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Smith Lake Campground

7 ReviewsAdd Review

Fishing enthusiasts will find Smith Lake Campground offers direct access to a small lake where anglers report consistent catches. This free Forest Service campground sits just minutes from Moyie Springs, with approximately eight first-come, first-served sites that accommodate cars and smaller RVs but cannot handle large rigs.

The campground provides vault toilets and hand-pump wells with potable water that forest staff test monthly for quality. Sites sit back from the lake among fir trees, with a separate day-use area featuring a fishing dock, boat launch, and fire pits positioned closer to the water. Todd M. notes the lake "looks decent for swimming" and is refreshing during warmer months.

Wildlife activity runs high in this area, with squirrels and various bird species commonly observed in the trees. Bear warnings are posted throughout the campground, and campers report grizzlies and other wildlife frequent the region, though no bear boxes are provided. The campground operates adjacent to private logged land where active timber operations occasionally occur during the day.

The facility operates from May through September, with one site located outside the gate that may remain accessible after the official season ends. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore places to camp near Moyie Springs for more developed amenities.

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Location

Public Campground

Smith Lake Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

Travel north on US 95 from Bonners Ferry, Idaho to its' junction with US 2. Continue north on US 95 for 2.2 miles then turn east on the Smith Lake Road (County Road #36) for 2.3 miles to the lake and campground.

Coordinates

48.77878 N
116.264 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 4/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 10 users
    Last on 4/23/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

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 Smith Lake Campground needs a permit.

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General Info

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the peaceful setting and well-maintained facilities including clean vault toilets and potable water. A common theme was the campground's proximity to a beautiful lake for swimming and fishing, though sites aren't suitable for large RVs.

Lee F.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2024

Quiet, clean

A real gem of a find! Although the campsites are not lakefront, it's only a short walk to the day use area with a fishing dock, boat launch and dock, and a nice public area. Although the lake isn't particularly large, the people we saw fishing were catching. There appears to be 8 sites, one of which is outside of the gate which may be locked after the end of September. At least half of the sites have a nice sized tent area. Most people were tenting when we were there. We arrived at 2pm on a Wednesday and had 4 sites to choose from

Site4
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Lee F., September 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Lee F., September 19, 2024
R
Reviewed May. 28, 2023

Peaceful

Smith lake campground is so peaceful and relaxing. Birds chirping and squirrels chittering make a beautiful addition to mother nature's wild music.

Siteday use
Month of VisitApril
Ann W.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2021

Little Paradise

Nice campground with a small beautiful lake. Very quite and about 6 to seven sites. All sites are fist come. Sites would not accommodate a large RV or trailer. Vaulted toilet. Lake is refreshing to swim in.

Month of VisitAugust
Todd M.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2020

Small Campground close to Bonner’s Ferry

This is a small campground just a few minutes outside of Bonner’s Ferry. Probably 6 spaces, all big enough for a car or van but not suitable for large RV’s. Vault toilets and the ubiquitous green campground pumps/drinking fountain for potable water.

You can’t see Smith Lake from the campground, but it is just a few minute walk through the trees. The lake itself looks decent for swimming.

Although definitely in bear country, there were no food boxes. We were motorcycling camping so made sure to put everything away. That close to Bonner’s Ferry perhaps risk of bears not as great, but hard to know.

The campground is adjacent to private land that has been logged, and there was logging activity while we were there. It didn’t bother us, but the proximity to town coupled with how close it is to homes and other private property makes it not a destination campground in any respect and hardly far enough out of town to constitute getting away. But, it made a good stop for the night on our way to Montana and points beyond.

  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Todd M., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Todd M., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Todd M., October 3, 2020
Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2020

Love this place

Such a nice campground. Access to the lake is very close, there is a day use area with toilets, benches and fire pits right near the lake and the campsites are just a bit further off the lake. Toilets are nicely kept and there are water pumps with potable water. We confirmed with someone from forestry who was doing a monthly test on the water to make sure it was good to drink. Lovely weather at the end of August. There are lots of squirrels and birds to listen to/watch in the trees. There are bear warnings of course, and although we didn’t see any, we heard from a few different people that grizzlies and other wildlife were common in the area.

  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Alex P., August 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Alex P., August 25, 2020
  • Review photo of Smith Lake Campground by Alex P., August 25, 2020
  • (4) View All
Christopher R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2018

great lake camp

no running water but overall a great place to camp. beautiful area with plenty to keep you from being bored

Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Smith Lake Campground?

Smith Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a peaceful outdoor experience. The campground features vault toilets that are well-maintained, potable water available from hand pumps, and designated fire pits. There are approximately 6-8 campsites, each with room for cars or vans but not suitable for large RVs or trailers. While the campsites aren't directly on the lake, the day use area nearby provides benches, additional fire pits, a fishing dock, and a boat launch for easy lake access. No running water or shower facilities are available, so campers should plan accordingly.

Where is Smith Lake Campground located in Bonners Ferry, Idaho?

Smith Lake Campground is located just a few minutes outside of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. It sits near Smith Lake, though the campground itself is set slightly back from the water. The campground is situated in a peaceful, natural setting where visitors can enjoy the sounds of birds and wildlife. While the exact address isn't specified, it's easily accessible from Bonners Ferry and provides a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.

What other camping options are available near Bonners Ferry if Smith Lake is full?

If Smith Lake Campground is full, several alternatives exist near Bonners Ferry. The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge offers camping opportunities with good wildlife viewing. Robinson Lake Campground provides another lake-based option in the area. For those seeking developed facilities, the Bonners Ferry RV Park accommodates larger vehicles that Smith Lake cannot. Additional options include dispersed camping in the Kaniksu National Forest and private campgrounds along the Kootenai River. Boundary County also has several smaller Forest Service campgrounds worth exploring. Always check availability and restrictions before traveling, especially during peak summer months.

Are there photos of Smith Lake Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Smith Lake Campground are available online. These images typically showcase the small, beautiful lake, the day use area with its fishing dock and boat launch, and the peaceful forested campsites. Photos help prospective visitors get a sense of the natural setting, including the lake's swimming areas and surrounding landscape. To find the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the Forest Service website, recreation.gov, or popular camping apps like The Dyrt, which often feature user-submitted photos that provide authentic views of the campground.

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