Best Campgrounds near Cataldo, ID

Camping opportunities around Cataldo, Idaho range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites on public land. The area hosts several mixed-use facilities like CDA River RV Riverfront Campground and Albert's Landing, offering access to the Coeur d'Alene River. These campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with some locations offering glamping options. Several campsites are positioned along Rose Lake and the Coeur d'Alene River, providing waterfront camping experiences.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September, with limited availability during winter months. Roads to dispersed camping areas like Bull Run Access may require higher clearance vehicles, while established campgrounds typically offer easier accessibility. A recent review noted, "Great one night spot on the river. Clean campground with nice flat spots." Cellular reception varies considerably throughout the area, with some remote locations having no service. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should be prepared for varying weather conditions. Developed campgrounds generally provide water and electric hookups, while dispersed sites like Rose Lake are primitive with minimal amenities.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Cataldo area. Several campgrounds provide direct river or lake access, making them popular for fishing, kayaking, and river floating. According to one visitor, "You can throw a rock and hit river from campsite. Bring kayak and put in the river right at the campground." However, some campers report that waterfront sites can become crowded during summer weekends. The free dispersed camping areas like Rose Lake offer more solitude but fewer amenities, with one camper describing it as having "a handful of spots near the lake in three different nooks." Most established campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and toilet facilities, while some like Camp Coeur D'Alene and Wolf Lodge Campground offer additional amenities such as showers, electric hookups, and camp stores.

Best Camping Sites Near Cataldo, Idaho (191)

    1. Camp Coeur D Alene

    46 Reviews
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 664-4471

    $39 - $83 / night

    "The camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent."

    "Very cute campside with free cano’s to use"

    2. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    6 miles
    Website

    "It’s a small area, but there is a big space for large vans and campers and as you go down to the lake there are two campsites next to the bathroom that are perfect for tent camping."

    "Great, easy location. The last road is unpaved for a short bit with minor potholes. A handful of spots near the lake in three different nooks. A bit uneven but a couple blocks worked for us."

    3. Beauty Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $26 - $85 / night

    "Great little spot with close access to lake beaches and hiking trails. I stayed for 2 nights with my dog and it was very enjoyable."

    "We stayed in a big open central meadow that had a few sites in it, but the campground also had some sites that were more tucked back in the vegetation."

    4. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down"

    "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.)"

    5. Albert's Landing

    6 Reviews
    Kingston, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 682-4179

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Albert's Landing is a clean, well managed RV campground on the shores of the North Fork of the CDA River near Cataldo, Idaho. "

    "We arrived late at night and the campground host met us at the entrance to show us to our site, which was super helpful."

    6. Bumblebee Campground

    9 Reviews
    Kingston, ID
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $24 - $112 / night

    "Private sites in the woods of Idaho. Fish in the creek next to most sites."

    "We camped at Bumblebee in July so we could have easy access to the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River."

    7. CDA River RV, Riverfront Campground

    5 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    0 miles
    +1 (208) 682-4613

    8. Rainy Hill Campground

    10 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 765-7223

    "Had zero issues here; awesome view; Moose eating breakfast and dinner,near us we saw a few Bald Eagles around."

    "Beautiful view over the lake, no mosquitos in September, go all the way up and be amazed. Close to the bike trail d’Alene."

    9. By the Way Campground

    4 Reviews
    Kingston, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 682-3311

    "Was warned a Moose family likes to walk through, but didn’t see them."

    "They do have around fifteen RV spots a few small cabins, and a handful of tent spots. The tent spots are around the perimeter of a gazebo that had electric hookup."

    10. Wolf Lodge Campground

    10 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 664-2812

    "Was looking for a tent site close to Coeur d‘Alene and found this park. The tent sites are on a grassy area by the creek."

    "River access from the campground to coeur d'Alene lake. Close to the city. Beautiful area. Interstate noise is not too bad. The people are so very kind and you can tell they love their place."

