Wendie K.
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Camping near St. Maries, ID
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near St. Maries, Idaho ranges from developed campgrounds with electric hookups to free dispersed sites along rivers and lakes. The area includes Shadowy St. Joe Campground within Idaho Panhandle National Forests, offering tent and RV sites with electric hookups. Several miles from town, Bull Run Access provides free dispersed camping with drive-in access for both tents and RVs. The North Fork Coeur d'Alene River area features multiple camping opportunities with water proximity, while Heyburn State Park offers cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. St. Maries is an excellent destination for riverside camping, with many sites providing direct access to prime fishing and paddling locations.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly when accessing dispersed sites. Most developed campgrounds remain open from late spring through early fall, though some like Heyburn State Park operate year-round. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Free dispersed camping typically has a 3-day maximum stay limit on Idaho Fish and Wildlife property. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly in forested or canyon locations. A camper noted, "Bull Run Access has 4 spots including a large loop with fire pits already setup. You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise, but it's a very beautiful spot with multiple small lakes and plenty of wildflowers."
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the St. Maries area. Sites along the St. Joe River and Coeur d'Alene River provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. According to visitor feedback, "The water is honestly my favorite part about this spot! You're not camping right on it as there are some bushes and an incline, but every spot has a tiny little 1 minute walk down to the water which is awesome." Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities, with one noting that "the fish were jumping like crazy" during their stay. While waterfront sites tend to be more popular, they also experience more traffic and noise from boats. Those seeking quieter experiences might prefer forest sites slightly removed from water access, where wildlife viewing opportunities increase.
Best Campgrounds near St. Maries (160)
1. Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park
"It was a bit off the beaten path but worth it. It is also situated right by a lake, but did not see any direct access to the lake from the campground. There were clean restrooms here and showers."
"The best part of the campground was the accessibility to the lake. It was maybe a little over a quarter-mile walk from our campground to the path that goes along the lake but its work the walk."
from $23 - $165 / night
Check Availability2. Rainy Hill Campground
"Had zero issues here; awesome view; Moose eating breakfast and dinner,near us we saw a few Bald Eagles around."
"Beautiful view over the lake, no mosquitos in September, go all the way up and be amazed. Close to the bike trail d’Alene."
3. Beauty Creek Campground
"Great little spot with close access to lake beaches and hiking trails. I stayed for 2 nights with my dog and it was very enjoyable."
"We stayed in a big open central meadow that had a few sites in it, but the campground also had some sites that were more tucked back in the vegetation."
from $26 - $85 / night
Check Availability4. Rose Lake
"It’s a small area, but there is a big space for large vans and campers and as you go down to the lake there are two campsites next to the bathroom that are perfect for tent camping."
"Great, easy location. The last road is unpaved for a short bit with minor potholes. A handful of spots near the lake in three different nooks. A bit uneven but a couple blocks worked for us."
5. St. Maries Riverfront RV Resort
"I was needing a quick in town location due to a medical emergency with my pup that cut my planned trip short. The sites are all brand new and still coming into their own."
"It is right next to a motel that got a bit loud at night but if you stay at a lot further from the motel I’m sure you wouldn’t hear it. Overall such a great spot, we loved it!"
from $65 - $85 / night
Check Availability6. Chatcolet Campground — Heyburn State Park
"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."
"My site had some wood near the fire but it was unclear if it was left by the previous campers or if it was provided."
7. Soaring Hawk RV Resort
"Wouldn’t want to drive in after dark though. Two large dog parks. Park is gravel and you may need to do a little leveling, but it isn’t bad at all."
"Very close to Heyburn State Park"
from $55 / night
Check Availability8. Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests
"If looking to reserve a site, the numbers start with #1 closest to the entrance on the meadow side and grow larger in counter clockwise fashion."
"We parked next to the river. No trouble with red noise in the spot, but on the other side is closer to the road. The park was clean and appears well managed."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Bull Run Access Dispersed
"Hwy 3 > Cross the 1 lane bridge called "South Bull Run Rd" > continue to the right past a few houses until you reach Coeur d'alene Trail access parking area > cross over trail and continue down"
"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.)"
