Best Campgrounds near Hope, ID

The Lake Pend Oreille region surrounding Hope, Idaho provides a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas along scenic waterfront locations. Sam Owen Campground, situated on a peninsula in Hope, offers both tent and RV sites with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary facilities. Nearby, Clark Fork Drift Yard provides dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive experience. The area features several waterfront camping locations including Whiskey Rock Bay Campground, which offers free camping with picnic tables and vault toilets accessible by both vehicle and foot.

Camping in the Hope area typically operates seasonally from May through September, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Road conditions vary significantly, with some areas requiring careful navigation for larger vehicles. Many campgrounds provide amenities such as drinking water and vault toilets, though services are more limited at dispersed sites. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, with better connectivity near larger towns. As one visitor noted about Sam Owen Campground, "We had a huge, level spot at the end of the campground. The lake is just a very short walk away and though there is no cell service within the campground, there is on the far side of the swimming beach."

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for many campers visiting the Hope area, with Lake Pend Oreille offering opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating. Several campgrounds provide direct lake access, with some featuring sandy beaches and designated swimming areas. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, particularly at Sam Owen Campground where deer are frequently spotted. A camper described their experience: "This is a nice place to go with the whole family! It is known for its huge friendly deer population. Also, very amazing views of Lake Pend Oreille and the mountains which surround you." Campers seeking more solitude might prefer the boat-accessible sites at Whiskey Rock Bay, which offer greater privacy while still providing basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets.

Best Camping Sites Near Hope, Idaho (218)

    1. Sam Owen Camnpground

    16 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $116 / night

    "Also, very amazing views of Lake pend Oreille and the mountains, which surround you. It is down a beautiful peninsula in Hope, Idaho."

    "The lake is just a very short walk away (great paddle boarding!)"

    2. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

    12 Reviews
    Kaniksu National Forest, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    $15 / night

    "People were friendly in passing but kept to themselves, and it felt like we had the entire lake to ourselves that first night."

    "Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!"

    3. Springy Point

    10 Reviews
    Dover, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Lovely campground, close by Sandpoint, nice hosts, late checkout (2pm), hot showers. Be on time, gate closes between 10pm and 7am"

    "We were also very close to the neighboring camp site which ended up be great because they were friendly and our kids all played together, but overall I prefer more space between camp sites. "

    4. Bonner County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Ponderay, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-8414

    $39 / night

    "Hopefully, this will help. We stayed here in July. It's a small park and spaces are close together. There is water and power hookups, and a dump station at the exit. The showers are okay."

    "We particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. What truly sets this campground apart is its convenient location."

    5. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3489

    $12 - $29 / night

    "This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."

    "Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."

    6. Riley Creek Campground

    23 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $35 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for a campsite in the Idaho Panhandle and discovered Riley Creek. After a 10 hour drive we arrived, drove to our spot and was greeted by an attendant who happened to be in the area."

    "Today I check out a great little campground/recreation area on Lake Pend Oreille( locally pronounced Pond Array")."

    7. Clark Fork Drift Yard

    4 Reviews
    Clark Fork, ID
    6 miles

    "It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."

    "Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"

    8. Garfield Bay Campground

    4 Reviews
    Kaniksu National Forest, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 255-5681

    "Camp is so close to the day use area. Perfect to go swim or paddle board."

    9. Beyond Hope Resort

    2 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 264-5251

    "Nice, fancy-ish restaurant at the bottom of the camping grounds right on the big beautiful lake. Awesome views! Sit and eat while you watch the amazing sunsets each night!"

    "The lake is gorgeous and the hosts were wonderful. A great place to shower and do laundry."

    10. Mirror Lake

    4 Reviews
    Idaho Panhandle National Forests, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 710-0889

    "Pretty lake. Good cell service even though its tucked away from the main road. The owner was very nice and helpful."

    "Nice spot close to Sandpoint. Not crowded. Was able to slide right in on the Friday night when Spokane was having wildfires out west."

