Primitive camping options span the Kaniksu National Forest region, with sites situated between 2,200 and 7,600 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. The camping season generally runs May through October, though higher elevation sites may retain snow into June.
What to do
Kayaking Lake Pend Oreille: Take your watercraft to Springy Point where you'll find "a beautiful swimming area" with "beach and large dock" according to reviewer Micki F. The expansive lake surface allows for paddling with minimal boat traffic on weekdays.
Fishing for trout and crappie: Cast from the docks at Round Lake State Park where one camper reports "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus." The lake is stocked regularly during summer months.
Hiking forest trails: Follow the well-maintained 1.8-mile loop trail around Round Lake. As Jason S. notes, the park has "a lovely trail around the lake and an 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."
Mountain biking: Access trail networks from Farragut State Park which offers "great trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding" according to Amy S. The park maintains several multi-use trails ranging from beginner to intermediate difficulty.
What campers like
Private, lakeside sites: Campers at Whiskey Rock Bay appreciate the seclusion. As Kevin C. mentions, "The sites are small but well spaced" and Brendan adds "A few of the campsite are right on the lake while others are more inland."
Natural swimming areas: The water clarity at many lake access points allows for refreshing swims. At Round Lake, one camper mentions "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area."
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Sam Owen Campground, Bridget L. notes the area is "known for it's huge friendly deer population!! You will see them everywhere!!"
Off-leash areas for pets: Pet owners seeking dog-friendly camping near Kaniksu National Forest appreciate dedicated spaces. At Mirror Lake, Paul F. notes "The dogs were allowed to be off leash which was real nice" making it ideal for pets who need space to run.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote sites can be challenging. At Whiskey Rock Bay Campground, Kevin C. warns "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."
Site availability: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. For Riley Creek, Chelsea K. advises "Only some of their sites are reservable, others are walk up. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the area. Kevin C. reports "Verizon is 3 to 4 bars" at Whiskey Rock Bay, while Melissa G. notes at Green Bay Campground "I have Verizon and there was no phone service once you get a short ways down slagle rd."
Water access challenges: Lake access can vary by site. At Whiskey Rock Bay, Jason S. cautions "be aware that there's a steep drop-off down to the lake, which might make getting to the water a little tricky depending on which campsite you get."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for recreation: Riley Creek Campground offers numerous family activities. Nanette C. shares it has "horseshoe pits, volleyball & basketball courts, as well as the playgrounds were all extremely inviting. The Doggie Island (dog friendly area since they aren't allowed on the beach) and the Boat Basin (an inlet where you can dock your small water craft) are both great additional features."
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with interpretive programs. At Round Lake, Heather M. notes "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."
Consider weekday visits: For quieter experiences with children, avoid peak weekend crowds. William N. recommends Green Bay Campground saying "Our stay at the Green Bay campground was perfect. We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves. This was a perfect place to camp with a family or with friends."
Bug protection: Prepare for insects during summer months. At Green Bay, Melissa G. warns "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Sam Owen Campground, Sarah advises "We had a huge, level spot (#56) at the end of the campground (not all sites are so level). A little tight to get into with a 40' 5th wheel, but doable."
Hookup considerations: Check the reliability of electrical connections, especially at smaller campgrounds. At Round Lake, Nic F. reports "There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable. We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes."
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal needs. At Riley Creek, Kasey T. notes the campground offers "Large, Clean Camp Sites with Electric & Water" plus a "Dump Station" at the exit.
Length restrictions: Verify site dimensions before booking. Matt S. shares his experience at Sam Owen: "Stayed at site 80 in Scented Leafs section. Decent campground with mix of full sun/semi shaded sites."
