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Best Tent Camping near Coeur d'Alene, ID

742 Reviews

Tent camping opportunities near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho range from established lakeside sites to remote forest locations with minimal amenities. Lakes Divide Road offers primitive tent sites on Forest Service land, while Mica Bay Boater Park provides tent camping areas that must be reached by boat, hiking in, or parking nearby and walking to the sites. Breakwater Campground along a tributary of the Coeur d'Alene River caters specifically to tent campers looking for a more rustic experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities, with fire pits available at Breakwater and Extraordinary Camping sites, though fire bans may be in effect during dry summer months. Many locations lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Vault toilets exist at some locations, including Mica Bay, but others have no facilities whatsoever. Sites along Lakes Divide Road are accessible by vehicle, though the forest road is steep. A camper observed that it is "a steep but well maintained forest road" with clear pull-offs for camping.

The tent camping experience around Coeur d'Alene offers excellent water access and natural settings. Morning views of mist rising over lakes and mountains reward those willing to brave the primitive conditions. Areas like Breakwater Campground provide both recreation and solitude, with good fishing opportunities in the adjacent waterways. Green Bay Campground, though temporarily closed in 2024, has historically offered excellent water access for tent campers willing to hike in. Primitive backcountry tent sites throughout the region provide opportunities for deeper wilderness immersion. According to a review of Breakwater Campground, "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing."

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Best Tent Sites Near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (29)

    1. Mica Bay Boater Park Camping

    2 Reviews
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
    8 miles

    "NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hke in only. The sites are flat and quiet. A secret gem for sure."

    2. Extraordinary Camping 🏕

    1 Review
    Harrison, ID
    9 miles
    +1 (760) 975-7335

    $50 - $70 / night

    "it is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won’t be any people outside your own group.  the owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions.  "

    3. Lakes Divide Road

    2 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    13 miles

    4. Killarney Lake Picnic Site

    1 Review
    Medimont, ID
    16 miles
    +1 (208) 769-5000

    "It has restroom access. It would not be nice to travel here in the snow though due to the gravel roads. I did see some campground nearby but they were really small and did not look very nice."

    5. Breakwater Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    20 miles

    "Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire."

    "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots."

    6. Coeur d'Alene River Area

    1 Review
    Cataldo, ID
    19 miles

    7. Amongst The Pines

    1 Review
    Mead, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 484-3948

    $35 / night

    "Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals."

    8. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

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

    $15 / night

    "There is a single vault toilet, they ask that you bring a bucket and shovel for solid waste. Bring your own way to dispose of trash, and have a way to lock it up, or animals WILL get into it."

    "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!"

    9. Nine Mile Recreation Area — Riverside State Park

    7 Reviews
    Nine Mile Falls, WA
    37 miles
    Website

    "The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises. There is hardly any shade at the campsite. The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in."

    "We stayed here for one night and were absolutely thrilled at how peaceful and quiet the space was. You’re right off the water and the get an amazing view of the sunset."

    10. Lake Elsie Campground

    9 Reviews
    Osburn, ID
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 765-7223

    "Easy to drive up to. Any vehicle will do. Dirt road to the top where you will find a lovely little lake with 4-5 camp spots surrounding it."

    "You’ll want to bring good cars because the road gets pretty primitive. Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Coeur d'Alene, ID

22 Photos of 29 Coeur d'Alene Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Coeur d'Alene, ID

742 Reviews of 29 Coeur d'Alene Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bumblebee Campground

    Not much to praise

    Coeur d’Alene River Road has SO many places to boondocks and camp, I wouldn’t waste our money on this campground again. The pit toilets were clean and the fire rings and picnic tables were in good shape, hence the two stars. Lots of wasps. No water. Nothing to do within walking distance. Find a boondock spot and save the $28.00

  • Cathy E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2023

    Bald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park

    Quiet, Clean, and Beautiful

    What a gem! Small state park campground at about a 3000 ft elevation with only 8 sites. Dry Camping only, no dump station, but clean flushable toilets(no showers) and potable water available. Two beautiful trails are accessible from the campground and lots more are within a 10 minute drive with plenty of parking at trailheads. Local foliage is wonderful, views are fantastic from the trails. Quiet hours are enforced and observed- very quiet and relaxing. The camp host, Linda, does such a wonderful job of keeping everything neat and tidy and checking in with campers to see if they have what they need. Sites are small- only one was a pull through. I wouldn't attempt with anything longer than 23 feet. Each site has a bear box, really nice and large picnic table, firepit and tent pads that are nicely cushioned with pea gravel. Our site,#3, was centrally located without a ton of privacy, but it was still a nice site and folks were respectful and quiet. Decent cell service in the campground. I am absolutely coming back.

