Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Pend Oreille

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Pend Oreille

41 Reviews of 24 Lake Pend Oreille Campgrounds

• 

  Jennifer R.

  Guide

  Jul. 28, 2021

  Cooks Lake

  Great quiet place

  Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol

• 

  Arielle W.

  Guide

  Oct. 4, 2020

  Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

  Great introduction to backpacking, beautiful location

  This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

  Read More
• 

  Kaitlin K.

  Guide

  Aug. 30, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Buggy but Beautiful

  We were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.

• N

  Nancy R.

  Guide

  Sep. 30, 2020

  Marshall Lake - CLOSED

  Older and Run Down

  Older private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.

• S

  Snake P.

  Traveler

  May. 17, 2024

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Very good camping

  Went with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect. 

  Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone. 

  Good site to camp for a family.

  Read More
• 

  William P.

  Traveler

  May. 22, 2025

  Rose Lake

  Great location for a stopover

  I spent 1 night here on my way to Coeur d’Alene. I might spend a couple more! Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting.

  There is a vault toilet with its own parking space. I van camped there. Above me were 2 parking lots where 2-3 other campers were. Plenty of room to spread out and have decent privacy.

• 

  Jess G.

  Legend

  Jul. 4, 2019

  Rose Lake

  Boat access

  Nice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.

• 

  PJ M.

  Guide

  Jul. 8, 2023

  Bull Run Access Dispersed

  Nice 3 Day Option

  Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down parallel West Bull Run rd

  4 spots that I found.  One is a large loop with fire pits already setup (where I stayed).  There's one back-in that used to be a 2 track trail next to a small pond, another pull-through loop next to the main sign, and one more site down the road towards the forest.

  You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that.  More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer.  There's another camping area across the river (which is apparently contaminated with toxic materials from mining lol).  I was here during 4th of July so people were lighting off fire crackers there as you'd expect.

  Overall it's a very beautiful spot, with multiple small lakes, deer grazing around, and plenty of wildflowers.

  Had no issue with my 25ft trailer as the road was in good shape.  Larger rigs would probably be okay too, but I'd scout it out.

  This is Idaho Fish and Wildlife property and has a 3-day maximum stay.

  Read More
• K

  Kendra T.

  Guide

  Aug. 9, 2025

  Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp

  Ok

  It’s still ok to stay here, but not many spots left. Officer came by to say these roads aren’t supposed to be here (and many were already blocked off) but you can still park in any of the sandy/ dirt road but can’t pull off anywhere. Took our licenses down.