Best Campgrounds near Sandpoint, ID
Campgrounds near Sandpoint, Idaho range from developed sites with full hookups to primitive camping areas along Lake Pend Oreille. Riley Creek Campground and Round Lake State Park provide established camping with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites like Bonner County Fairgrounds offering electric hookups and shower facilities within a short drive of downtown. Several waterfront locations such as Springy Point and Sam Owen Campground provide direct lake access for boating and fishing activities.
The camping season in the Sandpoint area typically runs from May through September, with some facilities like Round Lake State Park and Bonner County Fairgrounds remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when tourism peaks. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with warm summers ideal for water recreation and cooler spring and fall temperatures better suited for hiking. Winter camping options are limited due to snow and facility closures. Cell service is generally reliable near town but becomes spotty in more remote camping areas. A visitor commented, "Bonner County Fairgrounds is a great place to stay with nicely forested areas providing shade to many sites, and it's conveniently located with a short drive into Sandpoint."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Lake Pend Oreille access being a primary draw. Campers report enjoying the proximity to Sandpoint's downtown area, which offers shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within easy reach of several campgrounds. The Sandpoint City Beach RV Park, though described as "basically a 1-row parking lot with grass," earns praise for its location. Several visitors mentioned the extensive network of biking and hiking trails accessible from camping areas, including the bike path that follows the river from Sandpoint City Beach. Campers seeking quieter experiences can find more secluded options at Mirror Lake, which one reviewer called a "hidden gem" that's "very close to the lake" and "only about 20 minutes from Sandpoint."