10. Lost Moose Campground
"Our site was tucked by the river and had so much room to spread out. & A cute little gift shop with the added bonus of icecream. We loved this campground."
"Lost Moose Campground is a hidden gem tucked 8 miles off of I-90. This campground was clean and well-maintained, and the owners were extremely pleasant and friendly."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 57 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 1 hr 15 min from Spokane, WA
- 1 hr 47 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 3 min from Walla Walla, WA
Recent Camping Photos near St. Maries, ID
126 Photos of 160 St. Maries Campgrounds
Alicia F.
Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park
Emily C.
Conkling Marina and Resort
Jade M.
Rainy Hill Campground
Amy R.
Lost Moose Campground
PJ M.
Bull Run Access Dispersed
Aaron B.
Bell Bay Campground - CLOSED
Rick R.
Rose Lake
Viktoriya V.
Extraordinary Camping 🏕
Nancy C.
Wolf Lodge Campground
Cynthea G.
Beauty Creek Campground
Chad L.
CampCDA
Rachel A.
Giant White Pine Campground
Recent Reviews near St. Maries, ID
626 Reviews of 160 St. Maries Campgrounds
- WWendy W.Guide
CDA River RV, Riverfront Campground
Very enjoyable
We wanted to dry camp beside the river and fortunately for us we got a great spot for 2 nights. Far from everyone else. As the campground is situated along the famous Coeur d’ Alene bicycle path it gave us the opportunity to explore. Great experience. Lovely new and clean bathhouse with warm water. The host (Betsy) was very pleasant and welcoming. Enjoyed getting some exercise walking around the campground.
- WWendy W.Guide
Coeur d'Alene National Forest Big Hank Campground
OK for overnight stay
We had traveled a long way for my husband to fish, but unfortunately, with it being at the end of the Coeur d’Alene River, no fish were in sight. It was very clean water and shallow. Be aware of the choice of road you take as we had a detour which took us up and over the Thompson pass from Montana to Idaho and it was 30 miles of twists and turns with 8 to 10% grades in a 30 foot motorhome very scary. Relieved to get to the camp in one piece!
VICKIE C.
ScoutPines RV Park
Great place to camp
Clean, beautiful spacious the people that own the campground are friendly and helpful. It’s a great place to camp the real bonus is there’s food there so you don’t have to do any cooking. It’s delicious!
- BBrian B.Guide
Liberty Lake Regional Park
Very clean lots of shade
Me and the pup had a lot of fun there only stayed two nights
John S.ScoutBald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park
A gem up high on Mt. Spokane
If you'd like a lovely campground standing 3000 ft above the northeast Columbia basin, this would be hard to beat. It's simply beautiful. A couple hundred feet you can peer twenty miles to the east (probably more). The campground is small (8 sites) and compact (you'll have neighbors near), but that's a good design choice --- the little plateau at Bald Knob simply isn't big enough for more.
If you're up for a stroll, then climb (or drive!) to the top of Mt. Spokane. On a clear day you can see three states (WA/ID/MT) and two countries (USA/Canada). If you get to the campground and then *don't* take a side trip to the top of Mt. Spokane, you will need to have your head examined. [N.B. If you're driving a motorhome, do *not* drive to the summit past the campground: the narrow one-lane (paved) road is just not going to let you go up while other cars are coming down.]
If you go there at the right time of year, you can stroll a couple hundred feet and harvest huckleberries. Actual huckleberries. I had waffles with fresh huckleberries, so eat your heart out.
This is one of the pricier campgrounds ($39/night in 2026), but there's potable water and restrooms with flush toilets and even hot water(!). And of course, there are bear-proof food lockers and garbage bins for each site.
- John S.Scout
Bald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park
slightly pricey, TOTALLY WORTH IT! attention senior citizens!
