Glamping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests ranges from rustic tent sites to full-service cabins, with elevations typically between 2,000-4,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 45-55°F at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with reduced services outside peak season.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Round Lake State Park Campground offers a variety of hiking options beyond the main lake loop. "We hiked the Round Lake trail. It also was very well maintained. Morning walks in the trails were peaceful with coffee in hand!" notes Cody H. The park also features "extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful," according to Jason S.
Water recreation options: Albeni Cove provides excellent access to the Pend Oreille River. "A great place to launch a boat, picnic, fish or swim. Lots of area to play on the Pend Oreille River. Sees a lot of local swimmers and boaters," reports Janet R. The cove remains accessible throughout summer months with water temperatures warming to comfortable swimming levels by mid-June.
Amusement park day trips: Silverwood RV Park offers convenience for theme park visitors with direct access. "5 minute walk to theme parks under the highway. Site 74 backed up to a fence. Had no neighbors. But was furthest from the parks," explains Jason S. The campground includes an accessible pedestrian tunnel connecting to the theme park, making it possible to enjoy rides and return to camp without moving your vehicle.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Camp Coeur D Alene maintains high standards for their amenities. "Clean campground our site worked great for our Sprinter van. Site is crowded for larger pull through but it appeared to work for the campers. Site had outdoor kitchens and several showers," mentions Debbie S. The campground also features "clean showers and bathrooms" according to Sienna V., who adds they "were able to connect to the wifi at our tent site."
Water activities: Gilmore Campground at Farragut State Park offers multiple recreation options. "This park has a lot of options. You can swim, boat, SUP, mountain bike, and hike," notes Todd B. Another camper describes it as "one of the best state parks we have visited. Gilmore is the only campground with full hook-ups. The campground is very clean and the sites are well spaced," according to Ronald.
Family-friendly amenities: Ravenwood RV Resort provides excellent facilities for families. "They have a beautiful pool, basketball court, volleyball area and small playground. They even have a shuttle to Silverwood!" according to Marisa S. The resort maintains "very well-maintained" grounds with "green grass areas between all of the sites" and "a decently stocked main clubhouse."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with hook-ups. "Book early as this is a very popular place," advises Ronald about Gilmore Campground. For Mirror Lake: Bigfoot Campout, the advice is simply "Just. Book."
Site variations: Round Lake State Park sites vary in privacy and layout. "The spaces are close together but many were empty during the week," reports Gordie H. Another camper notes "all sites are very large, covered in shade, and plenty of flat ground for a tent if that's your jam."
Winter considerations: Winter camping options exist but with limitations. "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable," explains Nic F. about Round Lake State Park Campground.
Connectivity issues: Lakeland RV Park has limited internet access. "We stayed here for 2 months, nice quite place close to Bayview ID, and next to the Post Office. The down side NO WIFI! You have to go into Bayview for WIFI or subscribe to the parks landline service(Spectrum)," reports Walter L.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Round Lake State Park offers learning activities for children. "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," shares Heather M.
Theme park proximity: Consider campgrounds near Silverwood Theme Park for entertainment. "Love staying here, we stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park," mentions Danielle P. about Round Lake State Park. This provides a natural retreat with easy access to rides and water slides.
Swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated beach areas. Round Lake State Park has a "swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing," according to Jason S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Mirror Lake: Bigfoot Campout offers premium locations for larger rigs. "Campsite A is the best but all sites are great. Electric hookups if you are a 'glamper'," advises Nathaniel. The campground provides "Clean campground with all the amenities" and fantastic fishing opportunities from the dock.
Hookup availability: Not all sites offer full hookups at some campgrounds. At Ravenwood RV Resort, "All sites now have full hook-ups with water, power and sewer and every site has both 30/50amp. No showers but who needs that when you have full hook-ups," reports Marisa S.
Campground layout: Consider spacing between sites when selecting locations. "One of the most beautifully kept RV parks we've ever stayed in with spacious sites with grassy area and picnic table at each site," notes Marisa S. about Ravenwood RV Resort, while other campgrounds like Travel America RV Park have "nice lots. Lots of grass and trees, nice convenience store," according to Jason M L.
