Camping options around Ponderay, Idaho range from developed campgrounds to waterfront sites along Lake Pend Oreille and nearby rivers. The area features several established campgrounds including Riley Creek Campground in Oldtown and Round Lake State Park Campground in Sagle, both accommodating tent and RV camping. Facilities vary significantly, with some locations like Bonner County Fairgrounds offering year-round access with electrical hookups and showers, while more rustic options such as Green Bay Campground provide a more primitive camping experience with vault toilets and no hookups. Most campgrounds in the region maintain picnic tables and fire rings, with many offering water access for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping in northern Idaho, with most campgrounds operating from May through September. Riley Creek Campground typically opens from May 9 to September 26, while Springy Point operates from May 11 to September 28. Weather patterns can change rapidly in the mountainous terrain, particularly during spring and fall. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially for waterfront sites and during summer weekends. The region experiences significant seasonal variation in visitor numbers, with peak crowds from late June through August. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near towns and limited connectivity in more remote locations. "Northern Idaho is beautiful! I'm from Kentucky so maybe this is a best kept secret or it's just not well advertised, but the scenery is amazing."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites with views of Lake Pend Oreille. Campers frequently mention the quality of fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and water recreation as highlights of their stays. Several campgrounds feature boat launches or direct water access, making them popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The mixed-use nature of many campgrounds accommodates both tent and RV campers, though some locations have size restrictions for larger vehicles. Visitors appreciate the privacy between sites at locations like Farragut State Park, where vegetation creates natural separation. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, add to the camping experience. A reviewer noted: "We enjoyed our stay and would do it again. Quiet and close to the St. Joe River. There was even a pedestrian access to the river by our site where we could step right into the water!"
$35 - $75 / night
"We were looking for a campsite in the Idaho Panhandle and discovered Riley Creek. After a 10 hour drive we arrived, drove to our spot and was greeted by an attendant who happened to be in the area."
"Today I check out a great little campground/recreation area on Lake Pend Oreille( locally pronounced Pond Array")."
$25 - $50 / night
"Lovely campground, close by Sandpoint, nice hosts, late checkout (2pm), hot showers. Be on time, gate closes between 10pm and 7am"
"We were also very close to the neighboring camp site which ended up be great because they were friendly and our kids all played together, but overall I prefer more space between camp sites. "
$39 / night
"We particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with beautiful views of the surrounding nature. What truly sets this campground apart is its convenient location."
"There is water and power hookups, and a dump station at the exit. The showers are okay. Could use a more regular cleaning."
$12 - $29 / night
"This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."
"Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."
$15 / night
"Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!"
"You do have to walk to your site but it’s not far. Views are magical. Water is crystal clear, you feel secluded and safe!"
$30 - $116 / night
"Also, very amazing views of Lake pend Oreille and the mountains, which surround you. It is down a beautiful peninsula in Hope, Idaho."
"There are beautiful lakeside campsites with access to the lake. Unfortunately, those were all reserved when we stayed there. This place can get busy in the summertime, so you reserve early."
"Great spot for easy access to Schweitzer Mountain"
"There are some switchbacks, but it's worth the drive. There is a nice outhouse and plenty of spots - follow the signs. You're right across from the firehouse."
"Pretty lake. Good cell service even though its tucked away from the main road. The owner was very nice and helpful."
"Nice spot close to Sandpoint. Not crowded. Was able to slide right in on the Friday night when Spokane was having wildfires out west."
$50 - $105 / night
"This best part of this campground is that it is located inside the Sandpoint City Beach Park which is within a short walk to the very cute downtown of Sandpoint."
TravelerThis campground is exactly what you’d expect, nestled away close to the peak of mount spokane. Huckleberry season was upon us when we visited and we hardly had to leave the campground to find plenty. The campsites were comfortably sized though I would say a bit close together for my liking, you definitely could hear everything and everyone around you.
GuideGreat spot for easy access to Schweitzer Mountain
TravelerI have been camping here for 20 years and I just love it. I’m pretty high maintenance when it comes to picking a spot. I gotta have water running through it, preferably a creek, needs to be heavily wooded, private and dispersed, and cool things to explore. Driving up Mt Salmo, visiting the old nickel mining cabin, exploring the creek and surrounding woods, Sullivan Lake is perfect for paddleboarding and jumping off the bridge, and the adorable Metalline Falls nearby with its historic cemetery and 500million year old limestone Gardner Cave, this place genuinely has it all. I will say, however, people have not been respecting the forest like they used to. It seems every year I come up there’s more and more trash left in sites. Seems like the wrong people have gotten word about this getaway. This last year somebody left a bucket full of feces in my spot. Remember y’all, leave it better than you found it.
Ranger4 wheel drive needs for lots of these roads. This main campsite has glass and garbage, but there are campsites all through here. Keep in mind lots of bear sign and cougars. Free dispersed national forest.
