Bald Mountain Lookout provides a rustic cabin experience in the Princeton area with no drinking water, electricity, or standard bathroom facilities. The lookout tower offers sweeping panoramic views and is accessible only by a rough drive that requires an off-road capable vehicle. Visitors should prepare for basic accommodations with limited amenities. "100% recommended. Just come and take a look for yourself. Been camping for years this is 100% my favorite. Just remember to reserve ahead," notes one visitor who also mentions the need for offline maps and plenty of water.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Heyburn State Park offers cabin rentals at both the Hawleys Landing and Chatcolet campgrounds with more amenities than the lookout options. These cabins provide electricity and greater comfort, with most situated near water recreation opportunities on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, cabin sites are well-maintained but privacy varies: "The campsites are very well maintained. Facilities and dump sites are super clean."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking supplies are typically limited, so guests should plan accordingly. Camp Coeur D'Alene and Boyer Park & Marina KOA offer more furnished cabin options with additional amenities compared to the state park alternatives. Firewood is available for purchase at many locations, though fire restrictions may apply depending on seasonal conditions. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with one visitor noting: "At&T service spotty at best in Hawleys Landing. None at the other 2 campgrounds."
"The only downside is there are like a million fies in here, killed like 20 before I went to bed and there’s another 20 in the morning. Make sure your vehicle is offroad the ride is very rough."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 / night
"We spent some time at the lake, which was a short but steep trail away from the campsite. The trees offered some great shade+privacy and there were some spectacular views from the campsite."
"Friendly & knowledgeable staff, clean and well organized sites, fair amount of trees and bushes for reasonable “campground privacy” (tent-only spots have less privacy than sites with electricity and"
from $23 - $165 / night
"Lots of sites, water restrooms, showers, and fire pits. No hookups."
"This was our maiden voyage so we opted for something close to a city as we were still setting up our camper coming out of winter."
"The waterfront sites overlook Granite Lake, a reservoir on the Snake River."
"We booked a last minute one night stay here. We checked in late and there were specific, thorough directions and information waiting for us. The management was very helpful and friendly."
from $59 - $66 / night
"The showers were kind of dirty. When you reserve online they don’t allow you to pick your site and so you get what you get and we ended up with a view of the bathroom."
"We were at Boyer Park & Marina, a KOA, Sept. 1-5, 2024. While the campground was full when we pulled in on Sunday, it was almost empty when we woke up Labor Day morning."
"Freeman Creek at Dworshak State park has great opportunity for all levels of camping. Tent sites, RV/Trailer sites, or a few small primitive cabins (no bathrooms or kitchens in the cabins)."
"At first when we rolled into our spot I thought I was going to be in huge trouble- drive through spot with a wicked drop off on the right side (camper door side) with the fire pit and picnic table at the"
"This campground was developed in the 1980’s and has wonderful facilities including showers, store, laundry, many full hookup sites and plenty of space between pull through sites."
"Chief Timothy is a great campground not far from clarkston that provides all he ammenties any camper would want. They have rv and tent sites available."
"Campground is super clean, flushable toilets, metal picnic tables, fire rings all in good shape. Spots are fairly close so you can see your neighbors but there are trees and brush which helps."
"These sites have all the usual things I have come to associate with an average campground: Fire pits Benches When I went, we made a reservation before hand."
"Beautiful secluded location. Very clean bathroom. I could make and receive phone calls but no internet service with Verizon"
"Stayed here many times and will go back again it is a great place to go and it's not far to travel to from orofino idaho for an inexpensive camp trip"
"We stayed in a cabin for two nights in late June 2021 and had an awesome time! Lots of great tent and RV campsites in a nicely maintained park! They have ONE handicapped cabin and 3 regular!"
"We had water and electric. Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks"
ScoutFantastic camp spots with good tree cover, plenty of docks for fishing at the local lake. Town nearby, and not to far off the main road. Note that there are pit toilets in the loops and flush toilets at the main shower
ScoutEarly April and low elevation made this trip memorable. Temperature in the 70 and due to low snow pack in the mountains the Snake River was close to summer levels allowing swimming for the dogs (way to cold for me). Camp sites were very clean.
GuideThis place is open all year, May is when they open the gate to the loops that have power and water 😎
GuideThe 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.
RangerGreat 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
RangerWe 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.
ScoutThis campground was super cozy and safe. They had firewood for sale, a pool, and clean showers and bathrooms. We had a very comfortable stay and were able to connect to the wifi at our tent site. Would be the first campground we would reserve when we return to the area.
