RV camping near Ponderay, Idaho puts visitors close to Lake Pend Oreille, with access to more than 111 miles of shoreline. Located at 2,064 feet elevation, the area features mature pine forests and rolling terrain typical of northern Idaho's Panhandle region. Camping options around Ponderay operate in various seasons, with some facilities closing by late October due to freezing temperatures common during winter months.
What to do
Water recreation activities on Lake Pend Oreille: Visitors to Blackwell Island RV Park can access waterfront activities within steps of their campsite. "We took our paddle boards out and it was great!" reports one camper. The park offers kayak, speedboat and pontoon boat rentals from the front office for guests wanting to explore the Spokane River.
Biking trails and paths: Sandpoint City Beach RV Park provides convenient access to local bike trails. "There is a bikepath that follows the river. Very beautiful," notes a visitor. These paths connect the campground to downtown Sandpoint, allowing campers to explore without moving their vehicle.
Swimming areas for hot days: Blue Lake RV Resort offers a small lake with swimming access and water recreation equipment. "They have paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards and a floating trampoline. The little lake is full of catfish and turtles that you can feed," describes one camper who appreciates the water activities available directly at the campground.
What campers like
Proximity to town amenities: City of Sandpoint, City Beach RV Park receives high marks for its location. "The 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," writes one camper. Visitors appreciate access to "shopping, good food, including an amazing vegan restaurant, downtown. Breweries."
Clean facilities: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "Extremely clean, looks very new, and lots of space between sights," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "Bathrooms and shower house are open. Free WiFi added in 2023."
Lake views and recreation: Campers consistently praise lake access points near Ponderay. "Swimming beach, great floating," mentions one reviewer about waterfront camping options. At Blue Lake RV Resort, a visitor notes, "I got to do yoga by the lake at sunrise, not too buggy and I saw lots of turtles."
What you should know
Train noise impacts multiple campgrounds: Several campgrounds in the area experience railroad disruption. At City of Sandpoint City Beach RV Park, a visitor warns: "A train does run right beside the park. Bring earplugs." Similarly, at Blue Lake RV Resort: "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 closures and availability: Many campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Silverwood RV Park operates from "May 7 to October 31," while Blackwell Island RV Park runs from "Apr 1 - Oct 15." Winter camping options become significantly limited after October.
Cell coverage varies significantly: Mobile service is inconsistent throughout the region. Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park offers "fast, reliable wifi" and "great service for Verizon," but coverage deteriorates in more remote locations further from Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene.
Tips for camping with families
Theme park proximity: Silverwood RV Park provides immediate access to Silverwood Theme Park. "The best thing about the campsite is that it is the closet place to stay near Silverwood theme park. You can easily walk from your tent right into the park, which makes it super convenient," notes one visitor. A tunnel connects the campground directly to the park entrance.
Kid-friendly water features: Blue Lake RV Resort offers family activities centered around their small lake. "The floating trampoline" and paddle equipment rentals keep children entertained. One parent observed, "My boys are ready to return and so am I. It's just one of those peaceful places that I don't think very many know about."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Blackwell Island RV Park, "a kids BMX dirt bike area, secret gardens, walking nature paths and a pond with their own resident ducks" provide entertainment options beyond standard camping activities.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access routes: When traveling to Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park with larger rigs, route selection matters. "If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly," advises an experienced RVer who traveled with a 45-foot class A motorhome plus tow vehicle.
Site configuration: At Travel America RV Park, campers report "very nice lots. Lots of grass and trees" with year-round accessibility for recreational vehicles. The park specifically caters to larger rigs with designated pull-through sites offering full hookups.
Limited space at some parks: Tamarack RV Park offers convenience but with space limitations. "Spaces are too tight - we would be on top of our neighbor's sewer," notes one RVer. Another comments that "sites are close together," though they appreciated the "very level spot and no street noise."
