Cataldo is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Cataldo, reviewed by campers like you.
"Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."
"The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."
"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.)"
"If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."
"Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."
"I met some cool Idaho locals that said they’ve been coming here since they were kids!"
"Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."
"There are secluded dispersed campsites on Big Creek between the campgrounds on Big Creek RD. If you're set up for off grid its definitely worth spending a few days fly fishing or hiking the area."
"By far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water!"
"This campground is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area close to the swiftly flowing Marble Creek."
GuideThis was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)
GuideWe 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 sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.
GuideThis is primitive off grid camping. No services, no water, no tables, just a bathroom in a field with a few campsites around it near the creek. Great location to stay if you're doing the Hiawatha trail and want to camp in the area. The busses picking up hiawatha trail users go right by the campground multiple times a day in the summer.
TravelerWent with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect.
Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone.
Good site to camp for a family.
TravelerI spent 1 night here on my way to Coeur d’Alene. I might spend a couple more! Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting.
There is a vault toilet with its own parking space. I van camped there. Above me were 2 parking lots where 2-3 other campers were. Plenty of room to spread out and have decent privacy.
TravelerBy far one of my favorite Mt lake hikes! With great camping at both the lower and upper lakes, I recommend using the trails app to help navigate through the switch backs, and have lots of water! Me and my friends stayed at the lower lake, both hammock and tent camping.
LegendNice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.
GuideHwy 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 parallel West Bull Run rd
4 spots that I found. One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed). There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.
You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that. More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer. There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol). I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.
Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.
Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape. Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.
This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.
RangerWhile this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in. I will be returning here soon and will take photos to share.
Depending on the time of year it can be loud as motorists past. However, I have wondered into it wilderness to camp farther away from the trail.
The coordinates from this listing are incorrect and take you down the wrong road.
Laird Park is just down the road and you can get to nice river areas from both campsites. If you can’t get a spot here you can always try down by Laird as a backup.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cataldo, Idaho, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the freedom of camping in stunning natural settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cataldo, ID is Rose Lake with a 3.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Cataldo, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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