Best Campgrounds near Ponderay, ID

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!"

Best Camping Sites Near Ponderay, Idaho (214)

    1. Riley Creek Campground

    23 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $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")."

    2. Springy Point

    10 Reviews
    Dover, ID
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $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. "

    3. Bonner County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Ponderay, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-8414

    $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."

    4. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3489

    $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."

    5. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

    12 Reviews
    Kaniksu National Forest, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    $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!"

    6. Sam Owen Camnpground

    16 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $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."

    7. Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station

    2 Reviews
    Ponderay, ID
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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. "

    8. Mirror Lake

    4 Reviews
    Idaho Panhandle National Forests, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 710-0889

    "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."

    9. Travel America RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sagle, ID
    7 miles
    +1 (208) 263-6522

    10. City of Sandpoint, City Beach RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sandpoint, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3379

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Ponderay, ID

699 Reviews of 214 Ponderay Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Marten Creek Campground

    Next best thing to a cabin on the lake

    A 9 mile drive over paved mostly straight even and the last couple miles on smooth dirt road. Clean vault toilets with scattered sites in the forest. Due to the foliage, the sites feel quite isolated. There is also a boat ramp and bear boxes at each site, along with picnic tables, fire rings, and a number of covered eating areas. You are only a few feet above the lake level, so walking to the lake's edge in the morning is they most calming relaxation. No fees and a 14-day limit make this a most delightful stopover.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Clark Fork River Driftyard

    Great place for an overnight or a couple days!

    We found this spot to be great for an overnight stop. It was a little out of our way… but you can’t beat a free spot with a great view! Camping limit is 3 days. There are no facilities, but there is a porta-potty available (and it wasn’t terrible). This is a pack it in, pack it out area, so no trash cans or dumpsters available! There are small fire rings scattered throughout the area. It was a pretty quiet spot, other than the trains going by, but that didn’t bother us at all. There was one other camper set up when we arrived around 7:00 PM, and a couple others showed up after us. The boat ramp had a lot of visitors in the early morning and you could hear gunshots in the distance from others hunting, which also didn’t bother us at all. Overall, we thought this was a pretty great find!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

    Quiet place of Respite

    The road in is a typical forest road, no big deal if you're familiar with FS dirt roads. Coming in from Clark Fork you go over Johnson pass which can be blocked with snow during the late fall and winter seasons, 4wd only then. Once you're at the campsites, don't cross over the fence, it's private property and Mike DOES have active cameras and he DOES watch the property. There are no sites on the lakes edge. They're all up on the cliff which is beautiful but if you're hauling water, take it slow. Verizon is 3 to 4 bars. The vault toilet was clean with plenty of TP. I wouldn't come down here with anything bigger than 25' as the sites are small but well spaced.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge

    Beautiful location amazing views

    Stayed here with a couple of friends, and it was a bit cramped in there, as you might expect. The views were incredible, the morning sunrise was spectacular, and the sunset was amazing. The downside was climbing up a steep set of stairs multiple times each day. There are 2 beds and 2 pads for sleeping on the floor which were not very comfortable but adequate. There is a propane stove and lantern for your usage, which worked fine. Also included is pots and pans. The outhouse bathroom was clean and did not stink. It was a bit windy, but overall, we had a great time. The road up to the lookout is very rough and bumpy and not suitable for cars.

  • kenneth K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Bergsparken RV Park

    Nice and clean

    It was a very nice place to camp we couldn't stay the hole time due to a family emergency wish we could of I would differently stay there again and I am going to tell others about the place

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Two Rivers RV Park & Campground

    Two Rivers RV Park & Campground

    Traveling through the area and chose to stay a couple days here based on the fact there's cell service and because the place looked decent based on their website. I have to say... it's a bit more rundown in-person, but the price is reasonable, so I can overlook that. There's a lot of road and train noise here, much like the rest of the campgrounds on this road. At the moment, the laundry is not available (which they should make note of that on their website). The showers have good pressure and are hot (just takes a couple minutes to heat up). The RV sites are the typical sardine row. The tent sites are in a grassy area near the trees. The tent area is a bit of a walk to the restrooms for late at night or early morning... especially since the owners warn about a mountain lion in the area and a bear that's been visiting the campground the last 4 years. The google reviews of the place are quite interesting--I wouldn't say the owners were friendly, but they also weren't mean to us.


Guide to Ponderay

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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 22 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 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ponderay, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 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.