The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Idaho Panhandle National Forests is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Idaho camping adventure.
$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")."
$15 / 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!"
"You do have to walk to your site but it’s not far. Views are magical. Water is crystal clear, you feel secluded and safe!"
$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."
$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."
"There are beautiful lakeside campsites with access to the lake. Unfortunately, those were all reserved when we stayed there. This place can get busy in the summertime, so you reserve early."
"There is easy access to both Silverwood and Coeur D'Alene Idaho outside the campground. Apparently there is a former U.S. Naval brig turned museum at the park as well."
"Farragut State Park in scenic Northern Idaho is a huge campground that is open year-round."
$31 - $33 / night
"Gilmore Campground Farragut State Park, Idaho Lake Pend Oreille Who Knew?!!
I crossed the Montana / Idaho state line this morning and was pleasantly surprised at the AMAZING scenery ."
"And Lake Pend Oreille is simply breathtaking. We had limited Verizon connectivity — 2 bars at most."
$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. "
"There are quite a few beautiful spots along this bay of Lake Pend Oreille that can be reached only by boat."
"This lakeside campground is a true hidden getaway, perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds. The lake itself is stunning—clear, beautiful water."
$39 / night
"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."
"There is water and power hookups, and a dump station at the exit. The showers are okay. Could use a more regular cleaning."
"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."
RangerWe 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.
GuideThe lake on property was nice. No sewer though.
TravelerIt was a very nice place to camp we couldn't stay the hole time due to a family emergency wish we could of I would differently stay there again and I am going to tell others about the place
LegendTraveling through the area and chose to stay a couple days here based on the fact there's cell service and because the place looked decent based on their website. I have to say... it's a bit more rundown in-person, but the price is reasonable, so I can overlook that. There's a lot of road and train noise here, much like the rest of the campgrounds on this road. At the moment, the laundry is not available (which they should make note of that on their website). The showers have good pressure and are hot (just takes a couple minutes to heat up). The RV sites are the typical sardine row. The tent sites are in a grassy area near the trees. The tent area is a bit of a walk to the restrooms for late at night or early morning... especially since the owners warn about a mountain lion in the area and a bear that's been visiting the campground the last 4 years. The google reviews of the place are quite interesting--I wouldn't say the owners were friendly, but they also weren't mean to us.
LegendDid a day hike yesterday up Scotchman's Peak. Did notice just a couple dispersed opportunities up the National Forest Road. Looks like people have quick overnighted at the trailhead before. Saw one obvious campsite most of the way up the hiking trail--saw a couple groups head out on a Friday afternoon.
LegendBEWARE! Had I known the trains were going to be so loud and constant, I wouldn't have stayed here. The campground is near an intersection, so every train that went by (which was several in the afternoon, and especially after 10PM through about 5AM, at least once or twice per hour) their horn would blast. But I had the tent already set up, no cell service to see what else was around, and so I just had to deal with it. Definitely would not stay again.
TravelerCampground itself was nice. We were driving from Glacier NP to North Cascades NP and decided to stay here to have use of amenities. Typically we stay at free spots, but the showers, coin operated laundry, water, and dump station was all needed and appreciated. Its in a busy neighborhood, so its noisy and theres a train that goes by, but i expected the noise when seeing where it was on google maps so it is what it is. I would stay here again if i was in the same situation.
LegendThis KOA was a convenient location for us as we travel after an "errand day" in Spokane. Other than for convenience, I wouldn't make a vacation destination out of this place. The restroom facilities are clean, the cell service is great, standard KOA set up (sardine rows for RVs, tents/cabins, back-ins along the edge). However, this KOA is surrounded by residences and businesses, and also right next to very active train tracks. The trains have been quite frequent day and night... and for some reason so has a rooster (all morning, day, and evening... it's crazy). The grass here is beyond dead, so tent campers beware: if it rains, you'll be all mud. All in all, the KOA itself is well-maintained, has the amenities you want, and a convenient spot if you need something near the city... but this is NOT a place to sit back, relax, and get away from it all.
TravelerA really pretty setting, though the spaces feel a little narrow. I’d definitely come back.
Camping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Idaho, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a little planning and the right information, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Idaho Panhandle National Forests?
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests offer stunning camping experiences along rivers and lakes. Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Oreille is a standout destination with multiple campgrounds including Snowberry and Gilmore, featuring beautiful lake views and well-maintained facilities. For those seeking a more rustic experience, North Fork Coeur D'Alene River provides excellent dispersed camping opportunities with river access, though it can get busy during peak season. Other notable options include Bumblebee Campground with wooded sites and creek fishing, and Riley Creek Campground with helpful staff and serene surroundings. The region's combination of mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and riverside camping makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
What permits are required for camping in Idaho Panhandle National Forests?
Most developed campgrounds in Idaho Panhandle National Forests require payment of a nightly fee, but no special camping permits. Riley Creek Campground and similar established sites typically charge fees that can be paid on-site or reserved in advance through recreation.gov. For dispersed camping areas like Bull Run Access, no permits are required, but camping is generally limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. If you plan to fish, an Idaho fishing license is necessary—even at riverside campsites. During fire season (typically summer through early fall), campfire restrictions may apply, requiring permits or prohibiting fires altogether. Always check current regulations with the local Forest Service office before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally.
What amenities are available at Idaho Panhandle National Forests campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across Idaho Panhandle National Forests campgrounds. Developed sites like Bumblebee Campground typically offer vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to creek fishing. At Yaak River Campground, you'll find water spigots, though solar power may be challenging due to heavy tree cover. More primitive dispersed camping areas along rivers provide minimal to no facilities, so come prepared with your own water and waste disposal solutions. For RV campers, options range from basic sites to full-service parks. Higher-end facilities like Blackwell Island RV Park offer full hookups, laundry facilities, showers, and boat rentals. Most Forest Service campgrounds don't have electrical hookups or shower facilities, so plan accordingly. Cell service is generally limited throughout the forests, particularly at remote sites.
When is the best season for camping in Northern Idaho's national forests?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience in Northern Idaho's national forests. June through September provides ideal conditions with warm days, cool nights, and typically dry weather. Trout Creek Motel & RV Park and similar facilities in the region are most accessible during these months. Summer (July-August) delivers perfect weather for water activities on Lake Pend Oreille and the Coeur d'Alene River, though this is also peak season with more crowds. Fall camping at Springy Point and other locations offers spectacular foliage and fewer visitors. Many campgrounds and forest roads close due to snow by mid-October through May. Always check road conditions and campground status before visiting outside summer months, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
Keep Exploring
