Dworshak State Park's primitive cabins and Winchester Lake's yurts provide alternative glamping options near Lenore, Idaho, situated at approximately 1,362 feet elevation. The Snake River region features a steppe climate with hot summers and cold winters. Fall temperatures typically range from 40-65°F with occasional early frost, making proper preparation essential for camping in this transitional season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Freeman Creek at Dworshak State Park offers various fishing experiences throughout the season. "Kokanee fishing is great from March to about late July. The spawn begins in August, so the fish move up the reservoir as the season progresses. Smallmouth bass fishing is great! The Idaho state Smallmouth record was caught in this lake," notes Cody B.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife observation year-round. "If you are lucky you may see a black bear feeding on blackberries, deer are numerous, elk frequent the lake, and one of my favorites is to watch Osprey dive in the lake for fish," shares a visitor at Freeman Creek.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems accommodate different skill levels. At Fields Spring State Park, "The 2+ mile roundtrip hike to the Puffer Butte is a must as the three state view (WA, ID, OR) is sweeping and gorgeous," according to Lee D.
Water recreation: Non-motorized water activities provide peaceful alternatives to fishing. At Hells Gate State Park, a visitor notes, "Camping right on the Snake River with Lewis & Clark Discovery Center. Lots of sites, water restrooms, showers, and fire pits."
What campers like
Tranquil surroundings: Many glamping sites near Lenore feature peaceful settings away from urban noise. At Winchester Lake State Park, Nancy C. appreciates that "Upon arrival, we immediately felt the peacefulness. Our site was tucked into the pines creating a canopy of coolness in the midst of the oppressing heat of this record breaking year."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities enhance the glamping experience. At Winchester Lake State Park, visitors mention "The space between sites are not as generously spaced as with other Idaho SP we have stayed in. There are vault toilets throughout the campground with one building that houses flush toilets and 2 shower stalls. They are older but squeaky clean."
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "The tent sites are nice and there is A lot of privacy between tent site," comments Jeffrey A. about Fields Spring State Park.
Four-season access: Several parks accommodate winter activities. "I have been at this park in every month of the calendar, but only camped from April thru October," notes a visitor at Freeman Creek, while another mentions that Winchester Lake is "very enjoyable even frozen."
What you should know
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. At Premier RV Resort, a visitor mentions "The winds come through quite a bit which helps with the heat but make sure everything is secured down."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies widely between locations. Nancy C. notes about Winchester Lake, "Enjoying the peace and quiet of the SP should be your expectation as there is not a lot of other options nearby. 2 bars AT&T LTE."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We dreaded dealing with crowds over the 4th of July weekend and back in March, this was one of the few state parks where I could get reservations in this area," shares a Fields Spring visitor.
Site selection considerations: Request specific sites when possible. At Boyer Park & Marina, "When you reserve online they don't allow you to pick your site and so you get what you get. Tip- call after booking online to request a site."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for locations with dedicated children's facilities. "There is a playground on site," notes a visitor at Pines RV Park, while another mentions that Boyer Park has a "great for families...beach and walking paths are very nice and close by no matter which spot you're in."
Group camping options: Some locations accommodate larger family gatherings. At Chief Timothy Park, "We went for a family reunion. We had a good time. It was very crowded. If you don't mind campsites that are open and no tree blocking and your neighbors are right next to you. However we did have access to water from our campsite. That is always a bonus."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences for children. A visitor at Boyer Park mentions it's "Just below the Lower Granite Dam, it's an easy three mile round trip walk on a paved Snake River Trail."
Safety considerations: Family-friendly sites often prioritize security. At Pines RV Park, "Robin and Dennis are extremely nice! They will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and safe!"
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some routes present difficulties for larger rigs. Agnes B. warns about Freeman Creek, "Google maps wrecked us- I selected 'quickest route' and had NO warnings that we would be driving up the narrowest gravel road with a 11% incline!!!! We have a diesel F350 but towing a big 5th wheel made it horrifying."
Hook-up availability: Services vary between parks. One Winchester Lake visitor shared their experience: "We pulled our 40ft RV up here and had a great time! Not full hookups but lots of fishing... they did have electricity and water hookups just no dump so we showered and used the bathroom facilities which were very well kept!"
Site dimensions: Check space requirements before booking. "Generally large, separated sites with picnic tables and firepits," notes Rich J. about Winchester Lake's Camas loop.
Seasonal operations: Verify operating dates when planning. Premier RV Resort has seasonal closures between December and January, while Boyer Park operates "March 1 to November 8," according to their official schedule.
