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Best Campgrounds near Potlatch, ID

442 Reviews

Camping options around Potlatch, Idaho range from developed campgrounds to more primitive sites within nearby state parks and public lands. The region includes established camping areas like Scenic Six Park in the town of Potlatch, which offers full hookups for RVs, along with tent sites and modern facilities including showers and a dump station. Spring Valley Reservoir provides a more natural setting with fishing access, picnic tables and basic amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park features multiple campgrounds including Redtail and Iron Mountain with varying levels of development.

Road access varies significantly between camping areas, with some sites requiring travel on narrow forest roads. Most developed campgrounds remain open from late spring through early fall, though specific dates vary by location. Scenic Six Park maintains year-round accessibility with paved roads, while more remote areas like McCroskey State Park may have seasonal closures or limited winter maintenance. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds during summer weekends, particularly those with electrical hookups and water. Sites at Spring Valley Reservoir can experience high winds that affect camping comfort. "Not particularly fond of this overrun spot. Great for families with littles. Sites are on top of each other apart from a few scattered around the res. Wind kicks up so high it's hard to make a campfire last."

The camping experience near Potlatch features diverse natural settings within relatively short driving distances. Campgrounds in McCroskey State Park provide panoramic views from ridgelines with minimal light pollution. A camper described Redtail Campground as having "views of the horizons of 50 miles or more. To the east it is very much like the views in the Smokey mountains." More developed sites like Robinson County Park offer family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and hiking trails. Public lands near Moscow, about 20 minutes from Potlatch, provide additional camping options with varying levels of development. Several campers mention the fishing opportunities at Spring Valley Reservoir as a highlight, though reviews indicate the area can become crowded and trash can accumulate during peak summer periods. Cell service is generally available at most camping locations, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to towns.

Map showing campgrounds near Potlatch, IdahoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Potlatch, Idaho (127)

    1. Spring Valley Reservoir

    9 Reviews
    Troy, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 799-5010

    $10 / night

    "This campground is located conveniently near Troy, and is about a 25 minute drive to Moscow. There is also a large Pavilion which is perfect for a large get together."

    "Close to the town of Troy and simple setup. You can camp up by the reservoir parking lot, or further in, closer to the wooded area. There are bathrooms interspersed and great for fishing."

    2. Kamiak Butte County Park

    7 Reviews
    Palouse, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 397-6238

    $25 / night

    "There’s a little trail at Kamiak Butte and you can access it via a trailhead near the entrance of the campground. I did the hike on a Saturday and there were quite few other hikers on the trail."

    "I’ve grown up around this place and will always love it"

    3. Scenic Six Park

    2 Reviews
    Potlatch, ID
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-1117

    4. Robinson County Park

    6 Reviews
    Moscow, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 883-5709

    "This is a great place to take your dog for a walk. The trail is a nice loop through the woods, and there is a nice picnic area, swings, and volleyball court."

    "Easy drive and family friendly"

    5. Giant White Pine Campground

    5 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-1131

    "Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"

    "I found a really nice hiking trail near the campsite and spent most of the day exploring the surrounding areas.

    Our site did have a fire ring and a bench with dirt and moss cover."

    6. Redtail Campground — Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park

    3 Reviews
    Potlatch, ID
    10 miles
    Website

    "Take a night or two to visit this nearly unused campground. What a wonder. You are on the Ridgeline between two valleys with views of the horizons of 50 miles or more."

    7. Pines RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-0831

    "You are right next to a highway, but you can barely hear it. Robin and Dennis are extremely nice! They will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and safe!"

    8. Laird Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    12 miles
    Website

    "There is a grocery store not too far away in potlatch.

    The campground is about 3.3 miles away from Harvard, and there is a lot of nearby places to access the Palouse river."

    "Very quiet, cozy location. Stayed here twice; both times was an overnight stay while waiting to pick my Scouts up from summer camp."

    9. Iron Mountain Campground — Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park

    4 Reviews
    Potlatch, ID
    14 miles
    Website

    "We camped at the first campground in this Idaho state park close to the Washington border called Iron Mountain. There were two sites with a vault toilet."

    10. Palouse RV Park

    1 Review
    Palouse, WA
    9 miles
    +1 (509) 878-1811

    $35 / night

    "Like many RV parks there is a park, and tables outside.

    There are train tracks very very close, but it was not disruptive surprisingly for the time we were there."

