Best Campgrounds near Clark Fork, ID

Camping areas around Clark Fork, Idaho stretch along the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille, with options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Sam Owen Campground provides access to the lake with both tent and RV accommodations, while Clark Fork Drift Yard offers more primitive camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September, with several forest service and state park facilities providing amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and boat launches within a 20-mile radius of Clark Fork.

Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences in the region, particularly during spring months when flooding can affect lower elevation sites. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months, with first-come, first-served sites filling quickly on weekends. Winter brings significant snowfall, limiting accessibility to many roads and campgrounds. The Clark Fork Drift Yard area provides year-round access but with minimal facilities. A recent visitor noted, "This is a parking lot on a gravel road very close to the highway along Lake Pend Oreille's eastern shore. Good for an overnight stay or day use, but NOT a full-on campground at all."

Lake access represents a primary draw for mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area. Sam Owen Campground features lakeside sites that receive consistently positive reviews for their proximity to water recreation. The campground's multiple loops provide varying levels of privacy and shade, with both tent and RV sites available. Several reviewers mention wildlife sightings, particularly deer, as highlights of their stay. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with highway-adjacent sites experiencing more traffic sounds than those deeper in forested areas. Visitors seeking quiet often prefer the more remote Green Bay Campground, where one camper described the setting as "rugged but beautiful" with "granite rock beaches and amazing views." Facilities range from full-service RV hookups at locations like Farragut State Park to primitive tent sites with vault toilets.

Best Camping Sites Near Clark Fork, Idaho (207)

    1. Sam Owen Camnpground

    16 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $116 / night

    "Also, very amazing views of Lake pend Oreille and the mountains, which surround you. It is down a beautiful peninsula in Hope, Idaho."

    "There are beautiful lakeside campsites with access to the lake. Unfortunately, those were all reserved when we stayed there. This place can get busy in the summertime, so you reserve early."

    2. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

    12 Reviews
    Kaniksu National Forest, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    $15 / night

    "Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!"

    "You do have to walk to your site but it’s not far. Views are magical. Water is crystal clear, you feel secluded and safe!"

    3. Bad Medicine Campground

    9 Reviews
    Heron, MT
    14 miles
    Website

    "On the south shore of picturesque Bull Lake, the campground gives quick access to the breathtaking Ross Creek cedars. The facility is well maintained by the camp host."

    "The lakeside campsites were perfect!  We spent the week there, enjoying the water and nearby hiking.  Nice spacious sites with good shade.  Will definitely camp there again!"

    4. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    3 miles

    "It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    5. Scotchmans Peak

    3 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    5 miles

    "Be sure to read trail reports and weather reports before heading out. North Idaho weather can be pretty finicky, especially at high elevations. Make sure to be aware of wildlife as well!"

    6. Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    "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."

    "There are quite a few beautiful spots along this bay of Lake Pend Oreille that can be reached only by boat."

    7. Beyond Hope Resort

    2 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 264-5251

    "Nice, fancy-ish restaurant at the bottom of the camping grounds right on the big beautiful lake. Awesome views! Sit and eat while you watch the amazing sunsets each night!"

    "The lake is gorgeous and the hosts were wonderful. A great place to shower and do laundry."

    8. Clark Fork River Driftyard

    2 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    3 miles

    "There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us."

    9. Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park

    15 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 683-2425

    "There is easy access to both Silverwood and Coeur D'Alene Idaho outside the campground. Apparently there is a former U.S. Naval brig turned museum at the park as well."

    "Farragut State Park in scenic Northern Idaho is a huge campground that is open year-round."

    10. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3489

    $12 - $29 / night

    "This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."

    "Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."

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Recent Reviews near Clark Fork, ID

715 Reviews of 207 Clark Fork Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    priest lake dispersed camping

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping

    Very nice and secluded area right on the river bed. Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area.

  • 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.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Boundary County Fairgrounds

    Good for a Rest

    This is a great place for a quick stop to rest or just an overnight. It’s not really a place for camping. This area is the town park and the county fairgrounds… there are no camping signs posted along the fence line, but there is plenty of parking lot space to not block the parking spots by the fencing. There are porta-potties available for use. Down by the tennis courts there is an RV dump station and water available. We were able to get about 50 gallons of potable water for 25 cents!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    North Haven Campground

    Cutest Little Campground

    This little campground was an awesome find! We rolled in last minute while passing thru town and snagged a pull thru site with electric and water. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have adorable cabins, glamping wagons and a tipi avoidable to reserve. The office/camp store is great, they’ve got a good selection of cool stuff to browse through. Firewood was available for sale. Front porch of the office/store has a chest freezer with ice and ice cream for sale. There’s also a foosball table, a table for checkers and a little bookshelf library to take/leave a book. The bathhouse was hands down the nicest camp bathrooms we’ve ever used! Showers were amazing! The laundry was great… $2.50 a load, either wash or dry and conveniently accessible 24 hours a day. There’s a large lighted pavilion with picnic tables, cornhole boards with bags, and a dartboard. There’s also a small playground and a hot tub available to use! This campground was so well maintained, the employees friendly and helpful, and it’s just a really sweet, family-friendly, quiet campground. We loved it!

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge

    Beautiful location amazing views

    Stayed here with a couple of friends, and it was a bit cramped in there, as you might expect. The views were incredible, the morning sunrise was spectacular, and the sunset was amazing. The downside was climbing up a steep set of stairs multiple times each day. There are 2 beds and 2 pads for sleeping on the floor which were not very comfortable but adequate. There is a propane stove and lantern for your usage, which worked fine. Also included is pots and pans. The outhouse bathroom was clean and did not stink. It was a bit windy, but overall, we had a great time. The road up to the lookout is very rough and bumpy and not suitable for cars.


