Wendie K.
Guide
GuideWaldron Campground — Farragut State Park
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Camping near Spirit Lake, ID
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Spirit Lake in northern Idaho features both developed and primitive camping options, with notable locations like Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground offering lakefront sites with RV hookups and cabin rentals. The surrounding area includes campgrounds within Farragut State Park and along the Coeur d'Alene River, giving campers choices ranging from full-hookup RV sites to more secluded tent camping experiences. Most established campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water, while several offer direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating activities.
Camping seasons typically run from May through September, with some facilities remaining open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences warm summers and cold winters, with spring bringing variable conditions including potential storms. Cell coverage varies throughout the area, with stronger signals near larger towns and limited service in more remote locations. Road conditions are generally good to most established campgrounds, though some dispersed sites may require high-clearance vehicles. As one visitor noted, "Northern Idaho is beautiful! I'm from Kentucky so maybe this is a best kept secret or it's just not well advertised, but the amazing scenery was a pleasant surprise."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Spirit Lake area. Campers frequently mention the quality of fishing opportunities, particularly along the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River where "the fish were jumping like crazy" according to recent reviews. Farragut State Park campgrounds receive consistently positive feedback for their spacious sites, privacy provided by trees and vegetation, and access to hiking trails around Lake Pend Oreille. The mature cedar trees at Sedlmayer's Resort provide welcome shade and privacy throughout the campground. Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, enhance the camping experience in this region. For families, several campgrounds offer child-friendly amenities including swimming areas with sandy beaches and open spaces for activities.
Best Campgrounds near Spirit Lake (220)
1. Riley Creek Campground
"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."
"Today I check out a great little campground/recreation area on Lake Pend Oreille( locally pronounced Pond Array")."
from $35 - $75 / night
Check Availability2. Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park
"Gilmore Campground Farragut State Park, Idaho Lake Pend Oreille Who Knew?!!
I crossed the Montana / Idaho state line this morning and was pleasantly surprised at the AMAZING scenery ."
"And Lake Pend Oreille is simply breathtaking. We had limited Verizon connectivity — 2 bars at most."
from $31 - $33 / night
Check Availability3. Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park
"There is easy access to both Silverwood and Coeur D'Alene Idaho outside the campground. Apparently there is a former U.S. Naval brig turned museum at the park as well."
"Farragut State Park in scenic Northern Idaho is a huge campground that is open year-round."
4. Bald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park
"It doesn't seem like a heavily used campground, possibly because of it's close proximity to the city or maybe because there are no swimming areas nearby."
"This campground is exactly what you’d expect, nestled away close to the peak of mount spokane. Huckleberry season was upon us when we visited and we hardly had to leave the campground to find plenty."
from $31 / night
Check Availability5. Silverwood RV Park
"It's next to Silverwood theme park, so you can camp the night before, hit the theme park early, and then crash after a fun filled day. The spaces are close and very open."
"5 minute walk to theme parks under the highway. Site 74 backed up to a fence. Had no neighbors. But was furthest from the parks."
6. Priest River
"The bonus here is that it is close to Sandpoint, one of our favorite places we visited in Idaho."
"However, there are some downsides to the spot and the campground that cannot be ignored. 1) It is very close to the highway so you hear the cars all day."
from $10 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground
"Located in northern Idaho and right on Spirit Lake, this campground has 31 RV sites that can accommodate various sizes of RVs."
"The wifi was available, but only close to the restaurant. Full hookups are available for most sites. There is a private beach that was nice for swimming. Staff is friendly and helpful."
from $49 / night
Check Availability8. Round Lake State Park Campground
"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."
from $12 - $29 / night
Check Availability9. Ravenwood RV Resort
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability10. Thimbleberry Group Camp — Farragut State Park
"Being from Kentucky I now rank myself as a lightweight after visiting Farragut State Park and realizing the weather people camp during in Idaho!"
"My favorite group camps are Thimbleberry (horse friendly) and Locust Grove (lake views). But there are 7 group camps to choose from."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 46 min from Spokane, WA
- 2 hrs 23 min from Lewiston, ID
- 3 hrs 20 min from Walla Walla, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Spirit Lake, ID
229 Photos of 220 Spirit Lake Campgrounds
Brock W.
Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground
Corinna B.
Silverwood RV Park
Paige B.
Bald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park
Deanna D.
Thimbleberry Group Camp — Farragut State Park
Ronald
Gilmore Campground — Farragut State Park
Nanette C.
Riley Creek Campground
Jill T.
Whitetail Campground — Farragut State Park
Rick G.
Snowberry Campground — Farragut State Park
Samantha W.
Priest River
Travis D.
Mokins Bay Campground
Les G.
Albeni Cove
Campfiresandcoffee94 .
Round Lake State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Spirit Lake, ID
965 Reviews of 220 Spirit Lake Campgrounds
- WWendy W.Guide
CDA River RV, Riverfront Campground
Very enjoyable
We wanted to dry camp beside the river and fortunately for us we got a great spot for 2 nights. Far from everyone else. As the campground is situated along the famous Coeur d’ Alene bicycle path it gave us the opportunity to explore. Great experience. Lovely new and clean bathhouse with warm water. The host (Betsy) was very pleasant and welcoming. Enjoyed getting some exercise walking around the campground.
