RV camping near Hope, Idaho offers options for travelers seeking lakefront access and mountain views. The region sits between Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,000-6,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences. Many RV sites remain accessible from spring through fall, with some parks experiencing winter closures when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: City of Sandpoint's City Beach RV Park provides convenient fishing opportunities. "This best part of this campground is that it is located inside the Sandpoint City Beach Park which is within a short walk to the very cute downtown of Sandpoint. There is a bikepath that follows the river. Very beautiful. There is fishing, playground, pool, tennis courts," notes Nancy C.
Water activities: Blue Lake RV Resort offers multiple ways to enjoy water recreation. "They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. The little lake is full of catfish and turtles that you can feed," according to Don R. Swimming is also available for cooling off during hot summer days.
Hiking trails: Explore nearby Kootenai Falls from Woodland RV Park. One camper explains, "Close to town and 10 miles away from a great hiking trail too. Would come back." The area features multiple trails suitable for different skill levels and access to natural attractions.
What campers like
Convenient downtown access: Staying at certain parks gives you easy access to local towns. "Located inside the Sandpoint City Beach Park which is within a short walk to the very cute downtown of Sandpoint... Lots of shopping. Good food, including an amazing vegan restaurant, downtown. Breweries," reports one reviewer about City Beach RV Park.
Clean facilities: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Extremely clean, looks very new, and lots of space between sights. Lacks trees, but trees just need time to grow and mature. Centrally located with Costco just a few blocks away," explains Rob N.
Waterfront locations: Blackwell Island RV Park provides direct water access. "They had a clean beach along the Spokane River with plenty of high quality beach chairs to relax in and watch the parade of boats coming from upriver," notes Love4travel T. This allows for easy water recreation without driving.
What you should know
Train noise: Several lakefront parks have proximity to train tracks. At City Beach RV Park, "A train does run right beside the park. Bring earplugs. But, for all the negatives, you can't beat the location," according to one camper. Similar issues affect other parks in the area.
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies by location. At Tamarack RV Park, visitors report reliable service due to the in-town location, making it suitable for remote workers. Parks further from towns may have more limited connectivity.
Reservation requirements: Many parks require advance booking, especially during summer. Kootenai County Fairgrounds notes, "You must reserve your site online, there is a very good map with the site lengths listed." Making arrangements 2-3 months ahead is recommended for weekend stays.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Blue Lake RV Resort offers family-friendly water features. "It's not really a fancy place but it's all the little things that make it great... They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. My boys are ready to return and so am I," notes Don R.
Playground access: Several parks provide recreational facilities. At Silverwood RV Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Kids loved the playground too," making it suitable for families with younger children needing activity options.
Swimming options: The Hemlocks RV and Lodging offers safe water access for children. The park features "Nice RV campsites with water & electric hookups yr round. WiFi & free laundry, bathroom & showers via coded entry," making it suitable for families needing these amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Pay attention to site specifications when booking. At Woodland RV Park, one camper noted, "Our spot #40 had an incline we had to lower the front end of our trailer to its lowest point to get it level." Request information about site grading when making reservations.
Spacing between sites: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. Blackwell Island RV Park offers waterfront spots but less privacy, as one visitor explains, "Sites are close to others which for us isn't a big deal but don't expect isolation."
Access routes: For larger rigs, approach routes matter. At Kootenai County Fairgrounds, an RVer advises, "If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way too small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly."
