Tent camping in Kootenai, Idaho offers direct access to the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges, with elevations ranging from 2,000 feet at Lake Pend Oreille to over 7,000 feet at peaks like Scotchmans. The region receives 30-40 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest conditions throughout the camping season from late May through October. Most tent sites in the Kootenai National Forest require proper food storage containers due to black bear activity.
What to do
Lake activities: Access crystal-clear waters at Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground where kayaking provides exceptional swimming opportunities. "It's about a 1.5-mile boat ride to the island and there is no dock there so I just beached it since it was pure sand," reports one visitor who notes the lack of facilities means "plenty of privacy since there is no restroom on the island."
Hiking to alpine lakes: Pack extra water for the challenging trail to Beehive Lake Dispersed where elevation gain makes for a strenuous but rewarding trek. According to a camper, "The hike to get there is pretty strenuous, with some tough climbs along the way. The trail itself isn't well marked, so you'll want to pay close attention or bring a good map to avoid getting off course."
Fishing: Bring proper gear suited for mountain lakes throughout the region. While some lakes offer good fishing, campers report mixed results at certain sites. As one visitor noted about Roman Nose, "The lake itself wasn't much better. It's small, and the water is ice cold, so swimming wasn't really an option. To top it off, there were no fish to be found."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Kalispell Island West Shores Campground, tent campers appreciate the balance of accessibility and separation. "Campsites are pretty close together but easily accessible from the shore. Left kayak on the beach and brought the packraft to the table. Vault toilet is close and easy to find in the dark. Beautiful sunsets!"
Early weekday arrivals: Finding available sites requires strategic timing at popular locations. A visitor to Roman Nose explains, "This place is wonderful! It has about 5 camping spots and is normally not too busy. We really enjoyed the hike to the upper lakes as well."
Clear waters for swimming: The region's lakes offer exceptional water clarity for swimming, particularly at boat-in sites. According to one Bartoo Island camper, "The waters are a little cold but crystal clear and on a clear night, you'll see the bulk of the Milky Way."
What you should know
Road conditions: Prepare for rough access roads throughout the region, particularly to more remote sites. Campers at Pack River Dispersed Site report: "Lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites. On the river and very peaceful. Remember to leave no trace and pack out your trash!"
Required permits: Idaho Invasive Species stickers are mandatory for all watercraft. As one Bartoo Island camper advised: "A couple of things to note: Bring a shovel and make sure your watercraft has an Invasive Species sticker (I bought mine at Cabelas in Post Falls on the way up)."
Cell service limitations: Most tent camping areas in Kootenai lack reliable phone coverage. Green Bay Campground visitors report: "I have Verizon and there was no phone service once you get a short ways down slagle rd."
Vault toilet availability: While some established sites maintain toilet facilities, many dispersed areas require campers to pack a trowel for waste burial. Roman Nose campers note the campground "has 4 designated sites and a group tent area" with access to toilets, while many dispersed sites along mountain roads lack facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible lake sites: Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground offers family-friendly shorelines when accessed during calm water periods. "When choosing a site remember sunrise and sunset as I was lucky to have a place on the south side so there was shade during the hottest parts of the day and less sun at 5am when you want to sleep. If you kayak be wary of the afternoon as the waves get high from power boats but settle in the evening and morning."
Wildlife safety education: Teach children proper protocols for mountain goat encounters when hiking in areas like Scotchmans Peak. One visitor advises: "Scotchman's is known for mountain goat sightings, but as they become more accustomed to people they can be a little aggressive. Keep a safe distance!"
Noise considerations: Peak season can bring crowds to popular sites, affecting the wilderness experience. As one camper noted about weekend boat traffic: "Loud, obnoxious and drunk boaters who trash Priest Lake. If you suffer one night of this nonsense, you will never go back."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only access: Most Kootenai camping areas accommodate tents exclusively, with limited vehicle access. Roman Nose visitors explain: "There is also quite a few dispersed sites along the mountain roads on the way up. The road is long and VERY washboarded, but you have lots of great options if you plan on doing some hiking in the area. If you're not looking to hike, I'm not sure beating up your vehicle for a solid hour on a washboarded dirt road is worth it just for camping here."
