Looking for tent camping near Nordman? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Idaho tent camping excursion.
Surrounded by clear waters of Priest Lake, the 25 sites on Bartoo Island provide the ideal getaway for people looking for a rugged, but highly rewarding, camping experience on the peaceful shores of Priest Lake. There are 24 single sites on the island as well as one group site known as Sunrise Group Site. This group site has been renumbered from site #001 to site #23 for groups of 10-30 individuals. All sites are only reachable by boat.
Visitors enjoy all types of boating from kayaking to canoeing to power boating up the 3.5-mile thoroughfare, which leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake cannot be access by car, so water is an excellent navigation option. Fantastic birding and wildlife viewing is available, as well as Huckleberry picking from mid-july to early fall, when the sweet berries can be found in abundance throughout the forests of Northern Idaho. Swimming is a popular summer pastime and with beach access not far from the campground, visitors won't have any problem cooling off during warmer months. Anglers will be excited to know that the waters of Priest Lake are home to record-breaking Mackinaw trout as well as Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee.
Priest Lake spans 25,000-acres of incredible beauty, fed primarily by the waters of the Priest River. Named after the historical presence of Jesuit priests who settled in the lake area in the mid 19th century, Priest Lake is today a major tourist attraction, drawing water sports enthusiasts, photographers and birders alike. The group campground is located on the east side of Bartoo Island at an elevation of 2,400 feet. Bartoo, spanning 219 acres, is one of nine islands on Priest Lake. Summers at the lake are typically sunny and warm and wildlife in the area includes bears, deer and moose.
Hike the Lakeshore or Beach Trails that traverse along the west shore of Priest Lake. The Beach trail extends between Outlet Bay Campground and the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. The Lakeshore Trail runs for 8 miles along the northwest shores of Priest Lake. In winter, ice fishing, shoe shoeing and snowmobiling on nearby trails entertain visitors.
$15 / night
Surrounded by clear waters of Priest Lake, the 52 sites on Kalispell Island provide the ideal getaway for people looking for a rugged, but highly rewarding, camping experience on the peaceful shores of Priest Lake. There are 51 single sites on the island as well as one group site known as Three Pines Group Site. This Group Site is located on the southeast side of the island and has been renumbered from Site #001 to site #29 for groups of 10-30 individuals. All sites are only reachable by boat.A popular activity among visitors is to kayak, canoe, or power boat up a 3.5-mile thoroughfare, which leads to the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area. The upper lake - just like Kalispell Island - cannot be access by car, so water is an excellent navigation option.
Priest Lake is less than an hour from the Canadian Border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and the mile-high mountains, this 25,000-acre lake offers clear, blue waters reaching depths of 300 feet. Fantastic wildlife viewing is available on the 2.5-mile loop trail that encircles Kalispell Island, offering phenomenal lake views and bird watching opportunities. The waters of Priest Lake offer anglers access to record-breaking Mackinaw trout, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Kokanee.
Kalispell Island is one of seven islands scattered throughout Priest Lake. Kalispell is the largest of these islands, spanning 264 acres, and is shaped like a tooth. Priest Lake, at a 2,400 foot elevation, is one of the top three largest lakes in Idaho. To the north, the lake connects to the Upper Priest Lake, divided by a narrow channel, which can be passed through by boat.
Hike the Lakeshore or Beach Trails that traverse along the west shore of Priest Lake. The Beach trail extends between Outlet Bay Campground and the Kalispell Bay Boat Launch. The Lakeshore Trail runs for 8 miles along the northwest shores of Priest Lake. In winter, ice fishing, shoe shoeing and snowmobiling on nearby trails entertain visitors.
$15 / night
Crescent LakeBeautiful twenty-two acre lake located nine miles north of Metaline Falls, WA and just a mile south of the Canadian border adjacent to Highway 31 which is part of the International Selkirk Loop. Open season runs from the last Saturday in April through October 31. This lake receives annual plantings of rainbow trout. A small rustic three site campground lies just above the lake. Amenities include: tables, fire rings, concrete vault toilet and animal proof garbage can. No potable water is available. It is best suited for small RV's or tent camping. Facilities 3 small campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits No drinking water 1 vault toilet Garbage disposal (animal proof)
A Discover Pass or Washington State Fishing License is required for access, and can be acquired through Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website.
