Searching for the best camping near Rathdrum, ID? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Rathdrum, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rathdrum, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting."
"The morning revealed a beautiful lake/dock, clean pit toilet and pet friendly space. It was very simple, but perfect quick stop for us."
"Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.)"
"If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree."
"Fantastic access to the river for great fly fishing. Several spots in the trees and several in the more open areas. Vault toilet is to the right as you pull in about 1/8 mile away from pull off."
"I met some cool Idaho locals that said they’ve been coming here since they were kids!"
". It’s close to get back on HWY, there is noise but not horrible. Only 2 other campers when we came through but there’s a few open sections to have some space in between. Porta potty is well kept."
"Quiet after the boats get off the lake. They start showing up early for fishing but we don’t mind that"
"Cute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing."
"Swimming/small boat access is through the main campground."
"Have to ford Creek to access. Just one party there on memorial weekend. All the campsites on the way up here were very crowded."
"At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop. "
"Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet."
"Nearby campsites are far enough away that you have plenty of privacy. There is a creek that runs through this area, which is great for cooling off on hot days."
GuideCute little dispersed campground approx 6 sites. At least 2 of them are good for me trailer although I wouldn't try if you're not experienced with towing. The road to get there was approx six miles of gravel winding single lane road. But so worth the drive for the beautiful shaded sites and the open Lakeview sites. Not alot of traffic comes through during the week. Has one vault toilet that was pretty clean but bring your own tp. Also it is bear county so be sure to bring bear proof containers although it was so hot when we went that the wildlife was hiding out...lol
TravelerFirst time taking the godson camping and this was the perfect spot. The godson's mom told me she went to this area when she was young and then I saw it here on The Dyrt. At first I entered the coordinates listed on the page and it took me to the opposite entrance to Colville National Forest - there are no places to camp on that side due to the steep drop. Make sure you follow the written directions - just follow Sand Canyon all the way out and it will take you to the proper entrance to Colville National Forest. There are a few different pull-offs to camp sites. The one we stayed at was a bit further down the rock road. It is a loop off the main road and there are several camp sites along the creek. There is also a vault toilet - very clean - in this area. The godson loved it - he even played in the freezing cold water. I enjoyed the peace and quiet!
GuideWe were able to get our fifth wheel (40ft long, 13 1/2 ft tall) in and out easy! Lots of spaces and places to turn around. After crossing the bike path, take the first right onto the dirt road at the sportsmans access sign (parallel to the small paved parking lot.) Like another said, the best spot is past the first circular area. Keep going down the road and you’ll see a big shady area in the trees. (You can go further along to two more sites more suited for smaller pop-up campers, tents, or vans.) Close to the water so of course, there were some bugs: lots of bees and mosquitoes.
GuideOlder private campground with power for $40. There is a dump at an additional cost of $10. Some sites are dry camping only. Lake access, but campground is in treed meadow. Sites are not clearly defined. We were here on Wednesday and only ones here other than permanent trailers. Showers are $2 and you get key from camp attendant, Deb. Horse shoe pits and volleyball available.
TravelerWent with the family in mid May on a perfect weekend weather-wise. If you drive past the first couple grass campsites and continue on the narrow road with water on both sides, just off to the right is a single secluded campsite amongst the tree. The best site there imo. privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect.
Mosquitos weren't so bad that it affected us but we all had a few bites. My only knock on this site, which isn't much, is that you can see homes from the sites. What can I say I like to feel like I am far from everyone.
Good site to camp for a family.
TravelerI spent 1 night here on my way to Coeur d’Alene. I might spend a couple more! Great elevated views of Rose Lake through the trees at the boat ramp. Several fishermen loading up after a day on the lake. A little noisy, but not distracting.
There is a vault toilet with its own parking space. I van camped there. Above me were 2 parking lots where 2-3 other campers were. Plenty of room to spread out and have decent privacy.
