Spirit Lake in northern Idaho sits at an elevation of 2,438 feet with surrounding mountains creating a microclimate that offers warm summer days and cool evenings. The area features a mix of dense coniferous forests and open meadows where tent campers can find both established and primitive sites. Camping options range from waterfront locations on Lake Pend Oreille to secluded forest spots in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.
What to do
Swimming at crystal-clear lakes: Green Bay Campground provides excellent swimming access with deep, clear waters. A camper noted, "You can walk all the way out to where you cannot touch and still see the rocks on the bottom."
Rock skipping competitions: The shoreline at Green Bay Campground offers perfect conditions for rock skipping. One visitor mentioned it has the "Best skipping rocks you'll ever find!"
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Nine Mile Recreation Area at Riverside State Park offers equipment rentals right at the campground. A reviewer mentioned, "You can rent kayaks, and paddle boards there."
Fly fishing: The tributaries around Breakwater Campground provide excellent fishing opportunities. A camper reported, "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing."
What campers like
Solitude on weekdays: Mid-week camping offers the best chance for quiet and privacy. One visitor to Green Bay Campground shared, "We arrived on a Wednesday and had the place nearly to our selves."
Waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate the direct lake access at several sites. A camper at Mica Bay Boater Park described it as having a "Big bay for tubing or swimming, close enough to downtown for gas and dinner, plus ice cream. Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish."
Wildlife viewing: The area offers excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. A Mica Bay visitor mentioned seeing "Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish."
Affordable options: Several primitive camping areas are free or low-cost. One camper at Skookum Creek Campground noted, "First- it's a free DNR campground. A site doesn't cost a dime. However, each site has a nice fire ring, large picnic table, and loads of elbow room."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have no connectivity. A camper noted about Breakwater Campground: "Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. It's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire."
Yellow jackets in summer: Insects can be numerous during summer months. A Green Bay Campground visitor warned, "Our only complaint was that there were a lot of yellow jackets- A LOT."
Road conditions: Some of the best tent camping near Spirit Lake requires navigating rough roads. A camper described Lakes Divide Road as "a steep but well maintained forest road."
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays get busy, especially at established campgrounds. One camper at Green Bay observed, "Midday Thursday, several car loads of families started filtering in. Someone pitched a tent 3 feet from ours."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For camping with children, select locations with basic facilities. At Amongst The Pines, a visitor shared, "The space was perfect for a couple young kids to run around and explore."
Consider activity options: Campgrounds with recreational facilities work best for families. A camper noted about Nine Mile Recreation Area, "Great family place, so much to do for everyone. Especially if you love the water."
Plan weekday visits: To avoid crowds with children, camp Sunday through Thursday. A Green Bay visitor advised, "Make sure to arrive early in the week if you want a camp site. Spots filled quickly in the days following."
Bring insect protection: Yellow jackets and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially for children. A camper mentioned, "Despite being frequently swarmed by them, neither of us got stung while we were there."
Tips from RVers
Limited large rig access: Most primitive sites around Spirit Lake aren't suitable for big rigs. Nine Mile Recreation Area offers some larger sites, with a camper noting, "The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in."
Road challenges: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. A camper warned, "Much of the road to the campground is unpacked and bumpy. Would not recommend for a low profile car."
Limited hookup options: Most of the best tent camping near Spirit Lake has no RV amenities. At Skookum Creek, a visitor described it as "Gravel road, ideal for tent camping."
Pack water and supplies: With few services available, come prepared. A Nine Mile Recreation Area camper advised, "There is hardly any shade at the campsite," highlighting the need to bring shade structures.
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