RV camping options near Harvard, Idaho offer year-round access for travelers exploring this rural area of Latah County. Located at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet, this region experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers with temperatures typically ranging from 20°F to 85°F throughout the year. The area's gravel sites can become muddy during spring thaw, requiring campers to check road conditions before arrival.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: The area surrounding Pines RV Park offers access to local trail systems. "Lots to do here, hiking, boating, swimming. There are nice shade trees and nice space between campsites," reports Amy S. about the Harvard area amenities.
River activities: CDA River RV Riverfront Campground provides direct water access for kayaking. "Throw a rock and hit river from campsite. Bring kayak and put in the river right at the campground," suggests Randy V. The location allows for easy water entry without hauling equipment long distances.
Community events: Summer visitors can participate in local festivities at nearby destinations. According to Kevin K. from Soaring Hawk RV Resort, "There's been some sort of entertainment each night we've been here, fire dancers Friday and Saturday, a 4th of july bbq, 2 bands and fireworks at midnight tonight."
What campers like
Quieter atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting of Harvard-area parks. At Pines RV Park, Angie A. notes, "I cannot say enough good things about this place! It was very beautiful and clean! It was also very quiet! You are right next to a highway, but you can barely hear it."
Convenient locations: Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake provides easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban conveniences. "We enjoyed the quiet of the park as it is tucked away behind Costco with no busy roads around it. Beautiful riverfront spots. Great biking trails and was able to easily bike to and from work," shares Jennifer R.
Site spacing: Campers report reasonable site dimensions at multiple area RV parks. As one visitor at Soaring Hawk RV Resort explains, "Quiet, spacious, beautiful smell of pine trees... Park is gravel and you may need to do a little leveling, but it isn't bad at all. Had enough room to park my 44' rig and my truck right next to it."
What you should know
Water pressure concerns: Multiple RV parks in the Harvard vicinity require pressure regulators. At CDA River RV, Anthony F. advises, "Was told to make sure to use pressure regulator, always do anyways but when we got here pressure was so bad we just filled our fresh water tank and used the rvs pump."
Seasonal availability: Winter camping options near Harvard are limited but available. City of Bovill RV Park provides year-round operation as noted by Megan K.: "This is an all season RV Park. There's a nice patch of grass in the center during warm months."
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad noise. Palouse RV Park has "train tracks very very close, but it was not disruptive surprisingly for the time we were there," according to Megan K.
Dust conditions: Unpaved sites can become dusty during dry periods. As Doug notes about one nearby campground, "The area they put dry campers is VERY dusty! Just walking around you are kicking up dust which is a problem unless you want to run your generator so you can keep your camper closed up."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Latah County Fairgrounds offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a nice playground and it's walking distance from Safeway," mentions Megan K., making it convenient for families needing groceries or outdoor play spaces.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds provide more supervision than others. One visitor to Pines RV Park mentions, "The park manager was very social. I don't mind but if you want privacy you may want to stay at a different location. My partner likes the privacy camping brings. We will never return, but if you have safety concerns with children, I can see this as being a bonus."
Dog-friendly facilities: Several parks accommodate pets with designated areas. A reviewer at Soaring Hawk RV Resort notes, "Two large dog parks. Park is gravel and you may need to do a little leveling, but it isn't bad at all."
Local food options: When camping near Harvard, local eateries offer family-friendly options. Megan K. recommends, "Also visit the Pie Safe! You won't regret it" when staying at the City of Bovill RV Park, providing a tasty break from campsite cooking.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: RV parks near Harvard, Idaho often require some adjustment for optimal parking. "Sites at most campgrounds need slight leveling but rarely require extensive blocks or supports," notes one experienced camper.
Cell service considerations: WiFi availability varies significantly between parks. "WiFi was strong, we watched football all day on Saturday!" reports Angie A. about Pines RV Park, while Eric P. notes about CDA River RV, "No Verizon. Wi fi works at entrance to campground."
Big rig accommodation: Several rv parks in the Harvard region can handle larger vehicles with varying degrees of site depth. Premier RV Resort offers pull-through sites that accommodate larger motorhomes, and another reviewer notes, "Full hookups with lots of pull through spaces if needed."
Winter preparations: For cold-weather camping near Harvard, water systems require protection. City of Bovill RV Park's year-round operation means visitors should bring basic winter camping supplies including insulated hoses and tank heaters during freezing conditions.
