Best Tent Camping near Athol, ID

Recent Tent Reviews in Athol

727 Reviews of 36 Athol Campgrounds

• 

  Dealspeed

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Breakwater Campground

  Very primitive

  Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing.

• 

  Saraj B.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 21, 2024

  Luby Bay Campground

  Luby Bay Campground

  Luby Bay Campground offers a beautiful lakeside experience, with many sites featuring direct lakefront access. The campground is surrounded by trees and foliage, providing a sense of privacy, and the sites are nicely spaced apart. 

  In the back corner of the lower loop, there is designated parking for boat trailers and extra vehicles. I launched my boat at the Priest Lake Marina just a mile down the road for a small fee, but I appreciated the free trailer parking at the campground. 

  The flushing toilets were impressively clean—better than many I've encountered at other campgrounds. 

  The road through the campground is paved but narrow, roughly 1.5 vehicles wide, so backing in a trailer requires some finesse. 

  Each site comes with a bear-proof locker, which is essential for safety. The only downside was that our locker had trash bags left by the previous occupants, which hadn't been cleaned out before our arrival. This seems to be a minor oversight by the host. 

  Overall, I had a great stay and would recommend Luby Bay Campground.

• J

  Jason S.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 21, 2024

  Reeder Bay Campground

  Pretty lake views from campsites

  If you can get one of the lakefront campsites, the views are phenomenal! But if you can't, the rest of the campsites are still pretty nice. The campsites are spaced apart enough so you're not too close to your neighbor. Bathrooms are adequate pit toilets. The lake is clear and cold, decent for swimming if you don't mind cold water.

• J

  Jessica S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  Spokane KOA Journey

  not great but there aren’t many options in the area

  After camping on BLM lands & staying at smaller campgrounds, we were excited to stay at a KOA. It was a good price & the grounds were decent; we stayed in the fall & the changing trees everywhere were beautiful. The amenities on the other hand… The laundry room floor looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a LONG time & half of the washing machines were out of order. The showers weren’t aesthetically in great shape & the drains clearly needed to be cleaned as I was quickly standing in inches of water (picture taken). Then there’s the topic of the trains… The person who checked us in at the front specifically told us we were in a quiet spot in the back.. yes we were away from other campers but the heart attack from the blaring horn at 2:30am was rough. Then we were woken up at 6am by RVs coming in/ out. All that being said, we will be finding another option for the rest of our trip. I always hate leaving bad reviews, but hopefully sharing our experience is helpful to others.

  EDIT: Wrote this review before we went into Spokane (we’re here to visit family who goes to GU) & after searching for hours, realized this is probably the best option in the area, so I’m humbled to say we did in fact have to come back for another night but are staying in a spot further away from the train

• J

  Jessica S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  great spot except the hunters

  We were glad we read the reviews for directions & info about spots — like others mentioned, the best spot is a big grassy area amongst the trees (continue past the first circular parking area). However, the entire area has sportsman access, so we listened to gun shots most of the day… not exactly the peaceful nature vibe we were hoping for. Would likely come back, but pray it’s a day of no hunters

• J

  Jason S.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 16, 2024

  Roman Nose

  Campground small campsites, not close to the lake

  I wouldn’t recommend this campground, especially if you’re hoping for a lakeside experience. The campground is actually a decent distance away, and it’s not easy to access. The road getting in is rough and bumpy, which made for an unpleasant drive. Once we arrived, the campsites were disappointingly small and cramped, making it difficult to set up comfortably. The lake itself wasn’t much better. It’s small, and the water is ice cold, so swimming wasn’t really an option. To top it off, there were no fish to be found, so fishing was a bust. Overall, between the rough road, tiny campsites, and lackluster lake, this campground just wasn’t worth the effort. There are much better options out there.

• J

  Jason S.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 15, 2024

  Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

  Breathtaking views from this lovely campground

  This lakeside campground is a true hidden getaway, perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds. The lake itself is stunning—clear, beautiful water. However, be aware that there’s a steep drop-off down to the lake, which might make getting to the water a little tricky depdning on which campsite you get. The road to get there is long and rough, I wouldn't recommend bringing a standard camping trailer, and you probably wouldn't want to take a car. But the remoteness is what makes this spot so amazing.  It’s incredibly peaceful, and when we visited, there was only one other camper around, so it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. If you’re looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path campground with amazing lake views and don’t mind a bit of a drive, this spot is worth the effort. Just make sure your vehicle can handle the rough road.

• J

  Jason S.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 15, 2024

  Sam Owen Camnpground

  Beautiful lake, great campsites

  Love it here. There are beautiful lakeside campsites with access to the lake. Unfortunately, those were all reserved when we stayed there. This place can get busy in the summertime, so you reserve early. So we stayed at a nice pull through campsite. All the sites are nice and private with lovely trees and open grassy space between them.

