Tent camping options near Wallace, Idaho range from remote alpine lakes to riverside sites across the Panhandle National Forests. Most locations require planning for primitive conditions at elevations between 2,700-5,500 feet where summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F. The camping season generally runs from late May through September, with accessibility dependent on snowmelt at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Elsie Campground provides excellent trout fishing in a mountain setting. As one camper mentioned, "We always catch lots of brooke and rainbow trout and wild life is everywhere!" The lake's cold spring waters support healthy fish populations throughout summer months.
Cave exploration: At Marble Creek Campground, visitors can combine camping with unique geological features. A camper described, "Just miles from the camp, there is an old man-built cave that makes its way through the entire mountain. You can drop family members off, let them walk through the exciting damp, dark cave, and pick them up on the other side."
Mountain biking access: Telichpah Campground serves as a strategic basecamp for cycling the nearby Hiawatha Bike Trail. According to a visitor, "We wanted a place to tent camp as close to the Pearson, Idaho end of the Hiawatha Bike Trail as possible. This little (5 camping sites) primitive campground suited our needs perfectly."
Water activities: Beyond fishing, several lakes offer paddling opportunities. As one Lake Elsie visitor noted, "Awesome lake for kayaking and paddle boarding." Bring your own equipment as rentals aren't available at these remote locations.
What campers like
Alpine lake settings: The elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer heat. A Lake Elsie visitor shared, "This is one of the most spectacular campsites I have ever been to. It's off I-90, down a long (8ish mile) dirt road." Another mentioned it as "a beautiful alpine lake, which is obviously cold spring water."
Creek-side camping: Breakwater Campground offers stream-adjacent tent sites. A camper noted, "This campground stretches along a tributary of the CdA river, and there is great tent camping and fly fishing. Downside is that there is limited vehicle access to most spots."
Solitude on weekdays: Visiting during non-peak times increases chances for quieter experiences. One camper at Lake Elsie observed, "Multiple sites were vacant when we arrived on a Thursday afternoon in July," suggesting mid-week visits offer better site selection.
Trail connectivity: Many campgrounds serve as access points to extensive trail systems. At Packsaddle Campground, a visitor mentioned, "If you hike (or ride) on the local trails you find beautiful scenery."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require significant travel on rough forest roads. A Lake Elsie visitor warned, "The road up is rough, potholes, it does get better about halfway up. Expect at least 30 minutes to get up after you hit the gravel, and that's pushing it pretty hard."
Limited amenities: Most sites offer minimal facilities. At Breakwater Campground, a camper bluntly stated, "Great tent camping. Also, it's a great starting point to some really good dirt bike trails. Be prepared for no cell service. 0 amenities. it's just a place to pitch a tent and have a fire. And it cost nothing."
Bear safety: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. One Lake Elsie visitor cautioned, "We stay here often. Easy to drive up to. Any vehicle will do. Dirt road to the top where you will find a lovely little lake with 4-5 camp spots surrounding it...wild life is everywhere!"
Snow clearing timeframes: Higher elevation camps have delayed opening schedules. A Lake Elsie reviewer noted, "The road sometimes still has a good foot of snow until about Mid-June, so beware."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Prioritize locations with toilet facilities for family convenience. One camper at Telichpah noted, "It was clean, no frills, had a well-maintained vault toilet, and there was even a small creek for pleasant background sleeping sounds."
Water recreation: Little North Fork Campground combines fishing with swimming opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "Not many places to camp, but great fishing for cutthroats and rainbows. Takes a while to drive in, but well worth it once you are there!"
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience recreational vehicle traffic. One Lake Elsie visitor cautioned, "If you are not into ATV and dirt bike riding, I would not recommend. Other campers were riding their bikes all day and night making it very loud, especially with the echos off the lake."
Pack extra supplies: Basic amenities vary widely between campgrounds. A Lake Elsie visitor observed, "Sites only had a fire pit, I believe there are also pit toilets but I didn't have time to check them out."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most campgrounds near Wallace accommodate smaller rigs only. One Lake Elsie visitor specifically warned, "ROAD IS NARROW, WINDY, AND STEEP. not at all trailer or big rig friendly."
Parking availability: Some sites offer multiple vehicle spaces despite limited amenities. A visitor to Tingley Spring observed, "There are two parking spots for each campsite which is good cause I always travel in a small group for safety."
Cell service: Communication is limited throughout the region. A Breakwater visitor noted, "No Reception! We didn't find it since there is no reception anywhere nearby and ended up at Bumblebee."
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from late spring through early fall only. Check National Forest websites for current status before traveling.
