Camping spots near Dalton Gardens, Idaho range from remote forest settings to lakeside accommodations within a 25-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping season from June through September. Winter camping options remain limited due to snowfall that typically begins in November, with overnight temperatures often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails near water features: Beauty Creek Campground offers excellent access to trails that connect to Lake Coeur d'Alene. "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," notes one visitor who appreciated the proximity to water activities.
Paddling opportunities: At Camp Coeur D Alene, water recreation is readily available. According to a camper, "Really enjoyed my stay here! This campground was very nice, it provided showers, bathrooms, kitchen, free firewood and even paddle boats! We took the paddle boat our for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience!"
BMX biking for kids: Blackwell Island RV Park features a unique amenity for active children. "A kids BMX dirt bike area, secret gardens, walking nature paths and a pond with their own resident ducks," reports one camper who discovered these family-friendly facilities.
Wildlife viewing: Liberty Lake Regional Park provides opportunities to spot local fauna. One visitor documented seeing "deer in the campground every day, we saw moose, owls, pilated woodpecker, and hawks" during their stay, making it ideal for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
What campers like
Free boat usage: Campers at Camp Coeur D Alene frequently mention the complimentary watercraft. "This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood) which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile," writes one reviewer who appreciated the inclusive activities.
Clean shower facilities: Many campsites offer well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Liberty Lake Regional Park, campers note the cleanliness: "Very friendly. Great facilities!" with shower buildings conveniently located throughout the campground.
Island camping: Some campgrounds offer unique site options. One camper at Camp Coeur D Alene shares, "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing! This place has great amenities... If we were camping on the mainland the sites are a little too close one might say."
Off-season quiet: For those seeking solitude, Beauty Creek Campground provides a peaceful experience. "Nice quiet camp ground! The creek was dry when I visited unfortunately but the sites were nice and it wasn't overly crowded," mentions one camper who visited during shoulder season.
What you should know
Proximity to railways: Several campgrounds near Dalton Gardens have train noise. At Spokane KOA Journey, a camper advises, "It is right next to an active railroad, so bring earplugs if you don't want to be woken up by trains several times." This noise factor affects sleep quality for light sleepers.
Highway sound levels: Wolf Lodge Campground sits adjacent to Interstate 90. "This campground is next to the interstate. I called last minute as we were driving through and was offered a tent site next to 'the creek'—turns out the creek is the ditch between the highway and campsite. It's loud, and bright with lights from the highway," reports one tent camper.
Insect activity: Beauty Creek Campground has seasonal wasp presence. "However, yellow jackets are swarming you. Nobody was stung when we were there and I find that amazing. Other than the yellow jackets the place is beautiful," warns a visitor who camped during summer months.
Site spacing variations: Many RV parks offer limited privacy between sites. At Tamarack RV Park, one camper noted, "Campsites are very close together, we could nearly reach out and touch our neighbors." Consider this when planning social distancing or seeking solitude.
Tips for camping with families
Free activity options: Gilmore Campground provides multiple recreation options without additional fees. "This park has a lot of options. You can swim, boat, SUP, mountain bike, and hike. There are a few campaign areas. The sites are nice and pretty well spaced out," writes a family who visited with both tents and RVs.
Beach access timing: Morning arrivals are recommended for water activities. "If you are going to swim at one of the bays while there get there early. In the peak of summer, the parking lot will fill up by 10 or 11 am," advises a Gilmore Campground visitor.
Camp stores for supplies: Some locations offer on-site purchasing options. Wolf Lodge Campground provides "bathrooms, showers, basic store, and dog park," according to a visitor who appreciated the convenience during their family stay.
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature recreational structures for children. One family notes that Liberty Lake Regional Park "is also close to play structure and small beach. It has paved/gravel roads."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park accommodates larger vehicles with ease. "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," reports an RVer who appreciated the spacious design.
Interstate access routes: RVers should select appropriate exits when approaching campgrounds. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, one camper advises, "If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly."
Solar power considerations: Lack of shade trees at newer facilities can benefit solar-powered RVs. "No shade, good for solar. Good cell and internet connection. Campground is designed well so sites have more space than other campgrounds," notes a visitor to Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park.
Free overnight options: For self-contained RVs needing a quick stopover, Cabela's in Post Falls permits short stays. "Dedicated area for RVs with a 48h limit. There are pull through for bigger rigs," reports one traveler who appreciated this no-cost option.