  • F
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Bull River Campground

    Beautiful but the State of Montana has mismanaged to the point of absurdity

    This used to be a great place to camp, especially at the Pavilion. However, two recent camping trips were not so great. There is no water, even though there are cisterns everywhere. There is no trash pickup. Restrooms are visited and "cleaned", but there is no evidence that anything was done. There are still tons of bugs and webs. I think they just replace the TP. Last visit was at the Pavilion with a men's campout with around 20 individuals. No trash containers, no bear boxes, and no water. We brought 250 gallons of water with us and pulled up to where the fire pit was, so it would be close to the fire for safety and convenience. The day after we left the site, a ranger called and accused us of "off-roading" and not placing our food in the non-existent bear boxes. We weren't "cited," but the temperament of the management is that they want you to pay the same price for camping without a host, water, trash, bear boxes, or clean restrooms. If you wish to dry camp, there are plenty of spaces, but it is definitely dry camping. Beautiful campground with severe management issues, all blamed on"lack of funding".

  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests

    Great Campground

    The Shadowy St. Joe Campground is a great place to stay. It has 14 sites total. With one taken by the camp hosts, all are paved, with space for 2 vehicles each, have fire pits, and a picnic bench, and electricity. 7 sites to reserve ahead of time on the meadow side that has grass and is spacious. There are 6 first come first serve sites, 2 on the meadow side, and 4 along the river. If looking to reserve a site, the numbers start with #1 closest to the entrance on the meadow side and grow larger in counter clockwise fashion. There is a day use area you can also reserve, with charcoal grills, and multiple picnic benches. There are several vault toilets and all are kept very clean by the 2 wonderful park hosts. There is a boat launch area for day use, with a small fee, but if camping there is no extra charge. There is 2 docks and if staying multiple days you can leave your boat on the dock overnight. It is supposed to be a no wake zone, but the signs have warn down, so we lost a bumper to our boat from crashing into the dock, from passing boat wakes. There is a couple of potable water stations available, with small hose spouts, but no water hookups at the sites. The sites are electric with 50amp, 30amp, and 110 plugs available. No sewer hookup at the sites, but there is a dump station at the fairgrounds in the town of St. Maries about 10 miles away. Phone service is spotty, texting easier and lots of dropped calls, but we like to unplug when camping. Dogs are allowed with no limits, just to stay on leashes at all times. The Lazy St. Joe River is boat passable up to St. Joe City, and all the way to Lake Coeur d'Alene if you want to adventure for a full day in the boat. Great for fishing too. Make sure to have Idaho invasive species tag for the boat if you are from out of state. The Sheriff and Park Rangers patrol daily and check. St. Maries has 2 grocery stores, and sports shop where you can get supplies, and fishing licenses. The town also has great shops, a swimming pool, parks, restaurants, and ATM/banks. This is a great little gem in the Gem State.

  • Nicole B.
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park

    Great Campground but loud maintenance

    We stayed at Chatcolet campground for two nights in late June. The campground is really nice with lovely hosts and clean flushable toilets. We booked site 128 and didn’t realise it was a tent only site with a short walk from where you park to the picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. We have a rooftop tent so we parked and set up our tent and then just carried our chairs, food and wood down to the picnic table. Privacy on these sites isn’t the best, I would recommend booking this site along with 129 as a group site to give yourself good privacy.

    Overall this campground was great, the toilets were clean, they are porcelain, flushing toilets inside a hut. There was drinking water and some nice walks to the lake, if you have bicycles there is a really nice cycle that you can do. The reason for rating this 3 out of 5 is that there was very noisy and intrusive maintenance going on from 7am to 5pm in the sites next to us which was very disruptive. No warning had been given about maintenance in the campground, notice was only given regarding roadworks leading into the campground.

  • Saraj B.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Bell Bay Campground - CLOSED

    Total Gem

    Bell Bay Campground was a total gem for our recent camping trip with friends. 

