Best Tent Camping near Murray, ID
Tent campsites near Murray, Idaho offer a mixture of primitive and established options within the surrounding national forests and river corridors. Lake Elsie Campground provides tent camping opportunities around a mountain lake approximately 11 miles from I-90 on a narrow dirt road, while Packsaddle Campground offers riverside tent sites with basic amenities in the St. Joe National Forest area. Additional tent camping options can be found at Telichpah Campground and throughout the Coeur d'Alene River area, providing backcountry alternatives.
Most primitive tent sites in the region require proper preparation as amenities are minimal. The roads leading to many campgrounds like Lake Elsie are steep, narrow, and rough—requiring high-clearance vehicles in some cases. One camper noted, "The road up is rough with potholes, expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel." Most tent campgrounds offer fire rings but limited other facilities, with some featuring vault toilets but no drinking water. Spring access may be restricted due to lingering snow, with mid-June being the earliest some higher-elevation areas become accessible. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage.
In early fall, many backcountry tent sites provide more solitude and less crowding than during peak summer months. Areas around Lake Elsie and along Marble Creek offer opportunities for fishing, paddling, and exploring nearby trail systems. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots." The surrounding forests provide shade at many sites, though tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. ATV and dirt bike activity can create noise in certain areas, particularly during summer weekends. Tent campers seeking quieter experiences should consider weekday visits or exploring the more remote walk-in tent sites in the St. Joe National Forest area where vehicle access is more limited.