Best Campgrounds near Mullan, ID
The region surrounding Mullan, Idaho includes a range of camping experiences from established RV parks to remote backcountry settings. Wallace RV Park offers full hookup amenities along a creek within walking distance to historic downtown Wallace, while Lake Elsie Campground provides a more primitive experience at a mountain lake setting. Dispersed options include Stevens Lakes Backcountry, accessible only by hiking trails, and Cliff Creek Campground with its primitive sites. Accommodations range from tent sites and RV spaces to cabin rentals, with several campgrounds positioned along waterways or alpine lakes.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing the more remote camping areas near Mullan. Lake Elsie Campground requires navigating approximately 8 miles of narrow, winding dirt roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles. Higher elevation sites like Stevens Lakes typically remain snow-covered until mid-June, limiting early season access. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, with some closing by mid-October. The dispersed sites on public lands have no services beyond occasional vault toilets, requiring self-sufficiency with water and waste management. "The road up to the lake is really rough and narrow but manageable with a proper vehicle," noted one Lake Elsie visitor.
Campers report exceptional fishing opportunities at several locations, particularly at Lake Elsie where brook and rainbow trout are commonly caught. Wildlife sightings are frequent throughout the region, with moose appearing regularly around some campsites. Several visitors mentioned the trade-offs between convenience and solitude - sites closer to I-90 provide easier access but experience more traffic noise, while remote locations offer tranquility but require additional travel time and suitable vehicles. Noise from ATVs and dirt bikes can be significant during summer months at popular recreation areas. Reviews consistently highlight the scenic mountain views and creek-side settings as major draws, though broken glass and improper fire management were noted as occasional concerns at unmaintained sites. According to one visitor, Stevens Lakes represents "one of my favorite Mt lake hikes with great camping at both the lower and upper lakes."
