round Lake State Park remains accessible year-round with winter activities. However, one visitor warned about winter hookup reliability: "There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable. We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes."
What campers like
Lake access points: Several campgrounds offer private lake entry spots away from crowded public beaches. At Round Lake State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing."
Educational activities: Visitor centers provide learning opportunities for campers. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more," reports a camper who appreciated the family-friendly amenities at Round Lake.
Dispersed recreation areas: Many campgrounds feature common spaces for group activities. "The campground has a big green for frisbee, horseshoes, etc.," wrote a visitor about Gilmore Campground, noting these spaces encourage social interaction between camping parties without requiring structured programs.
What you should know
Booking timeline requirements: Secure reservations months ahead, particularly for summer stays. "Need to book months ahead or get there early to get a spot," advises a reviewer from Gilmore Campground about summer camping. Winter and shoulder seasons offer more flexibility for spontaneous trips.
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience highway noise. One reviewer at Wolf Lodge Campground noted, "Across this majestic stream, traffic flowed freely down I-90 all night long. Something of a Freightliner Lullaby..." Consider interior sites when available or bringing white noise machines for light sleepers.
Wi-Fi and cellular limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. A Gilmore camper reported, "We had limited Verizon connectivity — 2 bars at most." Some sites require traveling to nearby towns for reliable internet access, making digital detox unintentional but common.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety preparations: Lake swimming areas vary in quality and supervision. "If you are going to swim at one of the bays while there get there early. In the peak of summer, the parking lot will fill up by 10 or 11 am," warns a visitor from Camp Coeur D Alene. Bring water shoes for rocky or weedy swimming areas.
Yurt camping options for Athol, Idaho visitors: For families seeking alternatives to traditional camping, several parks offer yurt accommodations. "We stayed in a tent only spot - spot 17 I think. The spot was somewhat small. I'd say the largest tent it would accommodate is an 8 person cabin tent," explained one camper, highlighting why yurt camping near Athol provides more space and comfort for families.
Multi-day entertainment planning: Combine camping with nearby attractions. One family noted about Liberty Lake Regional Park: "There is a clean shower/bathroom building and a beach within walking distance of the campground," making it possible to create varied daily activities without driving.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability limitations: Not all sites offer full connections. A visitor to Ravenwood RV Resort noted, "The only downside, and our oversight was not all of the units have sewer hook up. The owner had mentioned there are only 23 full hook ups a lot of time in the park, so plan your stay way ahead."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at certain campgrounds. "Nice cozy camp site. Can be a bit crowded but is nice here. Cell service is solid att and Verizon. Nice hiking and cycling trails. Lake looks pretty but didn't go in. Was very hot here in July with no wind. Shower is ok not great," mentions a camper at Liberty Lake Regional Park.
Winter camping electrical concerns: For year-round RV campers, electrical stability becomes critical in winter. At Round Lake, a winter visitor warned, "We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes. Not worth the risk to car camp when it's 18 degrees." Always have backup heating options when winter camping with RVs.
