St. Maries sits at the confluence of the St. Joe and St. Maries rivers, creating diverse camping opportunities from riverside sites to mountain retreats. The area experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures typically reaching 80-90°F from June through August, while spring and fall temperatures range between 50-70°F. Winter camping options remain limited with most facilities closing seasonally.
What to do
Hiking trails: Farragut State Park offers extensive trail systems where campers can explore diverse terrain. "We hiked the trail on the backside of the campground, which followed along a stream. There's nearby wildlife, including a resident moose," notes Julie M. about Camp Coeur D Alene.
Water activities: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound on the region's rivers and lakes. At Wolf Lodge Campground, campers report positive experiences: "We took the paddle boat our for a sunset cruise and it was a very memorable experience," shares Angela F.
Mining history: Crystal Gold Mine offers unique educational opportunities. "The 40 minutes tour of the mine is awesome! And, it comes with an opportunity to pan for gold and gems," explains Jill T. about Crystal Gold Mine.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. "The campground is clean and well-managed and we found the camp hosts super friendly and helpful," writes Sarah about Gilmore Campground at Farragut State Park.
Communal amenities: Camp Coeur D Alene provides shared resources that enhance stays. "The campground has outdoor kitchens and several showers. If you purchase wood they deliver to your site," reports Debbie S.
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings add excitement to camping trips. "We didn't get to see her but enjoyed looking," notes Julie M. about the resident moose at Camp Coeur D Alene. The area's diverse ecosystem supports numerous wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the camping season.
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. At Wolf Lodge Campground, one camper reported: "This campground is next to the interstate. It's loud, and bright with lights from the highway."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from May through September. Liberty Lake Regional Park runs from May 17 to September 15, while Camp Coeur D Alene operates May 20 to September 15, limiting off-season camping options.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. "Need to book months ahead or get there early to get a spot," advises Robert F. about Gilmore Campground, emphasizing the importance of advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Pines RV Park, Megan K. notes: "There was a playground on site," making it suitable for families with young children.
Safety considerations: Camp Coeur D Alene provides a secure environment for family stays. "This campground was super cozy and safe. They had firewood for sale, a pool, and clean showers and bathrooms," shares Sienna V.
Yurt camping options: For families seeking structure beyond tent camping but without RVs, yurt camping near St. Maries offers an excellent alternative. Farragut State Park provides yurt accommodations with convenient access to family-friendly amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites vary considerably in size and proximity. At Liberty Lake Regional Park, Joel R. advises: "Most of the sites are fairly level. We stayed at 2 different sites over 3 weeks, and both were level. They are close together!"
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are available at several campgrounds. "The sites are big and open," notes Andrew about Crystal Gold Mine, though he cautions about the highway noise.
Dump station access: Gilmore Campground provides dump facilities, though location can be inconvenient. "The dump station is quite a drive, back out, up the hill," reports Joel R., an important consideration for longer stays requiring waste management.