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Recent Reviews near Cataldo, ID

708 Reviews of 191 Cataldo Campgrounds


  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    River Walk RV Park

    Ok stop over spot

    Cramped little RV park, not a campground. Does have the amenities you would need including laundry & showers. No scenic views, city sidewalks for walking your dog.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Marten Creek Campground

    Next best thing to a cabin on the lake

    A 9 mile drive over paved mostly straight even and the last couple miles on smooth dirt road. Clean vault toilets with scattered sites in the forest. Due to the foliage, the sites feel quite isolated. There is also a boat ramp and bear boxes at each site, along with picnic tables, fire rings, and a number of covered eating areas. You are only a few feet above the lake level, so walking to the lake's edge in the morning is they most calming relaxation. No fees and a 14-day limit make this a most delightful stopover.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Clark Fork River Driftyard

    Great place for an overnight or a couple days!

    We found this spot to be great for an overnight stop. It was a little out of our way… but you can’t beat a free spot with a great view! Camping limit is 3 days. There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available! There are small fire rings scattered throughout the area. It was a pretty quiet spot, other than the trains going by, but that didn’t bother us at all. There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us. The boat ramp had a lot of visitors in the early morning and you could hear gunshots in the distance from others hunting, which also didn’t bother us at all. Overall, we thought this was a pretty great find!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    Quiet place of Respite

    The road in is a typical forest road, no big deal if you're familiar with FS dirt roads. Coming in from Clark Fork you go over Johnson pass which can be blocked with snow during the late fall and winter seasons, 4wd only then. Once you're at the campsites, don't cross over the fence, it's private property and Mike DOES have active cameras and he DOES watch the property. There are no sites on the lakes edge. They're all up on the cliff which is beautiful but if you're hauling water, take it slow. Verizon is 3 to 4 bars. The vault toilet was clean with plenty of TP. I wouldn't come down here with anything bigger than 25' as the sites are small but well spaced.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Albert's Landing

    One night stay on the river

    We really enjoyed our one night stay on the river. It’s a beautiful campground and very clean. We will be back at some point. Saw a baby moose eating leaves off of a tree right in front of us. Very cool. The river is beautiful and very relaxing to be near.

  • kenneth K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Bergsparken RV Park

    Nice and clean

    It was a very nice place to camp we couldn't stay the hole time due to a family emergency wish we could of I would differently stay there again and I am going to tell others about the place


Guide to Cataldo

Dispersed camping near Cataldo, Idaho provides access to the Coeur d'Alene River ecosystem at elevations ranging between 2,200 and 2,800 feet. The camping season typically runs from late April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours. Many areas require higher clearance vehicles to access the more remote camping opportunities along forest service roads.

What to do

River floating: From May to September: Albert's Landing offers river float shuttles on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. "Albert is a very kind, chill and accommodating host... We loved that there were clean bathrooms and showers and a general store in case you forgot or ran out of something," notes a camper who enjoyed the water access.

Wildlife watching: Spring and fall seasons: Many campers report seeing moose, eagles, and other wildlife. At Camp Coeur D'Alene, visitors mention resident wildlife: "There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose. We didn't get to see her but enjoyed looking," states one camper who extended their stay to explore further.

Paddling on Rose Lake: Sunrise or sunset recommended: Tent and van campers can access the public dock at Rose Lake for kayaking. "You can walk down to the lake and sit on the dock to watch the sunset," explains a visitor who found the free camping area convenient despite uneven terrain.

What campers like

Direct river access: Within 50 feet of campsites: CDA River RV Riverfront Campground features sites positioned along the water's edge. A reviewer mentions you can "throw a rock and hit river from campsite. Bring kayak and put in the river right at the campground," making it popular among paddlers.

Free camping options: Three-day limits apply: Rose Lake provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. According to a camper, "For a free stop on the way to a primary destination, this was the most pleasant surprise. Strolled in at 11 pm and although it was dark & other campers, it was easy to find a spot. The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space."