  There's a nice swimming area a short walk from our campsite, and Pend Oreille lake is beautiful clear, cool water for swimming.

  Bathrooms are not typical pit toilets, but had running water and flush toilets.

  The area is beautiful and well worth the trip to camp here.

• J

  Jason S.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 15, 2024

  Beehive Lake Dispersed

  Beautiful alpine lake, strenuous hike, trail not well marked

  This hike-in lake campground is a true alpine treasure, but be prepared to work for it! The hike to get there is pretty strenuous, with some tough climbs along the way. The trail itself isn’t well marked, so you’ll want to pay close attention or bring a good map to avoid getting off course. That said, the payoff is absolutely worth it. The alpine lake at the end of the trail is stunning—clear, pristine water surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. It’s the kind of place that feels untouched and pure. If you visit during the right season, you’ll find huckleberries everywhere, which is a sweet bonus after the tough hike in. The campground is simple but perfectly positioned to enjoy the beauty of the lake. The water is incredibly clear, perfect for a cold dip if you're brave enough! If you're up for a challenging hike and want to escape to a peaceful alpine setting, this spot is well worth the effort. Just be ready for a bit of route-finding on the trail and take advantage of the huckleberries along the way!

• J

  Jason S.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 15, 2024

  Round Lake State Park Campground

  Beautiful lake, pleasant surroundings, road noise

  I recently spent a few days at this campground, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. The highlight of the trip was definitely the beautiful lake, which provided a serene backdrop for the entire stay. The surroundings are peaceful abd there is a lovely trail around the lake and an extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful.

  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. I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus. However, one downside was some road noise, which occasionally disrupted the peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it was noticeable enough to mention. Additionally, the campground and swim area can get very busy during peak summer weekends. If you're looking for a quieter experience, it might be best to visit during the off-season or on weekdays. All in all, the campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy nature, fish, or swim in a beautiful lake. Just be prepared for a little road noise and crowds if you visit during popular times.

• 

  Samuel H.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 4, 2024

  Lake Elsie Campground

  Beautiful!

  What a place! I saw no trash or broken glass, it was very clean. I got there after dark and left first thing in the morning, wish I had more time to explore. Sites only had a fire pit, I believe there are also pit toilets but I didn’t have time to check them out.

  The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that’s pushing it pretty hard.

• 

  Steve G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Calm Breeze and Amazing Sunset!

  Stopped at the little restaurant and got a fantastic meal after being on the road all day then headed past all the massive houses to end up in such a gorgeous location. This is one of my favorite spots now!

• 

  Karl H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Blackwell Island RV Park

  On The Water

  Large site. Well managed. On the Spokane River.

• 

  Wendy S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 9, 2024

  Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park

  Nice Campgeound

  This is a cute campground with great hosts. Most folks come in to bike the trail. Verizon is not great and our Starlink had some blockages, but that’s what you get with lots of trees.

• 

  Kaitlin K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 2, 2024

  Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park

  Large and Lovely

  This was a great spot! The camp hosts, Dan and Steve, were very friendly. We loved how large the sites and overall area was, so we could back our rig in easily (40ft long x 13.5ft tall.) There were a lot of open sites, even during the holiday weekend, and even with people on either side, we didn’t feel like we were on top of anyone else. A really great central place to hang so we could check out the surrounding area.

  • Had fast, reliable wifi!
  • Great service for Verizon!
  • Complimentary showers

  As some others mentioned:

  • there wasn’t shade, which made evenings outside pretty hot— but the grass was very lush (and a good place to rest.)
  • there was also some road noise from the dump station and road that runs parallel
• 

  Kaitlin K.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 30, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Buggy but Beautiful

  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. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, 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. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.

• M

  Mustella S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 20, 2024

  Dorr Skeels Campground

  Odd spots but great location

  There are a handful of tent sites here. Several are on a hill next to each other beside the parking lot. 4 sites sit right along the lake. Great spot if camping near lake is your interest, however, lacks privacy as sites are directly beside each other. Awkward sites.

• M

  Mike M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 15, 2024

  Son Mountain Ranch, Athol Idaho

  Prefect spot!

  Stayed here with my wife and children while we were visiting Silverwood. This location was perfect and less than 5 minutes from the park entrance. I would definitely stay here again.

• 

  Diadra G.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 12, 2024

  Lake Elsie Campground

  Disappointed - people ruined this hidden gem

  This is my 2nd time visiting and the quality has dramatically dropped. Maybe the difference was that I went in early fall 4 years ago and this time was late summer but YIKES. 

  There was broken glass EVERYWHERE. We cleaned up so much trash in our site and off the road. The pit toilet was completely out of toilet paper (which we anticipated). Despite being stage 1 fire restrictions, multiple people were having fires, one person's was still smoldering when I got up the next morning. Due to the number of people, ATVs, dirt bikes, nearby shooting range, etc it was just much more noisy in the busy season. I recommend going in the off season.

