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Camping near Lake Pend Oreille

802 Reviews

Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho features multiple developed campgrounds along its extensive shoreline, accommodating various camping preferences. Established campgrounds like Green Bay, Whiskey Rock Bay, and Sam Owen provide lakefront access with differing amenity levels. The area includes both free primitive sites and fee-based campgrounds with electricity and water hookups. Several locations, including Round Lake State Park and Farragut State Park, offer both tent and RV camping options, with some sites featuring additional amenities like showers and dump stations.

Road conditions vary considerably throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring travel on unpaved roads. "The road going down is pretty rough especially in the rain but doable without 4wd. Someone made it down in a Nissan Altima," noted one camper about Green Bay Campground. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September, though a few locations like Round Lake State Park and the Bonner County Fairgrounds remain open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months, especially for sites with electrical hookups or premium lake views. Cell service can be limited in more remote camping areas, particularly those nestled in forested terrain away from main roads.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many sites offering direct lake access. According to one visitor, "It's views are out of jurassic park... people are friendly and lots of room for swimmers and boaters." Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas and boat launches, making them ideal for water recreation. More secluded campgrounds like Green Bay provide quieter experiences during weekdays, though reviewers note these areas can become crowded on weekends and holidays. Campsites at Mirror Lake offer fishing opportunities with electric-motor boats allowed. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance accessibility with natural settings, providing visitors options ranging from more developed sites with full amenities to primitive spots with basic facilities. The combination of mountain views, clear water, and forest surroundings creates popular camping experiences throughout the summer season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Pend Oreille (213)

    1. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

    12 Reviews
    Kaniksu National Forest, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    $15 / night

    "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!"

    2. Sam Owen Camnpground

    16 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $116 / night

    "Very nice well kept campground on the east shore of lake Pend Oreille. We visited in 2021 September. A lot of trees have been cut down and cleared out from a giant wind storm last year."

    "Also, very amazing views of Lake pend Oreille and the mountains, which surround you. It is down a beautiful peninsula in Hope, Idaho."

    3. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3489

    $12 - $29 / night

    "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."

    4. Riley Creek Campground

    24 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $35 - $75 / night

    "Today I check out a great little campground/recreation area on Lake Pend Oreille( locally pronounced Pond Array")."

    "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."

    5. Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    7 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    "There are quite a few beautiful spots along this bay of Lake Pend Oreille that can be reached only by boat."

    "This lakeside campground is a true hidden getaway, perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds. The lake itself is stunning—clear, beautiful water."

    6. Springy Point

    10 Reviews
    Dover, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $25 - $50 / night

    "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. "

    7. Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park

    15 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 683-2425

    "The park itself is massive and plenty of fun options from swimming in Lake Pend O’ Reille to disc golf there at the course in the park."

    "There is easy access to both Silverwood and Coeur D'Alene Idaho outside the campground. Apparently there is a former U.S. Naval brig turned museum at the park as well."

    8. Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park

    16 Reviews
    Bayview, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 683-2425

    $31 - $33 / night

    "Gilmore Campground Farragut State Park, Idaho Lake Pend Oreille Who Knew?!!

    I crossed the Montana / Idaho state line this morning and was pleasantly surprised at the AMAZING scenery ."

    "And Lake Pend Oreille is simply breathtaking. We had limited Verizon connectivity — 2 bars at most."

    9. Mirror Lake

    4 Reviews
    Idaho Panhandle National Forests, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 710-0889

    "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."

    10. Bonner County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Ponderay, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-8414

    $39 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lake Pend Oreille

175 Photos of 213 Lake Pend Oreille Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Pend Oreille

802 Reviews of 213 Lake Pend Oreille Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Yaak River Campground

    Awesome spot. Train travels by

    This is such a beautiful campground with two rivers converging at it. Rocky shore but I saw so many birds flying up and down river

    Lots of visibility across the campsite but they are well spaced. The toilets are well kept and every site has a bear box.

    The train does roll through every hour and you will hear it! Besides that it was great

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Riley Creek Campground

    Riley is a Gem

    This maybe the best COE we have camped at. Clean campsite, clean restrooms and showers. Dog Island allowed dogs off leash and swimming. Beautiful Day Use area, sprinkler system had entire day use area green. Campsite was fairly secluded. Love to stay there again.

  • D
    Oct. 21, 2025

    priest lake dispersed camping

    Priest Lake Dispersed Camping

    Very nice and secluded area right on the river bed. Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area.

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    River Walk RV Park

    Ok stop over spot

    Cramped little RV park, not a campground. Does have the amenities you would need including laundry & showers. No scenic views, city sidewalks for walking your dog.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Boundary County Fairgrounds

    Good for a Rest

    This is a great place for a quick stop to rest or just an overnight. It’s not really a place for camping. This area is the town park and the county fairgrounds… there are no camping signs posted along the fence line, but there is plenty of parking lot space to not block the parking spots by the fencing. There are porta-potties available for use. Down by the tennis courts there is an RV dump station and water available. We were able to get about 50 gallons of potable water for 25 cents!