Nature trails: Connected to camp areas: Beauty Creek Campground features hiking trails right from the campground. "Great little spot with close access to lake beaches and hiking trails. I stayed for 2 nights with my dog and it was very enjoyable," shares a visitor who appreciated the creek-side setting.

What you should know

Seasonal camping challenges: Summer crowding, winter closures: Most campsites fill quickly from June through August, especially on weekends. "We tried to stay here on a Saturday in July—and it was way too crowded. People were parked everywhere (in all the designated spots and everywhere in between) and there were multiple groups playing music," reports a visitor to Bumblebee Campground.

Mosquito activity: Varies by location and season: Areas near standing water can have significant mosquito populations. At Bull Run Access, campers note: "Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes." Bringing proper repellent is essential, particularly in wooded riverside areas during early summer.

Cell service limitations: Plan accordingly: Coverage varies significantly throughout the area. One camper at Rose Lake notes, "There is no cell phone service too!" while another at Rainy Hill Campground reports: "I had 4G cell at top of hill T-Mobile." Download offline maps before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Best family-friendly locations: Consider amenities: Camp Coeur D'Alene has activities specifically for children. "This CG has everything you can ask for from Kayaks on lake CDA to shower, laundry etc... Everyone is very friendly and just want you to have a good time! Camp sites are well thought out," shares a satisfied camper.

Water safety considerations: Life jackets required: Many water access points have variable depths and currents. Lakes are typically calmer than river sections, making them better for younger children. "There seemed to be a handful of spots near the lake in three different nooks" at Rose Lake, offering options for families seeking water access.

Campsite selection for privacy: Reserve in advance: Rainy Hill Campground offers more secluded sites for families seeking space. A camper describes: "We found this place rather easily with the directions given, but actually finding places to park was a little challenging. There is a little loop on the hill opposite from the Rainy Lake boat launch that can support 3 campers."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Full services limited: Albert's Landing provides 60+ sites with water and 30/50 amp service. A reviewer notes, "The campground offers 60+ sites with water & 30/50 amp service, level gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is nearly 1000' of river frontage, a camp store, and a river float shuttle."

Road conditions: Prepare for gravel access: Bull Run Access requires careful navigation. "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 sportsman's access sign."

Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds have variable water pressure issues. At CDA River RV, one camper advised: "Was told to make sure to use pressure regulator, always do anyways but when we got here pressure was so bad we just filled our fresh water tank and used the RV's pump."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks available in Cataldo?

Yes, Cataldo has RV-friendly options for travelers. CDA River RV, Riverfront Campground offers reservable sites for RVs in the Cataldo area. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Blackwell Island RV Park in Coeur d'Alene provides gravel, level sites with full hookups and both pull-through and back-in options. It's conveniently located near the interstate and sits alongside the Spokane River and lake. Most RV parks in the region are open seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, though some may offer year-round accessibility.

What campgrounds are closest to Cataldo, Idaho?

The closest campgrounds to Cataldo include Albert's Landing, located right on the shores of the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. This well-managed campground offers over 60 sites with water and electrical hookups. Lost Moose Campground is another nearby option, situated about 8 miles off I-90. Though the last couple miles of road are bumpy, campers find the peaceful wooded setting worth the drive. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Rose Lake provides a more basic camping experience with toilets but fewer amenities.

Where can I find free camping in Cataldo, Idaho?

The Cataldo area offers several free dispersed camping options. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River provides free riverside camping with multiple sites along the water, though it can get busy during peak seasons. Bull Run Access Dispersed is another option with approximately four spots featuring pre-established fire pits. Access requires crossing a one-lane bridge and following West Bull Run Road past the Coeur d'Alene Trail parking area. Both locations offer beautiful natural settings but have minimal facilities, so come prepared with water and waste disposal plans.