ScoutDevil's Elbow campground is nestled in The Coeur D'Alene National Forest, along the Coeur d'Alene River. It's a Federally maintained campground which provides water, garbage facilities, and vault toilets. It's a smaller campground, fairly private campsites, reservations recommended.
ScoutBeautiful dispersed camping suitable from small to larger RV's or tent camping right along Coeur d'Alene River ... vaulted toilets available, fishing, hiking ... drive along Coeur D'alene River Rd to milepost 14 - also additional dispersed camping further up Rd close to milepost 21.
TravelerThis is such a beautiful campground with two rivers converging at it. Rocky shore but I saw so many birds flying up and down river
Lots of visibility across the campsite but they are well spaced. The toilets are well kept and every site has a bear box.
The train does roll through every hour and you will hear it! Besides that it was great
GuideThis maybe the best COE we have camped at. Clean campsite, clean restrooms and showers. Dog Island allowed dogs off leash and swimming. Beautiful Day Use area, sprinkler system had entire day use area green. Campsite was fairly secluded. Love to stay there again.
GuideVery nice and secluded area right on the river bed. Can be accessed through the boat launching ramp that’s a bit ahead on the road. There are also several different off road paths that lead the some great camping spots in the area.
Camping near Ponderay, Idaho offers sites surrounded by western cedars and pines with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. The Pend Oreille area features over 43 miles of shoreline accessible from various campgrounds, with many lakeside locations providing natural shade during summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day.
Swimming access points: Most lakefront campgrounds provide designated swimming areas with varying amenities. At Riley Creek Campground, campers enjoy "a beautiful beach, and a great play structure" with a separate "Doggie Island (dog friendly area since they aren't allowed on the beach)" for pets to swim.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds serve as gateways to extensive trail systems. Visitors staying in the Sandpoint area can access trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty. A reviewer noted that Sam Owen Campground provides "excellent" riding options, mentioning "the ride up Trestle Creek then down Lightning Creek is excellent, top 1/3 of the climb still had lots of wildflowers and high alpine feel/views."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding waterways offer various fishing spots. Mirror Lake provides boat rentals specifically for fishing, with one camper commenting, "I wish we were staying longer and we would have rented one of their boats and done some fishing."
Large, private campsites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness between sites at certain campgrounds. At Riley Creek Campground, a reviewer noted, "Camp sites are large and private. Volleyball basketball court horseshoe pits. Water and electricity all sites."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. At Springy Point, campers mention "Showers were clean as was the campground" and appreciate amenities like "The dish washing station with large stainless steel sinks was excellent and the bathrooms were clean and had flushing toilets."
Free amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected free services. At Sam Owen Campground, visitors appreciate that "they have firewood you can go and get for free that the staff piles up under a little gazebo thing" and "you can also get a burn barrel and they'll bring one up to your campsite via golf cart, for free."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Round Lake State Park Campground, a visitor warns: "Highly recommend but reserve your spot early in advance because the spots fill up quick!"
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Sandpoint experience railroad noise. At City of Sandpoint's City Beach RV Park, a camper notes "being right next to the train tracks is a bummer" while another mentions "A train does run right beside the park. Bring earplugs."
Variable site quality: Site conditions can differ significantly within the same campground. At Springy Point, a visitor advises: "We enjoyed this campground overall, but would definitely recommend checking sites in person if possible to get one of the larger ones. Our site was very cramped with a small area in which to pitch tents."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Riley Creek Campground, a camper shares: "This is a great place for grandkids. Lots of trails for walking biking. Camp sites are large and private. Volleyball basketball court horseshoe pits."
Activity packs: Some campgrounds provide special items for children. At Springy Point, one family mentioned "Camp hosts brought our two girls activity bags and came by to clean our camp site out before we set up."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see animals up close. At Sam Owen Campground, visitors note the "huge friendly deer population!! You will see them everywhere!! Which is fun for out-of-towners! People from the city who don't get much wildlife action."
Power adaptors: Some sites require adaptors for hookups. At Mirror Lake, a camper mentioned "Owner provided a 120 VAC adapter plug for us to connect to 220 service."
Free overnight RV parking: For those needing just a quick overnight stop, Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station offers free RV parking with a 3-day limit. A reviewer notes: "Big gravel lot with space for dozens of rigs. You shouldn't have trouble finding space. There's a restroom and a number of garbage dumpsters you can use."
Switchback access: Drivers of larger rigs should be aware of road conditions to certain campgrounds. When heading to Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station, "Scenic 15 minute drive up from Sandpoint. It's a paved two lane road with a number of switchbacks - I think even larger rigs should be fine as the hairpins were pretty wide."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ponderay, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ponderay, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 214 campgrounds and RV parks near Ponderay, ID and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ponderay, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ponderay, ID is Riley Creek Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ponderay, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Ponderay, ID.
What parks are near Ponderay, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Ponderay, ID that allow camping, notably Kaniksu National Forest and Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
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