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Recent Camping Photos near Potlatch, ID

89 Photos of 127 Potlatch Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Potlatch, ID

442 Reviews of 127 Potlatch Campgrounds

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pink House Recreation Site

    Full Means Full

    This is quite a popular spot b/c of boat launch area. Compact camping adjacent to day-use area. Fills early & no overnight parking allowed outside on CG.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Camp Coeur D Alene

    Cabins, tent camping, RVs, Store

    The camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Robinson County Park

    Awesome little spot!

    Such a nice place! It’s a little tight to get into with a bigger rig, we have a 32ft class A, but overall it’s really nice. 5 spots with 20/30/50 amps and only $25 every 24 hours. Very quiet, nice park with expansive grassy area. Would definitely come back, it’s a really niche spot.

  • Danny V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Ornery locals

    My friend and I travel for work. We're all over the Pacific Northwest with a rooftop tent and a camper on the truck in order to save money on hotels. Basically we live out of rest stops and, if we can find them, nice secluded spots out in nature on our way to the next job. The reviews for this spot seemed promising. We were on our way from Coeur d'Alene to Missoula, and really need a nap to kill some time before our payroll checks cleared. From the start, the locals in this area were understandably curious. However there is a fine line between driving by to see what's with the unfamiliar vehicle, and deliberately trying to make visitors feel uncomfortable. We were only parked for about four hours, but several vehicles decided to drive by several times very slowly during this span of time. Visibly (and I repeat, visibly) staring at us with their mouths open. This location is pretty far from civilization. So I can't imagine how many places you could even need to go back and forth from in the span of an hour or two. Wherever that is it must be popular because no exaggerating, five different vehicles exhibited this pattern of behavior. Just in case there was any questions about the locals' intentions, about halfway through our stay apparently the neighbors made a deal to get some tractor work done. The tractor fired up and proceeded to go back and forth between the two properties to switch implements. I figure the average person would just bring the various implements closer to where the work is, but I'm not here to direct a man on efficient use of his tractor. These kinds of things are no bother to me, as I can sleep through just about anything. But my coworker is a little bit more of a light sleeper. So is his dog, who also didn't get much rest due to all the activity. So I figure either the neighbors weren't to happy with our presence, or theres a very popular drug dealer who lives on this road and they've got the good stuff. Because I've never seen so much repeat traffic in such a short span of time. Needless to say, we left and wish everyone there the best of times moving forward. With perhaps a gentle reminder that the parking area and boat ramp in their neighborhood is a public amenity provided by the state of Idaho. That is all.

  • Reagan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Camp Coeur D Alene

    Lovely spot with showers and kayak rentals!

    Great spot to stay for a bit. They have cabins and rv spots and car/tent spots with direct lake access and kayaks/peddleboats to rent

  • Rich J.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Winchester Lake State Park Campground

    Great

    We stayed in the campground with hookups.....Camas loop. Generally large, separated sites with picnic tables and firepits. Forest setting throughout. There are a few sites that aren't great, but the longer length ones are best. Facilities are clean. Lots of trails, picnic areas, and boat docks. Didn't fish, but lots of people were.

  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Elk River

    ELK RIVER IDAHO

    Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well. There is a small local store nearby. Dump site on edge of town with trash available. Many recreational activities too.

  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests

    Great Campground

    The Shadowy St. Joe Campground is a great place to stay. It has 14 sites total. With one taken by the camp hosts, all are paved, with space for 2 vehicles each, have fire pits, and a picnic bench, and electricity. 7 sites to reserve ahead of time on the meadow side that has grass and is spacious. There are 6 first come first serve sites, 2 on the meadow side, and 4 along the river. If looking to reserve a site, the numbers start with #1 closest to the entrance on the meadow side and grow larger in counter clockwise fashion. There is a day use area you can also reserve, with charcoal grills, and multiple picnic benches. There are several vault toilets and all are kept very clean by the 2 wonderful park hosts. There is a boat launch area for day use, with a small fee, but if camping there is no extra charge. There is 2 docks and if staying multiple days you can leave your boat on the dock overnight. It is supposed to be a no wake zone, but the signs have warn down, so we lost a bumper to our boat from crashing into the dock, from passing boat wakes. There is a couple of potable water stations available, with small hose spouts, but no water hookups at the sites. The sites are electric with 50amp, 30amp, and 110 plugs available. No sewer hookup at the sites, but there is a dump station at the fairgrounds in the town of St. Maries about 10 miles away. Phone service is spotty, texting easier and lots of dropped calls, but we like to unplug when camping. Dogs are allowed with no limits, just to stay on leashes at all times. The Lazy St. Joe River is boat passable up to St. Joe City, and all the way to Lake Coeur d'Alene if you want to adventure for a full day in the boat. Great for fishing too. Make sure to have Idaho invasive species tag for the boat if you are from out of state. The Sheriff and Park Rangers patrol daily and check. St. Maries has 2 grocery stores, and sports shop where you can get supplies, and fishing licenses. The town also has great shops, a swimming pool, parks, restaurants, and ATM/banks. This is a great little gem in the Gem State.