Navigation Campground is located on the northwest shores of Upper Priest Lake, with majestic views of the Selkirk Crest. Four campsites are furnished with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes. Please note that this site has a Pack It In, Pack It Out policy on all garbage.
Trapper Creek Campground is located on the northeast shore of Upper Priest Lake. It has five sites with beautiful views of Plowboy Mountain, all furnished with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear-proof storage boxes. Please note that this campground has a Pack It In, Pack It Out policy on all garbage.
CLOSED FOR 2024
Green Bay Campground features 11 designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets, and a swimming beach.
Traveler
Tent camped on RV spot. All spots have a leveled sand square for tents. Trees offered shade. No privacy due to layout. Tent spots appear to offer more privacy. However, be warned that the access road for tent sites is steep and bumpy. Pit toilets with no other amenities. Camp host is friendly enough. Camp is so close to the day use area. Perfect to go swim or paddle board.
Traveler
This campground seems to be designed for and attract mostly RV campers with boats since there is a boat launch at this facility. There are only 6 small tent camping spots right next to the dam's bright lights. The tent sites are VERY close together so there is a lack of privacy and only 1 tent spot per site. Campsites have a fire ring and picnic table. We noticed that the campground sprinklers come on in the morning and spray the tent sites so beware of where you place your tent. There is a potable water spigot next to where the tent site parking is but the bathrooms are a little bit of a walk. We didn't see any staffing while we were there but the bathrooms, which had flushable toilets and handwashing sinks, were well maintained. There is a picnic shelter area and rocky shore area you can hang out on. Pee Wee Falls is a short paddle (1/4 mile?) around the right side bend from the boat launch area. We went Labor Day weekend and we were the only tent campers the first night (Friday) and then a single tent camper showed up the next day. The RV sites were packed full when we arrived very late Friday night. We had a great stay since we were one of the only tent campers and it's a free campground with all the basic amenities we needed to be comfortable.
Ranger
The Gilmore Loop Campground is one of a handful of campgrounds in Farragut State Park. It is a large campground boasting 91 rv/tent sites. There are several ADA sites as well as the most amenities I have ever seen in a campground. Even tho you could spend days exploring and playing in Farragut State Park, there are quite a few things to do outside of the park also.
Some amenities for this campground include:
RV/Tent Camping - (Some are ADA)
Onsite Tables/Fire Pits/Water/Electricity on all and Sewer on some
Nice and Clean Flush Restrooms and Showers
Firewood for sale onsite by the hosts and a well stocked General Store/Visitor Center in park
Payphones and extra Parking
Dump stations for RVs
Extensive Day Use Facilities - (Including 3 professional disc golf courses and a large Lake for a $5 fee)
Boat launch/Swimming/Fishing
Museum and Historical Sites
Loads of Hiking/Biking/Horse Trails
Some amenities close to this campground include:
Bayview - (A small lake town about 5 min to the East)
Silverwood Theme Park - (About a 10 min drive to the West)
Coeur'd Alene and Sandpoint - (Both 33 min drives to the South and North respectively)
The negatives for Gilmore are all subjective. I personally prefer a much more secluded campground, I can see this place being packed during the on-season. The sites are closer than I like, tho I have seen much closer sites elsewhere. The tent pads are gravel filled squares, I Like the feel of the ground under me while camping and these will necessitate a mat/airbed. Overall I love this place as a day use, and see myself camping here soon.
