Best Campgrounds near Santa, ID

The Idaho Panhandle region surrounding Santa, Idaho contains a mix of developed campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the national forests and riverside areas. Bald Mountain Lookout offers cabin accommodations with panoramic forest views, while dispersed camping options like Horse Camp Trailhead provide more rustic experiences. The area features several established campgrounds such as Emerald Creek, Giant White Pine, and Cedar Creek that accommodate tent camping, while facilities like Country Lane River Resort and Camp Coeur d'Alene provide full hookups for RV travelers and cabin rentals.

Access to camping areas varies significantly with the seasons, as many campgrounds operate only from May through September. Forest Service roads leading to remote sites often require high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain or during spring runoff. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the region, with several visitors reporting spotty or non-existent coverage at campgrounds like Shadowy St. Joe and the more remote cabin sites. Vault toilets are common at established sites, but many dispersed camping areas require visitors to pack out all waste and bring adequate drinking water. As one camper noted about Bald Mountain Lookout: "Make sure your vehicle is offroad as the ride is very rough. Don't bring any trailers, get offline maps before coming. Bring a lot of water."

Several campgrounds in the area feature riverside locations, with the St. Joe River and Coeur d'Alene River providing popular access points for fishing and boating. According to visitor feedback, the small campgrounds tend to offer more privacy and natural settings, with Emerald Creek Campground frequently mentioned for its secluded atmosphere and nearby garnet hunting opportunities. A camper described it as "the prettiest campground we stayed in during an extensive road trip through Idaho." Weekend crowds can impact the camping experience at some of the more accessible locations, particularly at riverside resorts during summer months. The region's dense forests provide ample shade at most established campgrounds, while some dispersed camping areas offer more open settings suitable for stargazing.

Best Camping Sites Near Santa, Idaho (163)

    1. Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park

    23 Reviews
    Plummer, ID
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 686-1308

    $23 - $165 / night

    "It was a bit off the beaten path but worth it. It is also situated right by a lake, but did not see any direct access to the lake from the campground. There were clean restrooms here and showers."

    "The best part of the campground was the accessibility to the lake. It was maybe a little over a quarter-mile walk from our campground to the path that goes along the lake but its work the walk."

    2. Emerald Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Clarkia, ID
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    "This was the prettiest campground we stayed in during an extensive road trip through Idaho. It was only half occupied during the end of June, so we enjoyed privacy and numerous bird songs."

    "Idaho's state gem! The garnet area was closed when we went (erosion), but garnet sand was visible farther down the creek along the road."

    3. Bald Mountain Lookout

    2 Reviews
    Santa, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-1131

    $45 / night

    "Make sure your vehicle is offroad the ride is very rough. Don’t bring any trailers, get offline map before coming. Bring a lot of water."

    4. Giant White Pine Campground

    5 Reviews
    Harvard, ID
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 875-1131

    "Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"

    "I found a really nice hiking trail near the campsite and spent most of the day exploring the surrounding areas. Our site did have a fire ring and a bench with dirt and moss cover."

    5. Shadowy St. Joe Campground — Idaho Panhandle National Forests

    2 Reviews
    St. Maries, ID
    12 miles
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    $20 - $35 / night

    "If looking to reserve a site, the numbers start with #1 closest to the entrance on the meadow side and grow larger in counter clockwise fashion."

    "We parked next to the river. No trouble with red noise in the spot, but on the other side is closer to the road. The park was clean and appears well managed."

    6. Cedar Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Clarkia, ID
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 245-2531

    "It’s fairly private and there are vault toilets in the near by area. There are some good fishing areas nearby that my friends love messing around, but they have yet to catch fish at this location."

    7. Camp Coeur D Alene

    46 Reviews
    Coeur d'Alene, ID
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 664-4471

    $39 - $83 / night

    "The camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent."

    "Very cute campside with free cano’s to use"

    8. Country Lane River Resort

    1 Review
    Santa, ID
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 682-2698

    $50 / night

    9. Moose Creek Reservoir Access

    5 Reviews
    Deary, ID
    19 miles
    Website

    "It’s my favorite close by paid camping ground. There are some trails at the end of the campground that trail up and around and connect to trails that lead back to campground areas."

    "This is a campground surrounding a reservoir. This campground is pretty remote, but only 2 miles from Boville. There is easy access to the water were many people fish, swim, and canoe/kayak."

    10. Horse Camp Trailhead

    1 Review
    Harvard, ID
    13 miles
    Website

    "While this is not my favorite spot, it’s very close to where I live. This is my go to spot when I just want to get a quick overnight camp in."