    It is located almost an hour south of Coeur d'Alene on a very windy road with limited guard rails. There are also no facilities the entire way so make sure you have what you need before leaving CdA. 

    The views of the lake and surrounding mountains were stunning, even if it got a bit hot and dusty at times. We spent most of our days just chilling on floaties in the lake that we could access by a (pretty steep!) trail directly from our campsite. Previous user's photos showed a dock but there wasn't one in sight. The facilities were spot-on—clean vault toilet, water spigot with great pressure, and spacious campsites that gave us plenty of room to set up our 2 tents and hang out around the campfire. The campground has firewood for sale but my only warning is to check burn bans in the area ahead of time.

  • Tiffany L.
    Mar. 19, 2018

    Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park

    Farragut State Park

    Beautiful campsite with lots of shade! There are many activities for the whole family including hiking, biking and disc golf. We stayed on a large plot with a nice level area to set up a tent. There are nice shower and bathroom facilities available also. Our site included a large picnic table and firepit with built in grill top. The water was close but it is a steep grade down and back out of the water which made bringing a kayak or SUP difficult. 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. We did not visit on this occasion but will definitely try it out on our next trip!

  • Robert P.
    Apr. 1, 2023

    Albert's Landing

    Just plain wonderful.

    On a return trip from MT to home (Long Beach Peninsula, WA) we were having difficulties finding an open campground as it seemed most were still closed for winter. I came across Albert’s Landing and noticed that they were scheduled to open the day after we needed to camp. I sent an inquiry to them asking about the chance to let us camp the day before they opened. I got a really nice reply from owner Allen offering us a place to camp at their place. Two days later we pulled into Albert’s Landing and met Allen who was waiting for us. After unlocking the gate we set up camp right next to their frontage on the Coeur d’Alene River. Beautiful scenery and site. Very clean. Beautiful surroundings, top of the line picnic tables and fire rings. New bathroom building. In fact everything looked either new, or well maintained. You can definitely see their pride of ownership, which is well deserved. Did we luck out finding this gem, and look forward to staying there again whenever in that area. A big thank you to Allen for his hospitality and generosity. It was greatly appreciated.

  • Danny V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Ornery locals

    My friend and I travel for work. We're all over the Pacific Northwest with a rooftop tent and a camper on the truck in order to save money on hotels. Basically we live out of rest stops and, if we can find them, nice secluded spots out in nature on our way to the next job. The reviews for this spot seemed promising. We were on our way from Coeur d'Alene to Missoula, and really need a nap to kill some time before our payroll checks cleared. From the start, the locals in this area were understandably curious. However there is a fine line between driving by to see what's with the unfamiliar vehicle, and deliberately trying to make visitors feel uncomfortable. We were only parked for about four hours, but several vehicles decided to drive by several times very slowly during this span of time. Visibly (and I repeat, visibly) staring at us with their mouths open. This location is pretty far from civilization. So I can't imagine how many places you could even need to go back and forth from in the span of an hour or two. Wherever that is it must be popular because no exaggerating, five different vehicles exhibited this pattern of behavior. Just in case there was any questions about the locals' intentions, about halfway through our stay apparently the neighbors made a deal to get some tractor work done. The tractor fired up and proceeded to go back and forth between the two properties to switch implements. I figure the average person would just bring the various implements closer to where the work is, but I'm not here to direct a man on efficient use of his tractor. These kinds of things are no bother to me, as I can sleep through just about anything. But my coworker is a little bit more of a light sleeper. So is his dog, who also didn't get much rest due to all the activity. So I figure either the neighbors weren't to happy with our presence, or theres a very popular drug dealer who lives on this road and they've got the good stuff. Because I've never seen so much repeat traffic in such a short span of time. Needless to say, we left and wish everyone there the best of times moving forward. With perhaps a gentle reminder that the parking area and boat ramp in their neighborhood is a public amenity provided by the state of Idaho. That is all.

Guide to Coeur d'Alene

Tent camping near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho offers primitive experiences at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 4,500 feet with temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night. The region's mixed coniferous forests provide habitats for moose, bears, and osprey that campers frequently encounter. Summer camping season typically runs from late May through early October, with peak visitation occurring in July and August.

What to do

Fishing access: At Breakwater Campground, fly fishing opportunities abound along tributary waters. "Great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots," notes Lane P., highlighting the trade-off between prime fishing locations and accessibility.

