Dispersed camping options near Plummer, Idaho include free and primitive sites throughout the Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Located in the northern Idaho panhandle at elevations ranging from 2,100-4,000 feet, the area features mixed conifer forests with seasonal access limitations. Most dirt roads become impassable after heavy rainfall or during winter months, typically limiting camping season to May through October.
What to do
Fishing access: Breakwater Campground stretches along a tributary of the Coeur d'Alene River with excellent fly fishing opportunities. According to Lane P., "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots."
Mountain biking: Forest roads near tent campsites around Plummer provide excellent mountain biking routes. When staying at Lake Elsie Campground, campers can access "ATV trails for MILES through the wilderness" according to Saphrenne R., making it "one of the most fun places to camp."
Water sports: Several lakes near Plummer offer paddling opportunities. Nathan M. notes about Lake Elsie that it's an "Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding," while providing "a good place if you like to ride your toys."
Wildlife watching: The forested areas around Plummer provide habitat for diverse wildlife including moose. One camper at Lake Elsie warns, "There is a moose that frequents the area so keep your trash in your car to avoid feeding the moose."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Privacy ranks high for campers seeking tent campsites near Plummer. At Extraordinary Camping, Ethan V. notes, "It is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. The owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions."
Swimming spots: During summer months, several lakes provide swimming opportunities. At Mica Bay Boater Park, one camper describes it as "great camping spot for families or anyone! Swing sets and slide for youngsters... large grass field for frisbee or football, big long docks for fishing or sunbathing... Big bay for tubing or swimming."
Alpine lake access: High-elevation lakes offer unique camping environments. Jessica C. shares about Lake Elsie: "We stay here often. Easy to drive up to. Any vehicle will do. Dirt road to the top where you will find a lovely little lake with 4-5 camp spots surrounding it. We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere!"
Free camping options: Several primitive tent campsites near Plummer don't charge fees. Dealspeed says about Breakwater Campground: "Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many tent camping areas require navigating rough forest roads. Samuel H. warns about 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."
No services: Most dispersed tent campsites near Plummer lack basic amenities. Lakes Divide Road offers primitive sites where, according to Teresa T., "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it. Wanted some privacy so I kept going."
Seasonal closures: Winter access to most tent camping areas is restricted. Campers report snow on forest roads until mid-June at higher elevations, with Saphrenne R. noting about Lake Elsie: "The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware."
Campground conditions: Site quality varies widely among free camping areas. Diadra G. reports about Lake Elsie: "The quality has dramatically dropped... There was broken glass EVERYWHERE. We cleaned up so much trash in our site and off the road. The pit toilet was completely out of toilet paper."
Tips for camping with families
Safety planning: When tent camping with kids near Plummer, prepare for wildlife encounters. Natalie J. warns about Lake Elsie: "Multiple bears went through the campground in the evening and came back at around 3am. Be careful with your food and be smart."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation for children. At Kamiak Butte County Park, Cheryl S. notes there's a "Very nice playground in the day use area," while the campsites are "inexpensive. Running water and pit toilets on site."
Noise considerations: When tent camping with families, noise levels vary significantly between locations. About Lake Elsie, Natalie J. cautions: "If you are not into ATV and dirt bike riding, I would not recommend. Other campers were riding their bikes all day and night making it very loud, especially with the echos off the lake."
Pack extra supplies: Facilities at most tent sites are minimal. One camper states about Breakwater: "Great tent camping... Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Most dispersed areas near Plummer accommodate tents better than RVs. Ginger S. cautions about Mica Bay: "NOTE: Campground is NOT a Drive-in. You can Boat in, Park on road, or Hike in only. The sites are flat and quiet. A secret gem for sure."
Space limitations: RVs face challenges at many tent campsites in the Plummer area. Brook S. notes about Lakes Divide Road: "We found a rd to the left near the end and took it with a site right to the left as you turned," indicating limited space for larger vehicles.
Communication preparation: Cell service is unreliable throughout the region. Dusty W. warns about Breakwater Campground: "No Reception! We didn't find it since there is no reception anywhere nearby and ended up at Bumblebee. If you head toward Breakwater though, there are several other free spots to camp."
