Camping in the northern Idaho panhandle near Porthill encompasses a range of options from developed campgrounds to lakeside retreats. The area features established campgrounds like Kootenai River Water Front at Jake's Landing with waterfront access, and North Haven Campground offering RV sites and cabin accommodations. Boundary County Fairgrounds provides free camping with basic amenities, while more remote options like Brush Lake Campground offer a more secluded experience. Many campgrounds in this region are situated near lakes and rivers, with several providing both tent and RV sites along with cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping experiences in the Porthill area. Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with many closing by mid-September due to weather conditions. The region experiences variable spring weather that can affect accessibility, particularly at higher elevations or on forest service roads. Campgrounds like Robinson Lake and Meadow Creek typically open in late May and close by early September. Some areas require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly after rain or during early season conditions. "The road getting there is pretty rough, so be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride. But once you're there, the quiet, the fall colors, and the overall atmosphere more than make up for it," noted one visitor to Brush Lake Campground.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Porthill region. Priest Lake State Park's Lionhead Campground draws campers seeking clear water and mountain views, while smaller lakes like Smith Lake provide more intimate settings. Several campgrounds feature bear boxes for food storage, reflecting the area's wildlife presence. Campers frequently mention the pristine water quality in the region's lakes, particularly at higher elevations. A camper described Priest Lake as "our favorite lake in N Idaho. The view of chimney rock is spectacular. Easy access to the sandy beach." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common throughout the area, with many offering picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. More developed sites typically provide drinking water and trash service, while remote locations may require visitors to pack in their own supplies.
"This little lake campground is a real hidden gem, especially if you're looking for some peace and quiet. The lake itself is small but beautiful, though it is a bit swampy around the edges."
"We spent one night as part of our trip around the International Selkirk Loop. Small and quiet and just far enough off the highway where it wasn’t crowded during the week."
"Access to the lake is very close, there is a day use area with toilets, benches and fire pits right near the lake and the campsites are just a bit further off the lake."
"Although the campsites are not lakefront, it's only a short walk to the day use area with a fishing dock, boat launch and dock, and a nice public area."
"great mountain lake camp very beautiful place"
"The only major problem is that dogs are not on leashes and no one is around to enforce the leash law."
"Buck Mountain Trail #176 is a great hike or bike in the area. If you scramble to the top of the mountain, there is an incredible view of the Cabinets and the Selkirks."
$32 - $42 / night
"There was paint and brushes, and the kids were invited to paint a rock and plant it on the creek path. We stayed 2 nights and hiked the full day in between."
"Ended our tour of Northern Idaho at spot #140. Tons of flat area to put down a tent, mosquito shade (they are pretty bad), and enjoy the amazing view!"
"I worked at Priest Lake State Park as a residential biologist for the summer of 2016. It was an amazing experience! I had access to parts of the park not allowed to campers."
"Not being county Fair time I assumed nobody else, except maybe a stray RVer who found themselves way up here despite the Canadian border being closed, would be there."
"I did a drive by and was so impressed! The parking is next to a grassy park. The place is well maintained. Several ports potties were clean and available."
$49 - $300 / night
"Close to all the wonders of Idaho's panhandle. They have several back in and pull through sites with more on the way. Choice of full hookups, or water and electric."
"Rachel and her family recently purchased this location, and are putting in so much work! Check them out and leave them some love."
ScoutUSFS camp ground. No cell service, Starlink works if you can find open sky. Paved road in camp ground and camp spots are Paved. No hook ups. Vault toilets. Water spigot through out but shut off late fall till sometime in May. Beautiful camp ground
LegendVisited Priest Lake in October. Water was turned off at sites because of freeze threat, but otherwise had options for dry camping or electric hook ups.
Beautiful spot on the lake. Lots to do in the area. Rode my bike around to see some of the private homes. Didn't have a kayak, but that would have been fun.
Loved meeting friends here for a campout.
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.
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
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.
RangerThis is a great place for a quick stop to rest or just an overnight. It’s not really a place for camping. This area is the town park and the county fairgrounds… there are no camping signs posted along the fence line, but there is plenty of parking lot space to not block the parking spots by the fencing. There are porta-potties available for use. Down by the tennis courts there is an RV dump station and water available. We were able to get about 50 gallons of potable water for 25 cents!
RangerThis little campground was an awesome find! We rolled in last minute while passing thru town and snagged a pull thru site with electric and water. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables. They also have adorable cabins, glamping wagons and a tipi avoidable to reserve. The office/camp store is great, they’ve got a good selection of cool stuff to browse through. Firewood was available for sale. Front porch of the office/store has a chest freezer with ice and ice cream for sale. There’s also a foosball table, a table for checkers and a little bookshelf library to take/leave a book. The bathhouse was hands down the nicest camp bathrooms we’ve ever used! Showers were amazing! The laundry was great… $2.50 a load, either wash or dry and conveniently accessible 24 hours a day. There’s a large lighted pavilion with picnic tables, cornhole boards with bags, and a dartboard. There’s also a small playground and a hot tub available to use! This campground was so well maintained, the employees friendly and helpful, and it’s just a really sweet, family-friendly, quiet campground. We loved it!
Camping sites near Porthill, Idaho span a 30-mile radius along the Kootenai River valley, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. The area features mixed coniferous forests dominated by western larch, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine. The camping season typically runs shorter than other Idaho regions, with most sites accessible from late May through early September due to the northern latitude and higher precipitation.