ScoutCampground is super clean, flushable toilets, metal picnic tables, fire rings all in good shape. Spots are fairly close so you can see your neighbors but there are trees and brush which helps. Frequented by young families so don’t be annoyed by kids having a good time on their bikes or playing. Camp spot 123 was right next to the Camp Host spot but that wasn’t a bad thing at all.
TravelerWe camped on one of the first weekends they were open. Really love the walks and store, clean bathroom. Cool dog park with shade. Loved it!
Cabin camping near Princeton, Idaho offers a range of accommodations from rustic fire lookouts to more modern facilities. This region sits within the Clearwater Mountains, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet. Water recreation is abundant with several large reservoirs including Dworshak and Coeur d'Alene Lake providing boating and fishing options during summer months when temperatures typically reach 75-85°F.
Biking trails: The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes runs through Chatcolet Campground — Heyburn State Park, offering miles of paved paths. "We picked this campground for its access to the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes. The campground is small and peaceful, at least mid week. Lovely views of the lake through the trees," notes Annie B.
Kayaking and paddleboats: Most cabin locations provide water access for non-motorized watercraft. Camp Coeur D Alene offers equipment rentals right on site. "We took the paddle boat our for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience! Overall, felt safe and had a great time," says Angela F., while Reagan M. adds, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins provide opportunities to spot local wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. At Canyon Creek, one reviewer noted the peaceful setting allows for nature observation: "Such a beautiful view and lots of nature to see," according to Samantha A.
Clean facilities: The maintained facilities at Boyer Park & Marina KOA receive consistent praise from visitors. "Clean bathrooms, green lawns everywhere, nice big campsite, and nice family beach area," reports Lorrie K., who appreciated the overall maintenance of the grounds.
Island camping: Several cabin sites sit on islands, providing a unique experience. One visitor to Camp Coeur D Alene explains, "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing! This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood) which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile."
Peaceful lake views: Canyon Creek offers secluded cabin opportunities overlooking Dworshak Reservoir. "My site was gorgeous, looking out over the lake! The Campground was very clean and quiet. Vault toilet was well maintained. Swimming in the lake at the foot of a mountain was sublime," writes Angie B.
Road conditions: Many cabin areas require travel on unpaved roads. Canyon Creek requires navigation of "4 miles of rough gravel road with tight turns," according to Mitch C.
Water levels: Reservoir levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting water access. Brett B. cautions about Canyon Creek: "The reservoir level is way down! Just getting to the water is a challenge."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during summer. Freeman Creek Campground — Dworshak State Park offers various cabin types but fills quickly. "Freeman Creek at Dworshak State park has great opportunity for all levels of camping. Tent sites, RV/Trailer sites, or a few small primitive cabins (no bathrooms or kitchens in the cabins)," explains Cody B.
Cell service limitations: Many cabin areas have limited connectivity. At Canyon Creek, one camper noted: "I could make and receive phone calls but no internet service with Verizon."
Beach access: Several cabin locations feature swimming areas appropriate for children. Paul M. recommends Boyer Park, noting: "We camped on one of the first weekends they were open. Really love the walks and store, clean bathroom. Cool dog park with shade."
Wildlife education opportunities: Cabin stays provide chances for kids to learn about local ecosystems. According to a Freeman Creek visitor, "A lot of wildlife viewing too! If you are lucky you may see a black bear feeding on blackberries, deer are numerous, elk frequent the lake, and one of my favorites is to watch Osprey dive in the lake for fish."
Activities beyond water sports: Chief Timothy Park offers additional family-friendly amenities. "The Kids loved this park, we just spent the day hanging out fishing and playing at the park when we went to Lewiston to Visit our daughter. Was perfect mix of shade tree's and open space," writes Brenda S.
Site dimensions: For those with larger cabin-style RVs, space limitations exist at many parks. At Chatcolet Campground, Annie B. notes the practical layout: "The campground is small and peaceful, at least mid week."
Hookup availability: Electrical connections vary widely between parks, with many rustic options lacking standard amenities. "Tent sites, RV/Trailer sites, or a few small primitive cabins (no bathrooms or kitchens in the cabins). There is also access to the reservoir for boating, fishing or to mini-camp sites all along the reservoir," explains a Freeman Creek visitor.
Access considerations: Some cabin areas present challenges for larger vehicles. Agnes B. from Freeman Creek cautions: "Once we started the decline it was mercifully paved but signage posted stated '2 road lane can be used as single lane' as it becomes the Lombard St for recreational vehicles!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Princeton, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Princeton, ID is Bald Mountain Lookout with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Princeton, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 cabin camping locations near Princeton, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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