Tent camping opportunities near Ponderay, Idaho span between elevations of 2,100 and 5,200 feet, with distinctly different ecosystems at various altitudes. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, while dropping to 45-55°F at night, even in July. During peak season (July-August), popular dispersed sites often fill by Thursday afternoon, with weekend campers arriving as early as noon to secure locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing along lakeshores: Kalispell Island Boat-in Campground offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities from secluded campsites. One visitor noted the island provides "decent space between you and the next campsite" and recommends "choosing a site on the south side so there was shade during the hottest parts of the day and less sun at 5am when you want to sleep."
Alpine lake hiking: Access high-mountain lake camping via moderate to difficult trails within 30 miles of Ponderay. Beehive Lake Dispersed requires "a pretty strenuous hike with some tough climbs," but the reward is "clear, pristine water surrounded by rugged mountain scenery" and "huckleberries everywhere during the right season."
Water sports and swimming: Lake-access sites provide opportunities for kayaking, swimming and fishing. One camper at Green Bay Campground mentioned it has "beautiful view of the lake and has tons of activities available for fun things to do on your camping trip" with "prime access to cliff jumping" spots for more adventurous visitors.
What campers like
Boat-in solitude: Kalispell Island West Shores Campground provides waterfront camping accessible only by boat, where "campsites are pretty close together but easily accessible from the shore." Visitors appreciate that you can leave "kayak on the beach and brought the packraft to the table" with "beautiful sunsets" viewed directly from campsites.
Clear alpine waters: Many campers specifically mention water clarity at higher elevations. A camper at Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground commented on "crystal clear" waters, noting "on a clear night, you'll see the bulk of the Milky Way" due to minimal light pollution.
Dispersed camping privacy: Pack River Dispersed Site offers "several dispersed sites" that are "good for horses, camping and solitude" according to visitors. Another camper described it as having "quiet riverside camp areas" that are "very peaceful" for those seeking minimal development.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many remote sites require navigation of unmaintained roads or boat transport. Roman Nose has a "long and VERY washboarded" access road that takes "a solid hour" of driving, leading one camper to question if "beating up your vehicle" is "worth it just for camping here" if you're not planning to hike.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have no toilets or water sources. Even established campgrounds like Green Bay offer minimal facilities - "amenities include a pit toilet and picnic tables" with campers advised to "bring a bucket and shovel for solid waste."
Weekend congestion: Thursday through Sunday brings significant crowds to otherwise peaceful sites. At Green Bay Campground, a visitor reported midweek tranquility until "several car loads of families started filtering in" on Thursday, noting "someone pitched a tent 3 feet from ours (not in a designated site)" and "parked right on top of us, despite having ample other parking."
Tips for camping with families
Midweek reservations: Schedule family trips Sunday through Wednesday for maximum site selection. One camper at Green Bay reported, "We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to ourselves" but "spots filled quickly in the days following."
Lake-accessible options: Maiden Rock Campground provides "boat and hike in only access" with "multiple sites" and "3 buoy-tethers for boats" making it suitable for families with watercraft but requiring preparation as there's "no pump for water source, only lake or creek."
Wildlife awareness: Maintain safe distances from mountain goats and properly secure food from bears and smaller animals. A visitor to Scotchmans Peak warns that "mountain goat sightings" are common, but "as they become more accustomed to people they can be a little aggressive. Keep a safe distance!"
Tips from RVers
Boat-based alternatives: Consider utilizing boat-access sites for tent camping if RV options are limited. A Bartoo Island Boat-in Campground visitor shared that "first come, first serve sites are your best bet for getting a campsite on Priest Lake during peak season" and notes "with it being island camping, there is less traffic, fewer people, and plenty of lakefront sites."
