Best Campgrounds near St. Maries, ID

Camping options around St. Maries, Idaho range from developed campgrounds to 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.

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 Camping Sites Near St. Maries, Idaho (159)

    1. Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park

    23 Reviews
    Plummer, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 686-1308

    $23 - $165 / night

    "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."

    2. Camp Coeur D Alene

    45 Reviews
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 664-4471

    $39 - $83 / night

    "Very cute campside with free cano’s to use"

    "Even though the sites are small and close together, they are at different levels as you go up the hill combined with the sites and cabins being tucked under the giant pines, gives you a sense of privacy"

    3. Rainy Hill Campground

    10 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 765-7223

    "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."

    4. Beauty Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $26 - $85 / night

    "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."

    5. Chatcolet Campground — Heyburn State Park

    5 Reviews
    Harrison, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 686-1308

    "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."

    6. Soaring Hawk RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Plummer, ID
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 582-3980

    $55 / night

    "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"

    7. Rose Lake

    12 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    17 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests

    2 Reviews
    St. Maries, ID
    8 miles
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    $20 - $35 / night

    "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."

    9. Bull Run Access Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Medimont, ID
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 769-1414

    "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

    3 Reviews
    Cataldo, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 682-3555

    $20 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "Our site (16) was right next to the rushing creek, and even though the campground was full, it was very peaceful! The host met us at our car just as we pulled in and was very friendly and welcoming."

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Recent Reviews near St. Maries, ID

576 Reviews of 159 St. Maries Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Robinson County Park

    Awesome little spot!

    Such a nice place! It’s a little tight to get into with a bigger rig, we have a 32ft class A, but overall it’s really nice. 5 spots with 20/30/50 amps and only $25 every 24 hours. Very quiet, nice park with expansive grassy area. Would definitely come back, it’s a really niche spot.

  • Danny V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bull Run Access Dispersed

    Ornery locals

    My friend and I travel for work. We're all over the Pacific Northwest with a rooftop tent and a camper on the truck in order to save money on hotels. Basically we live out of rest stops and, if we can find them, nice secluded spots out in nature on our way to the next job. The reviews for this spot seemed promising. We were on our way from Coeur d'Alene to Missoula, and really need a nap to kill some time before our payroll checks cleared. From the start, the locals in this area were understandably curious. However there is a fine line between driving by to see what's with the unfamiliar vehicle, and deliberately trying to make visitors feel uncomfortable. We were only parked for about four hours, but several vehicles decided to drive by several times very slowly during this span of time. Visibly (and I repeat, visibly) staring at us with their mouths open. This location is pretty far from civilization. So I can't imagine how many places you could even need to go back and forth from in the span of an hour or two. Wherever that is it must be popular because no exaggerating, five different vehicles exhibited this pattern of behavior. Just in case there was any questions about the locals' intentions, about halfway through our stay apparently the neighbors made a deal to get some tractor work done. The tractor fired up and proceeded to go back and forth between the two properties to switch implements. I figure the average person would just bring the various implements closer to where the work is, but I'm not here to direct a man on efficient use of his tractor. These kinds of things are no bother to me, as I can sleep through just about anything. But my coworker is a little bit more of a light sleeper. So is his dog, who also didn't get much rest due to all the activity. So I figure either the neighbors weren't to happy with our presence, or theres a very popular drug dealer who lives on this road and they've got the good stuff. Because I've never seen so much repeat traffic in such a short span of time. Needless to say, we left and wish everyone there the best of times moving forward. With perhaps a gentle reminder that the parking area and boat ramp in their neighborhood is a public amenity provided by the state of Idaho. That is all.

  • BoGwen J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    By the Way Campground

    Okay in a pinch

    Your right next to freeway very noisy. The AC couldn’t drown out the traffic noise. Wore earplugs. Very nice people and a clean spot! Bonus the moose come to visit.

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    copper mountain rd dispersed

    Mountain views

    Nice spot up the road about 10 minutes. Great views. Close to the highway so a little bit of noise from the interstate. Fire ring and that’s it.

  • Reagan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Camp Coeur D Alene

    Lovely spot with showers and kayak rentals!

    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

  • Anthony T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tamarack RV Park And Vacation Cabins

    Great Little Tree Covered RV park

    Fantastic little RV park Bathrooms are very clean! Sights are small but the hookups make up for it!

  • Martha H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Wolf Lodge Campground

    Convient location

    Nice Campground right off Highway 90. Some road noise. Nice bathrooms and showers. Horseshoes, corn hole, kayaks for guests.

  • Devon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Elk River

    ELK RIVER IDAHO

    Many free dispersed camping site for several miles. There is also low cost Campgrounds available as well. There is a small local store nearby. Dump site on edge of town with trash available. Many recreational activities too.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Blackwell Island RV Park

    Coeur d’Alene Lakefront RV park

    Nicely located and well maintained large rv park on Lake Coeur d’Alene. This park offers both lake front and non-lakefront spaces with full hookups. This park offered free but poor WiFi unless in or near the club house. Kayaks speedboat in pontoon boats are available for rent from the front office. This park could use more foliage between sites otherwise a nice place to stay near downtown, stores and restaurants. We would stay here again.


Guide to St. Maries

Camping near St. Maries, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The area is great for hiking and biking. Many campers enjoy the nearby trails, especially the paved bike trail that runs through the region. One visitor mentioned, "This is the base for the Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes. 73 miles of paved bike trail. What more can you ask for?"
  • Water activities: If you love being near the water, check out campgrounds like Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park. Campers have enjoyed swimming and kayaking, with one saying, "We loved kayaking down the creek at the campground and saw wildlife."
  • Wildlife watching: The area is home to various wildlife. Campers have spotted deer and other animals while enjoying their stay. One camper noted, "A deer walked right through camp," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Wolf Lodge Campground said, "Very clean campgrounds, had a cute little dog park in it too. Ample amount of restrooms and showers available, that were spotless and well stocked."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Liberty Lake Regional Park said, "The staff was great, the showers were good, and the laundry room was nice."
  • Fun amenities: Many campgrounds offer extra activities like canoe rentals and swimming pools. A happy camper at Camp Coeur d'Alene shared, "They offer free firewood and anything on site is complimentary, first come first service."

What you should know:

  • Crowded campsites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Hawleys Landing Campground mentioned, "The campsite area was clean including the bathroom and showers. The water and electric hook-up all worked great... but there are a few spots that would feel really cramped."
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads or other campers. A reviewer at Wallace RV Park noted, "The road next the RV Park is very busy! It does slow down after dark but be prepared for road noise during daylight hours."
  • Limited privacy: Some sites may not offer much privacy. A camper at Beauty Creek Campground said, "My only complaint was that it wasn’t very private. No trees or anything to separate the campsites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites to accommodate families. One camper at Liberty Lake RV Campground mentioned, "The sites were nice and large, with paved pads and all pull-through."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to bring games and outdoor gear for family fun. A visitor at Camp Coeur d'Alene said, "The swimming pool was well kept, and we really enjoyed using the free canoes."
  • Check for kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or pools. One camper at Liberty Lake RV Campground appreciated the "play set" available for kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Be mindful of site sizes: Some RV sites can be tight. A reviewer at Camp Coeur d'Alene noted, "Very small spaces with a sardine-like feeling."
  • Check for hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Blackwell Island RV Park mentioned, "The staff were friendly, the laundry and showers clean."
  • Consider road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Wolf Lodge Campground said, "Interstate noise is not too bad," but it's something to keep in mind when choosing a spot.

Camping near St. Maries, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and pick the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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.