Tent camping near Kingston, Idaho centers on dispersed, undeveloped sites in mountainous terrain, typically 30-45 minutes from Interstate 90. Most sites are situated at elevations between 3,000-4,500 feet, with seasonal access limited by snow conditions through mid-June. Campers should expect dirt roads that become increasingly primitive as elevation increases, requiring high-clearance vehicles for many locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Elsie Campground offers productive trout fishing in a mountain lake setting. "We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere!" notes Jessica C., who camps there regularly.
Off-road exploration: The area around Lake Elsie Campground provides extensive trail networks for ATVs and dirt bikes. "There is a beautiful alpine lake, which is obviously cold spring water... and ATV trails for MILES through the wilderness!" according to Saphrenne R.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, some lakes support small watercraft. "Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding," says Nathan M. about Lake Elsie's calm waters.
Target practice: Some remote areas permit recreational shooting. Megan K. notes that spots near Tingley Spring are "remote enough to sight in your guns and do a little practice."
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Many campers appreciate midweek visits to avoid crowds. "Multiple sites were vacant when we arrived on a Thursday afternoon in July," reports Ivy K. about Lake Elsie Campground.
Early fall camping: September offers less crowded conditions and cleaner sites. Samuel H. found Lake Elsie "very clean. I saw no trash or broken glass" during his early fall visit.
Cost-free options: Many sites in the area have no fees. Breakwater Campground visitor Dealspeed notes it "cost nothing. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire."
Fly fishing access: Breakwater Campground offers specialized angling opportunities. Lane P. mentions "great tent camping and fly fishing" along the Coeur d'Alene River tributary, though notes "limited vehicle access to most spots."
What you should know
Bear precautions: Wildlife encounters are common at some sites. Natalie J. warns that at Lake Elsie, "multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart."
No cell service: Connectivity is virtually nonexistent throughout the area. Teresa T. notes about Lakes Divide Road, "It is a steep but well maintained forest road" but like most locations, offers no cellular coverage.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. Samuel H. describes Lake Elsie's approach as "rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Seasonal considerations: Snow lingers at higher elevations well into summer. Saphrenne R. cautions that "the road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June" at Lake Elsie.
Tips for camping with families
Weekday camping: For quieter conditions with children, avoid weekends when ATV traffic increases. At Lake Elsie, Natalie J. found that "other campers were riding their bikes all day and night making it very loud, especially with the echos off the lake."
Pack extra supplies: Remote locations require complete self-sufficiency. According to Jessica C., at Lake Elsie "there is a outhouse bathroom but you are on you're own otherwise!"
Private camping options: For guaranteed seclusion with children, consider private land options. Ethan V. found that Extraordinary Camping "is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group."
Picnic areas: For day outings with children, established picnic facilities offer easier access. Megan K. notes Killarney Lake Picnic Site "has restroom access" and "it's close to the water which was our dog loved."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most forest roads prohibit longer vehicles. Russell M. describes the route to Marble Creek Campground as "Narrow road" noting most forest access roads have similar constraints.
Site limitations: Even when access permits, actual camping areas may not accommodate larger vehicles. Dealspeed describes Breakwater as "Very primitive" and suitable primarily for "tent camping."
Nearby attractions: While most primitive sites don't accommodate RVs, they offer worthwhile day trips from established campgrounds. Jade F. notes that near Marble Creek, "there is an old man-built cave that makes its way through the entire mountain" that makes a good excursion.
