Round Lake State Park Campground provides quiet camping near Dover, Idaho. The park borders a small lake with multi-use trails for hikers and horseback riders. Camping spots fill quickly during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day. Most sites have ample shade from the surrounding pine forest.
What to do
Hiking trails: Round Lake offers a well-maintained trail system connecting to nearby recreation areas. "A very nice trail runs completely around the lake and nicely maintained," notes one camper at Round Lake State Park Campground. Another visitor mentions "extensive trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to fishing. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," reports a Round Lake visitor. Lionhead Campground also offers options as one camper notes: "Priest lake has amazing fishing for rainbow trout, Mackinaw (lake trout), smallmouth bass, and Pike minnow."
Trail riding: Equestrian visitors seeking horse campgrounds near Dover, Idaho can use designated trails at Corral Equestrian Campground at Farragut State Park. One visitor notes, "Whatever your style there is a campground here for you. Water and bathrooms at every campsite make it comfortable, the views and countless trails to hike make it breathtaking."
What campers like
Lake access: Lionhead Campground at Priest Lake State Park has shoreline sites. "Our spot was about 20 feet from the water. Sandy campsite is a nice change of pace from dirt," shares one visitor. Another adds: "It's designed more for tent camping of very small RVs such as truck campers or tent trailers."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance consistently receives praise. At Liberty Lake Regional Park, a visitor reports, "Clean bathrooms, showers, and friendly staff. Can't go wrong!" Similarly, a Round Lake camper shares: "The spaces are well kept and clean. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. All of the bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily."
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. A Round Lake camper mentions: "We stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park." Nearby campgrounds provide access to both remote trails and larger tourist destinations.
What you should know
Reservation needs: Peak season requires advance planning. One camper at Outlet Campground notes: "A tiny little piece of beach, huge tent/picnic area." The limited waterfront campsites fill quickly during summer months.
Winter operations: Most campgrounds in the Dover area have seasonal closures, but some remain accessible. A Round Lake visitor shares their winter experience: "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable."
Primitive options: For those seeking minimal facilities, Breakwater Campground offers no-cost camping. A visitor explains: "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. And it cost nothing."
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: Round Lake offers programs for children. "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," reports one visitor. "They also have boards to rent and games as well."
Swimming areas: Liberty Lake Regional Park offers designated swimming. A visitor notes: "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area." Another camper shares: "Spending the hot afternoon floating and fishing the lake was perfect."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have road noise that affects the camping experience. A Round Lake visitor reports: "One downside was some road noise, which occasionally disrupted the peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was noticeable enough to mention."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Check site services before arrival. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, one RVer notes: "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 selection: Pay attention to site dimensions when booking. A visitor at Bonner County Fairgrounds advises: "33 paved sites, water and electric at each site. Some sites offer shade as the google earth pic suggests. Sites are a little close but are decent size. Be sure to check site length. There are a few very short ones."
Seasonal availability: Horse camps near Dover, Idaho operate primarily during summer months. Most equestrian facilities close by mid-October, with Corral Equestrian Campground at Farragut State Park typically operating from May through September, depending on weather conditions.