Private campgrounds around Coeur d'Alene offer alternatives to state park camping, with sites ranging from $35 to $75 per night depending on amenities. Most private campgrounds near Coeur d'Alene remain open from May through September, though several RV parks operate year-round. The area combines mountain terrain with lake access, creating varied camping options within 30 minutes of downtown.
What to do
Creek exploration: Beauty Creek Campground has hiking trails that connect to the surrounding area. One camper notes, "Great little spot with close access to lake beaches and hiking trails. I stayed for 2 nights with my dog and it was very enjoyable."
Kayaking and boating: Camp Coeur D'Alene provides watercraft options for campers. A visitor shared, "We took the paddle boat our for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience!" Another mentioned that the campground offers "free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood."
Swimming at Liberty Lake: The beach area at Liberty Lake Regional Park makes for a good day activity. A camper reported, "There is a clean shower/bathroom building and a beach within walking distance of the campground."
Wildlife viewing: Look for animals around campsites. At Liberty Lake, a visitor noted, "There were deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks."
What campers like
Free amenities: Many appreciate extras included with site fees. At Camp Coeur D'Alene, one camper mentioned, "This CG has everything you can ask for from Kayaks on lake CDA to shower, laundry etc and more than one."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good restroom standards. A camper at Beauty Creek observed the "pit toilets were very clean and smelled surprisingly good!" While at Wolf Lodge Campground, a visitor noted, "Showers were large, clean with lots of hot water and free!"
Quiet spaces: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. At Beauty Creek Campground, "Sites 12 and higher have more privacy. Very clean pit toilets."
Camp hosts: Many campers mention helpful staff. One camper stated, "The camp host was very friendly and accommodating" at Beauty Creek, while another said Wolf Lodge had "Friendly staff and clean. I really like this spot."
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to major roads. A visitor at Wolf Lodge Campground noted, "Unfortunately, the interstate with heavy truck traffic is right next to it. Felt like the traffic was going through my tent."
Site spacing: Private campgrounds often place sites close together. At Blackwell Island RV Park, a camper observed, "Sites VERY close so no privacy at all. Very limited shade."
Insect concerns: Yellow jackets appear at some locations. A Beauty Creek camper warned, "Yellow jackets are swarming you. Nobody was stung when we were there and I find that amazing."
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Spokane KOA Journey, "The tent sites had a nice triangular metal and wood canopy for shelter from rain and also for shade. It is right next to an active railroad, so bring earplugs."
Tips for camping with families
BMX and play areas: Kids enjoy active facilities. At Blackwell Island RV Park, "They've added cute touches around the premises. A kids BMX dirt bike area, secret gardens, walking nature paths and a pond with their own resident ducks."
Camping entertainment: Look for family-friendly activities. Wolf Lodge Campground Idaho offers "a trampoline, playground, and other games. This looks to be a very family friendly park."
Island camping option: Some sites offer extra privacy. At Camp Coeur D'Alene, "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing! This place has great amenities which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile."
Swimming access: Water activities keep kids entertained. A Liberty Lake camper mentioned there's a "nice beach area for swimming. The camping area isn't really privet."
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Know what's available at each campground. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, "Most of the sites are full hookup with 30 and 50 amp electric. Water and sewer dump. There is also a sewer dump station with 4 dumps, located just west of this park."
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven spots. A camper at Liberty Lake advised, "Bring your blocks. Nice cozy camp site. Can be a bit crowded but is nice here."
Overnight options: Free RV parking exists for short stays. At Cabela's in Post Falls, "There were probably 20 RVs/vehicles camping over the 4th of July weekend. Cabela's has a sign saying RVs are permitted for stays up to 48 hours."
Big rig access: Some campgrounds accommodate large vehicles better than others. At Kootenai County, a reviewer confirmed, "This place is big rig friendly. I stayed in a 45 class A motorhome with a tow vehicle. I had no problem with the access to the rv park."
