Winchester Lake State Park Campground is located just outside Elk River, Idaho, surrounded by dense pine forests at an elevation of approximately 3,900 feet. The campground offers diverse accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces with electric and water hookups, and several cabin options for those seeking upgraded camping experiences. Winter visitors enjoy a completely different perspective of the park when the lake freezes over.
What to do
Hiking trails: The day-use areas at Freeman Creek Campground feature nature trails suitable for families. One camper noted that "sweet little nature trails were pretty and easy for smaller children to walk through," making this an accessible option for all ages.
Wildlife viewing: The Dworshak Reservoir area supports diverse wildlife. According to a visitor, "If you are lucky you may see a black bear feeding on blackberries, deer are numerous, elk frequent the lake, and one of my favorites is to watch Osprey dive in the lake for fish."
Fishing variety: Multiple species can be caught throughout the season at Laird Park Campground. As one reviewer mentioned, "There is good fishing areas nearby. Further up the road there is dispersed campsites that are large enough for large groups."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Chatcolet Campground offers natural separation between camping areas. A camper observed, "Spots are fairly close so you can see your neighbors but there are trees and brush which helps," creating a better camping experience.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural location away from city lights provides excellent night sky views. A visitor to Chatcolet noted, "Great area for cloud watching and stargazing, but sunset was my fav part of this location."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance stands out to visitors. One camper at Premier RV Resort stated, "The bathrooms were just remodeled. You were not super close to your neighbors. It was very quiet and there was a walking/biking path along the river."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping offers a unique experience at Winchester Lake State Park Campground. A recent winter visitor remarked, "I will definitely be back soon, even frozen it was very enjoyable."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A Freeman Creek camper warned, "It is not the easiest to get to, and the road is a test for your engine and brakes, but once you arrive it is a quiet peaceful park with great water access."
Swimming limitations: Not all lakes are ideal for swimming. One reviewer noted about Winchester Lake, "This isn't a great lake for swimming, as it's loaded with thick algae. It is great for boating a small boat or getting lost in the thick pines around it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pines RV Park offers play equipment for children. A camper mentioned, "There was a playground on site but other than that it's nothing special. The park manager was very social. If you have safety concerns with children, I can see this as being a bonus."
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate cycling activities. One family at Chatcolet Campground said they "picked this campground for its access to the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes. The campground is small and peaceful, at least mid week."
Group camping: Larger family gatherings work well at certain sites. A Freeman Creek visitor shared, "We book a group camp site every year and have a camping reunion! The kids love it and the grown up worry less at such a family appropriate park."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake provides full-service options. A visitor explained, "It has all the amenities of the Premier RV Resort affiliation. It has all the hook-ups and all sites are well manicured. A lot of the sites have longer term RVs from seasonal workers and such, it is not like a long term trailer park though."
Site size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. At Winchester Lake, one reviewer suggested, "We stayed in the campground with hookups.....Camas loop. Generally large, separated sites with picnic tables and firepits. There are a few sites that aren't great, but the longer length ones are best."
Water and power limitations: RV campers should note service restrictions. One Winchester Lake camper shared, "Not full hookups but lots of fishing we caught: blue gill, trout, bass, crappie, perch, cat fish and had a small Tiger Muskie on the line but lost it."
