Camping near Hayden Lake, Idaho takes place in the northern panhandle at elevations ranging from 2,200 to 2,400 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months of June through August. Most campgrounds in the region don't take winter reservations due to seasonal closures from October through April when snowfall makes access difficult.
What to do
Paddling on Lake Coeur d'Alene: At Camp Coeur D Alene, visitors can use free canoes or rent paddle boats. "We took the paddle boat out for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience! Overall, felt safe and had a great time," reports Angela F.
Trails and water sports: The 1.5-mile nature trail at Beauty Creek Campground offers hiking through pine forest. "Great little spot with close access to lake beaches and hiking trails. I stayed for 2 nights with my dog and it was very enjoyable," writes Annika W. The campground sits just 3 miles from Hayden Lake.
Disc golf courses: Farragut State Park offers multiple 18-hole disc golf courses that attract players of all skill levels. "The disc golf courses are fun!" says Krystal L. who stayed at Whitetail Campground. The courses are free to use with paid park entrance ($7 daily fee for non-residents).
What campers like
Shade and privacy: Campers value the older-growth trees at several campgrounds in the region. "Tons of mature trees providing shade. Clean on-site coin laundry and nice public restrooms," notes Corey about Tamarack RV Park, located 5 miles from Hayden Lake.
Clean facilities: Campground hygiene ranks high in camper reviews. "The pit toilets were very clean/well maintained. Site #7 is definitely the best site for tent camping," mentions Haley M. about Beauty Creek Campground. Another camper added, "Bathrooms were cleaned regularly and the camp hosts are very friendly."
Water access: Direct lake access remains a priority for campers. "Access to the lake is super easy... We took the paddleboard down to the water and had fun watching all the fish dart away from us," describes one visitor at Liberty Lake Regional Park, located 25 minutes from Hayden Lake.
What you should know
Booking requirements: For most public campgrounds near Hayden Lake, reservations open 9 months in advance and sites fill quickly for summer weekends. At Farragut State Park, "Book early as this is a very popular place," advises Ronald. Non-Idaho residents pay double the camping fee at state parks.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds in the region. "Interstate noise is not too bad," reports Nancy C. about Wolf Lodge Campground. At the Spokane KOA, campers warn: "Trains! There are trains all day and night!"
Wildlife encounters: Wasps present seasonal challenges at some campgrounds. "There was a bit of a wasp problem there (we were there in August), so not the best place to go if you're afraid of or allergic to bees and wasps," notes Elise Z. about Beauty Creek Campground. Other sites report frequent deer sightings and occasional bears.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Blackwell Island RV Park offers "a small BMX course was fun. Cute landscaping near water," according to Janet H. The park also provides a swimming beach with chairs.
Activities for various ages: Some campgrounds program family events. "Very family friendly place to camp. All sites are compatible with tent or RV camping," notes Alex W. who adds that the camp hosts at Whitetail Campground were "very friendly and made rounds 3 times during our stay."
Budget-friendly options: State parks typically offer the best value. "Sites had a nice triangular metal and wood canopy for shelter from rain and also for shade," describes Kristen M. about tent sites at Spokane KOA, which provides these structures at no additional cost.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV parks vary significantly in site size. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, "We were very pleased with this RV park! The sites are all pretty level with the parking areas paved. Grass and groomed gravel areas too," reports Joseph. Rick Shannon P. adds, "This place is big rig friendly. I stayed in a 45 class A motorhome with a tow vehicle."
Hookup availability: Know which campgrounds offer full hookups. "If you want accommodation in Coeur d'Alene again, we would stay here instead of the others we saw," writes Nancy C. about Blackwell Island RV Park, noting the full hookups despite sites being "VERY close so no privacy at all."
Shade considerations: Summer temperatures make shade important for comfort. "No shade, good for solar. Good cell and internet connection," notes Stacey G. about Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, which charges $60 per night.
