Camping options around Cataldo, Idaho center around the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River system at approximately 2,300 feet elevation. The area features predominantly coniferous forests with mixed deciduous trees along waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during peak camping season, dropping to 40-50°F overnight in early and late season. Many sites sit directly on waterways with gravel bars that allow easy river access.
What to do
Kayaking the calmer sections: Camp Coeur D'Alene provides direct lake access with kayak rentals. "Great spot to stay for a bit. They have cabins and rv spots and car/tent spots with direct lake access and kayaks/peddleboats to rent," notes Reagan M.
Hiking Latour Creek: Lost Moose Campground provides access to numerous forested trails. "We heard lots of Elk bugling throughout the evening. Everyone was friendly. The Brook running by was calming," reports Mike E. The sounds of elk during rutting season create a unique woodland experience.
Evening stargazing: The lack of light pollution creates excellent star viewing opportunities. "We were able to connect to the wifi at our tent site. Would be the first campground we would reserve when we return to the area," writes Sienna V. about Camp Coeur D'Alene.
What campers like
Spacious riverside sites: Albert's Landing offers larger camping areas with river frontage. "We really enjoyed our one night stay on the river. It's a beautiful campground and very clean. The river is beautiful and very relaxing to be near," says Eric P.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several sites have regular wildlife visits. "Saw a baby moose eating leaves off of a tree right in front of us. Very cool," adds Eric P. about Albert's Landing.
Clean facilities: Beauty Creek Campground maintains excellent standards. "Cute, rustic campground with pit toilets and a potable water pump. Not a lot of privacy, but if you need a place to stop and camp for a night, not a bad choice at all. Pit toilets were very clean/well maintained," shares Haley M.
Community atmosphere: Some campgrounds foster social settings. "They had a group campfire each night. Will definitely return!" mentions Mike and Karen W. about Wolf Lodge Campground.
What you should know
Campground terrain variations: Rose Lake offers uneven ground that may challenge some campers. "I struggled with this place, it would be really great if the two lot areas were level. There isn't a level spot anywhere," notes April C.
Seasonal insect activity: Bull Run Access dispersed camping area experiences peak mosquito season from late May through July. "Just stopped for one night but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty spot close to the lake, but the mosquitoes are abundant! I had my door opened for just a few minutes and had to kill like 20 before I could sleep," warns Kelly P.
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds sit near major roads. "This campground is next to the interstate... It's loud, and bright with lights from the highway," cautions Ashlee B. about Wolf Lodge Campground.
Limited reservations: Many smaller campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing!" explains Jared about Camp Coeur D'Alene, noting how prime spots go quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Campgrounds with diverse recreational facilities work best for families with children. "There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities," mentions Phil G. about Camp Coeur D'Alene.
Space for play: By the Way Campground offers areas for kids to move around. "Our family had a great one night stay. It was very last minute but they had a tent spot available. 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," describes Joe B.
Bathroom facilities: Consider sites with full restroom access. "Four total restrooms, two of those have showers, and they have a laundry facility available as well. Everything was clean and well kept!" Joe B. continues about By the Way Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Beauty Creek Campground provides relatively level sites. "Site #7 is definitely the best site for tent camping," suggests Haley M. while mentioning the overall campground quality.
Access road quality: Some campgrounds require traveling rougher roads. "After turning off I-90 at Cataldo, ID, it is a two-mile paved drive followed by a 6-mile gravel and dirt road to the campground. The gravel and dirt road was well maintained with only a few potholes to avoid," explains Brock W. about Lost Moose Campground.
Hookup availability: Options range from primitive to full-service. "Albert's Landing is a clean, well managed RV campground on the shores of the North Fork of the CDA River near Cataldo, Idaho. The campground offers 60+ sites with water & 30/50 amp service, level gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings," states Jeremy B.