Fishing in the Moyie River: Access prime fishing spots at Meadow Creek Campground where rainbow trout are abundant. "Buck Mountain Trail #176 is a great hike or bike in the area. If you scramble to the top of the mountain, there is an incredible view of the Cabinets and the Selkirks," notes camper Celine K.
Paddling on Smith Lake: Smith Lake Campground offers a small but scenic lake perfect for casual paddling. "The lake itself isn't particularly large, but the people we saw fishing were catching. There appears to be 8 sites, one of which is outside of the gate which may be locked after the end of September," explains Lee F.
Scenic drives: The International Selkirk Loop passes through the area, connecting camping sites near Porthill with scenic viewpoints. "We spent one night as part of our trip around the International Selkirk Loop. Small and quiet and just far enough off the highway where it wasn't crowded during the week," shares Steve C. about his stay at Brush Lake Campground.
Riverside camping: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites for their sounds and scenery. "You can choose ambiance in the first loop or river front in the second loop. Just be aware that the river is noisy," notes Paul G. about Meadow Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The northern Idaho panhandle offers excellent wildlife watching. "Smith lake campground is so peaceful and relaxing. Birds chirping and squirrels chittering make a beautiful addition to mother nature's wild music," shares Rhonda about her experience at Smith Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region receive praise for maintenance. "By far the cleanest, most well kept campground I've ever visited," writes Michael T G. about Meadow Creek Campground. Similarly, at Copper Creek Campground, campers note "Bathrooms are exceptionally clean. Nice little trails that go down by the water."
Train noise: Several campgrounds near the railroad tracks experience disruption. "Only a 3-star because this campground is right next to train tracks with trains blasting their horns at 8:40PM and 12:40AM on the Sunday night we stayed," cautions Meghan B. about Meadow Creek Campground.
Road challenges: Access roads to some sites require preparation. "The road getting there is pretty rough, so be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride," reports Jason S. about Brush Lake Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the area. "Weak ATT service, but much stronger with a booster," notes Meghan B. at Meadow Creek Campground, while at Smith Lake, campers report consistent but limited signal.
Free camping options: Boundary County Fairgrounds offers convenient no-cost sites with basic amenities. "The parking is next to a grassy park. The place is well maintained. Several ports potties were clean and available. There's potable water next to the tennis courts," shares Gary W.
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with safe swimming areas for children. "Access to the lake is very close, there is a day use area with toilets, benches and fire pits right near the lake and the campsites are just a bit further off the lake," notes Alex P. about Smith Lake.
Creative activities: Some campgrounds offer unique amenities for children. "There was paint and brushes, and the kids were invited to paint a rock and plant it on the creek path," shares Kelly S. about her family's experience at Trout Creek Base Camp.
Size considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have limitations for larger rigs. "Probably 6 spaces, all big enough for a car or van but not suitable for large RV's," advises Todd M. about Smith Lake Campground.
Full-service options: For those needing hookups, North Haven Campground provides comprehensive amenities. "They have several back in and pull through sites with more on the way. Choice of full hookups, or water and electric. Their showers are emaculant and luxurious. Wife refused to use ours," shares David P.
Parking strategy: When using free camping areas, be mindful of local activities. "Even if it doesn't look busy this place really gets used and can fill up in minutes. We don't want them to ban us so park accordingly," advises Dave S. about Boundary County Fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Porthill border crossing located in Idaho?
The Porthill border crossing is located in the northern Idaho panhandle, connecting Idaho to British Columbia, Canada. It sits at the northernmost point of US Highway 95 in Boundary County, about 27 miles north of Bonners Ferry. Near this crossing, you'll find Smith Lake Campground, which is just a few minutes outside of Bonners Ferry and makes a convenient stopping point when traveling to or from the border. The crossing is situated in a scenic area surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, with the Kootenay River flowing nearby.
What outdoor activities can you do near Porthill, Idaho?
The Porthill area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing in the Selkirk Mountains and Kootenai National Forest. Water enthusiasts can visit Reeder Bay Campground for sandy beaches and swimming, or Lionhead Campground at Priest Lake State Park for stunning lake views and water activities. Fishing is excellent in local waterways, particularly for trout and kokanee salmon. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV trails are plentiful throughout the region. During winter, the area transforms for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing adventures in the pristine northern Idaho wilderness.
What are the hours of operation for the Porthill border crossing?
The Porthill border crossing operates from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Pacific Time), seven days a week. These hours apply year-round, including holidays. If you're planning to cross outside these hours, you'll need to use an alternative crossing point like Eastport, Idaho, or Roosville, Montana. When visiting the area, North Haven Campground offers a modern basecamp with full hookups or water and electric options, making it convenient for travelers needing a place to stay before an early crossing or after a late arrival.
Is there camping available near Porthill, Idaho?
Yes, several camping options are available near Porthill. Beaver Creek offers beautiful hiking trails and spacious campsites for overnight stays. Robinson Lake Campground near Bonners Ferry provides drive-in access with water and toilet facilities. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Brush Lake Campground is a hidden gem with peaceful surroundings, though it has swampy edges. The area also features primitive camping opportunities in the Kootenai National Forest and Selkirk Mountains, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty in northern Idaho.
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