If you'd like an alpine campground with easy access, unbelievable views, and excellent facilities, this is it.
in the TLDR department,
(*) paved road to within the last few hundred feet of your campsite.
(*) potable water
(*) restrooms with flush toilets and hot water (!)
(*) 8 campsites --- kind of cramped, but nice.
(*) 20 minutes drive to summit of Mt. Spokane with "unbelievably spectacular view"
(*) if you're there in mid- late- July, huckleberries are right there. I had them on waffles this morning.
Depending upon where you start, this campsite is about 45 minutes from Spokane WA. You'll have to have some patience with the last 15 miles or so of the (paved) road, as it is pretty curvaceous.
This campsite is at about 5100 ft on a shoulder of Mt. Spokane, whose summit is 5800 ft. Let's just say, if you go to the trouble to get to this campground, and *don't* take a side trip to the summit, there's not much I can do for you. If you're not familiar with the geography in this region, Mt. Spokane stands about 3800 ft above the valley floors in the Spokane Valley and adjacent valley floors. In other words, you'll have a stunning views on clear days. From the summit of Mt. Spokane, you can see two nations and three states.
The campground itself is small: 8 sites --- so prefer to reserve online.
At each site:
(*) a bear-proof garbage bin
(*) a bear-proof food bin
(*) a potable water source (shared)
(*) a surprisingly nice, clean restroom with (omg) flush toilets and (omg) hot water.
(*) they don't have showers, but gurl: you know what you can achieve with a sink and hot water and some wash cloths.
(*) it's a small thing, but there is some cell-phone coverage there. This means that if you're a smart phone and computer nerd, you can watch Netflix at night.
The thing is, as stupendous as this site is, it's a "one night" site.
However, I will be back next summer, because Bald Knob is just so amazing.
Hailey R.
TravelerSt. Maries Riverfront RV Resort
Perfect summer weekend stay
The staff was so nice & friendly. Spots right on the water and super clean & well kept across the whole park. It is right next to a motel that got a bit loud at night but if you stay at a lot further from the motel I’m sure you wouldn’t hear it. Overall such a great spot, we loved it!
Amy W.
RangerGiant White Pine Campground
Closed
Drove to this camp ground. It is a beautiful place, unfortunately its closed without reason. But it is what it is
Guide to St. Maries
St. Maries camping sites sit at approximately 2,200 feet elevation in the Idaho Panhandle region, where the St. Joe River converges with the St. Maries River. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and occasional precipitation. Most campgrounds remain open from May through mid-September, with limited winter access dependent on road conditions.
What to do
Biking on local trails: The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes runs through Heyburn State Park, offering paved paths for cyclists. "The Trail of the Coeur D'Alene runs through this campground. Biking the 7 mile ride to Harrison is a great way to spend the day, you cross the lake over a bridge, watching eagles swoop over the lake as you ride, and finish your day with ice cream at Harrison Creamery and Fudge Factory," notes a camper at Hawleys Landing.
Boat access fishing: Several locations provide boat launch facilities for fishing excursions. At Shadowy St. Joe Campground, "There is a boat launch area for day use, with a small fee, but if camping there is no extra charge. There are 2 docks and if staying multiple days you can leave your boat on the dock overnight."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife spotting times around campgrounds. At Lost Moose Campground, visitors report: "We heard lots of Elk bugling throughout the evening. Everyone was friendly. The brook running by was calming."
What campers like
Water activities beyond fishing: Paddling opportunities exist on multiple lakes and rivers. At Camp Coeur D'Alene, "This camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities."
Extra amenities at certain campgrounds: Some sites offer unexpected facilities that enhance the camping experience. "The campground has beautiful treed sites with lots of amenities. They are redoing the pool, and the bathrooms are very clean. Very friendly staff. Hiked the trail on the backside of the campground, which followed along a stream."
Privacy options: Sites vary significantly in terms of seclusion and space between neighbors. At Bull Run Access, "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 trees. The best site there imo. Privacy, lots of trees so the site gets a good amount of shade but sun still pokes through, perfect."
