Tent camping options near Moyie Springs, Idaho range from boat-in sites on pristine alpine lakes to trail-accessible backcountry campgrounds. The region sits within the Kaniksu National Forest at elevations between 1,800 and 4,000 feet, creating variable camping conditions that change dramatically with the seasons. Winter camping is limited by heavy snowfall that often restricts access to higher elevation campsites until late spring.
What to do
Hike to alpine lakes: The Beehive Lake Dispersed area offers tent campers a challenging trail to pristine alpine waters. "The hike to get there is pretty strenuous, with some tough climbs along the way. The trail itself isn't well marked, so you'll want to pay close attention or bring a good map to avoid getting off course," advises Jason S.
Kayak to island campsites: Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground provides tent sites accessible only by water. "When choosing a site remember sunrise and sunset as I was lucky to have a place on the south side so there was shade during the hottest parts of the day and less sun at 5am when you want to sleep," suggests Callie B. who adds that kayakers should "be wary of the afternoon as the waves get high from power boats but settle in the evening and morning."
Find riverside solitude: Tent sites along the water at Pack River Dispersed Site offer privacy with natural settings. "There are several dispersed sites up here along Pack River. Good for horses, camping and solitude," notes a reviewer who frequents the area.
What campers like
Uncrowded backcountry options: The Navigation Campground provides a genuine wilderness experience for tent campers willing to make the effort. "Not accessible by car, and takes a couple of hours to hike to it, but well worth it for the solitude once you're there. While all the drive-up sites on lower Priest Lake were full there was no one at Navigation! (Literally NO ONE)," reports Jill S.
Lakeside tent camping: Tent campers appreciate the Roman Nose area for its alpine lakes and accessibility. "This place is wonderful! It has about 5 camping spots and is normally not too busy. We really enjoyed the hike to the upper lakes as well," writes Shylean B. Another camper adds valuable context: "The actual campground has 4 designated sites and a group tent area. Trails lead to the lakes from each campsite or from the trailhead parking lot."
Riverside tent pads: Tent campers at Whitetail Campground value the direct water access. "Our site had a nice open meadow and was right next to access to the river. We spent the afternoon with our chairs on the riverbank and dangling our feet in the water," shares Mical M. The campground maintains "clean bathrooms and water close by. The tent pads are level and usually rock free," according to Teagan N.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas near Moyie Springs require travel on unpaved forest roads. "The road getting in is rough and bumpy, which made for an unpleasant drive," notes one Roman Nose visitor. Another camper at Roman Nose confirms: "The road is long and VERY washboarded, but you have lots of great options if you plan on doing some hiking in the area."
First-come, first-served options: For tent campers without reservations, several sites offer non-reservable spots. "First come, first serve sites are your best bet for getting a campsite on Priest Lake during peak season. I was able to snag one of the 10ish first come sites last minute for a weekend," explains a Bartoo Island visitor.
Wilderness preparedness: Backcountry tent sites require proper planning. "No water available," warns a Navigation Campground visitor. At Pack River, a camper emphasizes: "Remember to leave no trace and pack out your trash!" Solomon Lake users note the importance of "proper food storage" due to wildlife concerns.
Tips for camping with families
Level tent sites: Families looking for tent camping near Moyie Springs should consider campgrounds with established, level tent pads. At Whitetail Campground, "The tent pads are level and usually rock free. The park keeps the campgrounds clean and accessible," making setup easier for families with young campers.
Lake access difficulty: Parents should assess trail difficulty when planning lake access camping. Roman Nose offers variable options as one camper explains: "The first lake is a short, easy walk. The 2nd (Lower) and 3rd (Upper) lakes are a moderate hike and have a couple sites you can overnight at from the trailhead parking lot."
Private coves for swimming: For families seeking swimming access, Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground provides protected water areas. "Large and private, nice beach, good wind block," notes Stacy A.L. about the group site, making it suitable for families with children who want to swim.
Tips from RVers
Small RV access: Most tent camping areas near Moyie Springs have limited RV access. At Roman Nose, campers note the campground has "small campsites" not ideal for larger vehicles. Solomon Lake is reported to have roads that become "narrow at some points" which can challenge RV drivers.
Washboard roads: RV campers report challenging road conditions to many tent camping sites. "If you're not looking to hike, I'm not sure beating up your vehicle for a solid hour on a washboarded dirt road is worth it just for camping," warns one Roman Nose visitor, suggesting tent camping might be preferable to RVing in this area.
Separate tent and RV areas: Some campgrounds maintain separate areas for tents and RVs. Whitetail Campground has 11 campsites total with varying accommodations. "The tent spots were $7" per night according to one visitor, compared to different rates for other accommodations.