Guide to Clark Fork

Camping spots near Clark Fork, Idaho extend into wooded lakeside areas with elevation ranging from 2,100-3,500 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing with snowpack limiting road access to several campgrounds from November through April. Summer camping requires early reservation or arrival at first-come, first-served sites, particularly at lakeside locations where water temperatures reach 70°F by mid-July.

What to do

Swimming opportunities: Sam Owen Campground provides a dedicated swimming area with clear, warm water. "The lake is just a very short walk away (great paddle boarding!) and though there is no cell service within the CG, there is on the far side of the swimming beach," notes camper Sarah. Pend Oreille's water temperatures reach 70°F by mid-July.

Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks offer varied terrain within 15 miles of Clark Fork. "Plenty of bike riding and hiking. A good junior ranger program. A historic museum to visit and some old ruins to explore," mentions Tonya L. about Whitetail Campground. For challenging terrain, Scotchmans Peak provides advanced hiking with elevation gain.

Fishing access: Garfield Bay Campground offers direct lake access for anglers. The campground is "a short walk down to the lake" according to Sophie P., making it convenient for morning fishing. Multiple fishing docks are available at Round Lake State Park where one camper "caught a couple of crappies and trout" during their stay.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at multiple campgrounds. "Sam Owen is known for its huge friendly deer population!! You will see them everywhere!! Which is fun for out-of-towners! People from the city who don't get much wildlife action," explains Bridget L. Bear sightings occasionally occur at more remote sites.

Lakeside campsites: Whiskey Rock Bay Campground offers secluded waterfront sites. "A few of the campsites are right on the lake while others are more inland," explains Brendan. These sites provide direct water access but limited amenities. "It's a serious drive by car and most of the traffic is by boat. I was once here the week before July 4th and even then, there wasn't a lot of people," adds Celine K.

Shower facilities: Several campgrounds offer shower facilities with varying quality. "Round Lake is beautiful with a lot of recreation. I enjoyed camping here and will be going back! Bathrooms are not typical pit toilets, but had running water and flush toilets," reports Alex W. Some campgrounds charge for showers while others provide them at no additional cost.

What you should know

Access challenges: Roads to remote campgrounds can be difficult. "The road to get there is long and rough, I wouldn't recommend bringing a standard camping trailer, and you probably wouldn't want to take a car," explains Jason S. about Green Bay Campground. Many campers recommend high-clearance vehicles for certain sites.

Cell coverage limitations: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds. "There is no cell service within the CG, there is on the far side of the swimming beach, next to the Beyond Hope resort," reports Sarah about Sam Owen Campground. Some campers rely on signal boosters at more remote locations.

Weekend crowding: Weekends see significant increases in camping populations. "We stayed in a tent only spot... We stayed at a nice pull through campsite. All the sites are nice and private with lovely trees and open grassy space between them," reports Jason S. First-come, first-served sites typically fill by Friday morning during peak season.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming areas: Round Lake State Park Campground offers a family-friendly beach. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing," notes Jason S. The gradual shore entry makes it suitable for younger children.

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide nature programs. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more," explains Heather M. about Round Lake State Park.

Site spacing considerations: Some family campers note close quarters at certain campgrounds. "Its very crowded and people feel like they are right on top of each other. Your fire pit area is right next to your neighbors picnic table and/or their fire pit," explains Brett R. Reserving corner sites typically provides more space between neighbors.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. "We had a huge, level spot (#56) at the end of the campground (not all sites are so level). A little tight to get into with a 40' 5th wheel, but doable," notes Sarah about Sam Owen Campground. Several campers recommend scouting sites before attempting to back in larger rigs.

Electric hookup reliability: Winter camping with hookups requires preparation. "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable," reports Nic F. Spring flooding can impact hookup availability at several campgrounds through May.

Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer dump stations. "Bad Medicine Campground is operated by the US Forest Service and it is hosted from May to Sept. During those months it is $10 a night," explains Francie M. Dump stations may require additional fees at campgrounds that do provide them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots near Clark Fork, Idaho?

Clark Fork offers several excellent camping options for different preferences. Clark Fork Drift Yard provides free dispersed camping where the Clark Fork River meets Lake Pend Oreille, with boat launch access. For a more developed experience, North Shore Campground features tent pads and spacious RV sites along the Clark Fork River with nearby hiking trails. Other notable options include Round Lake State Park for a more secluded experience, and dispersed camping along the North Fork Coeur D'Alene River. Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Oreille is also within driving distance and offers multiple campground loops with beautiful lake views.

What amenities are available at Clark Fork campgrounds?

Amenities vary significantly between Clark Fork area campgrounds. Birdland Bay RV Resort offers well-maintained grounds with generously spaced sites, pine tree settings, and quick access to the Clark Fork River for fishing and kayaking. For those seeking full hookups, Blackwell Island RV Park provides gravel sites with full hookup utilities, waterfront access, and boat/kayak rentals. Dispersed camping options like Bull Run Access provide more primitive experiences with fire rings but limited facilities. Public campgrounds in the region typically offer vault toilets, potable water spigots, tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. RV-specific parks generally include electrical hookups, dump stations, and sometimes WiFi access.

When is the best season for camping in Clark Fork, Idaho?

The prime camping season in Clark Fork runs from late spring through early fall (May-September). Summer months offer warm days perfect for water activities at Snowberry Campground — Farragut State Park and other lakeside locations. Fall brings spectacular colors to the area, with Bumblebee Campground offering wooded sites ideal for autumn camping. Weather in this northern Idaho region can be unpredictable, with occasional summer thunderstorms and cool nights even in peak season. Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions as snow melts, while early fall offers fewer crowds but cooler temperatures. Most campgrounds in the area begin closing or reducing services by mid-October.