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Tent campsites near Lenore, Idaho cluster primarily around Dworshak Reservoir, with several walk-in options accessible via the Big Eddy trail system. Mini Camp sites at 3.5, 4.7, and 4.8 miles offer primitive tent camping with waterfront access, while Dworshak National Fish Hatchery and Big Eddy Marina provide established campground options. The surrounding Clearwater National Forest contains additional tent camping locations accessible from town.
Most sites feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though drinking water is rarely available at the primitive locations. The Mini Camp sites require hiking between 1-5 miles from trailheads and are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. According to one visitor, "The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles," making access challenging but rewarding for tent campers. Vault toilets are present at several locations, but campers should plan to pack out waste where facilities aren't available. Summer temperatures typically range from warm 80s during the day to mild 50s at night.
Tent campers at Mini Camp sites enjoy exceptional privacy with significant distance between neighboring sites. A recent review noted, "Trees provide a bit of wind coverage though we enjoyed perfect temperatures day and night." The walk-in tent locations feature direct water access, with long ramps to the water and excellent fishing opportunities. Sites 4.7 and 4.8 sit higher with panoramic reservoir views, while the 3.5 mile site provides a more sheltered forest setting surrounded by ferns. For those seeking drive-in tent camping options, Giant White Pine Campground offers spacious wooded sites approximately 30 miles northwest of Lenore, though highway noise can be noticeable for tent campers due to passing logging trucks.
"This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There’s free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."
"Approx. 4 1/4mi from Big Eddy and 4 7/8mi from Freeman Creek, this spot sits perfectly off the Bid Eddy trail."
from $10 / night
"Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot."
from $10 / night
"Little wind coverage during the day though it’s very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot."
from $10 / night
"This is an easy 1mi hike from Big Eddy Recreation area on the Big Eddy trail."
from $10 / night
"Sometimes it’s hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."
"We stayed in site #4 which was right at the end with glimpses of the Palouse through the trees and lots of space. You could easily set up 2 tents there. It was $15 a night plus $5 for an extra car."
"Plenty of space Fe our vehicle, a fire pit and grill area. Just overall a great experience."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear. This area is not open for winter camping. I have found few that are though."
"Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"
RangerMore of a primitive type of campground, although there are vault toilets. Plenty of spaces along the river; however there is a river take out that may be used to back trailers up to, so the flat spots across from it may not be ideal.
LegendViews are spectacular. Little wind coverage during the day though it’s very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot. Vaulted toilet, fire ring and a picnic table make for some comfy accommodations. Marker on trail (approximately 5 1/4mi hiking north from Bid Eddy or 3 7/8mi hiking south from Freeman Creek)
LegendWe drove in from the Washington side on a narrow unimproved road but only met one vehicle. Our views were into undulating hills of the Palouse farming region of Washington. We camped at the first campground in this Idaho state park close to the Washington border called Iron Mountain. There were two sites with a vault toilet. We chose site number two but both were very spacious. The road was right by our site but only one vehicle drove by, a dirt bike. It was so quiet there. You could see into both the forested hills of Idaho and the Palouse of Washington.
LegendThis is an easy 1mi hike from Big Eddy Recreation area on the Big Eddy trail. Ok, correction, challenging out of the gate with a fairly vertical start but levels out quickly and you’re suddenly submerged in the trees and lush ferns. This spot has a long walkway out from the main trail offering tons of privacy. Great shallow ramp for a boat and easy access the a dip is the res or to get your water to filter. Fire ring, picnic table and vault toilets make for a comfortable stay. The closest site to this is another 3ish miles north. Waters are spectacular shades of blue and the trees in the sunset are hard to beat!
GuideTake a night or two to visit this nearly unused campground. What a wonder. You are on the Ridgeline between two valleys with views of the horizons of 50 miles or more. To the east ot is very much like the views in the Smokey mountains. Not a lot of shade at this campground. Great for solar and Skylink. ATT and Verizon were 3 plus. Make certain the chores are done and the drinks are made before the light show begins at sundown. Vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Sites at this campground are reasonably flat and deep but not a lot of room for pop-ups.
Camping here is free.
My only criticism is the distance between signs on a very small road. A few more signs would be reassuring. For this campground, head generally south on Skyline Drive until you think you should be there, then go 2 more miles.
Central potable water by the privy.
