Tent camping around Lake Pend Oreille offers experiences at elevations ranging from 2,000 feet at lake level to over 7,000 feet at surrounding mountain peaks. Water temperatures vary significantly, with summer surface temperatures reaching 70°F while depths below 30 feet remain cold year-round. Winter campers should prepare for snow accumulation averaging 50-70 inches annually in the higher camping areas.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Roman Nose offers several marked trails leading to three distinct mountain lakes. "We really enjoyed the hike to the upper lakes," reports one camper, noting this area provides multiple camping options with "about 5 camping spots" at the main campground plus additional dispersed sites along forest roads.
Island camping experience: Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground requires approximately a 1.5-mile boat ride from Hill's Resort boat launch. "It had a fire ring, picnic table, and plenty of privacy since there is no restroom on the island," explains a visitor who secured one of the first-come, first-served sites. Campers must bring shovels for waste disposal and ensure watercraft have Invasive Species stickers.
Fly fishing opportunities: Breakwater Campground extends along a tributary of the Coeur d'Alene River with "great tent camping and fly fishing." While sites offer excellent water access, a reviewer notes "there is limited vehicle access to most spots," making this better suited for experienced anglers willing to hike in their gear.
What campers like
Complete privacy: Campers frequently mention the solitude available at less-developed sites. At Maiden Rock Campground, accessible only by "boat and hike in," visitors appreciate the primitive setup with "multiple sites" and "3 bouy-tethers for boats" but no potable water source beyond the lake or creek.
Mountain lakes: Scotchmans Peak provides a challenging camping experience reached by "a very very difficult hike, which makes camping here even more rewarding." A reviewer explains camping spots are located "in the last wooded section of the hike," leaving "the last 3/4 mile of the hike ahead of you" to reach the actual summit.
Star viewing: Clear night skies draw astronomers and photographers. One Bartoo Island camper reports that "on a clear night, you'll see the bulk of the Milky Way" due to minimal light pollution. This combination of dark skies and reflective water creates optimal conditions for astrophotography during new moon phases.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many of the best tent camping near Lake Pend Oreille involves difficult roads. The route to Roman Nose is "long and VERY washboarded," with a camper noting you'll be "beating up your vehicle for a solid hour on a washboarded dirt road." Consider whether hiking opportunities justify the challenging access.
Facilities limitations: Most sites have minimal or no facilities. At Bull River Pavilion, despite having electric hookups and water, a visitor notes there are "no walking trails within walking distance" and "fish are not as abundant as other areas," which may disappoint anglers expecting productive fishing.
Cell coverage: Prepare for communication limitations. At Breakwater Campground, multiple reviewers emphasize "no cell service" and "0 amenities," describing it as "just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire." Download offline maps before traveling to remote camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Timing matters: At peak times, previously quiet areas can become crowded. "We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to ourselves," writes a visitor about their early-week arrival, while warning that "spots filled quickly in the days following."
Swimming conditions: Water temperature varies significantly across Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding lakes. One Roman Nose visitor cautions the lake is "small, and the water is ice cold, so swimming wasn't really an option," noting limitations for families seeking water recreation.
Wildlife awareness: Pack River Dispersed Site offers "several dispersed sites" that are "good for horses, camping and solitude" along riverbanks, but requires wildlife precautions. Proper food storage prevents animal encounters, with bears active throughout the region from spring through fall.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles recommended: Several access roads require appropriate vehicles. Pack River has "lots of washboard/rutted sections on the road and some steep areas getting to certain campsites," making high-clearance vehicles necessary for safe passage.
Alternatives to lakefront: RVers seeking easier access can find suitable options beyond immediate lakefront sites. One camper observes that Roman Nose campground is "actually a decent distance away" from the lakes, which may disappoint those expecting immediate shoreline access but provides more level parking for larger vehicles.
Boat access considerations: For those towing boats, facilities vary significantly. When camping at lake sites without docks, one visitor notes they "just beached it since it was pure sand," which works for smaller watercraft but may present challenges for larger boats requiring proper launch facilities.
