Camping cabins near Clarkia, Idaho provide rustic to comfortable lodging options in the Clearwater National Forest region. Located at approximately 2,700 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F during peak season and cool nights even in summer months. The heavily forested terrain features predominantly ponderosa pine and western larch.
What to do
Water activities at Dworshak Reservoir: Canyon Creek offers secluded lake access for swimming, though water levels can fluctuate significantly. According to a visitor at Canyon Creek, "Swimming in the lake at the foot of a mountain was sublime."
Biking on established trails: The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes runs through several campgrounds in the region. A camper at Chatcolet Campground noted, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Camp Coeur D Alene, a reviewer mentioned "There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose" while another By the Way Campground visitor was "warned a Moose family likes to walk through."
Guided nature walks: Some campgrounds maintain educational trails. A visitor at Three Meadows Group Camp observed, "Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks."
What campers like
Paddling options: Multiple locations offer kayak, canoe or paddle boat rentals. One camper at Wolf Lodge Campground shared, "We loved kayaking down the creek at the campground and saw wildlife."
Privacy levels: Campsites vary from secluded to community-oriented. A Canyon Creek visitor reported, "Very quiet, overlooking the lake. Clean vault toilets. Boat ramp. 4 miles of rough gravel road with tight turns."
Night sky viewing: The area's minimal light pollution provides excellent stargazing. A camper at Freeman Creek Campground found the area "Great for day use" and enjoyed "the landscape and the lush green grass they were growing."
Communal spaces: Some facilities offer gathering areas for social interaction. Wolf Lodge Campground "had a group campfire each night" according to one reviewer.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabins in the area have no reception. A Bald Mountain Lookout visitor advised, "Get offline map before coming. Bring a lot of water. No cell service, if you have Starlink, set it up at the south east side of the tower, thats the only place I could get signal."
Road conditions: Access to some cabin sites requires navigating challenging terrain. A reviewer at Camp Coeur D Alene cautioned about "the road to get there. Google maps wrecked us- I selected 'quickest route' and had NO warnings that we would be driving up the narrowest gravel road with a 11% incline!"
Reservation timing: Many cabin sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. A visitor to Wolf Lodge mentioned, "Made my reservation for an overnight stay over the phone on my way there. Staff was very kind and friendly."
Highway noise: Some cabins near main roads experience traffic sounds. A By the Way Campground guest noted, "Your right next to freeway very noisy. The AC couldn't drown out the traffic noise. Wore earplugs."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Several campgrounds offer family-focused amenities. At Heyburn State Park, a parent found "The perfect campground to keep the whole family entertained!" They described how "Biking the 7 mile ride to Harrison is a great way to spend the day, you cross the lake over a bridge, watching eagles swoop over the lake as you ride."
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. One camper advised, "Always be aware of animals typical raccoons etc put your food away."
Accessible options: Some facilities provide accessible accommodations. Three Meadows Group Camp includes "ONE handicapped cabin and 3 regular" according to a visitor who "stayed in a cabin for two nights in late June 2021."
Multiple lodging options: Groups with different comfort needs have various choices. By the Way Campground "has about 15 RV spots and a handful of tent sites with a fire ring. There are clean, warm bathrooms with showers."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different utility connections depending on location. Wolf Lodge Campground provides "Full hook ups, clean showers and laundry too. It was perfect for our quick stop over. Only downside was no fire rings."
Level ground concerns: Site topography affects RV setup. A visitor to Chatcolet Campground observed, "We got lucky and were in a site that was a bit more level. Noticed a lot of sites are unlevel."
Length restrictions: Larger RVs may not fit at all locations. A reviewer noted that Chatcolet is "Not bid rig friendly. Maybe 30 ft. It is really close to the lake and bike trail. No frills. Some electric sites."
Parking configurations: Different campgrounds offer various RV parking arrangements. Cabins by the Joe has both cabins and RV sites but "the only thing that would've made it better if there was a little bit more space between the RVs."
