Tent campsites near Lenore, Idaho cluster primarily around Dworshak Reservoir, with several walk-in options accessible via the Big Eddy trail system. Mini Camp sites at 3.5, 4.7, and 4.8 miles offer primitive tent camping with waterfront access, while Dworshak National Fish Hatchery and Big Eddy Marina provide established campground options. The surrounding Clearwater National Forest contains additional tent camping locations accessible from town.
Most sites feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though drinking water is rarely available at the primitive locations. The Mini Camp sites require hiking between 1-5 miles from trailheads and are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. According to one visitor, "The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles," making access challenging but rewarding for tent campers. Vault toilets are present at several locations, but campers should plan to pack out waste where facilities aren't available. Summer temperatures typically range from warm 80s during the day to mild 50s at night.
Tent campers at Mini Camp sites enjoy exceptional privacy with significant distance between neighboring sites. A recent review noted, "Trees provide a bit of wind coverage though we enjoyed perfect temperatures day and night." The walk-in tent locations feature direct water access, with long ramps to the water and excellent fishing opportunities. Sites 4.7 and 4.8 sit higher with panoramic reservoir views, while the 3.5 mile site provides a more sheltered forest setting surrounded by ferns. For those seeking drive-in tent camping options, Giant White Pine Campground offers spacious wooded sites approximately 30 miles northwest of Lenore, though highway noise can be noticeable for tent campers due to passing logging trucks.
"This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles. There’s free dispersed camping sites starting after 4.5 miles down the trail."
"Approx. 4 1/4mi from Big Eddy and 4 7/8mi from Freeman Creek, this spot sits perfectly off the Bid Eddy trail."
from $10 / night
"Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot."
from $10 / night
"Little wind coverage during the day though it’s very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot."
from $10 / night
"This is an easy 1mi hike from Big Eddy Recreation area on the Big Eddy trail."
from $10 / night
"Sometimes it’s hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."
"We stayed in site #4 which was right at the end with glimpses of the Palouse through the trees and lots of space. You could easily set up 2 tents there. It was $15 a night plus $5 for an extra car."
"Plenty of space Fe our vehicle, a fire pit and grill area. Just overall a great experience."
from $25 / night
"I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear. This area is not open for winter camping. I have found few that are though."
"Super easy access from the road, clean sites though somewhat close to neighboring sites. Awesome trails nearby for all levels"
TravelerPoor cell service, no internet, pool closed 8 campsites, loud as right on hwy top dollar $45. Water will shut off any day due to winter temps. So you’re paying for a loud site, no amenities,but electric and turdwater seems high.
RangerKOA eastbound on US -12 enroute from Oregon to Missoula, MT. Located in the woods South of Kamiah, MT. Staff is minimal manned but they handle the customer service expertly. Bath/Shower rooms are perfectly cleaned and look newly remodeled. Plenty of sites; intermixed with 30/50 amp power,water and some without sewer.
TravelerVery nice owners! We came in late in pouring rain and she was still so helpful and nice. Very nice camp ground.
GuideIt appeared the camp host held the most shaded campsite for friends. They said the occupant was at work but no one ever occupied the site. Bathrooms were not very clean. The campsite did have full hook ups and it was only $18. There was a boat ramp. River was beautiful.
ScoutGreat spot for a quick overnight. Bull moose in the road just before the top. Well maintained roads and sites.
ScoutClean, beautiful spacious the people that own the campground are friendly and helpful. It’s a great place to camp the real bonus is there’s food there so you don’t have to do any cooking. It’s delicious!
LegendDrove to this camp ground. It is a beautiful place, unfortunately its closed without reason. But it is what it is
LegendNice little camp ground. 12$ a night. A few other campers around but still have space on either side of my van. Picnic benches at each site
ScoutFantastic camp spots with good tree cover, plenty of docks for fishing at the local lake. Town nearby, and not to far off the main road. Note that there are pit toilets in the loops and flush toilets at the main shower
Tent campsites near Lenore, Idaho offer backcountry experiences along the shorelines of Dworshak Reservoir in the Clearwater National Forest. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with summer high temperatures averaging in the 80s°F. Access to many campsites requires significant hiking effort with steep initial sections giving way to more moderate terrain through dense forest surroundings.
Hammock camping opportunities: Giant White Pine Campground provides ideal setups for hammock enthusiasts with abundant trees at appropriate spacing. According to one camper, "I really like this campground for hammock camping. I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear."
Hiking exploration: Mini Camp 5.0 serves as a base for exploring the Big Eddy trail system. A visitor noted, "Views are spectacular. Little wind coverage during the day though it's very private with quite a distance off the Big Eddy trail to get down to the waterside spot."
Educational visits: Dworshak National Fish Hatchery offers learning opportunities for all ages. "The fish hatchery is a really fun educational stop. It's suitable for all ages. If you go at the right time of the year they have hands on activities for the whole family," reports one visitor.
Accessibility features: Partridge Creek Campground provides options for visitors with mobility concerns. A camper shared, "Sometimes it's hard to find sites where you can have a person in a wheelchair move around okay. These sites are good for that according to my cousin who has camped with out family in this area."
Privacy between sites: Mini Camp 4.8 offers notable seclusion from neighboring campers. One visitor reported, "Another private off-shoot from the Big Eddy trail, mini camp 4.8 is first come first served and a highly sought after spot. Perched a bit higher than the sites around it you'll find some wonderful views and privacy to set up your tent at the tree edge."
Water access points: Mini Camp 3.5 features practical water entry points. A camper noted, "Great shallow ramp for a boat and easy access the a dip is the res or to get your water to filter. Fire ring, picnic table and vault toilets make for a comfortable stay."
Trail difficulty varies: The Big Eddy trail system begins with challenging terrain before moderating. A hiker observed, "This is a backpacking trail. The first half mile is difficult but then the trail levels out and is easy for many miles."
Water safety considerations: Mini Camp 4.7 offers water access but requires caution. According to one camper's experience, "Friendly little birds visited us regularly and excellent fishing off any of the sides you are surrounded by. Don't let the short distance fool you, this hike will test you, especially with a heavy pack, but SO worth it!"
Limited road access: Merrys Bay Campground requires navigating challenging terrain to reach the sites. A camper warned, "Steep road leading down to camp but very beautiful place for a picnic."
Playground availability: Kamiak Butte County Park offers facilities for children. A visitor mentioned, "Running water and pit toilets on site. Very nice playground in the day use area."
Wildlife observation opportunities: Several sites feature abundant small mammals for children to observe. One camper at Kamiak Butte noted, "So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families."
Site selection for groups: Larger families should consider spacious sites. At Mini Camp 4.8, a visitor observed, "A nice long ramp to the water and plenty of space this site is ideal for a larger group."
Noise considerations: Giant White Pine Campground experiences traffic noise that affects tent campers more than RV users. A reviewer noted, "Right off the highway, so traffic noise consistently. The trails are nice, but you don't come across water very often. Better for bikes and atv's."
Limited hookup options: RV campers should prepare for dry camping. One visitor reported, "The 14 sites are spacious and pretty, and only $8 per night. No electric hookup available."
Parking limitations: Vehicle space constraints exist at some campgrounds. A camper warned, "It's now $12 to camp with $2 for additional vehicles. There isn't much extra parking though, so you may end up parking on the road outside of the campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lenore, ID?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lenore, ID is Big Eddy Marina & Lodge — Dworshak State Park with a 5.0-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lenore, ID?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Lenore, ID, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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