Tent camping opportunities around Hayden Lake extend beyond the immediate lakeshore into the surrounding mountains and river systems of northern Idaho. The region sits at the transition between the Coeur d'Alene Mountains and the Selkirk Range, with campsites ranging from 2,200 to 4,700 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F during day and drop to 50°F at night, making proper camping gear essential regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Elsie Campground provides excellent fishing for brook and rainbow trout. According to one camper, "We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere!" The small alpine lake setting creates ideal conditions for anglers of all experience levels.
Water activities: Mica Bay Boater Park offers multiple water-based recreation options. A visitor notes, "Big bay for tubing or swimming, close enough to downtown for gas and dinner, plus ice cream. Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish." The park features long docks for fishing and sunbathing.
ATV trails: Mountain roads near Lake Elsie provide extensive off-road opportunities. One reviewer explains, "There is really good fishing and ATV trails for MILES through the wilderness! Seriously, one of the most fun places to camp." Most trails are unmaintained and require appropriate vehicles and safety equipment.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Extraordinary Camping provides unusually secluded tent sites with just two spots on the property. A camper reports, "It is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. The owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions."
Lake views: Green Bay Campground offers tent sites directly overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. "Views are magical. Water is crystal clear, you feel secluded and safe!" writes one visitor. Sites require a short hike down from the parking area but reward campers with prime lakefront locations.
Free camping options: Several dispersed camping areas near Hayden Lake cost nothing to use. A camper at Breakwater Campground notes, "Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to the best tent camping near Hayden Lake often requires navigating rough forest roads. A Lake Elsie visitor warns, "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the camping areas. One Lake Elsie camper reports, "Multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart." Proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters is essential.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds lack reliable phone reception. A visitor to Coeur d'Alene River Area shares, "Don't expect fancy but it will be refreshing." Plan communications accordingly and download offline maps before arrival.
Variable site availability: Competition for the best tent camping spots increases on weekends. One Green Bay Campground visitor advises, "Our stay at the Green Bay campground was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to ourselves. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site. Spots filled quickly in the days following."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Maiden Rock Campground provides boat-in access and basic facilities suitable for families. A visitor notes, "Boat and hike in only access. No pump for water source, only lake or creek. Multiple sites. 3 bouy-tethers for boats." The remoteness creates a safe environment for children to explore.
Play areas: Mica Bay offers dedicated spaces for different age groups. "Great camping spot for families or anyone! Swing sets and slide for youngsters, horseshoe pit (when camp host is present), for older kids, large grass field for frisbee or football," writes one visitor.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly in fall. Pack additional warm clothing and rain gear even during summer months. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F even when days reach 85°F.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most forest roads leading to tent camping areas near Hayden Lake cannot accommodate large RVs. A Lakes Divide Road visitor explains, "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it." Small truck campers or vans may access some sites, but traditional RVs should seek established campgrounds.
Alternatives for larger vehicles: Killarney Lake Picnic Site provides day-use facilities accessible to larger vehicles. "This area is beautiful! It has restroom access. It would not be nice to travel here in the snow though due to the gravel roads," notes one visitor. While primarily a picnic area, nearby camping spots can accommodate smaller RVs.