- WWendy W.Guide
Coeur d'Alene National Forest Big Hank Campground
OK for overnight stay
We had traveled a long way for my husband to fish, but unfortunately, with it being at the end of the Coeur d’Alene River, no fish were in sight. It was very clean water and shallow. Be aware of the choice of road you take as we had a detour which took us up and over the Thompson pass from Montana to Idaho and it was 30 miles of twists and turns with 8 to 10% grades in a 30 foot motorhome very scary. Relieved to get to the camp in one piece!
- RRae F.Guide
North Fork Chewelah Creek
Large rig approved - Private creek access
I had a great time here with my huskies and my cat. I updated the location here on The Dyrt app. The exact address is 3399 Sand Canyon Rd, Chewelah, WA. There are at least 10 dispersed fire rings. Many of the sites have direct access to the creek. There are multiple trails that go up and down both sides of the creek and many logs that have fallen over it so you can walk across to the other side. The entire creek is fully shaded by trees and doesn’t get much sun. It only gets to about knee-deep in some parts - it’s July right now. People use this area for snow activities in the winter. There are many large areas with hard packed dirt that are relatively level and good for big rigs. There is one pit toilet bathroom that I can see and a few picnic tables. This is an active logging road right now so trucks go by every hour or so. There is definitely wildlife out here. Be cautious for bears and other large predators. I have seen wild turkeys, squirrels, tons of different birds, butterflies, and something large ran behind our campsite last night. There is plenty of shade and also plenty of open areas for setting up solar panels with all day sun. There is no cell service up here, but Starlink works great. The creek is beautiful and clear and cold. So refreshing and if you really needed to drink it, you probably could. I have not seen any hiking trails per se, however, you could walk up and down the logging roads and explore the forest line pretty easily in many parts. If you go up the logging road to the right, there is an old mine that you can access. There seems to be little pathways spread out randomly through the forest as you continue down the road. This is the perfect spot for boondocking, unless you’re worried about cell service. I’ve been able to leave my dogs off leash and they are so happy to run free through the creek and around the fields and through the forest. This place really does have so much to offer. We’re here by ourselves right now, so we have the luxury of privacy and perfect quietness to enjoy the sound of the creek and the bugs and the birds.
- RRae F.Guide
Northfork Chewelah Creek
Perfect spot by the Chewelah Creek
I don’t normally leave reviews like this, but there is some confusion about the location of this place. I believe there is another location listed here on the dyrt app. If you put 3399 Sand Canyon Rd into your GPS you’ll get here just fine. This is the perfect spot for boondocking. There are at least 10 campfire rings and huge open spots to park big rigs. Plenty of creek access, I’m sure you could fish here, but I’m not into that. The creek gets up to about knee-deep in the deepest spots. This is connected to an active logging Road so there are logging trucks that go by every few hours. But that also means you know the roads are good for heavy rigs. I’ve been here for a few days and there were only two other people here when I got here and now it’s just me. This is a great spot for privacy. There are minimal mosquitoes, lots of butterflies, definitely a good amount of flies, dragonflies, wild turkeys, and I just saw a large bird flying overhead that looked like a crane.
- BBrian B.Guide
Liberty Lake Regional Park
Very clean lots of shade
Me and the pup had a lot of fun there only stayed two nights
- BBrian B.Guide
Bowl and Pitcher Campground — Riverside State Park
Great place relaxing
We really enjoyed this Camp Grounds with full hook ups. The campsites are very well kept and maintained have shower houses Trash plenty of places to walk and you’re right on the river. I had good cell service and Stoffer very helpful
- BBrian B.Guide
Ruby’s Resort & RV @ Silver Lake
Hreat
The staff is great. The views are great. Has a beach dog friendly had water and Electric and dump station bathrooms trash in the park is kept very clean.
John S.
ScoutBald Knob Campground — Mount Spokane State Park
A gem up high on Mt. Spokane
If you'd like a lovely campground standing 3000 ft above the northeast Columbia basin, this would be hard to beat. It's simply beautiful. A couple hundred feet you can peer twenty miles to the east (probably more). The campground is small (8 sites) and compact (you'll have neighbors near), but that's a good design choice --- the little plateau at Bald Knob simply isn't big enough for more.
If you're up for a stroll, then climb (or drive!) to the top of Mt. Spokane. On a clear day you can see three states (WA/ID/MT) and two countries (USA/Canada). If you get to the campground and then *don't* take a side trip to the top of Mt. Spokane, you will need to have your head examined. [N.B. If you're driving a motorhome, do *not* drive to the summit past the campground: the narrow one-lane (paved) road is just not going to let you go up while other cars are coming down.]
If you go there at the right time of year, you can stroll a couple hundred feet and harvest huckleberries. Actual huckleberries. I had waffles with fresh huckleberries, so eat your heart out.
This is one of the pricier campgrounds ($39/night in 2026), but there's potable water and restrooms with flush toilets and even hot water(!). And of course, there are bear-proof food lockers and garbage bins for each site.
