218 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Nestled in northern Idaho, the Kootenai area provides access to several campgrounds along the Pend Oreille River and nearby lakes. Established options include Riley Creek Campground and Springy Point, both offering tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. Bonner County Fairgrounds provides a convenient base for exploring Sandpoint, while more rustic camping can be found at Green Bay Campground. Most developed sites are concentrated within 20 miles of Kootenai, particularly along Highway 2 and around Lake Pend Oreille's northern shores.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through September, with many facilities closing for winter. Snow and ice can make access difficult outside the main season, particularly at higher elevations. "The showers were clean as was the campground. Animals allowed on leash. No hook ups at campsite but water and dump available," noted one visitor to Springy Point. Campgrounds near water bodies like Riley Creek and Springy Point fill quickly during summer weekends, so reservations are recommended when available. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near Sandpoint and diminishing signal in more remote locations along the lake and mountains.
Water access represents a primary draw for campers in the Kootenai area, with several campgrounds offering beaches, docks, and boat launches. Springy Point features both a swimming beach and separate dog beach, making it popular with families and pet owners. Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Sandpoint. A camper at Bonner County Fairgrounds mentioned, "Train honks at a crossing. Didn't notice it at night as much as morning and evening." Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station provides free camping for self-contained vehicles with mountain views and cooler temperatures, offering a welcome respite during hot summer months. Most developed campgrounds provide picnic tables, toilets, and fire rings, while hookup availability varies considerably from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks.
"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. "
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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")."
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $39 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $116 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Great spot for easy access to Schweitzer Mountain"
"There are some switchbacks, but it's worth the drive. There is a nice outhouse and plenty of spots - follow the signs. You're right across from the firehouse."
"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."
"This best part of this campground is that it is located inside the Sandpoint City Beach Park which is within a short walk to the very cute downtown of Sandpoint."
from $50 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful setting on a peaceful lake in Idaho not too far from Sandpoint. We walked around the lake. Lots of lily pads. Not too many people here in September."
"My first time to northern Idaho, it's absolutely breathtaking The lake itself is beautiful surrounded by tall pines and Lilly pads."
GuideYou can tell the locals know about this area and use it for the lake and ATV access. It’s easily accessible, and quiet really. Sure it’s right off the “road”, but is not a main road, it’s a FSR so the traffic is fellow travelers or trail goers. Calms down to. O thing at night. There isn’t many “lakefront” options, and they were taken so we went down a little further and had creek access which was perfect.
ScoutCamping here has brought back many Happy Memories from my childhood and camping with my children and granddaughters. I'm making my wishlist/adventure come true.
GuideAfter checking all the campsites in the area and finding them full, we had no choice but to check out the one dispersed campground in the area, which was Clark Fork River Driftyard. The name did not sound appealing, but we went to check it out and were pleasantly surprised. When we arrived midweek, there were already two campers along the riverbank, but the prime spot right in the corner was already taken with great access to the river but as soon as that person moved the following day, we took this spot and it was gorgeous. The only downside was an inconsiderate camper who refused to put his big dog on a leash, and that made us very uncomfortable, which caused us to leave early:( No luck with fishing but had fun paddle boarding on the river. Free with 3 day max stay.
LegendReeder Bay is my favorite spot on Priest Lake. Getting a campsite here in July is usually next to impossible, but I set up a Dyrt Alert and managed to snag a waterfront site for my tent the second someone canceled.
Love:
-Prime Location: Road traffic noise is a non-issue; it’s tucked away and quiet in terms of cars. Plus, there's a beach walk right from camp that leads over to the neighboring resort.
-Facilities: The bathrooms were surprisingly clean and feature actual flush toilets!
-Convenience: Firewood is available right on-site for $8 a bundle (bring cash!)
Downside:
-Generator Hub: Even though there are no hookups or potable water, about 90% of the campground was filled with oversized RVs. Because of this, you’ll hear generators running almost nonstop, which takes away a bit from the peaceful wilderness vibe if you're tent camping.
GuideBeautiful campgrounds, deeply immersed in rules.
GuideWe had traveled a long way for my husband to fish, but unfortunately, with it being at the end of the Coeur d’Alene River, no fish were in sight. It was very clean water and shallow. Be aware of the choice of road you take as we had a detour which took us up and over the Thompson pass from Montana to Idaho and it was 30 miles of twists and turns with 8 to 10% grades in a 30 foot motorhome very scary. Relieved to get to the camp in one piece!
ScoutIf you'd like a lovely campground standing 3000 ft above the northeast Columbia basin, this would be hard to beat. It's simply beautiful. A couple hundred feet you can peer twenty miles to the east (probably more). The campground is small (8 sites) and compact (you'll have neighbors near), but that's a good design choice --- the little plateau at Bald Knob simply isn't big enough for more.
If you're up for a stroll, then climb (or drive!) to the top of Mt. Spokane. On a clear day you can see three states (WA/ID/MT) and two countries (USA/Canada). If you get to the campground and then *don't* take a side trip to the top of Mt. Spokane, you will need to have your head examined. [N.B. If you're driving a motorhome, do *not* drive to the summit past the campground: the narrow one-lane (paved) road is just not going to let you go up while other cars are coming down.]
If you go there at the right time of year, you can stroll a couple hundred feet and harvest huckleberries. Actual huckleberries. I had waffles with fresh huckleberries, so eat your heart out.
This is one of the pricier campgrounds ($39/night in 2026), but there's potable water and restrooms with flush toilets and even hot water(!). And of course, there are bear-proof food lockers and garbage bins for each site.
