Camping spots near Osburn, Idaho sit in the Silver Valley region of Idaho's Panhandle, with elevations ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 feet. The camping season typically runs May through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day. Heavy tree cover provides natural shade at many riverside campsites, while higher-elevation spots offer cooler temperatures during hot summer months.
What to Do
Fly fishing opportunities: The North Fork Coeur D'Alene River provides excellent catch-and-release fishing. "Great fishing steps away, but catch the catch and release west slope cutthroat aren't so easy to catch... unless you are a professional fly fishing expert and writer," notes a camper at Devils Elbow.
Water activities: Swimming holes are common along riverside campsites. "Convenient lake to get to by car, 30 minutes off the highway. Great fishing spot and is beautiful," mentions a visitor to Lake Elsie Campground. River floating is also popular with several campgrounds offering convenient launch points.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails connect to campgrounds in the area. One camper at Camp Coeur D Alene shares: "Hiked the trail on the backside of the campground, which followed along a stream. There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose."
What Campers Like
Creek and river sounds: Many campsites feature water acoustics as a natural amenity. A visitor at Wallace RV Park states: "With the windows open I could hear it babbling all night. Pure bliss. Super clean bathrooms and showers."
Historical attractions: The Silver Valley mining history adds cultural interest. According to one camper: "We had reservations but found this small RV Park blocks from Historic Old Town Wallace. It was fairly expensive but its selling point was the proximity of downtown and the shops and bars."
Natural features: The mountain forest setting provides wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Albert's Landing described: "We woke up to find ourselves in a beautiful clearing surrounded by hills and forest. We caught some great fall colors and the river right below the campground provided great entertainment."
What You Should Know
Road conditions: Access varies significantly between sites. At Lake Elsie: "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Seasonal considerations: Late spring and early summer can have residual snow issues. "The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware," advises one Lake Elsie visitor. Fall brings beautiful colors but cooler temperatures.
Noise levels: Traffic and recreational vehicles can disrupt quiet settings. A camper at Bumblebee Campground observed: "People were parked everywhere (in all the designated spots and everywhere in between) and there were multiple groups playing music."
Cleanliness concerns: Some popular sites suffer from overuse. "This is my 2nd time visiting and the quality has dramatically dropped... There was broken glass EVERYWHERE. We cleaned up so much trash in our site and off the road."
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming spots: Look for shallow water access for younger children. "A beautiful small privately owned campground in the heart of Wallace Idaho... The water looked nice and shallow and slow perfect for small children," notes one camper at Albert's Landing.
Wildlife viewing: Wildlife sightings are common and can be educational. "We stay here often... wild life is everywhere!" reports a Devils Elbow visitor. Several campgrounds report moose sightings, with Lake Elsie having a resident moose that frequently visits.
Campground amenities: Some sites offer family-friendly facilities. Camp Coeur D Alene provides "free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood" according to reviews, making it easier for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Expect variable utility access. "All sites offer water and electric hookups and some sites have sewer as well," notes a camper at Albert's Landing. Wallace RV Park offers "Full hookup $45, bit expensive however this includes showers and toilets free."
Site size considerations: Space constraints can affect larger rigs. "The spaces are big and open" at Crystal Gold Mine according to reviewers, but Wallace RV Park has "all very level sites" making setup easier regardless of RV size.
Location convenience: Consider proximity to amenities and attractions. One RVer at Crystal Gold Mine shared: "You can't beat access from I-90. It's so close you will listen to traffic your whole stay. That does not bother us at night, but kind of spoils the peaceful day."
