The Idaho Panhandle National Forests span over 2.5 million acres of diverse terrain, ranging from 2,100 to 7,700 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night, while spring and fall camping often sees frost after sunset. Most dog-friendly campgrounds in this region remain open from mid-May through mid-September, with peak visitor traffic occurring in July and August.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: At Round Lake State Park, a 3.2-mile trail loops completely around the lake on well-maintained paths. "The Round Lake trail was very well maintained. It also was very well maintained," notes a visitor. Dogs must remain leashed on all trails within state park boundaries.
Water recreation: Whiskey Rock Bay Campground offers crystal-clear water for swimming, though access requires navigating a steep bank. "Whiskey Rock is one of the nicest spots on the lake. It's a serious drive by car and most of the traffic is by boat," explains one camper. The remoteness keeps crowds minimal even during holiday periods.
Family activities: Sam Owen Campground provides multiple recreation options including paddleboarding, swimming and wildlife viewing. "The lake is just a very short walk away (great paddle boarding!) and though there is no cell service within the CG, there is on the far side of the swimming beach," reports a camper. The campground features a mix of full sun and semi-shaded sites spread across multiple loops.
What campers like
Uncrowded shorelines: Whiskey Rock Bay Campground provides seclusion difficult to find elsewhere in the region. "Whiskey Rock is one of the nicest spots on the lake...I was once here the week before July 4th and even then, there wasn't a lot of people," notes one visitor. The trade-off is limited amenities—no potable water, just vault toilets.
Pet-friendly atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds throughout the Idaho Panhandle National Forests welcome dogs with standard leash requirements. At Mirror Lake, one camper appreciated the pet policies: "The dogs were allowed to be off leash which was real nice." This private campground limits certain breeds but maintains a more relaxed atmosphere for pet owners.
Wildlife viewing: Unique wildlife encounters await at many sites. "Sam Owen is known for its huge friendly deer population!! You will see them everywhere!! Which is fun for out-of-towners! People from the city who don't get much wildlife action," shares one visitor. Wildlife activity increases near dawn and dusk, requiring extra vigilance with pets during these hours.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Green Bay Campground, temporarily closed for 2024, typically operates from May through September. "Our stay at the Green Bay campground was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves," recalls one camper from a previous season. Arriving early in the week significantly increases your chances of finding available campsites.
Road conditions: Whiskey Rock Bay Campground requires navigating rough forest roads. "The road in and out is all gravel. While a low clearance vehicle could make it, I recommend a high clearance vehicle," advises one visitor. The journey requires about 45-60 minutes from main highways, deterring casual visitors.
Insects: Yellow jackets represent a common nuisance at many campgrounds from July through September. "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," reports a camper who stayed at Green Bay Campground in previous seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Round Lake State Park Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more. They also have boards to rent and games as well," explains one family. Weekday visits provide a much quieter experience.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming beaches with varying facilities. "The small beach was fabulous. The horseshoe pits, volleyball & basketball courts, as well as the playgrounds were all extremely inviting," reports a Riley Creek visitor. Some beaches prohibit dogs but offer separate pet access points to the water.
Site selection: For family privacy, seek campgrounds with natural vegetation between sites. "The sites are close together but many were empty during the week. A very nice trail runs completely around the lake and nicely maintained," notes a Round Lake camper. Reserve specific site numbers after researching campground maps, as site sizes and privacy vary significantly.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Bonner County Fairgrounds offers water and electric connections at reasonable rates. "Basic sites, sorta seems like an afterthought or good use of space. Grass and a few trees, but otherwise wide open," describes a visitor. The $25/night rate (as of 2022) makes this an economical base for exploring the Sandpoint area.
Site leveling challenges: Many forested campgrounds feature sloped or uneven pads. "Not all sites are so level. A little tight to get into with a 40' 5th wheel, but doable," reports a Sam Owen visitor. Bringing additional leveling blocks helps at most campgrounds in the region, particularly at older Forest Service sites.
Dump station locations: Most developed campgrounds like Riley Creek provide sanitary dump stations, though not all have sewer hookups at individual sites. "Dump Station. Clean, and well run. Clean bathrooms, and Showers," notes a Riley Creek visitor. Some smaller campgrounds require driving to nearby facilities, so plan holding tank capacity accordingly.
