Tent camping near Potlatch, Idaho ranges from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. The region sits at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with summer daytime temperatures typically in the 75-85°F range. Winter camping options are limited in this area, with most backcountry sites inaccessible due to snow and muddy roads from November through April.
What to do
Backpacking adventures: The Big Eddy Trail offers excellent backpacking opportunities with scenic mini-camps positioned along Dworshak Reservoir. One camper at Big Eddy Marina & Lodge notes, "This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There's free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."
Hammock camping: The wooded sites at Giant White Pine Campground offer excellent options for hammock enthusiasts. A reviewer shares, "I really like this campground for hammock camping. I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear... I found a really nice hiking trail near the campsite and spent most of the day exploring the surrounding areas."
Wildlife watching: Campers frequently encounter various wildlife throughout the region's campgrounds. At Kamiak Butte County Park, visitors enjoy abundant small animal sightings, with one camper mentioning, "So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Mini camps along Dworshak Reservoir provide prime waterfront sites for those willing to hike in. A camper at Mini Camp 5.0 reports, "Views are spectacular. Little wind coverage during the day though it's very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot. Vaulted toilet, fire ring and a picnic table make for some comfy accommodations."
Budget-friendly sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer affordable rates. At Kamiak Butte County Park, a visitor notes, "The sites are inexpensive. Running water and pit toilets on site. Very nice playground in the day use area."
Fishing access: Several campsites provide direct water access for fishing. One camper at Mini Camp 4.7 shares, "Friendly little birds visited us regularly and excellent fishing off any of the sides you are surrounded by. We set up here for two nights hiking in from Freeman and then hiked 8ish mi round trip to Big Eddy as a day hike on day 2."
What you should know
Trail difficulty: While the best tent camping near Potlatch, Idaho often involves some hiking, trail difficulty varies significantly. A reviewer cautions about Mini Camp 4.7, "Don't let the short distance fool you, this hike will test you, especially with a heavy pack, but SO worth it!"
Water considerations: Most sites require campers to bring their own water or filter from natural sources. At Big Eddy Marina, a visitor advises, "It is possible to get to the water (if you have a hydration filter pack), but it's not a beach like shore. I did swim, and the water gets very deep very quickly off the first two campsites."
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience significant road noise despite their natural settings. A Giant White Pine Campground visitor warns, "Right off the highway, so traffic noise consistently. The trails are nice, but you don't come across water very often. Better for bikes and atv's."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: For families with mobility considerations, Partridge Creek Campground offers more accessible terrain. A visitor explains, "Sometimes it's hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."
Temperature planning: Overnight temperatures can drop significantly in this region. When camping at Blyton Landing, one visitor noted, "Super pretty, gets real cold at night. Very convenient stop between pullman/moscow and clarkston/lewiston. The wildlife is very loud and very curious so bring earplugs if your sensitive to noise."
Space considerations: Family groups should look for sites with adequate space. A camper at Kamiak Butte County Park recommends, "We stayed in site #4 which was right at the end with glimpses of the Palouse through the trees and lots of space. You could easily set up 2 tents there. It was $15 a night plus $5 for an extra car."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most RV camping options near Potlatch lack traditional hookups. Sites at Boyer Park Campground below Lower Granite Dam provide more amenities, as one camper shares, "Nice area to go in the spring because it's generally 10 degrees warmer than Spokane - nice boat launches- docks and mooring- full hook ups - showers- restaurant and store."
Parking constraints: RV campers should plan for limited parking at many sites. At Giant White Pine Campground, a visitor warns, "The USFS website is wrong about the fees, it's now $12 to camp with $2 for additional vehicles. There isn't much extra parking though, so you may end up parking on the road outside of the campground."
Site selection: For tent camping near Potlatch with an RV or larger vehicle, site selection is crucial. A visitor to Giant White Pine notes, "We checked out campground and the giant white pine but decided not to camp there due to its proximity to a busy road. Lots of logging trucks made it awfully noisy for tent camping. Might be OK in a RV. The 14 sites are spacious and pretty, and only $8 per night."