TravelerWe were riding the Idaho BDR (Backcountry Discovery Route) and needed a place to camp near Pierce. There aren't many options that are accessible for our Support Truck but found Deyo Reservoir as a welcome spot. The West sites are very open and close to each other and are what you see first. I kinda stumbled down to the East Campground which is more for Truck/Tent camping and is wooded and cooler (it was 95 degrees when we rode in). Typical for Idaho the sites were nicely spaced, well maintained (it is hosted) and the Vault Toilet was very clean.
GuideThis site was haven sent. Large spacious, on the Clearwater river. Fishing was great. Solitude was the best. 10 days was our stay at $10 per night, no hook ups. Boondocking or dry camping was the tone. The vault toilets were clean enough for the ladies not to mind the situation. Laying in the river, hiking, wildlife viewing, was great.
GuideWe have come here to fish on several occasions but never camped! We tent camp and we enjoy semi-level ground, which we had! The bathrooms are pit but are kept very clean!
RangerThis was the prettiest campground we stayed in during an extensive road trip through Idaho. It was only half occupied during the end of June, so we enjoyed privacy and numerous bird songs. Care and creativity were used when building the sites; ours had tent sites on 2 levels, and another had little stairs carved into the dirt. Our site was very large and had very stately evergreen trees and a trail heading out. Sites for RVs seemed nice, too. There were clean vault toilets and a pump for potable water...all for $6. There's a nearby site (4 miles away) where garnets can be sluiced For at a Forest Service site. We didn't go there but maybe next time, as we are eager to return!
Tent campsites near Lenore, Idaho offer backcountry experiences along the shorelines of Dworshak Reservoir in the Clearwater National Forest. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with summer high temperatures averaging in the 80s°F. Access to many campsites requires significant hiking effort with steep initial sections giving way to more moderate terrain through dense forest surroundings.
Hammock camping opportunities: Giant White Pine Campground provides ideal setups for hammock enthusiasts with abundant trees at appropriate spacing. According to one camper, "I really like this campground for hammock camping. I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear."
Hiking exploration: Mini Camp 5.0 serves as a base for exploring the Big Eddy trail system. A visitor noted, "Views are spectacular. Little wind coverage during the day though it's very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot."
Educational visits: Dworshak National Fish Hatchery offers learning opportunities for all ages. "The fish hatchery is a really fun educational stop. It's suitable for all ages. If you go at the right time of the year they have hands on activities for the whole family," reports one visitor.
Accessibility features: Partridge Creek Campground provides options for visitors with mobility concerns. A camper shared, "Sometimes it's hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."
Privacy between sites: Mini Camp 4.8 offers notable seclusion from neighboring campers. One visitor reported, "Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot. Perched a bit higher than the sites around it you'll find some wonderful views and privacy to set up your tent at the tree edge."
Water access points: Mini Camp 3.5 features practical water entry points. A camper noted, "Great shallow ramp for a boat and easy access the a dip is the res or to get your water to filter. Fire ring, picnic table and vault toilets make for a comfortable stay."
Trail difficulty varies: The Big Eddy trail system begins with challenging terrain before moderating. A hiker observed, "This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles."
Water safety considerations: Mini Camp 4.7 offers water access but requires caution. According to one camper's experience, "Friendly little birds visited us regularly and excellent fishing off any of the sides you are surrounded by. Don't let the short distance fool you, this hike will test you, especially with a heavy pack, but SO worth it!"
Limited road access: Merrys Bay Campground requires navigating challenging terrain to reach the sites. A camper warned, "Steep road leading down to camp but very beautiful place for a picnic."
Playground availability: Kamiak Butte County Park offers facilities for children. A visitor mentioned, "Running water and pit toilets on site. Very nice playground in the day use area."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Several sites feature abundant small mammals for children to observe. One camper at Kamiak Butte noted, "So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families."
Site selection for groups: Larger families should consider spacious sites. At Mini Camp 4.8, a visitor observed, "A nice long ramp to the water and plenty of space this site is ideal for a larger group."
Noise considerations: Giant White Pine Campground experiences traffic noise that affects tent campers more than RV users. A reviewer noted, "Right off the highway, so traffic noise consistently. The trails are nice, but you don't come across water very often. Better for bikes and atv's."
Limited hookup options: RV campers should prepare for dry camping. One visitor reported, "The 14 sites are spacious and pretty, and only $8 per night. No electric hookup available."
Parking limitations: Vehicle space constraints exist at some campgrounds. A camper warned, "It's now $12 to camp with $2 for additional vehicles. There isn't much extra parking though, so you may end up parking on the road outside of the campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lenore, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lenore, ID is Big Eddy Marina & Lodge — Dworshak State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lenore, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Lenore, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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