Dispersed camping near Hope, Idaho offers several remote locations accessible primarily by foot, boat, or rugged vehicles. The region sits at the northern edge of the Cabinet Mountains where elevations range from 2,100 feet at Lake Pend Oreille to over 7,000 feet at the surrounding peaks. Camp areas typically receive 30-40 inches of precipitation annually, with snow possible at higher elevations well into June, creating variable conditions for backcountry campers.
What to do
Cliff jumping access: Green Bay Campground provides platforms for cliff jumping directly from camp. One visitor noted, "A friend had suggested checking out the cliff jumping at Greenbay, and lo and behold, we found the campsite of our dreams."
Alpine lake swimming: Beehive Lake Dispersed camping area features exceptionally clear alpine water. According to one camper, "The alpine lake at the end of the trail is stunning—clear, pristine water surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. It's the kind of place that feels untouched and pure."
Rock skipping competitions: The rocky shores at Green Bay Campground provide perfect skipping stones. One reviewer mentioned, "Best skipping rocks you'll ever find! I love staying here with friends."
Huckleberry picking: During late summer, the trails around Beehive Lake offer abundant wild huckleberries. A camper shared, "If you visit during the right season, you'll find huckleberries everywhere, which is a sweet bonus after the tough hike in."
What campers like
Lake clarity: The water at Lake Pend Oreille stays remarkably clear at Green Bay Campground. A camper observed, "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom."
Night sky views: Priest Lake offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. One visitor to Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground shared, "On a clear night, you'll see the bulk of the Milky Way."
Privacy from site placement: Many Pack River dispersed sites offer good separation between campers. A reviewer noted, "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude."
Lakefront access: Most waterfront sites allow direct water entry from camp. As one camper at Pack River Dispersed Site mentioned, "On the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave no trace and pack out your trash!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require high-clearance vehicles. A Roman Nose camper reported, "The road is long and VERY washboarded, but you have lots of great options if you plan on doing some hiking in the area."
Trail markers: Some hiking routes to backcountry camping have poor signage. A Beehive Lake visitor warned, "The trail itself isn't well marked, so you'll want to pay close attention or bring a good map to avoid getting off course."
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Many sites fill quickly Thursday through Sunday. One Green Bay camper advised, "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."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have no cellular coverage. One reviewer noted, "I have Verizon and there was no phone service once you get a short ways down slagle rd."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for space: When tent camping near Hope with children, choose outer sites for more room. A Green Bay camper suggested, "In the future, I'd choose a site on one of the far ends versus the middle. We were virtually trampled once it filled up."
Multi-lake exploration: Roman Nose offers multiple lakes of varying difficulty. A visitor explained, "The first lake is a short, easy walk. The 2nd (Lower) and 3rd (Upper) lakes are a moderate hike and have a couple sites you can overnight at from the trailhead parking lot."
Boat-in options for gear hauling: Families can use boats to transport camping equipment to otherwise hike-in locations. One Kalispell Island camper shared, "A group of us stocked up our kayak and we trekked out to Kalispell Island! Set up our hammocks, tents and brought out fishing poles."
Yellow jacket awareness: Summer months bring insect activity to waterfront areas. A Green Bay camper warned, "Our only complaint was that there were a lot of yellow jackets- A LOT. But they weren't too aggressive. Despite being frequently swarmed by them, neither of us got stung while we were there."
Tips from RVers
Island camping alternatives: RVers can base at developed campgrounds and use boats for day trips to islands. A visitor to Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground suggested, "If you kayak be wary of the afternoon as the waves get high from power boats but settle in the evening and morning."
Small RV dispersed options: Compact RVs can access some dispersed sites along Pack River Road, though caution is needed. One camper advised, "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites."
Waste disposal planning: No dump stations exist at primitive sites. A Bartoo Island camper recommended, "A couple of things to note: Bring a shovel and make sure your watercraft has an Invasive Species sticker (I bought mine at Cabelas in Post Falls on the way up)."
