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Camping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests

837 Reviews

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests region encompasses several developed campgrounds and primitive sites along scenic lakes and forested areas. Green Bay Campground and Mirror Lake provide access to waterfront camping with options for tent sites in secluded settings. Farragut State Park offers more developed camping with full hookup options for RVs, while smaller campgrounds like Whiskey Rock Bay maintain a more rustic atmosphere. Most established sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, with only select locations providing shower facilities or electric hookups.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with several campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. The primary camping season runs from May through September, with many campgrounds closing during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions. Most lakeside campgrounds like Riley Creek and Springy Point operate seasonally, typically opening in mid-May and closing by late September. Reservations are recommended for popular sites, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Some primitive areas offer free camping with limited amenities. "The road going down is pretty rough especially in the rain but doable without 4wd. Someone made it down in a Nissan Altima," noted one visitor about Green Bay access.

Waterfront camping emerges as the region's standout feature, with many campgrounds situated directly on Lake Pend Oreille or smaller lakes. Campers consistently rate these locations highly for their scenic views, water access, and recreational opportunities. Mirror Lake receives praise for its seclusion and fishing opportunities, with one reviewer noting it's "a nice spot close to Sandpoint. Not crowded." Green Bay Campground, though temporarily closed for 2024, earned multiple five-star reviews for its pristine setting and clear water. Visitors describe the experience as having "views out of Jurassic Park" with "crystal clear" water. Campgrounds closer to Sandpoint provide convenient access to town amenities while maintaining a natural setting, making them popular for weekend trips.

Map showing campgrounds near Idaho Panhandle National Forests, IdahoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Idaho Panhandle National Forests (218)

    1. Riley Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    13 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")."

    2. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

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

    $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!"

    3. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    7 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."

    4. Sam Owen Camnpground

    16 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    11 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."

    "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."

    5. Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park

    15 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 683-2425

    "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."

    6. Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park

    16 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 683-2425

    $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."

    7. Springy Point

    10 Reviews
    Dover, ID
    8 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. "

    8. Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    "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."

    9. Bonner County Fairgrounds

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

    $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."

    10. Mirror Lake

    4 Reviews
    Idaho Panhandle National Forests, ID
    2 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 Camping Photos near Idaho Panhandle National Forests

184 Photos of 218 Idaho Panhandle National Forests Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Idaho Panhandle National Forests

837 Reviews of 218 Idaho Panhandle National Forests Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Yaak River Campground

    Awesome spot. Train travels by

    This is such a beautiful campground with two rivers converging at it. Rocky shore but I saw so many birds flying up and down river

    Lots of visibility across the campsite but they are well spaced. The toilets are well kept and every site has a bear box.

    The train does roll through every hour and you will hear it! Besides that it was great

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Riley Creek Campground

    Riley is a Gem

    This maybe the best COE we have camped at. Clean campsite, clean restrooms and showers. Dog Island allowed dogs off leash and swimming. Beautiful Day Use area, sprinkler system had entire day use area green. Campsite was fairly secluded. Love to stay there again.

  • D
    Oct. 21, 2025

    priest lake dispersed camping

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping

    Very nice and secluded area right on the river bed. Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area.

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    River Walk RV Park

    Ok stop over spot

    Cramped little RV park, not a campground. Does have the amenities you would need including laundry & showers. No scenic views, city sidewalks for walking your dog.

  • 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.

Guide to Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the well-maintained paths, with one reviewer noting, "The hiking trails are beautiful and well-kept, perfect for a family outing."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers are great for fishing. A visitor at Riley Creek Campground mentioned, "The fishing was amazing, and the view is beautiful."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lakes. One camper at Priest River said, "The public beach is great for younger kids, and the water is nice in the summer."

What campers like:

  • Amenities: Campers appreciate the facilities available. A review of Camp Coeur d'Alene highlighted, "The swimming pool was well kept, and we really enjoyed using the free canoes."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Gilmore Campground stated, "This loop is great. Lots of room between sites."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Riley Creek Campground said, "The hosts were great and very welcoming."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can lead to traffic noise. A camper at Priest River noted, "Some spots are a little close to the road and traffic noise."
  • Site sizes: Be aware that some sites can feel cramped. A review of Camp Coeur d'Alene mentioned, "Very small spaces with a sardine-like feeling."
  • Booking in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Riley Creek Campground shared, "Not easy to get in here; you have to book way ahead of time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right site: Look for sites that offer shade and privacy. One camper at Camp Coeur d'Alene advised, "Tent site 3 had no shade or privacy, but the attendant let us switch to a shadier site for free."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Riley Creek Campground mentioned, "There are playgrounds and paths for walking, running, or biking."
  • Pack for the weather: Be prepared for changing conditions. A visitor at Gilmore Campground noted, "The weather can change quickly, so bring layers."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Sam Owen Campground warned, "Be very careful in choosing your site; the majority are not level."
  • Bring extra supplies: Make sure to have extension cords and hoses, as hookups may be at the front of the sites. A camper at Thousand Trails Little Diamond mentioned, "You will need them."
  • Explore local attractions: Take advantage of nearby attractions. A visitor at Blackwell Island RV Park said, "Local access to shops and food were just minutes away if needed."

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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