RV camping near Nordman, Idaho offers access to the mountainous Selkirk and Cabinet ranges with elevations between 2,000-7,000 feet across the region. Most campgrounds in this northern Idaho area remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility due to heavy snowfall. Cell service can be unreliable throughout this forested region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to larger towns.
What to do
Lakeside recreation: At Blue Lake RV Resort, campers enjoy various water activities on the small lake. "We paddle boarded and swam the next day," notes one visitor, while another mentions "They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. The little lake is full of catfish and turtles that you can feed."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer accessible fishing options without requiring long hikes. "I got to do yoga by the lake at sunrise, not too buggy and I saw lots of turtles," reports a Blue Lake RV camper, while at Jump Off Joe Lake Resort, visitors mention "There is great fishing. The lake is small and warm."
Golfing: The RV Park At Chewelah Golf & Country Club provides direct access to golf facilities. "This is a great spot for golfers as well as non golfers. Note the club has pickle ball courts for free use! Great little restaurant and bar on site too with very cheap drinks ($9 Moscow mule!)" according to a reviewer.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities. At The Hemlocks RV and Lodging, "WiFi & free laundry, bathroom, & showers via coded entry" are appreciated, while at Newport Little Diamond Lake, "Bathroom showers are ok. Laundry is good."
Friendly staff: Many reviewers note exceptional service. "Johnie and his staff are over the top to accommodate," mentions a Hemlocks visitor, while another camper at Upper Columbia RV Park shares that "The owner Ralph is very affable and helped us get to our site the first night as well as drove my car back for me from the canoe launch site."
Space for groups: Several campgrounds accommodate family gatherings. At Jump Off Joe Lake Resort, a camper reports "We spent 3 nights here last week with our family and everyone had a great time," though they note "The spots are a bit close together unless you have a large group."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Blue Lake RV Resort, a reviewer notes "One of the major downsides was the campsite's unfortunate location between two railway lines. The constant sound of freight trains passing by throughout the day was quite disruptive."
Variable site quality: Not all sites provide equal experience. At Thousand Trails Little Diamond, "Sites are gravel, somewhat level and size/length varies, a few pull throughs, our 37ft 5ver had no problem," while at Chewelah Golf & Country Club, one camper reports "Grounds are largely in disarray."
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds offer fewer services than expected. One visitor at Thousand Trails Little Diamond mentioned "Short Staffed: this was kind of a pain. odd hours for the store and no boat rentals," while another noted "At your campsite your internet must be purchased and 90% of the time it is unavailable."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer specific children's amenities. Jump Off Joe Lake Resort features a "Swimming with floating dock, and playground area," while a Blue Lake visitor noted their boys were "ready to return" because "It's just one of those peaceful places that I don't think very many know about."
Extra fees awareness: Watch for additional charges beyond base rates. At Jump Off Joe Lake Resort, one visitor cautions "Very nice but spendy if you have kids and pets... they charge extra for the 2 dogs and then the extra kid since our family is 2 adults and 3 kids and 2 dogs."
Campsite selection strategy: For families with children, location within the campground matters. At Thousand Trails Little Diamond, a visitor recommends "if you are camping with kids the spots closer to the playground equipment are perfect."
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Pay attention to hookup placement and site layout. At Chewelah Golf & Country Club, a camper notes "hookups are on the wrong side at most of the sites," while at Kalispel RV Resort, "Sites are back in only and accommodated our 26' travel trailer well. Site included enough space for a tow vehicle and one other vehicle."
Seasonal considerations: Many RV parks have limited operating schedules. Thousand Trails Little Diamond operates from "April 13 to October 1," while Blue Lake RV Resort remains open from "March to December," providing more flexibility for shoulder season visits.
Connectivity challenges: Don't count on reliable internet or cell service. At Kalispel RV Resort, a visitor reports "Amenities are pretty thin. Playground, yes pool, no. Also no WiFi and cell signal is thin at best."
