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."
GuideNice Campground right off Highway 90. Some road noise. Nice bathrooms and showers. Horseshoes, corn hole, kayaks for guests.
Scout60 dollars a night and checkout was at 1. Lots of amenities and we enjoyed the family environment. Definitely glamping but a perfect beginner spot. Lots to do; Fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding etc. Great spot!
GuideNicely located and well maintained large rv park on Lake Coeur d’Alene. This park offers both lake front and non-lakefront spaces with full hookups. This park offered free but poor WiFi unless in or near the club house. Kayaks speedboat in pontoon boats are available for rent from the front office. This park could use more foliage between sites otherwise a nice place to stay near downtown, stores and restaurants. We would stay here again.
TravelerConvenient dirt spot with a few places.
GuideWe 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. They volunteered to help us spot our rig, we were fine. No help needed.
This was an indication of how this trip would be. Very enjoyable! Power and water close. Level gravel pad, plenty of shade. Walking and biking trails galore. River was peaceful, large grass area, large playground for kids. Fairly full of couples and families surprisingly quiet.
Close to town for any supplies you might need.
We plan on returning.
RangerWe booked this campground as a stop on our way through and to the northwest. You can’t beat access from I-90. It’s so close you will listen to traffic your whole stay. That does not bother us at night, but kind of spoils the peaceful day. The spaces are big and open. There seem to be a lot of long timers but that’s fine. No laundry or bathhouse. Would probably pass next time and keep going to Cour d’alane to find a something a little nicer as a vacation spot. But if you need a place to stay for a night or two this will work ok. Very accessible. Young man at check-in very friendly. If you need to stop for the night and want FHU instead of a state park or rec area this place works.
TravelerWe were here for one night in late August. The lake is beautiful and a great place to cool off just a short walk from our site. Very nice campground, clean and well maintained with paved roads and parking pads. We visited here during a very warm spell and all the shade was a blessing and it cooled off quickly once the sun went down. Maybe the best part there are very few bugs this time of year.
TravelerStayed at site 80 in Scented Leafs section. Decent campground with mix of full sun/semi shaded sites. Campground was prob 50% full but many reserves signs starting Friday. Lake was excellent, warmer than expected. If you’re a cyclist, the ride up Trestle Creek then down Lightning Creek is excellent, top 1/3 of the climb still had lots of wildflowers and high alpine feel/views.
TravelerAwesome single site adjacent to the Beehive Lakes trailhead parking lot.
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.
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