Cabin and glamping options near Cataldo, Idaho provide alternative camping experiences in northern Idaho's forested terrain at elevations around 2,200 feet. The area between Coeur d'Alene and Kellogg offers camping opportunities from May through September, though some sites remain open year-round. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Liberty Lake Regional Park connects to several hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the trail on the backside of the campground, which followed along a stream. There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose," notes a Camp Coeur D'Alene visitor.
Mine tours and gem panning: The historical Crystal Gold Mine offers educational activities beyond just accommodation. "The 40 minutes tour of the mine is awesome!! And, it comes with an opportunity to pan for gold and gems. Don't count on striking it rich with gold but you will certainly leave entertained and with a great bit of mining education," explains one camper.
Bike trail access: Chatcolet Campground provides direct access to regional bike paths. "We picked this campground for its access to the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes. The campground is small and peaceful, at least mid week. Lovely views of the lake through the trees," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Lakefront activities: Multiple campsites offer water recreation options beyond standard amenities. At Wolf Lodge Campground, "Canoe and float rentals, live music on weekends. Full hook ups, clean showers and laundry too. It was perfect for our quick stop over."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Gilmore Campground at Farragut State Park offers spacious sites with community activities. "The campground has a big green for frisbee, horseshoes, etc. Farragut State Park has abundant hiking, water activities and interesting interpretive exhibits," writes a camper.
Quiet, wooded settings: Many sites provide natural surroundings despite highway proximity. At By the Way Campground, "Small RV park, with a few tent sites. Hosts were lovely people. Large clean bathrooms and showers. Park like environment. Was warned a Moose family likes to walk through, but didn't see them."
What you should know
Highway noise: Several glamping options near Cataldo sit close to Interstate 90. "Unfortunately, ground is very uneven and the interstate with heavy truck traffic is right next to it. Felt like the traffic was going through my tent," notes a Wolf Lodge Campground reviewer.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Gilmore Campground, visitors report "limited Verizon connectivity — 2 bars at most. The village of Bayview, a few minutes' drive or vigorous bike ride away, has a well-stocked little mercantile that carries all the necessities."
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. "Need to book months ahead or get there early to get a spot," advises a camper at Gilmore Campground. Most glamping facilities near Cataldo follow seasonal operations, typically May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some locations offer built-in entertainment for children. At Camp Coeur D'Alene, "The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities."
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects sleep quality for light sleepers. One camper at Wolf Lodge noted, "We just ran our AC/fan at night and it blocked out the noise" while another mentioned "decent amount of highway noise" at various sites.
Check bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies between locations. At Chatcolet Campground, "The toilets are flush, but look like outhouses from the outside. A pleasant surprise when you get in." Some locations feature full shower facilities while others offer more basic options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many RV sites require adjustment. "The spaces are big and open. There seem to be a lot of long timers but that's fine. No laundry or bathhouse. Would probably pass next time and keep going to Coeur d'Alene to find something a little nicer as a vacation spot," notes an RVer at Crystal Gold Mine.
Off-season limitations: Facility closures affect value during shoulder seasons. "The showers were closed for the season and the bathrooms were not well maintained. They had no toilet paper, lots of bugs, and the lights were out," reports a visitor to a nearby park.
Space constraints: Site layouts vary significantly between glamping facilities near Cataldo. At Silverwood RV Park, "Spaces feel spaced out. We were in loop F." whereas other locations note "The RV sites are very close together on a gravel lot, but are full hookup."