What you should know
Insect activity varies by location and season: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly near still water. At Rainy Hill Campground, one camper notes: "Decent site, looks like there are about 3-4 dispersed spots. Be aware of the mosquitoes, if you are prone to getting bit."
Weather considerations: The area can experience significant temperature variations between day and night. "I wish we had more time to spend at this campground. It was a bit off the beaten path but worth it. There was a no burn order in place, or site was nice and secluded," reports a visitor to Heyburn State Park.
Limited cell service: Connectivity diminishes quickly outside town limits. "Phone service is spotty, texting easier and lots of dropped calls, but we like to unplug when camping," notes a Shadowy St. Joe visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational amenities: Some sites provide additional activities for children. "This CG has everything you can ask for from Kayaks on lake CDA to shower, laundry etc and more than one. Everyone is very friendly and just want you to have a good time! Camp sites are well thought out and they have something for everyone at reasonable prices."
Choose sites with adequate spacing: Family groups often benefit from larger camping areas. "Always be aware of animals typical raccoons etc put your food away nice bathrooms good family camping," advises a Chatcolet Campground visitor.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity can affect the camping experience. A Bull Run Access camper notes: "You're really close to highway 3 so there's road noise from that. More common actually was the sound of boats going down the Coeur d'Alene river which is even closer."
Tips from RVers
Road access varies significantly: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "After turning off I-90 at Cataldo, ID, it is a two-mile paved drive followed by a 6-mile gravel and dirt road to the campground. The gravel and dirt road was well maintained with only a few potholes to avoid."
Site leveling challenges: Many camping sites near St. Maries require additional leveling. "Site is crowded for larger pull through but it appeared to work for the campers. Site had outdoor kitchens and several showers. Would stay again if in area. If you purchase wood they deliver to your site."
Local regulations: Out-of-state visitors need specific permits for watercraft. "Make sure to have Idaho invasive species tag for the boat if you are from out of state. The Sheriff and Park Rangers patrol daily and check."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in St. Maries, Idaho?
Where are the best campgrounds in St. Maries, Idaho?
St. Maries and the surrounding area offer excellent camping options for nature lovers. North Fork Coeur D'Alene River provides beautiful dispersed camping with riverside sites popular among locals and visitors alike. For those seeking more amenities, Albert's Landing offers over 60 sites with water and electrical hookups, level gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings along nearly 1000 feet of river frontage. Other notable options include Bull Run Access Dispersed for primitive camping and Bumblebee Campground with its private wooded sites and fishing opportunities. St. Maries serves as an excellent base for exploring northern Idaho's natural beauty while providing access to these diverse camping experiences.
What amenities are available at St. Maries camping areas?
What amenities are available at St. Maries camping areas?
Camping areas around St. Maries offer varying levels of amenities to suit different preferences. Blackwell Island RV Park provides full hookups, gravel sites, boat and kayak rentals, plus waterfront locations with established seating areas. For a more resort-style experience, Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground on Spirit Lake features RV sites with 20/30/50 amp electrical service. Many public campgrounds in the region include basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Dispersed camping areas typically offer minimal facilities, so campers should be prepared for self-sufficient stays. Most established campgrounds in the area provide access to water, while some feature additional amenities like boat ramps, swimming areas, and proximity to hiking trails.
What is the best time of year to go camping near St. Maries, Idaho?
What is the best time of year to go camping near St. Maries, Idaho?
The ideal camping season near St. Maries typically runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer months (June-August) offer warm days perfect for water activities on nearby rivers and lakes. Iron Mountain Campground — Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park showcases stunning views of the undulating Palouse region, particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer when the landscape is lush and green. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially at Farragut State Park, where the autumn colors provide a magnificent backdrop for camping. Weather can be variable in spring and fall, so campers should be prepared for potential temperature fluctuations. Winter camping is limited due to cold temperatures and seasonal closures at many campgrounds.
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