Glamping options close to Ponderay, Idaho concentrate in the northern Idaho panhandle at elevations between 2,000-2,500 feet. The region features a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Most glamping sites operate from May through October when temperatures typically range from 45-85°F, though some locations like Round Lake State Park remain accessible year-round.
What to do
Lake activities at Round Lake: The lake at Round Lake State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area. There are also two docks perfect for fishing. I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout," notes Jason S.
Hiking trail networks: Many glamping locations provide access to trail systems of varying difficulties. At Round Lake, "a lovely trail runs around the lake and an extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful," according to Jason S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests and waterways around Ponderay support diverse wildlife. One visitor to Camp Coeur D Alene mentioned, "There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose. We didn't get to see her but enjoyed looking." Hiking trails often provide the best opportunities for spotting local fauna.
What campers like
Family-friendly activities: Most glamping sites cater to families with outdoor recreation options. A Round Lake visitor shared, "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more. They also have boards to rent and games as well."
Watercraft rentals: Several glamping locations provide boat rentals for guests. At Blue Lake RV Resort, "The presence of a lake near the campsite was undoubtedly a highlight. The lake provided a pleasant and picturesque setting, offering campers the opportunity to enjoy various water activities or simply relax by its shores." The resort offers paddle boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained accommodations. At Camp Coeur D'Alene, one reviewer noted, "They had firewood for sale, a pool, and clean showers and bathrooms. We had a very comfortable stay and were able to connect to the wifi at our tent site."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites fill quickly during summer months. At Gilmore Campground, one visitor advised, "Book early as this is a very popular place." Most locations require reservations at least 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Noise considerations: Some glamping locations experience noise from nearby roads or railways. At Blue Lake RV Resort, a camper noted, "One of the major downsides was the campsite's unfortunate location between two railway lines. The constant sound of freight trains passing by throughout the day was quite disruptive."
Seasonal operation: Operating seasons vary by location. "Stayed here for two nights in spot 15. All sites are very large, covered in shade, and plenty of flat ground for a tent if that's your jam," reports a summer visitor to Round Lake, while a winter visitor warned, "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Look for sites with nature programs. "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more," shared a Round Lake visitor.
Water safety considerations: Lakes in the area vary in swimming conditions. At Round Lake, a reviewer noted, "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach, but there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area." Always supervise children around water.
Theme park proximity: For families wanting to combine glamping with other activities, some locations offer convenient access to regional attractions. A camper at Round Lake State Park mentioned, "We stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV site layouts vary significantly between glamping locations. At Garfield Bay Campground, one RVer cautioned, "Very small spaces and tight quarters. Not for very big rvs at all. Spaces aren't very level."
Utility connections reliability: Winter campers should verify hookup availability. A Round Lake visitor in December reported, "There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable. We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes."
Maneuverability challenges: Some glamping areas have access limitations for larger rigs. At Yaak River Campground, an RVer advised, "Nicely wooded campground right on the river but we couldn't stay there. We have a 20ft camper and there was no way that I could back up into any spot that I saw. Looks like it would be nice for a van camper or tent but not ideal for anything longer than that."