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    North Haven Campground

    Cutest Little Campground

    This little campground was an awesome find! We rolled in last minute while passing thru town and snagged a pull thru site with electric and water. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have adorable cabins, glamping wagons and a tipi avoidable to reserve. The office/camp store is great, they’ve got a good selection of cool stuff to browse through. Firewood was available for sale. Front porch of the office/store has a chest freezer with ice and ice cream for sale. There’s also a foosball table, a table for checkers and a little bookshelf library to take/leave a book. The bathhouse was hands down the nicest camp bathrooms we’ve ever used! Showers were amazing! The laundry was great… $2.50 a load, either wash or dry and conveniently accessible 24 hours a day. There’s a large lighted pavilion with picnic tables, cornhole boards with bags, and a dartboard. There’s also a small playground and a hot tub available to use! This campground was so well maintained, the employees friendly and helpful, and it’s just a really sweet, family-friendly, quiet campground. We loved it!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Marten Creek Campground

    Next best thing to a cabin on the lake

    A 9 mile drive over paved mostly straight even and the last couple miles on smooth dirt road. Clean vault toilets with scattered sites in the forest. Due to the foliage, the sites feel quite isolated. There is also a boat ramp and bear boxes at each site, along with picnic tables, fire rings, and a number of covered eating areas. You are only a few feet above the lake level, so walking to the lake's edge in the morning is they most calming relaxation. No fees and a 14-day limit make this a most delightful stopover.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Clark Fork River Driftyard

    Great place for an overnight or a couple days!

    We found this spot to be great for an overnight stop. It was a little out of our way… but you can’t beat a free spot with a great view! Camping limit is 3 days. There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available! There are small fire rings scattered throughout the area. It was a pretty quiet spot, other than the trains going by, but that didn’t bother us at all. There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us. The boat ramp had a lot of visitors in the early morning and you could hear gunshots in the distance from others hunting, which also didn’t bother us at all. Overall, we thought this was a pretty great find!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    Quiet place of Respite

    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. Once you're at the campsites, don't cross over the fence, it's private property and Mike DOES have active cameras and he DOES watch the property. There are no sites on the lakes edge. They're all up on the cliff which is beautiful but if you're hauling water, take it slow. Verizon is 3 to 4 bars. The vault toilet was clean with plenty of TP. I wouldn't come down here with anything bigger than 25' as the sites are small but well spaced.

Guide to Lake Pend Oreille

Camping near Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: Enjoy the water at Riley Creek Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming" make it a great spot for families. The campground's proximity to the Pend Oreille River enhances the experience.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park. A visitor noted, "There are lots of great hikes to go on and peaceful" surroundings, perfect for a day of exploration.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Sam Owen Campground, you can spot various wildlife. One camper shared, "Beautiful forested campsite, clean bathrooms," highlighting the natural beauty and wildlife in the area.

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Riley Creek Campground. A reviewer said, "Many great campsites, good privacy for the most part," making it a favorite for those seeking solitude.
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus at Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park. One visitor remarked, "The campground is very clean and the sites are well spaced," which adds to the overall enjoyment of the stay.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Families love the amenities at Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park. A camper noted, "This campground has it all! Clean, large camp spots and friendly staff," making it a great choice for family outings.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some sites at Priest River can be close to the road, which may lead to traffic noise. One camper mentioned, "Some spots are a little close to the road and traffic noise," so it's good to check site locations when booking.
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Sam Owen Campground may lack certain amenities. A review stated, "No hookups at all, although there are water spigots around the loops," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots like Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park fill up quickly. One visitor advised, "Book early as this is a very popular place," to secure your desired site.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park, which offers playgrounds and activities. A reviewer said, "Great campground and services," making it ideal for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along gear for swimming and hiking. One camper at Round Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Lots of trail hiking and a pretty lake for kayaking, swimming, etc.," ensuring there's fun for everyone.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Campgrounds like Green Bay Campground may not have markets nearby. A visitor noted, "You do have to walk to your site but it’s not far," so be prepared with supplies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should be cautious about site sizes at places like Sam Owen Campground. One review warned, "Be very careful in choosing your site, the majority are not level," which is crucial for a comfortable stay.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park is a great option. A camper mentioned, "Gilmore is the only campground with full hook-ups," making it a convenient choice for RV travelers.
  • Stay Connected: Some campgrounds, like Yaak River Campground, have limited cell service. One visitor noted, "No internet service. Dead zone," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Camping near Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find RV camping on Lake Pend Oreille?

River Walk RV Park offers well-spaced sites with water and electric hookups near Lake Pend Oreille, perfect for RV camping with convenient lake access for kayaking and boating. Riley Creek Campground provides 67 sites with electrical and water hookups plus centrally located flush bathrooms, making it an excellent option for RVs. For additional RV accommodations around the lake, Springy Point offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Blackwell Island RV Park provides full hookups with lake access. When planning your RV trip, be aware that state parks like Farragut may have higher fees for out-of-state visitors, so check current rates and reservation requirements before your visit.

What are the best campgrounds on Lake Pend Oreille?

Farragut State Park offers several excellent campgrounds on Lake Pend Oreille. Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park stands out with clean facilities, friendly hosts, hot showers, and well-spaced sites. Another top option is Sam Owen Camnpground on the east shore, known for well-maintained grounds, abundant wildlife including friendly deer, and stunning lake views. For those seeking seclusion, Whiskey Rock Bay Campground provides beautiful boat-in only sites that offer tranquility away from the busy lake areas. Whitetail Campground at Farragut offers recreational activities like swimming and disc golf with clean bathrooms and ample water sources. The spectacular mountain scenery surrounding these campgrounds adds to their appeal, making Lake Pend Oreille a hidden gem for camping enthusiasts.

Is Green Bay Campground a good place to camp on Lake Pend Oreille?

Green Bay Campground is currently TEMPORARILY CLOSED for the 2024 season, making it unavailable for camping this year. When operational, this campground near Sagle offers drive-in and walk-in access with basic amenities including free camping and toilet facilities. For alternative options near Sagle, consider Round Lake State Park Campground, which offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, plus boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access options. Another nearby option is Clark Fork Drift Yard, a free dispersed camping area along Lake Pend Oreille's eastern shore where the Clark Fork River empties into the lake, featuring a boat launch and managed by the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area office.

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