North Idaho's Sandpoint sits at 2,096 feet elevation amid the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountain ranges, creating a distinctive microclimate for glamping near Sandpoint, Idaho. The area receives approximately 30 inches of precipitation annually, with summer highs typically in the 80s°F and winter temperatures often dropping into the teens. The camping season generally runs May through September when Pend Oreille Lake's summer water temperatures reach the mid-60s.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Round Lake State Park offers excellent trout and crappie fishing opportunities from two dedicated docks. "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus," notes Jason S. about his Round Lake State Park Campground experience.
Hiking trail networks: Explore extensive trail systems surrounding local campgrounds for day hikes ranging from easy lake loops to more challenging mountain trails. At Farragut State Park, "there are hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities," with one visitor commenting, "The campgrounds are well laid out in that there are many sites but they are situated in a way that still gives each site space."
Water recreation: Paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities, with several campgrounds offering equipment rentals. "We paddle boarded and swam the next day," mentions Brad C. about his stay at Blue Lake RV Resort, which features a small lake perfect for beginners.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of facilities at local glamping sites near Sandpoint. "The campgrounds are well kept and clean. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. All of the bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily," shares Heather M. about her Round Lake State Park Campground stay.
Proximity to attractions: Many sites offer convenient access to both wilderness and town amenities. "We stayed in Gilmore with a combination of tents and RVs there. The sites are nice and pretty well spaced out," notes Todd B. about Farragut State Park, which provides good access to nearby attractions.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds frequently include educational features and activities for children. "The 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," mentions a visitor at Round Lake.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds are located near active rail lines, which can impact sleep quality. At Blue Lake RV Resort, "One of the major downsides was the campground's unfortunate location between two railway lines. The constant sound of freight trains passing by throughout the day was quite disruptive," reports Anil C.
Road traffic sound: Some campsites experience highway noise that may detract from a wilderness experience. "Road noise, which occasionally disrupted the peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evenings," was noted as a drawback by one camper.
Seasonal facility restrictions: Winter camping options exist but with limited services. "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable," cautions Nic F. about winter camping at Round Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programming: Several campgrounds offer nature programs specifically designed for children. "The 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. They also have boards to rent and games as well," says Heather M.
Lake accessibility: Look for sites with gradual water entry points for safer swimming with children. Albeni Cove offers "great water access to Lk. Pend Orielle" according to Les G., making it ideal for families with younger children who want easy lake access.
Theme park proximity: Consider camping locations near Silverwood Theme Park for mixed activity vacations. "We stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park," shares Danielle P. about Round Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Check campground specifications before booking as many sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. "I would not recommend anything over 25 ft but that's me. Our 34RLSA 5er couldn't get in," warns a visitor about Yaak River Campground.
Electrical stability: Some campgrounds experience power fluctuations, especially during peak season or extreme weather. "We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes. Not worth the risk to car camp when it's 18 degrees," notes Nic F. about winter RV camping.
Reservation requirements: Many luxury glamping locations near Sandpoint require substantial advance bookings, especially for specific sites. "In order to keep a particular spot you pick, you have to pay a little extra to reserve it or you can still risk having them move you to a different spot if they want to," explains one camper about reservation policies.
