Tent campsites near Bayview, Idaho include several primitive and established sites within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Most locations sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, creating cool summer nights even when daytime temperatures reach 80-90°F. The camping season typically runs May through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather conditions for tent camping in this mountainous region.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Green Bay Campground offers direct lake access for water activities. One camper noted, "We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!" The clear waters of Lake Pend Oreille create excellent conditions for paddling directly from your campsite.
Fly fishing: The tributary streams around Breakwater Campground provide productive fishing areas. According to a visitor, "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing." Bring lightweight gear if you're hiking into remote sites.
Wildlife viewing: Mountain goats are common at higher elevations in the area. A visitor to Scotchmans Peak advised, "Scotchman's is known for mountain goat sightings, but as they become more accustomed to people they can be a little aggressive. Keep a safe distance!" Bald eagles and osprey also populate the area lakes and rivers.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Many tent sites provide direct water access. One camper at Mica Bay Boater Park shared, "Big bay for tubing or swimming, close enough to downtown for gas and dinner, plus ice cream. Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish." Most waterfront sites fill quickly during summer months.
Privacy: Remote locations offer separation from crowds. At Extraordinary Camping, a visitor commented, "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 and was helpful with all of my questions." Reservations required.
Clear waters: Many tent campsites around Bayview feature exceptionally transparent lake waters. A camper described Pend Oreille at Green Bay: "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom." Water visibility often extends 10-15 feet in depth during calm conditions.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many campsites requires travel on unpaved forest roads. Regarding Lakes Divide Road, a visitor noted, "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it." High-clearance vehicles recommended for many sites.
Limited amenities: Most primitive tent sites lack basic facilities. At Breakwater Campground, expect "0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing." Bring all water, food, and supplies needed for your stay.
Cell service: Connectivity is extremely limited throughout the camping areas. One camper reported about Breakwater: "No Reception! We didn't find it since there is no reception anywhere nearby and ended up at Bumblebee." Download offline maps before your trip.
Seasonal insect activity: Yellow jackets and other stinging insects can be problematic during summer months. A Green Bay camper warned: "Our only complaint was that there were a lot of yellow jackets- A LOT. But they weren't too aggressive. Despite being frequently swarmed by them, neither of us got stung."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities: Some tent camping areas offer family-friendly amenities. A visitor to Mica Bay Boater Park described, "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, big long docks for fishing or sunbathing."
Weekday arrivals: For better site selection and quieter experience, arrive midweek. One camper at Green Bay advised, "We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site."
Food storage: Secure food items properly in wildlife-active areas. A camper warned, "Bring your own way to dispose of trash, and have a way to lock it up, or animals WILL get into it." Bear-resistant containers recommended for tent camping in this region.
Site selection: When tent camping with children, choose sites away from steep terrain. At Green Bay, one camper suggested, "In the future, I'd choose a site on one of the far ends versus the middle. We were virtually trampled once it filled up."
Tips from RVers
Boat-in alternatives: RV access is limited near Bayview, but several areas combine RV parking with boat-in camping. At Maiden Rock Campground, "Boat and hike in only access. No pump for water source, only lake or creek. Multiple sites. 3 bouy-tethers for boats."
Site limitations: Most tent campsites near Bayview cannot accommodate RVs. At Mica Bay, a visitor clarified, "NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hike in only. The sites are flat and quiet. A secret gem for sure."
Water access planning: RVers considering tent camping should note water accessibility challenges. For Maiden Rock Campground, visitors must rely on "No pump for water source, only lake or creek" for their needs, requiring proper filtration equipment.
