The Rathdrum, Idaho area sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation between the Selkirk and Coeur d'Alene mountain ranges. RV camping near Rathdrum provides access to both mountainous terrain and numerous lakes within a 30-minute drive. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during peak camping season from June through September.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Coeur d'Alene: Blackwell Island RV Park sits at the lake's edge with boat and kayak rentals available. "We took our paddle boards out and it was great!" notes Lauren C., who appreciated the easy water access.
Hiking forest trails: Liberty Lake RV Campground offers access to nearby nature areas. "You have to be careful of your RV, when they mow. Rocks hit your RV, even when they drive down the road with lawn mower or string trimmer," warns a visitor, suggesting hikers should stick to the designated trails rather than campground paths.
Cycling on regional paths: Tamarack RV Park And Vacation Cabins provides convenient access to local bike trails. "Very well maintained and excellent front desk service," notes Dan L., highlighting its urban location near cycling routes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bergsparken RV Park offers encounters with local wildlife. "Be ready for encounters with deer, rabbits, wild turkey, quail, and even the occasional elk and moose," shares Bill B., describing the natural setting.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Blackwell Island RV Park sits directly on the water. "They had a clean beach along the Spokane River with plenty of high quality beach chairs to relax in and watch the parade of boats coming from upriver," writes Love4travel T., describing the riverside amenities.
Dog-friendly areas: Many parks welcome pets with designated spaces. "The dog park was absolutely amazing, one of the best," states Brian C. about Liberty Lake RV Campground's pet facilities.
Spacious sites with utilities: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park offers generous parking areas. "The campground is designed well so sites have more space than other campgrounds," according to Stacey G., highlighting the layout benefits.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers remain a consistent plus. "Bathrooms are very clean!" reports Anthony T. about Tamarack RV Park's facilities, echoing common appreciation for cleanliness standards.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Several parks run limited schedules. "Blackwell Island RV Resort... Close to interstate, located next to Spokane River and lake," notes Janet H., who visited September 14-17, outside peak summer months.
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet access varies significantly between parks. "WiFi is bad. Really bad. That's not a big deal for us, but for some it may be a problem. There is a wifi room for those occasions you must connect," explains Kurtis K. about connectivity challenges.
Traffic noise factors: Highway proximity affects some locations. "There is mostly positives about my 3 nights here... but the WiFi was almost non existent outside of the office or library building," shares Paul B., balancing amenities against drawbacks.
Theme park adjacency: Silverwood RV Park connects directly to the amusement park. "5 minute walk to theme parks under the highway. Site 74 backed up to a fence. Had no neighbors. But was furthest from the parks," notes Jason S., highlighting proximity benefits.
Tips for camping with families
Theme park package options: Silverwood RV Park offers convenient amusement park access. "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," explains Brian C.
Playground access: Liberty Lake RV Campground features recreational facilities for children. "Amenities include a playground, basketball court, dog park, clubhouse, pool and bathhouse. All are nice," states Brown Sign Junkies, covering multiple family features.
BMX track for kids: Blackwell Island offers unique riding options. "They've added cute touches around the premises. A kids BMX dirt bike area, secret gardens, walking nature paths and a pond with their own resident ducks," reports Love4travel T., highlighting child-friendly activities.
Swimming options: Several parks maintain seasonal pools or beach access. "We had a pull thru site #125 which was gravel with a picnic table and shade tree. We liked its orientation (facing river) since the hot afternoon sun was hitting the utility side or hillside of the RV," explains a visitor about strategic site selection for family comfort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Consider sun exposure when booking. "We liked its orientation (facing river) since the hot afternoon sun was hitting the utility side or hillside of the RV," notes Love4travel T. about positioning at Blackwell Island.
Navigation cautions: Some exits present challenges for larger vehicles. "If you are coming off of interstate 90, don't use exit 13. The round about is way to small to handle big rig or any camper. The best route is exit 12 big rig friendly," advises Rick Shannon P., providing specific routing information.
Leveling preparations: Site conditions vary between parks. "Sites are all pretty level with the parking areas paved. Grass and groomed gravel areas too," reports Joseph about Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, indicating minimal leveling needs.
Tent placement requirements: Rules differ between locations. "One weird thing is that you have to place your tent on a hard gravel pad, rather than the green grass," notes Brian C. about Silverwood's specific policies.
