Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hope, ID

Camping options near Hope, Idaho center around Lake Pend Oreille, the fifth deepest lake in the United States at over 1,150 feet deep in some areas. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 2,000-2,500 feet, creating distinct temperature shifts between daytime and nighttime hours. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through September, with many facilities closing after the first frost.

What to do

Hiking around Mirror Lake: The area offers trails with views of multiple lakes. "I love random bits of interesting info like that," notes one camper at Mirror Lake, who learned from locals that "they test submarines in this lake, or at least used to" due to the extreme depths.

Paddleboarding on calm waters: Lake Pend Oreille provides ideal conditions for paddleboarding, especially in protected bays. A visitor to Sam Owen Campground mentioned the "lake is just a very short walk away (great paddle boarding!)" and appreciated having cell service available "on the far side of the swimming beach."

Rock skipping competitions: The smooth granite stones found at several beaches make for perfect skipping rocks. One camper at Green Bay Campground called it the "Best skipping rocks you'll ever find!" and mentioned enjoying "staying here with friends" where there are "tons of activities available for fun things to do."

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access away from crowds. At Whiskey Rock Bay, campers appreciate that "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."

Level sites for various setups: Springy Point offers accommodations for different camping styles. One reviewer noted: "Great campground overall, but would definitely recommend checking sites in person if possible to get one of the larger ones."

Crystal clear water: The lake's visibility is remarkable, with one camper at Green Bay describing: "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom." This clarity makes swimming and water activities particularly enjoyable throughout the summer months.

What you should know

Limited facilities at remote sites: More secluded campgrounds have fewer amenities. A visitor to Whiskey Rock Bay Campground advised: "The campsites are primitive, but there are outhouses on site. No potable water, so bring a filter or a jug!"

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires preparation. "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," reported a camper at Whiskey Rock Bay.

Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate differently. At Riley Creek, one camper explained: "Only some of their sites are reservable, others are walk up. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites. Despite arriving early in the morning, we did not know until mid afternoon if we got a site."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Riley Creek Campground features extensive recreational facilities. A visitor described: "The horseshoe pits, volleyball & basketball courts, as well as the playgrounds were all extremely inviting." The same camper noted the "small beach was fabulous" making it ideal for families with children.

Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds incorporate learning elements. At Round Lake, a camper shared that "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."

Dog-friendly beaches: For families camping with pets, designated swimming areas exist. One camper at Springy Point highlighted the availability of both a "swimming beach and separate dog beach," making it convenient for families with four-legged members to enjoy water activities together.

Tips from RVers

Electrical connections: Power availability differs between campgrounds. A visitor at Bonner County Fairgrounds noted: "Shared water needs a long hose," and another mentioned: "We had a code on our electric and no way to report it as the host is not here and the phone numbers had full messages."

Site dimensions matter: RV campers should verify space requirements before arrival. "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," shared one Sam Owen Campground visitor.

Seasonal openings: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Hope have limited operational seasons. Bonner County Fairgrounds, however, remains open longer than most, with one camper noting it stays "open till October 31st" and offers "great back in sites with picnic table. Electric and water at site. Dump station close."