The Silver Valley region near Wallace, Idaho sits at approximately 2,700 feet elevation in the Bitterroot Mountains. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with cooler nights even during peak season. Campgrounds in this area often feature a mix of forested sites and open spaces, providing varied options for tent camping, RVs, and luxury glamping experiences.
What to do
Explore historic mining sites: Crystal Gold Mine offers activities beyond just camping. "Nice place to stop over for the night or a few days. There is a gold mine tour and gift shop on the property. Convenient to a small town and a lot of nature to see in the area. Very friendly staff and the mine tour is well worth it. Especially for kids," notes Jeff T.
Bike scenic trails: The Chatcolet Campground provides direct access to popular cycling routes. "We picked this campground for its access to the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes. The campground is small and peaceful, at least mid week. Lovely views of the lake through the trees," according to Annie B. The trail connects multiple towns and scenic areas across the Silver Valley.
Fish local waters: Opportunities for angling exist at multiple sites near Wallace. "This campsite is perfect for a simple and free camping spot. Doesn't have any hook ups but is right on the water and you can park your boat. We caught many fish and enjoyed swimming right on the river," reports Riley G. about Finley Flats campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Camp Coeur D Alene receives high marks for site layout. "We were lucky enough to land the island campground which made the whole experience amazing! 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.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "This is a little Campground/Rv Park right off I-90. It has about 15 RV spots and a handful of tent sites with a fire ring. There are clean, warm bathrooms with showers and very friendly management," Julie H. mentions about By the Way Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Several sites offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "Small RV park, with a few tent sites. Hosts were lovely people. Large clean bathrooms and showers. Park like environment. Was warned a Moose family likes to walk through, but didn't see them," reports Jana J. at By the Way Campground.
What you should know
Highway noise affects some sites: Many campgrounds near Wallace sit close to Interstate 90, creating ambient noise. "This campground is next to the interstate. I called last minute as we were driving through and was offered a tent site next to 'the creek'—turns out the creek is the ditch between the highway and campsite. It's loud, and bright with lights from the highway," warns Ashlee B. about Wolf Lodge Campground.
Train sounds at riverside locations: Railroad tracks follow several waterways. "This is an absolutely lovely rustic campground. What brings the campground down to a four is that it is nestled between I 90 and a very active train line. It takes getting used to the noise," Lisa K. notes about Sloway Campground.
Seasonal availability: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Most open from late May through September, with some closing after Labor Day. Wolf Lodge Campground specifically operates from "May 15 to Oct 1," while Camp Coeur D Alene runs from "May 20 to Sep 15."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Sloway Campground offers accessible water recreation. "While my hubby flyfishes, I float on the Clark Fork. You can put in right from your campsite, the beach by the pullthru sites, Dry Creek or Superior, then float to your campsite/beach, St Regis, or 14 Mile/Ferry Landing," shares Lisa C.
Easy access sites: Look for campgrounds with pull-through options when traveling with children. "Lots of camp sites right on the river. Spaced out very nicely. You can hear some highway traffic and the train does come right up next to the river," reports Mai-Lien T. about Sloway Campground.
Consider glamping in Wallace area: Premium canvas accommodations offer a middle ground between camping and hotels. Camp Squatch provides "Basic camping at its best! Beautiful hideaway!" according to Deborah W., making it suitable for families wanting comfort without the full RV experience.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup locations: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "Huge site with a brand new picnic table and nice fire ring. Nice & small campground overall," Jennifer H. mentions about Crystal Gold Mine, which provides full hookup capability.
Site size considerations: Gilmore Campground can accommodate larger rigs. "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 for 'stuff'. My site didn't have a lot of shade but the breeze was enough that it was comfortable all day," Shelly S. explains about the campground's layout.
Year-round access options: For those traveling outside summer, Gilmore Campground at Farragut State Park offers "Open Year Round" availability, while By the Way Campground also operates "All year," providing options for off-season glamping in the Wallace region.
