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."

Best Camping Sites Near Sandpoint, Idaho (217)

    1. Riley Creek Campground

    23 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $35 - $75 / night

    "There is 2 boat launch, fishing, walking trails shaded sites....gravel and level. tenting would be a little rough with the gravel. Bring a pad. We had good AT&T service."

    "We were looking for a campsite in the Idaho Panhandle and discovered Riley Creek. After a 10 hour drive we arrived, drove to our spot and was greeted by an attendant who happened to be in the area."

    2. Round Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Cocolalla, ID
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3489

    $12 - $29 / night

    "This spot is very close to the main hiking trail, that leads around the lake and to the beach area. Probably about 15 feet away, down a slight hill."

    "Super clean, great back-in spots for RVs, awesome walking trails around the lake."

    3. Springy Point

    10 Reviews
    Dover, ID
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 437-3133

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Lovely campground, close by Sandpoint, nice hosts, late checkout (2pm), hot showers.

    Be on time, gate closes between 10pm and 7am"

    "We were also very close to the neighboring camp site which ended up be great because they were friendly and our kids all played together, but overall I prefer more space between camp sites. "

    4. Green Bay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED 2024

    12 Reviews
    Kaniksu National Forest, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-5111

    $15 / night

    "Lightning cutting across the lake was a real spook. We brought our kayaks into the water in the sunny part of the day, other camping spots available by boat if you can get there!"

    "You do have to walk to your site but it’s not far. Views are magical. Water is crystal clear, you feel secluded and safe!"

    5. Bonner County Fairgrounds

    9 Reviews
    Ponderay, ID
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-8414

    $39 / night

    "Bonner County Fairgrounds, Sandpoint, ID

    Nice little campground on the side of the fairgrounds."

    "Pros: nicely forested providing shade to many sites, inexpensive, tons of space to walk dogs, water and electric at sites, dump and water station easy to navigate."

    6. Sam Owen Camnpground

    16 Reviews
    Hope, ID
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 245-6521

    $30 - $116 / night

    "It is surprisingly quiet for a campsite, considering it's location! Pend Oreille is a beautiful lake and is a great place for boats, kayaks, and paddle boards!"

    "Also, very amazing views of Lake pend Oreille and the mountains, which surround you. It is down a beautiful peninsula in Hope, Idaho."

    7. Mirror Lake

    4 Reviews
    Idaho Panhandle National Forests, ID
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 710-0889

    "Nice spot close to Sandpoint. Not crowded. Was able to slide right in on the Friday night when Spokane was having wildfires out west."

    "Pretty lake. Good cell service even though its tucked away from the main road. The owner was very nice and helpful."

    8. Travel America RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sagle, ID
    6 miles
    +1 (208) 263-6522

    9. Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station

    2 Reviews
    Ponderay, ID
    5 miles
    Website

    "Scenic 15 minute drive up from Sandpoint.  It's a paved two lane road with a number of switchbacks - I think even larger rigs should be fine as the hairpins were pretty wide. "

    "There are some switchbacks, but it's worth the drive. There is a nice outhouse and plenty of spots - follow the signs. You're right across from the firehouse."

    10. City of Sandpoint, City Beach RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Sandpoint, ID
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (208) 263-3379

    $50 - $105 / night

    "This best part of this campground is that it is located inside the Sandpoint City Beach Park which is within a short walk to the very cute downtown of Sandpoint."

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Showing results 1-10 of 217 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sandpoint, ID

730 Reviews of 217 Sandpoint Campgrounds



Guide to Sandpoint

Camping near Sandpoint, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Water activities: Enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating at Riley Creek Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming" make it a great spot for families.
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park noted, "Lots of great hikes to go on and peaceful."
  • Playgrounds and sports: Kids can have fun at the playgrounds and sports courts available at Thousand Trails Little Diamond. One camper shared, "There is a beautiful lake for fishing and boating, laundry facilities that take cards, and everything else that KOAs offer."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the stunning surroundings. One happy camper at Sam Owen Campground said, "Beautiful 😍," highlighting the picturesque setting.
  • Clean facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park mentioned, "Restroom facilities and showers well kept and clean."
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A visitor at Thousand Trails Little Diamond noted, "Friendly staff and good sized spots."