Scout
I worked at Priest Lake State Park as a residential biologist for the summer of 2016. It was an amazing experience! I had access to parts of the park not allowed to campers. The staff are all very friendly and nice to work with. The hand- scooped homemade ice cream is worth it alone! Kayaking up the thoroughfare to the upper lake is a great workout with some amazing and beautiful scenery and animals along the way. You will see lots of moose, and sometimes black bears. If you take the short hike to Moose lake, there is excellent rainbow trout fishing, and gorgeous scenery as well. Hunt lake trail is a beautiful trail to hike, but not for beginners. Priest Lake itself is a little chilly when first getting in to swim, but is very refreshing in the mountain heat. There are many good places to pick huckleberries all over the area! The campgrounds at the Indian Creek unit, which is where the headquarters and store are located, are very clean. There are plenty of RV and tent camping sites and 5 cabins available to rent. All cabins sleep different numbers of people, ranging from 5 to 9, the moose cabin being the largest and nicest. The cabins have no bathrooms or kitchens but boast fire rings and are right across from communal park bathrooms and showers. The lion head unit on the upper lake is about 12 miles up the road from Indian Creek turning into gravel about 8 miles up right before moose lake. It has a few smaller camper sites and many tent sites available. There is a maintenance shed along with a small ranger booth which also serves as a small store with ice and other foods and small supplies. There are first aid kits and radios available at all campground ranger booths. Priest lake has amazing fishing for rainbow trout, Mackinaw (lake trout), smallmouth bass, and Pike minnow (as the main species). The nearest town, Coolin, UD, is about 12 miles down the road. It is a small town with a store, a diner and a bar/ restaurant. The diner and restaurant have decent staple foods for what they have to offer. The store is fairly small but generally has most of the foods and supplies needed for restocking your camping food or obtaining the odds and ends you may have forgotten or overlooked at home. All around it is a beautiful place to visit with friendly staff and locals and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable family camping experience.
Scout
It is a private secluded location but over priced for tent camping. It made for a nice base camp. The dogs were allowed to be off leash which was real nice. They do not allow pit bulls or Rottweilers but ironic that the camp hosts have a Rottweiler. It was not crowded. The nice hike to the summit to view both lakes was worth going up. Other than the $30/night for tent camping it was okay. Had it been $15 a night I would have given the site a 5 star.
Traveler
Tent camping at Whitetail campground has plenty of site room and good privacy. Camp hosts did an excellent job of keeping the campground clean. Restroom facilities and showers well kept and clean.
Guide
The tent sites are private and not too close together. Very nice campground host and clean restrooms. We spent the night in the upper section and it was peaceful and quiet.
ScoutKM and RPI rv resort, they do have a couple of designated tent sites, and 2 members-only cabins. Clubhouse is pretty much shut down, I guess you could say it has “long covid”, heh
Guide
Cute little RV park off the highway. Very quite with a small lake. Families can enjoy fishing, swimming, yard games, fire pit, and very dog friendly with a fenced dog park. We are tent campers and had a nice spot on lake. only a few tent sites. Super clean bathrooms with hot shower.
GuideLionhead is by far my favorite campground of hundreds I’ve been to. it’s designed more for tent camping of very small rv’s such as truck campers or tent trailers. There are numerous trails to explore and the beach is beautiful white sand with crystal clear water. Indian Creek is also nice and has a store with everything you could need and ice cream by the scoop. Indian Creek also has full and partial hookup sites - free hot showers- and boat slips to rent.
Traveler
I love the Colville National Forest and enjoy discovering different campgrounds within it.
I like to camp at Pioneer Park when I am in Newport visiting family and will always choose campsite 14! It is the best out of all the campsites there, very private, incredibly spacious, and with a nice trail to the water. I only tent camp so I don't know how accommodating it is for an RV, however.
Guide
Pulled into this campground in our RV in late September and only encountered one other party in the campground. Loved the remote setting. We were able to snag a spot close to the river, so we slept to the sound of rushing water. I’d estimate that half the primitive spots could fit a medium sized RV, the others are car/tent sites.
Scout
We enjoyed our time at this camp. Most sites are for RVs, but we got a tent site. Unfortunately, my two year old son didn’t settle for bed easily when camping. I ended up in hotels a couple nights, just because I didn’t want to bother the other campers. The time I did stay there was nice. The hosts are very helpful and kind as well.
Scout
It's a relatively small loop campground along a creek, close to the Pend Oreille River. Gravel road, ideal for tent camping. When we camped there in September of 2017, there were 3 occupied spaces, all of whom left the next day so we had the whole campground to ourself. There were primitive bathrooms, and from my memory no running water. I also don't think we paid, because we couldn't find anyone to give money to. Maybe this is because it was fall, or maybe it's actually free. Either way, pleasant experience here!
ScoutA very nice small campground. About 2/3 of the sites are full hookups. Rest water and electric. Tent sites. Owners are great people. Very helpful for sure. They have a path you can walk down right to the Kootanie river with chairs and picnic tables to sit on. Very nice. Grounds are clean and tidy. Owners care a lot about their customers. Bathrooms are clean. Showers also clean. Would recommend staying here if your in the area.
