Best Tent Camping near Kootenai National Forest
Tent campsites around Kootenai National Forest offer a mix of established and primitive options, with several sites providing direct water access. Yarnell Island Campground presents a unique boat-in tent camping experience on an island with concrete picnic tables and established tent pads, while Martin Lake offers secluded walk-in tent sites accessible only by hiking trail. These primitive tent sites provide backcountry-style camping without the crowds typical of more developed areas.
Most tent campgrounds in the Kootenai region have minimal amenities and require careful planning. Grave Creek Campground provides vault toilets but lacks drinking water, making it essential for tent campers to bring their own supplies. Sites range from established areas with tent pads to dispersed options on uneven terrain. Due to grizzly bear activity throughout the region, proper food storage is critical, with several sites like Lake Creek Campground offering bear boxes at developed sites. One camper reported that at Martin Lake, "there is one site right on the waters edge with a primitive fire ring" and advised "to store food by hanging from high tree branch to discourage bear investigations."
The tent camping experience in this area varies significantly by location and season. Areas along Lake Koocanusa and the Fisher River provide water access for swimming and fishing during summer months. Walk-in tent sites at locations like Solomon Lake offer greater seclusion and are often less crowded than drive-in alternatives. A visitor to Moose Lake noted that the campground was "very calm and quiet" despite having only "a few spots for dispersed tent camping." Many tent sites feature forest cover providing natural shade, though remote locations mean limited cell service throughout the region. Tent-only areas typically have more level, protected sites compared to mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate larger vehicles.
