Camping sites near Sandpoint, Idaho offer visitors access to Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's deepest lake at 1,158 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, creating ideal conditions for water activities, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s. Many campgrounds sit between 2,000-2,500 feet elevation, providing cooler refuge during summer heat waves.
What to do
Hiking forest trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to hiking paths. At Green Bay Campground, visitors appreciate the "amazing hiking trails" accessible from camp. One camper notes, "There is a lovely trail around the lake and an extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful."
Water recreation: Lake Pend Oreille offers crystal-clear water for swimming and paddling. At Riley Creek Campground, campers can "bring your Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Bike, & Bathing Suit." The campground features "a beautiful beach" that is "taken great care of" according to reviewers.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campsites provide fishing access. Mirror Lake features electric-motor or no-motor boats only, making it ideal for peaceful fishing. A visitor mentioned, "I wish we were staying longer and we would have rented one of their boats and done some fishing."
What campers like
Private sites with shade: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At Sam Owen Campground, "the sites are nice and private with lovely trees and open grassy space between them." Another camper noted, "The spots are somewhat private with some spots very close to the water."
Free hot showers: Several campgrounds provide clean bathroom facilities. At Round Lake State Park, "all of the bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily." One visitor appreciated that there are "free showers and very clean bathrooms" at Riley Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Campers report regular wildlife sightings. Sam Owen Campground is "known for its huge friendly deer population!! You will see them everywhere!! Which is fun for out-of-towners! People from the city who don't get much wildlife action."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. City Beach RV Park has "a great location" but "being right next to the train tracks is a bummer." Another reviewer advised, "A train does run right beside the park. Bring earplugs."
Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly during summer. At Riley Creek Campground, "only some of their sites are reservable, others are walk up. We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites." Another camper suggests: "Highly recommend but reserve your spot early in advance because the spots fill up quick!"
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers have alternatives. Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station provides free camping: "Per the website, you're allowed to camp there for three days. Didn't appear to be any check-in process or anything, you can just pull up and park."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to children. Riley Creek Campground is "a great place for grandkids. Lots of trails for walking biking. Camp sites are large and private. Volleyball basketball court horseshoe pits." Another visitor mentions, "The horseshoe pits, volleyball & basketball courts, as well as the playgrounds were all extremely inviting."
Educational opportunities: Some sites offer learning experiences. Bonner County Fairgrounds can provide unexpected activities: "Bonus, there was a Fjord Horse show while we were here. Cool to see the horses." Round Lake State Park features a "camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more."
Swimming areas: Designated beach zones make water access safer. Green Bay Campground features "a beautiful swim area for families," and Sam Owen has "a nice swimming area a short walk from our campsite, and Pend Oreille lake is beautiful clear, cool water for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup access: Not all sites provide full connections. At Riley Creek, campers get "large, clean camp sites with Electric & Water" but there's "no dump in sites, so a little bit of a bummer." Another visitor clarifies they offer "partial hook ups (no sewer)."
Site length considerations: Some campgrounds have length restrictions. When booking at Bonner County Fairgrounds through "Reserve America reservations be sure to check site length. There are a few very short ones. We stayed in site 21 and our 34RLSA filled it up."
Winter accessibility: Limited year-round options exist. Round Lake State Park remains open but with caveats: "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable."