Guide
This park was our first park to ever camp at, lucked out and caught an opening in the middle of the pandemic, booked it online and left 4 days later for a week of bliss in the woods. My first time to northern Idaho, it's absolutely breathtaking The lake itself is beautiful surrounded by tall pines and Lilly pads. The hiking trails are easy for all ages, though the big loop is something to take slow, and bring plenty of water to drink. The bullfrogs at night help you drift off to sleep. It rained 3 nights when we were there and it was some of the best sleep we've ever had. We had a rooftop tent on our 4 runner and it for perfect in the tent site. You don't have to be an rv to rent a site with water and electricity. It's definitely a spot we will add to our yearly travels.
Traveler
We tent camped, sharing a site with some friends in an RV. Only some of their sites are reservable, others are walk up. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites. Despite arriving early in the morning, we did not know until mid afternoon if we got a site. Half way through our stay we had to move sites and again go through the lottery system. Fortunately we got sites both times, others were not so fortunate.
Otherwise it is a well taken care of camp ground. Lots of paved hiking paths, a beautiful beach, and a great play structure. No camp store on site.
TravelerWe stayed in Whitetail tent campground, in the spring. It was not busy so it was peaceful - didn't hear other campers but we did hear some coyotes! Perhaps with more people the campsites are close, but I think that's the case when you stay in any state park campground. Close water spouts and the bathrooms were probably the nicest campground bathroom I've ever seen. Lake is beautiful, there are loads of trails and the disc golf courses are fun!
Traveler
The volunteers were amazing so helpful and friendly! Camp site 12 is where you want to be especially if you like the sunshine. Only site on the river tent site only with bbq pit and picnic table and some shade. Bathrooms are close the fishing dock is closer and you could even swim in your own hole! The public beach is about 30 yards away and great for younger kids. Also from camp site 12 you can see the playground if you were to bring kids! They have free hot showers and firewood for sale on site as well. The rangers come give a presentation every third Friday I went and it was on all the different kinds of pines we have in INW.
Guide
One of our favorites on a month long camping trip cross country. The lake was great for a swim and to play fetch with our dog. The place was nearly empty when we arrived so we got to pick what to our knowledge was the only non-tent site a slight view of the lake. Bathrooms were clean. No showers. A tad buggy but not too bad for being near a lake. Didn't get to do the trail because we didn't bring bear spray as a sign at the time advised. You drive for a bit down a dirt road to get here but the Google Maps directions were pretty spot on (slightly off at the end but there was signage to help navigate). A nice coffee shop in the nearest town too.
ScoutTo start off, I rarely write reviews. We were in the area in August of 2019 and we stopped here to potentially tent camp. We went inside and asked if there was anything available for the night. We wanted a quiet campground with access to the Kootenay River in which they had both. So one of the owners let us check out the sites and trail to the river. However, we wanted something right on the river and it was a little bit of a walk to gain access to it.
We went back in and said we wanted something along the river and the owner recommended a different campground further down the road. (Which ended up being a great recommendation.) She didn't have to do that. She wasn't greedy whatsoever. That's how businesses should operate. That what makes people want to come back because of little stuff like this. I even offered to buy some firewood because she recommended a different campsite and she told us to get it at the camp in which we were staying.
That's why I'm writing this review because it's hard to find good service like that anymore. Although we didn't stay here, I highly recommend this campground. Great service, very clean, and nice atmosphere.
TravelerI am a bit mixed about this campground. Our spot was really incredible. Site 12 is right on the river which provides impressive sunrise and sunsets. The river is calm in the mornings and evenings with fish jumping. However, there are some downsides to the spot and the campground that cannot be ignored. 1) It is very close to the highway so you hear the cars all day. Site 12 is as far away as you can get from it plus it has a great view so helps offset the road noise. Other sites don't have the view so the road noise would be even more annoying. 2) The campground is right next to a public beach. The water was nice in the summer but the river does have a lot of seaweed floating in it. Site 12 also happens to be closest to the beach. The noise from the bench is not bad. However, everyone from the campground walks right next to your site on their way to the beach. Also, site 12 gets full sun from about noon to sunset. There is shade but the tent site and parking are in the sun.
LTDR - The view on the river here is a 5. The road noise and traffic from the beach goers pull this down to a 3 for me though. So I will give it a 4.
