Glamping options close to Rathdrum, Idaho provide access to northern Idaho's forest terrain that ranges from 2,100 to 2,500 feet in elevation. The area experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures often reaching the upper 80s and cool evenings in the 50s. Most glamping accommodations operate from mid-May through September, though some facilities like Farragut State Park offer year-round options.
What to do
Lake activities: Water recreation on Lake Pend Oreille offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. At Camp Coeur D Alene, visitors can enjoy complimentary water equipment. "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," notes reviewer Phil G.
Hiking trails: Explore forested paths with varying difficulty levels surrounding most glamping areas. Liberty Lake Regional Park features several hiking options within walking distance from campsites. "This is a nice site that is know for its hiking trail. It is also close to play structure and small beach. It has paved/gravel roads," reports Angel A.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for native animals including deer, moose, and various bird species. "There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose. We didn't get to see her but enjoyed looking," writes Julie M. about her stay at Camp Coeur D Alene.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some glamping locations offer more secluded accommodations. "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," shares Jared from Camp Coeur D Alene.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high with glampers. At Riverside State Park, "The bathrooms are nice, the river is beautiful. Campsites are a little small," according to Andrea R. Most glamping sites near Rathdrum feature upgraded bathroom facilities compared to traditional campgrounds.
Natural settings with amenities: The combination of nature with comforts appeals to many glampers. "The sites at Liberty Lake Regional Park are fairly level. They are close together, but is surrounded by nature and trails," notes Theresa G.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book sites 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with glamping options. "Me and my family libe spending the weekend's here in the summer. Need to book months ahead or get there early to get a spot," advises Robert F. about Gilmore Campground at Farragut State Park.
Highway noise: Some glamping sites experience road noise. "The interstate with heavy truck traffic is right next to it. Felt like the traffic was going through my tent," reports Angela S. about her experience at Wolf Lodge Campground. Consider sites farther from major roads for a quieter experience.
Non-resident pricing: Idaho state parks charge higher fees for out-of-state visitors. "As out-of-staters, we didn't mind paying twice the in-state rate for our site. Our state income taxes support our own state's parks — not Idaho's," explains Sarah from Gilmore Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Theme park proximity: Silverwood Theme Park sits near several glamping options. "Silverwood RV Park is next to Silverwood theme park, so you can camp the night before, hit the theme park early, and then crash after a fun filled day," advises Christon C. The proximity makes this location popular for families seeking both outdoor accommodation and entertainment.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with playgrounds and open spaces. "The best thing about the campsite is that it is the closet place to stay near Silverwood theme park. You can easily walk from your tent right into the park, which makes it super convenient," shares Brian C. about Silverwood RV Park.
Cell service considerations: Some glamping areas have limited connectivity. At Riverside State Park, "This is a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service (tested on sprint, verizon, and google fi) is available," notes Mary C. Plan accordingly for family entertainment needs.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Check reviews for information about pad conditions. "The concrete strips are are no longer level," reports Sherrie C. about Wolf Lodge Campground. Bringing leveling blocks can improve comfort at some locations.
Hookup availability: Not all sites offer full connections. "The only downside, and our oversight was not all of the units have sewer hook up," shares Gabe L. about his stay at Ravenwood RV Resort. Check reservation systems carefully when booking glamping sites with RV facilities.
Size restrictions: Large RVs may face limitations at certain sites. At Riverside State Park, "The largest site length is 45 feet, so large RVs won't fit," cautions Joel R. Always confirm your vehicle will fit before finalizing reservations.
