Harvard's dispersed camping options sit in the Palouse region of northern Idaho, situated between Moscow and St. Maries at approximately 2,700 feet elevation. The area features a transition zone between rolling farmland and dense pine forests, with seasonal streams that flow primarily during spring snowmelt. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal closures common at many camping areas.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Moose Creek Reservoir Access, campers can take advantage of multiple docks positioned around the water. "Great fishing with many access points and docks around the reservoir," notes Rachel G., while another visitor mentions "easy access to the water were many people fish, swim, and canoe/kayak."
Trail exploration: The Little Boulder Campground offers hiking opportunities around a central meadow. Celine K. explains, "The campsite here is nice- it's not uncommon to get the place to yourself! I think it's best enjoyed early in the summer, before the creek dries out." The campground includes a "short trail that encircles the campground with a longer hike across the road from the campground which follows the river."
Hammock camping: Several campsites in the Harvard area provide excellent hammock options. At Giant White Pine Campground, one visitor shared, "I really like this campground for hammock camping. I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear." Similar opportunities exist at Spring Valley Reservoir, where campers mention "fun places to go hammocking" and "great trails and great places to put up your hammock."
What campers like
Spacious campsite design: Little Boulder Campground receives praise for its thoughtful layout. One camper noted, "They've done a good job of spacing the spots out and keeping plenty of trees and foliage in between for privacy." Another mentioned that "all of the sites circle a meadow" with "private spots tucked up in the trees."
Clean facilities: Vault toilets at Little Boulder are exceptionally maintained according to reviews. "The restrooms here are some of the cleanest of the campgrounds in the area," reports one camper. Megan K. also appreciates the "place to pump water which makes packing in a bit less work."
Privacy options: Laird Park Campground offers two distinct camping experiences. One visitor explains, "There are two loops at Laird Park campground, which I found to be very different. If you head left to the East loop, there are some nice, shaded and wooded spots... If you head right to the west loop, the spots are much more exposed, close together, and sunny."
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions: When planning trips to Bald Mountain Lookout, vehicle capabilities matter. A visitor cautions, "Make sure your vehicle is offroad the ride is very rough. Don't bring any trailers, get offline map before coming." The access road becomes particularly challenging after rainfall or during early spring.
Communication limitations: Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent throughout the area. At Bald Mountain Lookout, one camper advises, "No cell service, if you have Starlink, set it up at the south east side of the tower, thats the only place I could get signal."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some of the best places to camp near Harvard, Idaho. At Giant White Pine, one reviewer noted it was "Right off the highway, so traffic noise consistently." Another mentioned, "We checked out campground and the giant white pine but decided not to camp there due to its proximity to a busy road. Lots of logging trucks made it awfully noisy for tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Scenic Six Park offers family-friendly amenities with modern facilities. One visitor notes it "has it all if you are an occasional camper" and "the restrooms make it feel like your not even camping!" Another camper specifically brought "my friend from India here as an introduction to camping."
Water recreation: Spring Valley Reservoir provides accessible swimming and boating for families. A camper describes it as "a very easy access campsite. Close to the town of Troy and simple setup. You can camp up by the reservoir parking lot, or further in, closer to the wooded area. There are bathrooms interspersed and great for fishing."
Weather planning: The Harvard area experiences significant seasonal variations. At Little Boulder, a camper mentions, "I think it's best enjoyed early in the summer, before the creek dries out." Spring Valley can be challenging due to wind, as one visitor notes it's "not particularly fond of this overrun spot" because "wind kicks up so high it's hard to make a campfire last."
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Robinson Park: Robinson County Park offers electrical hookups but requires careful maneuvering for larger rigs. One RVer with a 35-foot Brinkley explains, "Had to work it to get out 35' Brinkley in the largest spot partly clearance from trees and fence posts limiting back and fill efforts." Another notes, "It's a little tight to get into with a bigger rig, we have a 32ft class A, but overall it's really nice."
Affordable hookup options: RVers seeking services should consider Robinson County Park's electrical sites. A camper shares, "5 spots with 20/30/50 amps and only $25 every 24 hours. Very quiet, nice park with expansive grassy area."
Highway access considerations: When traveling to campgrounds near Harvard, some roads present challenges for taller RVs. At Robinson County Park, one camper noted their route concerns: "Drive in was a bit concerning with a 13'4" height. Routed through neighborhood in addition to power line height concerns. I'm am a bit paranoid, but that aside, there were some lower lines that made us use the whole road to pick our line."