Legend
Ranger Review: GCI Outdoor Recliner chair at North Gorge Campground
Campground review:
North Gorge is a sleepy little place. Small campground with a small boat launch. There isn't a lot of parking so beware if you bring your truck and trailer here. The sites are small, seemed to be a decent amount of space between them. Vault toilets, well maintained. each site has your standard picnic table, and fire ring. There was a burn ban in August, no fires for us. They actually zip tied no fire signs to each fire pit. There are only a few sites, most for tent camping only, however there are a few that will fit a trailer or rv. It is $9 in the off season Nov 1st to May 30th, and $18 in the peak season
**Product review: **
**https://www.gcioutdoor.com/folding-recliners/outdoor-recliner/
**
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, sometime I get to test out awesome products in exchange for an honest review. The GCI outdoor Recliner is well built with quality materials. It is easy to slide in and out of the large storage back. easy to set up and take down. I love the mesh back, it helps to keep you cool in those hot summer days. The chair has 3 reclining positions and my favorite part was reclining the chair all the way to look at the stars, it gives the perfect angle. I also love the storage pocket on the back. just fold up the storage bag and put it in the pocket for a pillow. It has a cup holder, but I wasn't a big fan of the placement. I give this chair an 8/10.
Traveler
It was a steamy 90 plus degrees as we finally hit the road, believing to be on the right trail we drove a frosty ac filled truck two hours north towards Colville. Believing this dreamy lake to be, only a few minutes away from us along with our group of several friends, whom, to our unfortunate luck, had been here previously. And to our unfortunate downfall, we had not.
The quick jaunt from spokane out to Usk and the 20 minute skip up the road till it turned into a dusty trail, was all well and good for our traveling comrades however for us, a ragtag pair of best good buddies trotting along unbeknownst to us, about to fall into a pit of emotional disparity. Yes, indeed we had gone the wrong way.. the Browns Lake I had googled was a larger more well known lake in the Colville area, however do not be fooled, there is a smaller, more secluded lake tucked nearly two more hours east and just a smidge north. A small pool of a lake hidden amongst the fire torched woodlands only years before, now beautifully flushing out in lush greenery.
The long winding trails finally dropped us amongst Usk, the sweet little logging town, a hop across a bridge and a skip up a dirt road and we were pulling in and around the pine tree cooled atmosphere of the sweet smelling, calm energy of a family friendly, dog happy camp ground. With tents popped up and a small fire started out awaiting friends happily greeted us. After a tad bit of jazzy do to my poor direction skills but nonetheless getting us to journey there. We unloaded the rest of logs, tent gear and dogs. Once all set up, in the much cooler shade of the basking 94degrees around us down on the lake. We changed suits and though the 10ft or so to get to the lake was a bit of a hassle with the steep slope of roots and weeds, and the lack of a sandy beach.. the calm, clear, nearly bath temperature water, easily made up for it.
I am happy to say the night sky was immaculate and immense. How’s spent star gazing by the water after hours spent floating in the sun, and even a few hours spent hiking the woodlands after dust when the sun cooled down. With hotdogs and salmon cooked over the fire and a cozy Ozark Trails tent, camp chairs and even tin coffee cup to ease any remote tension. It was without a doubt, a pleasant first camp trip of the season 🏕
GuideEnded our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!
Bathrooms with vault toilets, water pump, and grey water dump all just a short walk away
GuideMy family and I go camping every July at Priest Lake. Luby Bay is our favorite because we have boats, RVs, tent and hammock campers. There is a white sand beach (unusual for N ID) and we can tie up our boats there for easy access. The campgrounds are safe for kids, well maintained and supervised by camp hosts. The toilets have running water and are clean. THE LAKE is amazing. Boating to the islands for the day is so much fun. In N Idaho we work hard so we can camp.
ScoutBeautiful campsite with lots of shade! There are many activities for the whole family including hiking, biking and disc golf. We stayed on a large plot with a nice level area to set up a tent. There are nice shower and bathroom facilities available also. Our site included a large picnic table and firepit with built in grill top. The water was close but it is a steep grade down and back out of the water which made bringing a kayak or SUP difficult. There is easy access to both Silverwood and Coeur D'Alene Idaho outside the campground. Apparently there is a former U.S. Naval brig turned museum at the park as well. We did not visit on this occasion but will definitely try it out on our next trip!
Tent camping near Nordman, Idaho offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nordman, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nordman, ID is Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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