  The road up to the lake is really rough and narrow but manageable with a proper vehicle. 

  The lake is gorgeous! I just wish people were more considerate.

  FYI There is a moose that frequents the area so keep your trash in your car to avoid feeding the moose.

• 

  Clayton H.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 11, 2024

  Albert's Landing

  You'll love this place unless there's something wrong with you.

  Albert is a very kind, chill and accommodating host. My only regret is I couldn't stay long enough to listen to his guitar skills. A gost that with stum hos guitar for his guests? Thats a good enough reason to go see the place and what made me pick it out from all the others. His prices are very reasonable too. We won't rake you over the coals if you forget something. The place can be really busy on a hot Saturday and he runs it well shuttling people around. i loved that there were clean bathrooms and showers and a general store incase you forgot or ran out of something. I also enjoyed the cool old iron bridge and the peace and quiet of the place. It's no party zone where teenagers have keggars. I was there on a Friday and by 10pm it was quiet and peaceful then the next morning everyone showed up to have swim or float the river there and the water looked nice a shallow and slow perfect for small children and for kayakers it gets a little faster on the other side and fast enough to not have to worry too much about your kids drown but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't pay attention.

• 

  Anthony R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 9, 2024

  Dragoon Creek Campground

  Nice but busy

  Pretty nice and quiet place just north of town. I stayed here 2 out of the 3 nights we're allowed to stay in a 30 day period. The Campground Hosts are nice people. The campground is very nicely setup and clean.

  The weekend can get pretty busy during the summer, first come fist served bases. Will stay again in the future if need be. 🤠

  It's $11.50 for a day pass or $40 for the season.

• 

  Marisa S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Ravenwood RV Resort

  Best Rv park near Silverwood

  This place is an absolute gem! All sites now have full hook-ups with water, power and sewer and every site has both 30/50amp. No showers but who needs that when you have full hook-ups. They have a beautiful pool, basketball court, volleyball area and small playground. They even have a shuttle to Silverwood! One the most beautifully kept RV parks we've ever stayed in with spacious sites with grassy area and picnic table at each site. Highly recommend 👌

• J

  Jen M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 5, 2024

  Bowl and Pitcher Campground — Riverside State Park

  Not much to do...

  Well, it was a beautiful area , with great scenery but if you have kids under 10 yrs old there is absolutely nothing for them to do. I mean NOTHING. We won't go back. We never saw a single staff member or volunteer in 3 days.

• S

  Savannah W.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 3, 2024

  Cedar Village Motel & RV

  Homey

  It is peaceful, not very busy. Nice trees around. Owners seem a little haphazard, nice people but it’s maybe a little bit janky here. If it wasn’t so expensive I’d stay awhile.

• P

  Paul F.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 30, 2024

  Mirror Lake

  Secluded location

  It is a private secluded location but over priced for tent camping. It made for a nice base camp. The dogs were allowed to be off leash which was real nice. They do not allow pit bulls or Rottweilers but ironic that the camp hosts have a Rottweiler. It was not crowded. The nice hike to the summit to view both lakes was worth going up. Other than the $30/night for tent camping it was okay. Had it been $15 a night I would have given the site a 5 star.

• 

  Aaron B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2024

  Dragoon Creek Campground

  Infested with bees

  This campground has way, way too many bees. They are a nuisance can't relax without having to worry about a bee flying in your face. Worst campground in this state for bees. Never going to this campground again.

• 

  Freddie Faith M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 19, 2024

  Bald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park

  Lovely campground with some less desirable campsites.

  Considering that Mt. Spokane is Washington's largest state park, it is a little odd that they have so few campsites (eight of them, if I'm remembering correctly), but I certainly don't mind a small campground. For the number, the campsites could be more spread apart, however.

  Mt. Spokane is such a wonderful state park though that even my few complaints about the campground is easily overlooked. The trails, views, flora, and wildlife is spectacular here and I'd gladly sleep in the parking lot if that was my only camping option.

  I went camping here in early July when Spokane had a heat wave of over 100 degrees temperature everyday, and on Mt. Spokane the temperatures were a good 10 - 15 degrees cooler. With a breeze and lots of drinking water it was well tolerable.

  I booked the last available campsite at the campground for our trip as it was last minute, it was definitely the worst of the campsites but it still was not that bad. I'd stay at that same site (site #2, btw) if it was the only one available again. It had a single tree (so no hammock setup for us) which did little to offer any shade, and it was right at the entrance of the campground. It did only have a neighbor on one side though which is nice.

  If I went again, ideally I would get campsite 4 or 6. They are both much better than campsite 2 and, in my opinion, the best two campsites at the campground.