Corral Equestrian Campground offers horse campers dedicated facilities within Farragut State Park, situated along the southern shore of Lake Pend Oreille at an elevation of 2,054 feet. The campground connects to over 45 miles of riding trails throughout the 4,000-acre park. Riders must bring their own feed and water buckets, as natural forage isn't permitted within the state park boundaries. Winter access can be limited by snowfall between November and March.
What to do
Horseback riding on lakeside trails: The trail system at Farragut State Park provides access to forested paths with lake views. "The extensive trail networks connect the equestrian campgrounds to riding opportunities throughout the region," notes Melissa B., who adds that the park offers "countless trails to hike, tree to tree adventure course, swimming area, fishing, museums, and horse trails."
Beach activities at Round Lake: Family-friendly swimming with shallow entry points makes this spot ideal for younger children. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing," explains Jason S. from Round Lake State Park.
Fishing for various species: Lake Pend Oreille supports rainbow trout, Mackinaw, smallmouth bass and more in its clear waters. Fishing from shore is possible at multiple locations, while boat access expands opportunities. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," reports Jason S. about the fishing docks at Round Lake.
What campers like
Remote riverside camping: Campers appreciate the privacy of sites along Pack River for those traveling with horses. "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude," according to reviewers at Pack River Dispersed Site, which offers primitive camping without developed facilities.
Clean facilities and lake access: The developed campgrounds maintain proper sanitation and shoreline access. "Extremely clean, looks very new, and lots of space between sights," notes Rob N. about Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, adding it's "centrally located with Costco just a few blocks away."
Spacious campsites: Many locations offer room to spread out equipment and set up comfortably. "All sites are very large, covered in shade, and plenty of flat ground for a tent if that's your jam," says Cody H. about Round Lake State Park. "Sites are a bit close but are decent size," adds Carol J. about Bonner County Fairgrounds.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies widely throughout the region, particularly in remote areas. "No Reception! We didn't find it since there is no reception anywhere nearby and ended up at Bumblebee," warns Dusty W. about searching for Breakwater Campground. "Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire."
Seasonal weather challenges: Summer highs can reach into the 90s while winters bring significant snowfall. "Open in winter but flaky hookups," reports Nic F. about Round Lake in December. "We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes. Not worth the risk to car camp when it's 18 degrees."
Price variations for out-of-state visitors: State parks charge significantly more for non-Idaho residents. "A basic campsite (no utilities) can now cost upwards of $70 per night," warns a reviewer about Priest Lake State Park. "All the state parks at both Priest and Lake Pend Oreille have become prohibitively expensive for out of staters."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer environmental learning programs. "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," shares Heather M. about Lionhead Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Families can often spot deer, moose and various bird species throughout the region. "You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears. If you take the short hike to Moose lake, there is excellent rainbow trout fishing, and gorgeous scenery as well," explains Jeff W. about Priest Lake State Park.
Theme park proximity: Some campgrounds provide easy access to nearby attractions. "We stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park," mentions Danielle P. about Round Lake State Park, making it convenient for families wanting to combine camping with amusement park visits.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Some equestrian camping areas have access limitations for larger rigs. "The road in was kinda sketchy if you are pulling a large RV," warns Angel A. about Liberty Lake Regional Park, located just across the state line in Washington.
Site selection for large trailers: Choose sites carefully if traveling with horse trailers or larger RVs. "Not the best place to hang out, unless you are attending an event here," notes Megan K. about Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, though others mention "it's big rig friendly" with paved sites.
Winter camping readiness: If visiting during colder months, confirm hookup availability and bring proper insulation. "When checking online, and that's where you must reserve your site, there is a very good map with the site lengths listed," advises Joseph about Kootenai County Fairgrounds, which provides full hookups with 30 and 50 amp electric service.
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