What you should know:

  • Road noise: Some campgrounds are close to highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Priest River mentioned, "Some spots are a little close to the road and traffic noise."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or laundry facilities. One reviewer at Newport Little Diamond Lake KOA expressed disappointment, saying, "No laundry available due to no sewer."
  • Booking ahead: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Riley Creek Campground advised, "Not easy have to book way ahead of time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and water access. A parent at Thousand Trails Little Diamond said, "There are two playgrounds (one for younger children, one for older)."
  • Plan activities: Bring bikes and games to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park mentioned, "Great swim area for families."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Round Lake State Park Campground noted, "Easy to find & plenty of short noticed camping sites available."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A visitor at Sam Owen Campground warned, "Be very careful in choosing your site, the majority are not level."
  • Bring extra hoses and cords: Some campgrounds have hookups located far from parking spots. A camper at Newport Little Diamond Lake KOA suggested, "Bring extension cords and extra hoses as all the hookups are at the front of the sites."
  • Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with campground regulations to avoid issues. A camper at Springy Point shared, "The camp hosts tracked us down all the way to the beach and said we needed to be more responsible with our campfire."

Camping near Sandpoint, Idaho, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What lakeside camping is available near Sandpoint?

Sandpoint is surrounded by beautiful lake camping options. Springy Point offers lakeside camping with hot showers and convenient 2pm checkout times. It's located close to Sandpoint with gate hours from 7am to 10pm. Sam Owen Campground on Lake Pend Oreille provides quiet campsites with picnic tables and great access for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For a more rustic experience, Mirror Lake offers peaceful lakeside camping with affordable $5 lake access. Additional options include Riley Creek Campground and Albeni Cove, both offering water access, fishing opportunities, and family-friendly environments. Most lakeside campgrounds are busiest during summer months when water activities are most enjoyable.

Are there any dispersed camping options around Sandpoint, Idaho?

Schweitzer Mountain Fire Station offers a free dispersed camping option with a scenic 15-minute drive up from Sandpoint. This location provides cooler mountain air during hot summer months and features a paved two-lane road with switchbacks. While facilities are minimal, the views and temperature difference make it worth the trip. The North Fork Coeur D'Alene River area also provides dispersed camping opportunities within driving distance of Sandpoint. When using dispersed sites, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be prepared with your own water, food, and sanitation supplies. Most dispersed camping in national forests around Sandpoint has a 14-day stay limit.

What RV parks and facilities are available in Sandpoint, Idaho?

City of Sandpoint, City Beach RV Park offers prime location benefits with walkable access to downtown Sandpoint. The park is situated inside the City Beach Park, providing easy access to a bike path along the river, fishing spots, playground, pool, and tennis courts. For those seeking more space, Travel America RV Park near Sagle provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. RV campers can also consider Bonner County Fairgrounds for a budget option with electric and water hookups, dump station access, and shaded sites. Most RV parks in the area offer at least partial hookups, with full-service options available at premium locations. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when Sandpoint tourism peaks.

Where can I find the best campgrounds near Sandpoint, Idaho?

Sandpoint offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Bonner County Fairgrounds provides affordable camping with electric and water hookups, shaded sites, and easy bike access to downtown Sandpoint. For water lovers, Priest River is a well-maintained US Army Corps of Engineers park with fishing and boating access. Both locations are known for clean facilities and reasonable prices. Other notable options include Springy Point and Riley Creek Campground. The best time to visit is summer through early fall, with most campgrounds open until late October. Reservations are recommended during peak season (June-September) as Sandpoint is a popular outdoor destination.