Cabin camping near Bonners Ferry, Idaho offers diverse lodging in the Kootenai River valley at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. The area sits within the transition zone between the Rocky Mountains and the Selkirk Mountains, creating distinctive seasonal camping conditions with warm summer days and cool evenings. Winter cabin rentals require 4WD access on many forest service roads from November through April.
What to do
Fishing at Kootenai River: The river provides excellent fishing opportunities near Kootenai River Campground. "We sat on the tailgate eating lunch and watched eagles soaring and fishing on the bottom side of the dam," shares one visitor who explored nearby Libby Dam.
Berry picking excursions: Late July through August brings huckleberry season to the mountains around Bonners Ferry. A camper at Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge noted, "Berry picking is here which means predators so come prepared, bear and wolf sign."
Water activities at Blue Lake: For families seeking water recreation, Blue Lake offers multiple options. "They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. The little lake is full of catfish and turtles that you can feed," a camper commented about their experience.
What campers like
Lookout cabin views: Mountaintop cabins provide panoramic vistas of northern Idaho. A visitor at Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge shared, "We didn't go to bed for hours because of stargazing. Pros: backcountry camping but not in a tent, bunkbeds, table, stove, outhouse, wildlife, wildberries, hiking, incredible views."
Well-equipped forest service cabins: Some remote cabins come with surprising amenities. "This lookout was nice because it had a propane fridge, oven, heater, and lights. It also had a variety of pots/pans/plates/cups/utensils," noted a guest at Yaak Mtn. Lookout Rental.
Clean, accessible facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses. "The bathhouse was hands down the nicest camp bathrooms we've ever used! Showers were amazing!" exclaimed a visitor to North Haven Campground.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some cabin rental locations experience railway noise. "One of the major downsides was the campsite's unfortunate location between two railway lines. The constant sound of freight trains passing by throughout the day was quite disruptive," mentioned a visitor to Blue Lake RV Resort.
Seasonal closures: Many forest service cabins close during winter months or require special access. Yaak Mountain Lookout remains open year-round but access becomes significantly more challenging from December through March.
Reservation requirements: Book well ahead for summer visits, particularly for lookout cabins. "Reservations are 9 months in advance and it is a phone call of luck that will get you this prime area," explains a camper about group facilities at Priest Lake State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Several campgrounds offer options specifically for children. "The trail down to the river was great, the boys had a blast riding their bikes on it," shared a visitor to Kootenai River Campground, noting the accessibility of river paths for young cyclists.
Playground and game facilities: Some campgrounds provide recreational structures beyond natural features. North Haven Campground includes "a large lighted pavilion with picnic tables, cornhole boards with bags, and a dartboard. There's also a small playground and a hot tub available to use!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Northern Idaho forests provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities for families. A camper at Lionhead Campground noted, "Kayaking up the thoroughfare to the upper lake is a great workout with some amazing and beautiful scenery and animals along the way. You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for size constraints: Many older forest service campgrounds have limitations for larger units. Blue Lake RV Resort offers "a mix of sites, some full hookup pull through that are all side by side without much space, and some more nicely spaced water and electric sites amongst the trees."
Laundry access: North Haven Campground provides "laundry that was great... $2.50 a load, either wash or dry and conveniently accessible 24 hours a day," according to a recent visitor.
Utility hookups vary widely: RVers should confirm exact hookup specifications before booking cabin sites with RV options. "Nice RV campsites with water & electric hookups yr round. WiFi & free laundry, bathroom, & showers via coded entry," notes a visitor to The Hemlocks RV and Lodging.