Guide to Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake in northern Idaho sits at an elevation of approximately 2,437 feet in the Idaho Panhandle, surrounded by dense pine forests with temperatures averaging 70-85°F during summer camping seasons. The area features both commercial and state-managed camping spots with varying amenities and access points around the 1,445-acre lake. Camping options range from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent spots, many requiring advance booking during peak season.
What to Do
Fishing access points: Riley Creek Campground provides excellent access for anglers with clean, spacious sites near water. "Bring your Boat, Kayak, Canoe, Bike, & Bathing Suit (in summer). My favorite Army Corps of Engineers run Campground," notes Kasey T. in their review of Riley Creek Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems surround the camping spots near Spirit Lake, Idaho. Round Lake State Park offers varied terrain for different skill levels. "We hiked the Round Lake trail. It also was very well maintained," reports The N. about Round Lake State Park Campground.
Model airplane field: For hobbyists, Farragut State Park has dedicated recreation areas. "There is a model plane field nearby and bird watching area," mentions Shelly S. about the Thimbleberry Group Camp section of the park.
Tree to Tree Adventure Park: This aerial challenge course offers a unique experience for adventurous campers. "The park has a lot of options. You can swim, boat, SUP, mountain bike, and hike... and a new tree to tree ropes course," explains Todd B. in a review of Farragut State Park.
What Campers Like
Private beach access: Many campers value waterfront amenities at their camping locations. At Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground, "there's a cute little restaurant with a bar and you can get to go drinks," notes Mackenzie M. about Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground, adding, "Right on the lakefront with your own private beach."
Free amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected perks. "This place has great amenities (free canoes, hot showers, flush toilets, free firewood) which made it the nicest campground I had been to for awhile," explains Jared in his review of Camp Coeur D Alene.
Dog-friendly areas: Pet owners appreciate designated spaces for their dogs. "There is also a pet area, and you can take your dogs for a swim," notes Roger L. about Riley Creek Campground, highlighting the campground's accommodation for four-legged campers.
Mature trees: The natural shade is valued by many campers. "There are numerous mature cedar trees providing shade and privacy throughout the campground," writes Brock W. about Sedlmayer's Resort & Campground, describing the environmental features that enhance comfort.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: During peak season, walk-up sites are limited. "We did not have reservations so had to join a lottery to get one of the walk up sites. Despite arriving early in the morning, we did not know until mid afternoon if we got a site," explains Chelsea K. about Riley Creek Campground.
Weather variations: Temperature differences between town and mountain campgrounds can be significant. "When Spokane had a heat wave of over 100 degrees temperature everyday, on Mt. Spokane the temperatures were a good 10 - 15 degrees cooler," reports Freddie Faith M. about Bald Knob Campground.
Campsite spacing: Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are a little close to the road and traffic noise. Campground is very near town with stores fuel and restaurants," observes Michael T G. about Priest River campground.
Winter access: Some campgrounds maintain year-round operation. "We were fortunate enough to meet some sled dog trainers at camp and even saw them along the trail," recalls Deanna D. about winter camping at Thimbleberry Group Camp.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground proximity: Some sites offer optimal placement near kid-friendly areas. "From camp site 12 you can see the playground if you were to bring kids!" mentions Lisa about Priest River campground, noting the convenience for parents.
Swimming beaches: Family-friendly water access points are available at several locations. "The swimming area is nice with kind of sandy beach," reports Jason S. about Round Lake State Park Campground, though he notes "there is a bit of seaweed in the swimming area."
Theme park access: For families seeking additional entertainment, Silverwood RV Park offers unique convenience. "It's next to Silverwood theme park, so you can camp the night before, hit the theme park early, and then crash after a fun filled day," explains Christon C., highlighting the logistical advantage.
Bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms matter for family comfort. "The bathrooms are well kept also. It's a great place if you're looking for easy camping with the kids," shares Alex W. about Farragut State Park campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup specifics: Power options vary by site and campground. "Make sure you reserve the correct power hookup for your RV," advises Christon C. about Silverwood RV Park, emphasizing the importance of matching your equipment needs.
Site dimensions: RV users should verify size compatibility before booking. "Sites have little to no tree cover. If it is hot out your camp will be hot," Brian C. notes about Silverwood RV Park, adding "If you have an RV, life is a lot easier at this park."
Seasonal availability: Winter camping presents unique challenges for RVers. "There was only one hookup spot plowed, and its connectivity was not stable. We decided not to stay as our Tesla kept reporting electrical risk every 10 minutes," reports Nic F. about winter conditions at Round Lake State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Spirit Lake, ID?
What camping is available near Spirit Lake, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, Spirit Lake, ID offers a wide range of camping options, with 220 campgrounds and RV parks near Spirit Lake, ID and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Spirit Lake, ID?
Which is the most popular campground near Spirit Lake, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Spirit Lake, ID is Riley Creek Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Spirit Lake, ID?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Spirit Lake, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Spirit Lake, ID.
What parks are near Spirit Lake, ID?
What parks are near Spirit Lake, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Spirit Lake, ID that allow camping, notably Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Lake Pend Oreille.
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