GuideBeautiful and right on the water. Flush toilets and showers.
ScoutIf you'd like an alpine campground with easy access, unbelievable views, and excellent facilities, this is it.
in the TLDR department,
(*) paved road to within the last few hundred feet of your campsite.
(*) potable water
(*) restrooms with flush toilets and hot water (!)
(*) 8 campsites --- kind of cramped, but nice.
(*) 20 minutes drive to summit of Mt. Spokane with "unbelievably spectacular view"
(*) if you're there in mid- late- July, huckleberries are right there. I had them on waffles this morning.
Depending upon where you start, this campsite is about 45 minutes from Spokane WA. You'll have to have some patience with the last 15 miles or so of the (paved) road, as it is pretty curvaceous.
This campsite is at about 5100 ft on a shoulder of Mt. Spokane, whose summit is 5800 ft. Let's just say, if you go to the trouble to get to this campground, and *don't* take a side trip to the summit, there's not much I can do for you. If you're not familiar with the geography in this region, Mt. Spokane stands about 3800 ft above the valley floors in the Spokane Valley and adjacent valley floors. In other words, you'll have a stunning views on clear days. From the summit of Mt. Spokane, you can see two nations and three states.
The campground itself is small: 8 sites --- so prefer to reserve online.
At each site:
(*) a bear-proof garbage bin
(*) a bear-proof food bin
(*) a potable water source (shared)
(*) a surprisingly nice, clean restroom with (omg) flush toilets and (omg) hot water.
(*) they don't have showers, but gurl: you know what you can achieve with a sink and hot water and some wash cloths.
(*) it's a small thing, but there is some cell-phone coverage there. This means that if you're a smart phone and computer nerd, you can watch Netflix at night.
The thing is, as stupendous as this site is, it's a "one night" site.
However, I will be back next summer, because Bald Knob is just so amazing.
Water access is the main attraction for camping near Kootenai, Idaho, with sites along Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River offering opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. The region sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation and features dense coniferous forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day and drop to the 50s at night, creating comfortable camping conditions during the main season.
Hiking trails: Round Lake State Park features well-maintained trails encircling the lake. One visitor noted, "We hiked the Round Lake trail. It also was very well maintained." The park also has "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."
Water activities: Riley Creek Campground provides multiple water recreation options. According to a camper, "Bring your Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Bike, & Bathing Suit (in summer)." The campground includes "a beautiful beach, and a great play structure" and some sites feature a boat launch for easy water access.
Mountain biking: The area surrounding Sandpoint offers numerous mountain biking trails. A visitor to Sam Owen Campground mentioned, "There is an excess of hiking and mountain biking in the area! Some good trails include Mickinnick and Sam Owen trail." These trails provide views of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountains.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the Kootenai area offer large, private sites. A camper at Riley Creek Campground stated, "Camp sites are large and private. Volleyball basketball court horseshoe pits. Water and electricity all sites." Another mentioned, "The sites were gravel, the bathrooms are clean with free showers that don't close."
Swimming beaches: Lake access represents a major draw for campers. At Springy Point, a reviewer appreciated the "swimming beach and separate dog beach," noting that the campground has a "beautiful swimming area." Similarly, Sam Owen Campground features "a nice swimming area a short walk from our campsite, and Pend Oreille lake is beautiful clear, cool water for swimming."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Kootenai support diverse wildlife. 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."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. A camper at Mirror Lake noted, "Good cell service even though its tucked away from the main road." In contrast, at Green Bay Campground, a visitor mentioned, "I have Verizon and there was no phone service once you get a short ways down slagle rd."
Site reservations: Many campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on summer weekends. As one camper at Riley Creek Campground advised, "Make a reservation. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites. Despite arriving early in the morning, we did not know until mid afternoon if we got a site."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigation on unpaved roads. Green Bay Campground visitors noted, "Much of the road to the campground is unpacked and bumpy. Would not recommend for a low profile car." Similarly, reaching Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station involves "a paved two lane road with a number of switchbacks."
Beach activities: Round Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly water access. A visitor described, "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach," although "there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area." The park also has "two docks perfect for fishing."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A Riley Creek Campground visitor noted it's "a great place for grandkids. Lots of trails for walking biking." Another mentioned the campground has "horseshoe pits, volleyball & basketball courts, as well as the playgrounds were all extremely inviting."
Educational opportunities: Round Lake State Park offers learning experiences for children. According to a camper, "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."
Electric/water availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. At Bonner County Fairgrounds, "There are a few very short ones. We stayed in site 21 and our 34RLSA filled it up." Another camper mentioned, "Shared water needs a long hose. No tents on grass."
Summer cooling options: For RVers seeking relief from summer heat, Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station provides free camping at higher elevation. A visitor explained, "Came up here to escape the 90+ degree heat. Seemed like everything in the area was either booked or $70 per night, so I opted for mountain air rather than AC on my trailer."
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Sandpoint experience train noise. At City of Sandpoint City Beach RV Park, a camper noted, "location is awesome very convenient but being right next to the train tracks is a bummer." Similarly, at Bonner County Fairgrounds, "Train honks at a crossing. Didn't notice it at night as much as morning and evening."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kootenai, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kootenai, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Kootenai, ID and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kootenai, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kootenai, ID is Springy Point with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kootenai, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Kootenai, ID.
What parks are near Kootenai, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Kootenai, ID that allow camping, notably Kaniksu National Forest and Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
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