Best Dispersed Camping near Bonners Ferry, ID

There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude.

We camped at Cooks Lake for two nights, this past Friday and Saturday. There were 4-5 camp sites at the main campground, well-separated and each with a fire pit. There is a vault toilet that was disgusting, beware. Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground.

Hop out onto the road and keep heading the same direction and you'll come to a couple of other little pods of sites, most had fire pits, and they were fairly level and well-separated as well. 

We turned around and went back and past the main campground, and took the next downhill driveway toward the lake. The driveway ends at a decent raised fire pit with a ledge for a pan or pot. There is a small level area there for chairs. Past the fire pit, it slopes down to the lake. The beach is dirt and sharp rock, and mostly sloped, probably 150 feet long? and narrow. There is another steep entrance to this beach at the other end, from a pullout on the road above. We decided to stay there because it felt pretty secluded, and there was one spot that was level enough for a tent…there was 12" of beach between the tent and the water!

We were 'invaded' by groups of fishermen/women/families both mornings pretty early, one was rude, one was quiet. But, the early mornings on the lake were worth it. The mist rising and the vast, green mountains, right in front of you! Birds everywhere, woodpeckers in the birch trees and killdeer darting down to the water. Chipmunks and rabbits. Tadpoles and turtles and little water snakes. The water was warm and we swam all day. Bats at night, and the stars!!

Excellent camping experience.

Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

We stayed at camp site #7 because the creek runs right by it. It was beautiful, and we loved having our tent right by the water. There were not a ton of level surfaces for tents or tables, no bathroom near this site although there’s one at the first site. We had no cell phone service for several miles before reaching the site. There were also lots of mice. Brave too, they were trying to get our food as we were eating it around the fire! Luckily the bear box they provide keeps the mice from getting to it at night, and they were nowhere to be found during the day. We will probably not be back for this reason though.

We camped at site #14. Approximately 5 miles on East of East Sullivan Campground heading on Sullivan Creek Rd. (All camping is Free on Sullivan Creek Rd)

The site is near the river (multiple paths for easy access), has a bear box, and a fire ring. Make sure to bring proper toiletry supplies to use the old fashion style because the closet toilet is 2 miles away.

The site was great however the fire ring is about 30 yards away from where we parked our tent trailer and would be ideal for tent camping and is very shaded.

Overall great trip!

The campgrounds are located on Sullivan Creek Rd that runs along Sullivan Creek. There over 30 sites along the river over several miles. Some of them do not have numbers. All the sites are first come and are Free

We camped at site #6 over Memorial Day weekend.

At the site there was a bear box and a fire ring with a moveable grill cover. Some of the sites do have bathrooms. However, we didn’t have one so make sure to bring the appropriate toilet supplies. The size of our site could fit two Rv’s and several tents (Our pop up tent trailer is 25ft). The site has a lot of shade so depending on the time of year make sure to bring the weather appropriate clothing. During our stay it got very cold and we needed to use our heater.

The river is about 35 yards from the site and the dirt road is about 20 yards from the main Camping area.

Dogs do not have to be on leash. However, this time of the year the river was cold and very fast and if your dog is not trained using a leash or tether system for safety would be beneficial.

There are several hiking/game trails you can walk or drive too. Sullivan lake is right down the road about a 5 minute drive you can access additional hiking trails.

Firewood is not provided so make sure to purchase prior and/or bring a ax to cut up the wood that has been left behind.

Overall we loved this area and will be going back this summer when it’s warmer and the river is safe enough to swim with our dogs:)

Here is the exact coordinates of the site #6

https://maps.apple.com/?ll=48.832887,-117.249496&q=My%20Location&_ext=EiQpqFCSB5xqSEAxrBQYwPdPXcA5qFCSB5xqSEBBrBQYwPdPXcA%3D&t=m

We stayed at site 10. The site was small and near the bathroom. The river is across the road and has a nice path to the water:)

Nice location away from people but most all the sites are close to the dirt road and was woken up a couple of times by the sound and headlights of vehicles. But all in all well kept areas (some garbage left by previous campers, just packed it out with mine). Did have a late night bear visitor but was camping in my van so not too concerning. Very little fallen wood for fire, lots of kindling or if you want there is lots of logs in the creek.

Neat little spot that worked good for a last minute place to camp. Was headed from Montana and got up there right at dark. Decided to drive down to the water (that was hardly there) and found myself barely on the edge of lake bottom mud. Didn't get out till the next morning, it was a great time.

This is a nice little lake. Perfect for peace and quiet. Not a ton of boats around, so that makes this place perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It does have bathrooms, which is always better than a hole in the ground, but the "doors" are just shower curtains. There are also coin operated showers. There is a tiny store. I would suggest bringing everything you need. The lady that runs the place is just a sweetheart. This lake was pretty warm in the fall and the water was gorgeous! Crystal clear!

Great little lake, no wake lake so it’s great for kayaking! They do have docks for small fishing boats. The bathrooms are actual bathrooms. They do offer a coin operated shower! Crystal clear lake with lots to offer

This campground is now closed and owned by private resident. Very sad to see this place go. We have been coming here for 25 years.

Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.