Best Tent Camping near Bayview, ID
Tent campgrounds near Bayview, Idaho include several primitive sites set along Lake Pend Oreille and the Coeur d'Alene River. Green Bay Campground, though temporarily closed for 2024, has been a popular tent-only destination with lakefront sites and scenic mountain views. Other options include Scotchmans Peak for backcountry tent camping and Maiden Rock Campground, which is accessible only by boat or hiking trail. Most sites are within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest with varying degrees of accessibility and amenities.
Tent campsites generally feature minimal amenities, with most lacking potable water, showers, or electrical hookups. Sites typically have dirt or rock surfaces with variable tree cover. Green Bay requires a short hike down to reach the tent areas, while Scotchmans Peak involves a strenuous hike to reach suitable camping spots. Most locations offer fire rings and some have picnic tables, though fire bans may apply seasonally. According to one visitor, "It is a very difficult hike, which makes camping here even more rewarding." Vault toilets are available at Green Bay, Maiden Rock, and a few other established sites, but many dispersed camping areas have no facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste.
Walk-in tent sites provide seclusion and direct water access that vehicle-based camping cannot match. The rocky shorelines at Green Bay and Maiden Rock campgrounds allow tent campers to position directly near the water, with clear visibility to lake bottoms in some areas. One camper shared that "the water is crystal clear, you feel secluded and safe!" Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly at higher elevations like Scotchmans Peak. Wildlife encounters are common, with mountain goats frequently spotted in alpine areas. Most primitive tent camping options in the area remain free of charge, though Lakes Divide Road received mixed reviews from tent campers regarding safety and site quality. For backcountry tent camping, visitors should bring water filtration systems and follow leave-no-trace principles.








