Camping near Dover, Idaho provides access to forests and lakes throughout the Idaho Panhandle region. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from May through September, with some locations remaining open year-round. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in higher elevation areas, making proper insulation essential even during summer camping trips.
What to do
Hiking trails: Riley Creek Campground offers extensive walking and biking paths surrounding the facility. "Walking and biking trails galore. River was peaceful, large grass area, large playground for kids," notes Phillip C. about the Riley Creek Campground.
Water activities: The area provides multiple options for boating with various restrictions. Mirror Lake limits watercraft to electric motors only. "Fun fishing and wildlife watching, electric motor or no motor boats only," explains Krista L. at Mirror Lake, making it ideal for those seeking quieter water experiences.
Family recreation: Many campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. "The day use facilities include nice restrooms, a large amount of parking, soccer/baseball field, play equipment/swings, and a small beach with boat launch," reports Douglas S. about Priest River campground.
Lake exploration: Camping spots frequently offer direct lake access for swimming and fishing. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing," shares Jason S. about his experience at Round Lake State Park.
What campers like
Private campsites: Round Lake State Park offers secluded sites with natural surroundings. "All sites are very large, covered in shade, and plenty of flat ground for a tent if that's your jam," writes Cody H. about his stay at Round Lake State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept restrooms and other amenities. "Clean bathrooms are close, the fishing dock is closer and you could even swim in your own hole! The public beach is about 30 yards away and great for younger kids," explains Lisa about the Priest River campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide excellent fishing access. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," reports Jason S. about fishing at Round Lake State Park.
Level sites: Sam Owen Campground provides accessible camping spaces. "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," says Sarah about Sam Owen Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "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," shares Chelsea K. about her experience at Riley Creek.
Environmental conditions: Weather and natural elements can affect camping experiences. "The only downsides were the mosquitoes and you can hear some road noise," notes Stephanie B. about her stay at Priest River campground.
Campsite selection: Not all sites offer the same level of privacy or amenities. "The spaces are close together but many were empty during the week," reports Gordie H. about his tent camping experience at Round Lake State Park.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted entry times. "Be on time, gate closes between 10pm and 7am," warns Valerie about Springy Point campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Look for campsites with designated swimming areas. "This is a nice small campground. Beach is so kid-friendly for the little ones; this was the best part for us. Our 3-year-old really gained some water confidence while here," shares Nanette C. about Priest River campground.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with footprints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more. They also have boards to rent and games as well," explains Heather M. about Round Lake State Park.
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. "From campsite 12 you can see the playground if you were to bring kids!" notes Lisa about Priest River campground, highlighting the advantage of visual supervision.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites feature animal encounters. "This is a nice place to go with the whole fam! It is known for its huge friendly deer population!! You will see them everywhere!! Which is fun for out-of-towners!" shares Bridget L. about Sam Owen Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. "All of the sites have electric and water. There is a bathroom centrally located on each of the two loops that were cleaned every morning and nice hot showers to pair with them," reports Nanette C. about Riley Creek Campground.
Site dimensions: Check space requirements when booking. "Large, Clean Camp Sites with Electric & Water," confirms Kasey T. about Riley Creek Campground, but not all sites accommodate larger vehicles.
Dump station access: Consider waste disposal needs when planning. "No dump in sites, so a little bit of a bummer," mentions Tige P. about Riley Creek Campground, highlighting the importance of planning for this service.
Winter camping limitations: Most sites have seasonal restrictions. "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable," cautions Nic F. about winter camping at Round Lake State Park, demonstrating the need for advance research during off-season stays.
