Best Tent Camping near Harvard, ID

Forested public lands surrounding Harvard, Idaho offer several tent camping options, with Giant White Pine Campground serving as the primary established tent campground in the immediate area. This Forest Service campground operates seasonally from May 20 to September 19, featuring 14 spacious tent sites with basic amenities. Tent campers seeking more remote experiences can explore the backcountry tent camping opportunities along the Big Eddy Trail in Dworshak State Park, where several designated mini camps are accessible via hiking trails. Marble Creek Campground, located near St. Maries, provides another tent-only option with creek access and proximity to natural features including caves and fishing spots.

Most tent campsites in the Harvard area feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal site preparation. Giant White Pine Campground includes picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and trash service, but no drinking water. Campers should bring their own water and toilet paper. Road noise can be significant at Giant White Pine due to its proximity to Highway 6 and logging truck traffic. The backcountry tent sites along Big Eddy Trail require more preparation, with a challenging first half-mile hike before the trail levels out. These primitive tent camping areas typically include fire rings and vault toilets but require water filtration from nearby water sources.

In early fall, tent campers often find more solitude at these sites as summer crowds diminish. According to reviews, the walk-in tent sites along Big Eddy Trail offer exceptional privacy. One camper noted that Mini Camp 4.7 provides "trees for wind coverage" and daytime temperatures around 80°F with nights in the 50s during summer months. For hammock enthusiasts, Giant White Pine Campground offers suitable tree spacing for setup. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the area, particularly at higher elevation sites like Lake Elsie Campground, where bears and moose have been reported. Backcountry tent camping areas typically require water filtration equipment and proper food storage to minimize wildlife interactions.

Best Tent Sites Near Harvard, Idaho (33)

    1. Giant White Pine Campground

    5 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-1131

    "I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear.

    This area is not open for winter camping. I have found few that are though."

    "Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"

    2. Kamiak Butte County Park

    7 Reviews
    Palouse, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 397-6238

    $25 / night

    "We stayed in site #4 which was right at the end with glimpses of the Palouse through the trees and lots of space. You could easily set up 2 tents there. It was $15 a night plus $5 for an extra car."

    "Plenty of space Fe our vehicle, a fire pit and grill area. Just overall a great experience."

    3. Partridge Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Elk River, ID
    29 miles
    Website

    "Sometimes it’s hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."

    4. Mini Camp 4.8

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    33 miles

    $10 / night

    "Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot."

    5. Mini camp 4.7

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    33 miles

    $10 / night

    "Approx. 4 1/4mi from Big Eddy and 4 7/8mi from Freeman Creek, this spot sits perfectly off the Bid Eddy trail."

    6. Big Eddy Marina & Lodge — Dworshak State Park

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 373-4100

    "This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There’s free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."

    7. Tingley Spring - BLM

    1 Review
    St. Maries, ID
    33 miles
    Website

    "There are several sites near here and it’s remote enough to sight in your guns and do a little practice."

    8. Mini camp 5.0

    1 Review
    Ahsahka, ID
    33 miles

    $10 / night

    "Little wind coverage during the day though it’s very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot."

    9. Marble Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Calder, ID
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    "Camp here for a real north Idaho camping experience."

    "The Marble Creek Campground has a few sites and one outhouse facility nearby. Just miles from the camp, there is an old man-built cave that makes its way through the entire mountain."

    10. Lake Elsie Campground

    9 Reviews
    Osburn, ID
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 765-7223

    "Easy to drive up to. Any vehicle will do. Dirt road to the top where you will find a lovely little lake with 4-5 camp spots surrounding it."

    "You’ll want to bring good cars because the road gets pretty primitive. Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding."

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Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Harvard, ID

366 Reviews of 33 Harvard Campgrounds



Guide to Harvard

Tent camping near Harvard, Idaho offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect place to pitch your tent and unwind.

Some prices for tent camping range from $8 to $15

  • At the Giant White Pine Campground, you can camp for just $8 per night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • The Kamiak Butte County Park charges $15 per night, providing a great value for families looking for a fun getaway.
  • For a unique experience, consider Marble Creek Campground, where you can enjoy the beauty of North Idaho at a reasonable price.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Harvard

  • Be prepared for varying temperatures, especially at Blyton Landing, where nights can get quite cold.
  • Bring your own supplies, as some campgrounds like Giant White Pine Campground do not provide drinking water or firewood.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider Mini Camp 4.8, which offers privacy and beautiful views, ideal for larger groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Harvard, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Harvard, ID is Giant White Pine Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Harvard, ID?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Harvard, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.