  • #1 National R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Soaring Hawk RV Resort

    Soaring Hawk Rv Park

    We love the park, people are very friendly. Very close to Heyburn State Park

Guide to Potlatch

Camping near Potlatch, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails around Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "There is a really nice cycle that you can do," making it a great spot for biking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Spring Valley Reservoir, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, "Great docks on the water, swimming, fishing," highlighting the fun water activities available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Moose Creek Reservoir Access said, "There are lots of socks stationed around the water," indicating a good chance to see various birds and other wildlife.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for Little Boulder Campground stated, "The restrooms here are some of the cleanest of the campgrounds in the area."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One camper at Emerald Creek Campground mentioned, "All the tent spots were well spaced apart," making it a peaceful place to unwind.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts can make a big difference. A visitor at McKay's Bend Recreation Site praised the host, saying, "He won a national award for his campground hosting!"

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A reviewer at Hells Canyon Resort mentioned, "Lots of traffic noise," which might not be ideal for those seeking tranquility.
  • Crowded Sites: Certain campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Spring Valley Reservoir noted, "This can be a nice place depending on how busily you catch it."
  • Limited Amenities: Some sites may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Kamiak Butte County Park pointed out, "No reservable sites," which could be a drawback for some.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One reviewer at Boyer Park & Marina KOA said, "Great for families (large and small)," making it a solid choice for family outings.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A camper at Hawleys Landing Campground mentioned, "There are some nice walks to the lake," which can be great for family bonding.
  • Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. One visitor at Emerald Creek Campground noted, "It was only half occupied," suggesting plenty of space for family activities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake mentioned, "Full hookups with lots of pull through spaces if needed," which is helpful for RV travelers.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Wind can be an issue at some sites. A camper at Boyer Park & Marina KOA advised, "Make sure everything is secured down," to avoid any mishaps.
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with the amenities you need. One visitor at Hells Canyon Resort appreciated the "clean, friendly people," which can enhance your stay.

Camping near Potlatch, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Potlatch camping areas?

Camping areas around Potlatch offer varied amenities to suit different needs. Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park provides options for all camping styles with tent sites, RV/trailer sites, and primitive cabins, plus reservoir access for boating and fishing. For RV campers, McKay's Bend Recreation Site offers 15 full hookup RV sites, clean shower rooms and restrooms, shade trees, and helpful camp hosts. Many area campgrounds provide basic amenities like water and toilets, while others like Scenic Six Park include additional facilities. The Palouse region generally offers good access to nearby towns for supplies.

Where are the best camping spots in Potlatch, Idaho?

For camping near Potlatch, Laird Park Campground offers a seasonal option with swimming areas, restrooms, and a playground for kids at $12 per night. For those seeking more seclusion, try Bull Run Access Dispersed, which provides several spots with existing fire pits along the Coeur d'Alene Trail. The area is accessible via Highway 3 and South Bull Run Road. Other excellent options include Iron Mountain Campground in Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, with its beautiful views of the Palouse region, and the nearby Giant White Pine Campground for a more rustic experience surrounded by Idaho's signature trees.

What is the best time of year for camping in Potlatch?

Summer is ideal for camping around Potlatch, with Winchester Lake State Park Campground offering peaceful sites tucked under pine trees that provide welcome shade during hot weather. The park's setting creates a cool retreat even during record-breaking heat. Iron Mountain Campground — Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park is another excellent summer destination with spectacular views of the Palouse region. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, typically operating from late spring through early fall, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Fall brings beautiful colors to the Palouse landscape, but be prepared for cooler nights as the season progresses.

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