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Recent Reviews near Hope, ID

710 Reviews of 218 Hope Campgrounds


  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Boundary County Fairgrounds

    Good for a Rest

    This is a great place for a quick stop to rest or just an overnight. It’s not really a place for camping. This area is the town park and the county fairgrounds… there are no camping signs posted along the fence line, but there is plenty of parking lot space to not block the parking spots by the fencing. There are porta-potties available for use. Down by the tennis courts there is an RV dump station and water available. We were able to get about 50 gallons of potable water for 25 cents!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    North Haven Campground

    Cutest Little Campground

    This little campground was an awesome find! We rolled in last minute while passing thru town and snagged a pull thru site with electric and water. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have adorable cabins, glamping wagons and a tipi avoidable to reserve. The office/camp store is great, they’ve got a good selection of cool stuff to browse through. Firewood was available for sale. Front porch of the office/store has a chest freezer with ice and ice cream for sale. There’s also a foosball table, a table for checkers and a little bookshelf library to take/leave a book. The bathhouse was hands down the nicest camp bathrooms we’ve ever used! Showers were amazing! The laundry was great… $2.50 a load, either wash or dry and conveniently accessible 24 hours a day. There’s a large lighted pavilion with picnic tables, cornhole boards with bags, and a dartboard. There’s also a small playground and a hot tub available to use! This campground was so well maintained, the employees friendly and helpful, and it’s just a really sweet, family-friendly, quiet campground. We loved it!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Marten Creek Campground

    Next best thing to a cabin on the lake

    A 9 mile drive over paved mostly straight even and the last couple miles on smooth dirt road. Clean vault toilets with scattered sites in the forest. Due to the foliage, the sites feel quite isolated. There is also a boat ramp and bear boxes at each site, along with picnic tables, fire rings, and a number of covered eating areas. You are only a few feet above the lake level, so walking to the lake's edge in the morning is they most calming relaxation. No fees and a 14-day limit make this a most delightful stopover.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Clark Fork River Driftyard

    Great place for an overnight or a couple days!

    We found this spot to be great for an overnight stop. It was a little out of our way… but you can’t beat a free spot with a great view! Camping limit is 3 days. There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available! There are small fire rings scattered throughout the area. It was a pretty quiet spot, other than the trains going by, but that didn’t bother us at all. There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us. The boat ramp had a lot of visitors in the early morning and you could hear gunshots in the distance from others hunting, which also didn’t bother us at all. Overall, we thought this was a pretty great find!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    Quiet place of Respite

    The road in is a typical forest road, no big deal if you're familiar with FS dirt roads. Coming in from Clark Fork you go over Johnson pass which can be blocked with snow during the late fall and winter seasons, 4wd only then. Once you're at the campsites, don't cross over the fence, it's private property and Mike DOES have active cameras and he DOES watch the property. There are no sites on the lakes edge. They're all up on the cliff which is beautiful but if you're hauling water, take it slow. Verizon is 3 to 4 bars. The vault toilet was clean with plenty of TP. I wouldn't come down here with anything bigger than 25' as the sites are small but well spaced.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge

    Beautiful location amazing views

    Stayed here with a couple of friends, and it was a bit cramped in there, as you might expect. The views were incredible, the morning sunrise was spectacular, and the sunset was amazing. The downside was climbing up a steep set of stairs multiple times each day. There are 2 beds and 2 pads for sleeping on the floor which were not very comfortable but adequate. There is a propane stove and lantern for your usage, which worked fine. Also included is pots and pans. The outhouse bathroom was clean and did not stink. It was a bit windy, but overall, we had a great time. The road up to the lookout is very rough and bumpy and not suitable for cars.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Albert's Landing

    One night stay on the river

    We really enjoyed our one night stay on the river. It’s a beautiful campground and very clean. We will be back at some point. Saw a baby moose eating leaves off of a tree right in front of us. Very cool. The river is beautiful and very relaxing to be near.


Guide to Hope

Dispersed camping near Hope, Idaho offers a mix of established and primitive sites with lake and mountain views along the northern shores of Lake Pend Oreille. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with some locations remaining accessible year-round weather permitting. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 50-60°F at night.

What to do

Hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails around the lake and into surrounding mountains. At Round Lake State Park Campground, visitors enjoy a peaceful morning routine. "Morning walks in the trails were peaceful with coffee in hand!" notes Cody H. The park offers a complete trail around the lake and additional trails into the mountains.

Fishing opportunities: The lakes and rivers offer various fishing spots with multiple fish species. At Mirror Lake, visitors can rent boats for fishing excursions. Neil T. shares, "I wish we were staying longer and we would have rented one of their boats and done some fishing." The lake is limited to electric motors or no motors, making it peaceful for anglers.