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Recent Reviews near Santa, ID

564 Reviews of 163 Santa Campgrounds


  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    River Walk RV Park

    Ok stop over spot

    Cramped little RV park, not a campground. Does have the amenities you would need including laundry & showers. No scenic views, city sidewalks for walking your dog.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Albert's Landing

    One night stay on the river

    We really enjoyed our one night stay on the river. It’s a beautiful campground and very clean. We will be back at some point. Saw a baby moose eating leaves off of a tree right in front of us. Very cool. The river is beautiful and very relaxing to be near.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    KOA Stay

    Campground itself was nice. We were driving from Glacier NP to North Cascades NP and decided to stay here to have use of amenities. Typically we stay at free spots, but the showers, coin operated laundry, water, and dump station was all needed and appreciated. Its in a busy neighborhood, so its noisy and theres a train that goes by, but i expected the noise when seeing where it was on google maps so it is what it is. I would stay here again if i was in the same situation.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    Spokane KOA Journey

    This KOA was a convenient location for us as we travel after an "errand day" in Spokane. Other than for convenience, I wouldn't make a vacation destination out of this place. The restroom facilities are clean, the cell service is great, standard KOA set up (sardine rows for RVs, tents/cabins, back-ins along the edge). However, this KOA is surrounded by residences and businesses, and also right next to very active train tracks. The trains have been quite frequent day and night... and for some reason so has a rooster (all morning, day, and evening... it's crazy). The grass here is beyond dead, so tent campers beware: if it rains, you'll be all mud. All in all, the KOA itself is well-maintained, has the amenities you want, and a convenient spot if you need something near the city... but this is NOT a place to sit back, relax, and get away from it all.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pink House Recreation Site

    Full Means Full

    This is quite a popular spot b/c of boat launch area. Compact camping adjacent to day-use area. Fills early & no overnight parking allowed outside on CG.

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Tamarack RV Park And Vacation Cabins

    Pretty rv park with mature trees

    A really pretty setting, though the spaces feel a little narrow. I’d definitely come back.

  • Doug B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Spokane KOA Journey

    Terrible

    Grass dead and too expensive for no sewer hookup.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Camp Coeur D Alene

    Cabins, tent camping, RVs, Store

    The camp is close to the freeway and on the edge of the lake. The camp offers tent camping, full service RV camping, and cabins for rent. There are hiking trails adjacent, a well stocked camp store and laundry facilities.


Guide to Santa

Camping near Santa, Idaho, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Swimming and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Camp Coeur d'Alene, have swimming pools and offer free canoe rentals. One camper mentioned, "The swimming pool was well kept, and we really enjoyed using the free canoes."
  • Biking Trails: If you enjoy biking, check out Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park. A reviewer noted, "Most folks come in to bike the trail," making it a great spot for cycling enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Lake Elsie Campground are perfect for fishing. One visitor shared, "There is really good fishing and ATV trails for MILES through the wilderness!"

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Wolf Lodge Campground stated, "Very clean campgrounds, had a cute little dog park in it too."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. A camper at Hawleys Landing Campground mentioned, "This is a cute campground with great hosts."
  • Secluded Spots: Campers enjoy finding private areas to set up camp. One reviewer at Beauty Creek Campground said, "We found the last open spot in the rocky low area that was wide open."

What you should know

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during weekends. A visitor at Bumblebee Campground noted, "It was way too crowded. People were parked everywhere."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Rainy Hill Campground mentioned, "No water access, you have to drive to the boat ramp."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds are off the beaten path with rough roads. A review for Lake Elsie Campground warned, "The road is narrow, windy, and steep. Not at all trailer or big rig friendly."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like pools and playgrounds. A family at Camp Coeur d'Alene enjoyed, "Lots of free or low-priced activities for the kids."
  • Choose Shady Spots: When booking, opt for sites with shade to keep kids cool. A camper mentioned switching to a shadier site at Camp Coeur d'Alene for a better experience.
  • Plan for Fire Restrictions: Be aware of fire bans during dry seasons. A visitor at Hawleys Landing Campground noted, "We were camping during a fire ban and weren't able to use it."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Wallace RV Park said, "Full hookups $45, bit expensive however this includes showers and toilets free."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Wolf Lodge Campground mentioned, "Decent amount of highway noise."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Wallace RV Park appreciated, "Clean park with beautiful creekside camping."

Camping near Santa, Idaho, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santa, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santa, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa, ID and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Santa, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa, ID is Hawleys Landing Campground — Heyburn State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santa, ID?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Santa, ID.