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.