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Established Camping

Rainy Hill Campground

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Rainy Hill Campground, near the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, is a solid choice for those looking for a free camping spot with a bit of rustic charm. It offers a mix of tent and RV sites, though amenities are pretty basic, so come prepared for a more back-to-nature experience.

The campground is known for its stunning views, especially from the higher spots where you can catch a glimpse of the lake. Visitors have mentioned the peaceful atmosphere, with only the sounds of birds and the occasional coyote breaking the silence. One camper noted, “Beautiful view over the lake, no mosquitos in September,” which is a nice perk if you time your visit right.

While there are no drinking water or electric hookups, the area does allow campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Just keep in mind that some sites can be a bit rugged, so if you're bringing a big rig, you might want to scout out the best spots first.

For those who enjoy biking, the campground is conveniently close to the d'Alene bike trail, offering a great way to explore the surrounding wilderness. If you're looking for a quiet retreat with a few basic comforts, Rainy Hill Campground could be just the ticket for your next adventure.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

This site features a boat ramp and toilets and provides access to fishing and boating on Medicine and Cave Lakes. There is an additional boat launch on Medimont Road 1/2 mile further west.

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Location

Rainy Hill Campground is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

23 miles east of Coeur d'Alene on I-90, take exit 34 (Rose Lake), drive 11 miles on State Hwy 3, turn west and drive 1 mile to boating area.

Coordinates

47.47472193 N
116.58711097 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Rainy Hill Campground needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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3.5

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Nice FREE spot in a pinch

Needed to find a camp spot last minute on a Friday evening. Took our chances and drove out to Rainy Hill Campground. We found the last open spot in the rocky low area that was wide open. A few big rigs could pull in there but would be best for one group rather than many. Not the most beautiful spot but did have some nice surrounding trees. The other campgrounds were up on the hill and far enough away to still feel private but the area we parked was highly visible from the road and people looking down from the hill tops.

Some mosquito activity and the ground was pretty rugged that we opted to stay in the vehicle for the evening and move on the next morning.

SiteLower rocky area next to road
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Joshua C., July 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Joshua C., July 8, 2024
Reviewed May. 23, 2024

Quiet overlook camp

Easy access only 20 minutes from interstate - quiet except the bird songs and occasional coyotes. No mosquitoes in May but imagine it could be very buggy in summer months since it’s next to a river/marsh. Seemed like there was 5-6 spots for car / tent camping.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Jordan L., May 23, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2023

Perfect 4 overnight recharge

In September, no mosquitoes. 2 other camper on a Monday. We started near fire rings near water but moved up the hill to be alone. Used the pit toilet at boat ramp next door. Perfect stop not to far off of i90 to rest. Road paved and Gravel around camp spots. I had 4g cell at top of hill T-Mobile.

Sitedispersed up hill
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Renee T., September 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Renee T., September 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Renee T., September 12, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2022

MOSQUITOS GALORE

Decent site, looks like there are about 3-4 dispersed spots. Be aware of the mosquitos, if you are prone to getting bit. some sites sit near the water (not flowing), stay at your own risk, Otherwise, the sites are big and provide plenty of space between you and our neighbors. No water access, you have to drive to the boat ramp. If you are from out of state, you must stop by the water craft check points.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2022

Noisy neighbor

Just outside of campground, dispersed camping. Nice view. No amenities here & one noisy neighbor. Generator, loud music.

Siteoutside of campground
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2022

Too many mosquitos

Camped here one night. Campground is set off the main highway by a few miles, was a pretty drive through the marsh. We camped at the upper loop. There was 1 small site and 1 big site up. No service at the site or for a few miles before. Was pretty overall but had a ridiculous amount of mosquitos. Ended up sitting in our tent for a while before sunset because nothing was keeping them away. Its a good free spot when your in a pinch but definately some weird energy that I could not quite put my finger on.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Jade M., June 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Jade M., June 27, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2022

Definitely out of the way

We found this place rather easily with the directions given, but actually finding there places to park was a little challenging. There is a little loop on the hill opposite from the Rainy Lake boat launch that can support 3 campers. We arrived simultaneously with a couple and a fifth wheel, so we took the small one (sprinter van) and let them maneuver into the big one. Fire pits are good, a little aaays from the parking spots, and a pit toilet down the road. Super quiet spot, although very close to a newly paved road.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Steve K., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Steve K., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Steve K., June 15, 2022
Reviewed May. 27, 2022

Rainy hill Campground

Had zero issues here; awesome view; Moose eating breakfast and dinner,near us we saw a few Bald Eagles around. Very clean parking area-we stayed at the top loop; enough for three vans and a few tent areas with make shift fire-rings. Bottom loop; enough for 5th wheels and a few bigger Class-C’s. Boat ramp near was clean; M/W porta-johns were just dumped and prepped. Bike and walking trail head to the west of the area was close snd trail is all paved! SUPER nice people everyday and quiet each night. We would stay here again.

Sitetop of loop
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2021

Okay in a pinch, a bit sketchy for a solo camper

I found this free spot on another free campsites app. It’s right next to a National Forest boat launch, where there are 2 pit toilets. The campgrounds themselves are dispersed, with already human made fire rings. Some sites are next to the water (those were taken), I ended up driving to see what’s open and settled on top of a hill. There was another camper who must have been there for a while, set up a little tarp village, he looked like he was moved in there… and then a bear up pickup truck drove by few times - something about it felt sketchy to me. I explored a bit more the next day - there are several walk-in sites which looked great - but you can’t drive into those - some up on a hill, some at the bottom of a hill past big boulders.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Ursula , September 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Ursula , September 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Rainy Hill Campground by Ursula , September 8, 2021
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Rainy Hill Campground?

    Rainy Hill Campground is located at 2148 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Rainy Hill Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rainy Hill Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rainy Hill Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is fair.