TravelerThe good -A beautiful camp ground. Small space with multiple dispersed camp sites along the creek and throughout the wooded area. The creek is very small but powerful. You can not swim but still a great place to get wet. If you have a tube bring it and enjoy a short river ride. Not a good place to fish. The main camp area is completely shaded keeping things cool. The camp is very close to the creek. Still there was no issues with bugs. I did not need bug spray. There are established stone fire pits or you can gather up some rocks and make your own. Plenty of deadfall and fire wood all over the place. There is also a fence that runs the perimeter of the camp area. Helping to keep the predators out. The only animal I saw besides squirrels and birds was a skunk. Bears, coyotes, wolves and cougars are know to frequent the area.
The bad - Many of the locals are not friendly and claim the whole creek portion of the camp ground for themselves. There are about 6 different camp sites directly on the main creek. The others are spread out through the woods. People often use the creek just to bring their kids down to frolic in the water for a few hours. More than once I have been approached and ran off by hostile creek users. Im sure there are good folks around their too. That said the few people I have met out there are nasty and will refuse to share the campground causing all kinds of drama until you just get mad and leave. Last weekend I was approached by 4 men who were not camping just using the creek to tube with their kids. I was told that I better go find another place to camp. That they were using the creek and I could not be there. I set up anyways camping away from them and was not in anyway a bother to them. Still they continued to come over and harass me about leaving. Until I finally I strapped on my pistol approached them and told them I wasn't going any where. I was met with a lot of cussing and threats. But finally They did leave! So sad a beautiful place I truly loved the area. Not sure if I will continue to go back. It was not worth the ignorance or drama of other human beings. No toilets or electricity, No wifi or fresh drinking water. If you can avoid ignorant humans I would recommend this place to camp.
GuideThis is a primitive site on an island in Bonnie Lake in Eastern Washington. Bonnie lake is a canyon lake, about 4 miles long and narrow. The island and surrounding sq. mile of land is owned by the BLM. Access is by paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake. The creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam. The island is rocky and brushy with enough flat spaces for a tent or two and trees for hammocks. The steep canyon walls provide a stage for coyotes to sing back and forth. Please use sanitary bags to pack out your waste (poop). The island's soil isn't deep enough for proper burial.
There is a spit of land on shore where you can camp too, but I've not done that.
LegendNice little loop camp ground, 3 sites that were pretty spacious all include a fire ring and picnic table. Free camping for up to 3 days. Right on the lake! Nice dock to go out to fish on as well. 1 vault toilet. Nice big parking lot for boats and trailers! Right off of i90.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rathdrum, Idaho, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free boondocking sites available near Rathdrum?
Yes, there are several free boondocking sites near Rathdrum. Bull Run Access Dispersed offers multiple free spots accessible to larger rigs, with campers reporting successful stays in 40-foot fifth wheels. The area features grassy campsites and more secluded spots among trees, with some sites positioned along the water. Another option is Rose Lake, which provides free camping for up to 3 days with spacious sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. Located right on the lake with a dock for fishing, it also has a vault toilet and ample parking for boats and trailers, making it convenient for those traveling along I-90.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rathdrum?
Free dispersed camping near Rathdrum can be found at several locations within driving distance. Cooks Lake offers approximately six dispersed sites, with at least two suitable for trailers (though experience with towing is recommended). The campground is reached via a six-mile winding gravel road, but the journey rewards you with beautiful shaded sites. Another option is North Fork Chewelah Creek, which features multiple dispersed sites along a small but powerful creek in a wooded area. While the creek isn't suitable for swimming, it's a great place to cool off, and the campground is particularly beautiful for those seeking a natural setting.
What are the rules and regulations for primitive camping in Rathdrum?
For primitive camping around Rathdrum, most dispersed sites follow standard public land regulations. At Bonnie Lake Island, a primitive site on BLM land, standard leave-no-trace principles apply with access only by paddling. Typical regulations for the area include camping limits (usually 3-14 days depending on the site), proper waste disposal, and maintaining reasonable distance from water sources (typically 100-200 feet). Most sites require packing out all trash, burying human waste 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, and using existing fire rings when having campfires. Check for seasonal fire restrictions before your trip, as they vary throughout the year. Contact the local ranger district for specific regulations as they may change.
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