Swimming areas: Most lakefront campgrounds have designated swimming areas with varying beach conditions. Green Bay Campground offers crystal clear water for swimming. "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom," notes Melissa G. The granite rock beach provides a distinctive swimming experience compared to other area beaches.

Boat launches: Several campgrounds provide boat launch facilities for various watercraft. At Riley Creek Campground, boaters can access the water via dedicated launches. Phillip C. mentions, "River was peaceful, large grass area, large playground for kids." The campground also features a boat basin where small watercraft can be docked.

What campers like

Privacy levels: Campgrounds vary significantly in how much separation exists between sites. Sam Owen Campground offers sites with good separation. Jason S. notes, "All the sites are nice and private with lovely trees and open grassy space between them." This contrasts with more densely packed campgrounds in the area.

Campsite size: Sites range from small tent spots to large RV pull-throughs. At Riley Creek Campground, Roger L. comments, "The sites are large, with plenty of shade. Partial hook ups (no sewer). Some sites can be dark under the canopies of fir, cedar and pine trees."

Natural features: Many campers highlight the natural elements that make their camping experience memorable. Green Bay Campground offers unique geological features. Michelle B. shared, "Sweet spot for cliff jumping! Our spot has prime access to it, it seemed." The site also provides excellent rock skipping opportunities according to other visitors.

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds are known for wildlife sightings. While Sam Owen Campground is known for its deer population, other parks offer bird watching opportunities. Mike E. notes that at Clark Fork Drift Yard, "The log jam is a good spot for bird watching."

What you should know

Reservation systems: Campgrounds have varying reservation policies that change seasonally. At Springy Point, Kris S. notes it's "a first come first serve campground." Others require advance booking, especially during peak summer months.

Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads, trains, or day-use areas. The Bonner County Fairgrounds campground has occasional train noise. Dan S. mentions, "Only drawback would be there are train tracks and siding within hearing distance."

Cell service coverage: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. Neil T. reports about Mirror Lake, "Good cell service even though it's tucked away from the main road." At Sam Owen, Quinn Z. notes, "Since I've been lucky enough to be able to work remotely, I just needed to find a campsite that had cell reception so I could tether my laptop, and this one does (at least on Verizon)."

Water conditions: Lake levels and conditions change throughout the season. At Green Bay Campground, visitors should note the water access. Melissa G. cautions, "Bring your own way to dispose of trash, and have a way to lock it up, or animals WILL get into it."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Riley Creek Campground has extensive facilities for children. Nanette C. explains, "The horseshoe pits, volleyball & basketball courts, as well as the playgrounds were all extremely inviting."

Swimming beaches: Look for campgrounds with safe, gradual-entry swimming areas. Riley Creek Campground features dedicated swimming areas. Roger L. notes, "Great swim area for families. And a boat launch. There is also a pet area, and you can take your dogs for a swim."

Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs or interpretive displays. Round Lake State Park has educational facilities. Heather M. explains, "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more."

Off-season timing: For families wanting more space, consider timing your visit. William N. advises about Green Bay Campground, "Our stay was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to ourselves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends. Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Many RVers note the importance of checking site leveling. At Sam Owen Campground, Sarah reports, "We had a huge, level spot (#56) at the end of the campground (not all sites are so level). A little tight to get into with a 40' 5th wheel, but doable."

Hookup placement: The position of water and electrical hookups varies by site. At Bonner County Fairgrounds, Tige P. warns, "Shared water needs a long hose." This campground offers paved sites with water and electric connections.

Dump station access: Most campgrounds with RV sites offer dump stations, though locations and fees vary. Riley Creek Campground provides a dump station, and campers report it's well-maintained. Nanette C. recommends using this feature as part of the campground's comprehensive amenities for RVers.

Low clearance roads: Some campground access roads present challenges. Melissa G. notes about Green Bay Campground, "Much of the road to the campground is unpacked and bumpy. Would not recommend for a low profile car." This advice applies to RVs as well, particularly those with lower clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hope, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hope, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Hope, ID and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hope, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hope, ID is Sam Owen Camnpground with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hope, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Hope, ID.

What parks are near Hope, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Hope, ID that allow camping, notably Kaniksu National Forest and Lake Pend Oreille.