Water recreation: The clear waters at Green Bay Campground provide multiple activity options. "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!" shares Michelle B. The campground temporarily closed for 2024, but remains a reference point for water quality in the area.

ATV trails: Lake Elsie offers extensive off-road opportunities. "There is really good fishing and ATV trails for MILES through the wilderness! Seriously, one of the most fun places to camp," reports Saphrenne R. The combination of lakeside camping and trail access makes this location popular with motorsport enthusiasts.

What campers like

Lake views: Campers consistently praise the scenic water vistas at tent sites. "Campsites are marked and have picnic tables and fire pits. They are all right on the water and offer the most incredibly serene views of Pend Orielle," explains Melissa G. about Green Bay Campground.

Family-friendly amenities: Mica Bay Boater Park offers recreational facilities beyond basic camping. "Swing sets and slide for youngsters, horseshoe pit (when camp host is present), for older kids, large grass field for frisbee or football, big long docks for fishing or sunbathing...something for everyone," details TBone.

Seclusion options: Privacy-seekers appreciate certain locations. "It is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group," explains Ethan V. about Extraordinary Camping, highlighting the benefit of private tent camping near Coeur d'Alene without crowded conditions.

What you should know

Access limitations: Many sites require specific transportation methods. "NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hike in only. The sites are flat and quiet. A secret gem for sure," cautions Ginger S. about Mica Bay Boater Park.

Road conditions: Forest roads to campsites often present challenges. "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard," advises Samuel H. about Lake Elsie Campground.

Wildlife encounters: Bears frequent some camping areas. "Multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart," warns Natalie J. about Lake Elsie Campground, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage when tent camping in Coeur d'Alene's forested areas.

Tips for camping with families

Activity variety: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. "Great camping spot for families or anyone! Swing sets and slide for youngsters...large grass field for frisbee or football, big long docks for fishing or sunbathing," recommends TBone about Mica Bay Boater Park.

Timing strategies: Mid-week arrival improves site selection. "Our stay at the Green Bay campground was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site," advises William N.

Water safety: Nine Mile Recreation Area provides supervised swimming opportunities. "The resort is right on Long Lake, there is an area to swim, and it's a good spot for waterskiing," notes Jim T., describing one of the more developed tent camping options near Coeur d'Alene.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most primitive camping areas around Coeur d'Alene cannot accommodate large rigs. "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it. Wanted some privacy so I kept going," reports Teresa T. about Lakes Divide Road.

Alternative accommodations: For those seeking more comfort than tent camping, Amongst The Pines offers cabin options. "We stayed here on a whim for a road trip stop. It ended up being one of the best nights of the road trip. Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals," shares aaron S.

Self-sufficiency requirements: Primitive sites demand preparation. "Very primitive...Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing," explains Dealspeed about Breakwater Campground, highlighting both the limitations and benefits of basic tent camping in the Coeur d'Alene area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping spots near Coeur d'Alene?

The Coeur d'Alene area offers excellent tent camping options. Skookum Creek Campground is highly rated with spacious sites set along a creek near the Pend Oreille River. This free DNR campground features fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets with sites spaced far apart for privacy. Another great option is Giant White Pine Campground, which offers affordable sites ($8/night) with spacious, pretty campsites that are particularly good for hammock camping. The campground also provides access to nearby hiking trails for daytime exploration.

Can you find waterfront tent camping in Coeur d'Alene?

Yes, you can find excellent waterfront tent camping near Coeur d'Alene. Green Bay Campground offers beautiful lakeside camping with sites perfect for tents. Though it requires a short hike to access, the lakefront location provides opportunities for kayaking and swimming. Note this campground is temporarily closed for 2024. For boat-accessible waterfront camping, Maiden Rock Campground provides boat and hike-in only access with multiple sites and buoy-tethers for boats, though you'll need to bring your own water or filter from the lake or creek.

What tent camping options are available near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho?

The Coeur d'Alene area offers diverse tent camping options for every preference. Breakwater Campground provides free primitive tent camping along a tributary of the Coeur d'Alene river with good fly fishing opportunities and access to dirt bike trails, though it has no amenities. For those seeking remote experiences, Tingley Spring - BLM offers backcountry camping with no services or water, making it ideal for self-sufficient campers looking for solitude. The region also features numerous Forest Service and BLM sites throughout the surrounding mountains and along waterways, providing a mix of developed and dispersed camping options.

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