Tent camping near Athol, Idaho offers a range of options from free dispersed sites along Lakes Divide Road to established campgrounds with lake access. Sites vary from primitive spots without facilities to basic campgrounds with vault toilets. Water access is a key feature for many campsites in the region, with Pend Oreille and Coeur d'Alene lakes providing swimming and boating opportunities during the May to September camping season.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: The region's waterways offer productive fishing spots, particularly along streams and tributaries. At Breakwater Campground, "there is great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots," according to camper Lane P.
Lake swimming and exploration: The clear waters of area lakes are perfect for swimming during summer months. A visitor to Green Bay Campground noted, "The beach is granite rock and the view is AMAZING," making it ideal for water activities.
Dirt biking trails: Several camping areas serve as starting points for off-road adventures. A Breakwater Campground visitor mentioned, "it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities."
Rock skipping competitions: The rocky shorelines provide ideal conditions for this simple activity. One camper at Green Bay enthusiastically shared, "Best skipping rocks you'll ever find! I love staying here with friends."
What campers like
Crystal clear water: Many campsites offer access to exceptionally clear lake water. At Extraordinary Camping, one visitor appreciated that "it is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. The owner was very responsive to texts."
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas support diverse wildlife including eagles and osprey. A camper at Mica Bay Boater Park observed "Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish" as one of the highlights of their stay.
Secluded camping spots: Many campers value the privacy available at less developed sites. One Lakes Divide Road visitor noted they "Found a blocked entrance to a forest road about a mile in. Wasn't flat but not bad and off the road a bit with a place to walk the dog."
Grassy campsites: Some campgrounds feature grassy tent pads rather than dirt or gravel. At Skookum Creek Campground, a camper described "Grassy spots with fire rings and tables. Sometimes people stay awhile because it's so nice."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal or no amenities. A Breakwater Campground visitor emphasized, "Very primitive. Great tent camping... Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it costs nothing."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require driving on unpaved roads that can be challenging. A visitor to Lakes Divide Road described it as "a steep but well maintained forest road."
Crowding patterns: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. At Maiden Rock Campground, a camper noted the "Boat and hike in only access. No pump for water source, only lake or creek. Multiple sites. 3 bouy-tethers for boats."
Seasonal differences: Camping experiences vary dramatically by season, with fewer visitors in spring and fall. One Skookum Creek camper observed, "When we camped there in September of 2017, there were 3 occupied spaces, all of whom left the next day so we had the whole campground to ourself."
Tips for camping with families
Access to play areas: Some campgrounds feature dedicated recreation spaces. At Mica Bay Boater Park, a visitor appreciated that it's a "Great camping spot for families or anyone! Swing sets and slide for youngsters, horseshoe pit (when camp host is present), for older kids, large grass field for frisbee or football."
Weekday arrivals recommended: For a more peaceful experience with children, consider non-peak times. A Green Bay Campground visitor advised, "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."
Farm animal experiences: Some private campgrounds offer unique animal interactions. At Amongst The Pines, a family shared, "Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals. The space was perfect for a couple young kids to run around and explore."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about potential wildlife encounters, including insects. Several campgrounds report yellow jacket presence, particularly in late summer.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping sites near Athol have restricted RV access due to road conditions and site sizes. A Killarney Lake visitor noted, "I did see some campground nearby but they were really small and did not look very nice. There's much better campgrounds nearby."
Generator considerations: Few campgrounds permit generators due to noise restrictions. At Skookum Creek, a camper mentioned, "even though the other site was running a couple of generators, I had enough room that the breeze and sounds of nature drowned it out."
Boat-in camping alternatives: RV campers seeking more remote experiences can consider combining RV parking with boat-in tent camping at several lakes. Mica Bay Boater Park offers this option, with a visitor noting "NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hike in only. The sites are flat and quiet."
