The Coeur d'Alene National Forest surrounds Saltese, Montana, creating a rugged landscape at approximately 3,000 feet elevation where dense pine forests meet mountain streams. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summers remain mild with highs typically in the 70s-80s°F. Several campgrounds in this region offer fire pits with complimentary firewood—an uncommon amenity that enhances luxury camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing at multiple spots: The Clark Fork River runs through several campgrounds near Saltese, providing excellent fishing opportunities. At Sloway Campground, one camper notes, "It's right next to the river with a small boat launch." Anglers often visit during summer months when trout are most active.
Tour historic mines: Just 30 minutes from Saltese, the Crystal Gold Mine offers educational experiences. "The 40 minutes tour of the mine is awesome!! And, it comes with an opportunity to pan for gold and gems," reports one visitor. Tours cost $14 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
Bike the regional trails: The area features extensive trail systems. A camper at Sloway mentions, "The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is right across the road. The Trail of the Hiawatha is very close." These paved routes accommodate cyclists of all skill levels, connecting multiple small towns throughout the region.
What campers like
River access: Many campgrounds provide direct river frontage for swimming and boating. At Finley Flats, campers appreciate that "you can park your boat. We caught many fish and enjoyed swimming right on the river."
Private wooded sites: The natural tree coverage creates seclusion between camping spots. A visitor to Trout Creek Motel & RV Park describes "wooded grounds create a quiet and peaceful stay. Long, pull through RV sites that are over 80 feet long."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse animal populations, including moose. At By the Way Campground, guests are often "warned a Moose family likes to walk through" the property, creating unique wildlife viewing opportunities from the safety of camp.
What you should know
Train noise: Railways run near several campgrounds, causing noise disruptions. At Sloway Campground, one camper warns, "There are two road crossings across from the campground, and the trains are required to blow their horns when approaching these crossings. This can be annoying when the railroad is running a lot of trains during the night."
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in the mountainous terrain. At Cascade Campground, there's no ranger on-site and limited connectivity, making it important to "put cash in an envelope and drop it off, similar to other USFS sites."
Seasonal operation: Many luxury camping options near Saltese operate only during warmer months. Sylvan Lake Campground with its popular yurts runs "Memorial Day to Labor Day," requiring advance planning for summer visits.
Tips for camping with families
Hot springs proximity: Several natural hot springs lie within driving distance. A review for glamping close to Saltese, Montana mentions "hot springs within an hour drive," making for perfect day trips with children who need breaks from hiking and fishing.
Educational opportunities: The region's mining history provides learning experiences. At Devil's Elbow Campground, families can explore "The Coeur D'Alene National Forest, along the Coeur d'Alene River" while learning about historical mining operations that shaped the area.
Pack noise machines: For families with light sleepers, white noise devices help mitigate train and highway sounds. One camper at Sloway admits they "didn't know there were trains running all night long" and recommends "downloading a white noise app on my phone" to help children sleep through the noise.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Some sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. One RVer attempting to stay at Trout Creek Motel found "the office area and road to get to rv park were way to tight for our 40 ft fight wheel," highlighting the importance of confirming access before arrival.
Consider weather timing: Spring campers should prepare for high water and mud. The region experiences significant snowmelt, affecting campground conditions, particularly at riverside locations like Sloway where sites closest to the water may become unusable during peak runoff.
Nearby supply options: Several small towns provide necessary provisions within short driving distances. A camper at Camp Squatch appreciated being "literally 5 minutes to town," making it convenient to restock supplies during extended glamping stays near Saltese.
