Tent camping opportunities near Valleyford, Washington range across the Palouse region and into North Idaho, with sites available from May through September at most established locations. Winter access is limited due to seasonal closures and road conditions, particularly at higher elevations. Campsites typically range from $8-15 per night with additional fees for extra vehicles at some locations.
What to do
Hike through diverse ecosystems: Kamiak Butte County Park features a network of trails accessible directly from the campground entrance. As camper Kelsey G. notes, "There's a little trail at Kamiak Butte and you can access it via a trailhead near the entrance of the campground. I did the hike on a Saturday and there were quite few other hikers on the trail."
Water recreation options: Mica Bay Boater Park on Lake Coeur d'Alene provides opportunities for swimming and water sports. A camper explains, "Great camping spot for families or anyone! Big bay for tubing or swimming, close enough to downtown for gas and dinner, plus ice cream. Bald eagles and Osprey fighting for fish."
Mountain biking access: Giant White Pine Campground serves as a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts. One visitor reported, "I found a really nice hiking trail near the campsite and spent most of the day exploring the surrounding areas. There's a network of trails for hiking and biking originating from the campground."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings at Kamiak Butte County Park offer prime wildlife watching. Visitors frequently report seeing chipmunks and birds throughout the area, with one camper mentioning, "So many chipmunks, dog friendly, well organized. Fairly cheap and good for families."
What campers like
Secluded spots for privacy: Extraordinary Camping offers a true escape from crowds. According to camper Ethan V., "it is a very nice place to camp, since there probably won't be any people outside your own group. The owner was very responsive to texts and was helpful with all of my questions."
Affordability and simplicity: Kamiak Butte County Park provides basic amenities at reasonable rates. One camper shared, "The sites are inexpensive. Running water and pit toilets on site. Very nice playground in the day use area."
Easy vehicle access to most sites: Many camping areas near Valleyford accommodate vehicles directly at campsites. Jace G. noted about their experience at Kamiak Butte County Park, "Very easy to find campsite. Plenty of space for our vehicle, a fire pit and grill area. Just overall a great experience."
Hammock-friendly tree coverage: Giant White Pine Campground features spacing ideal for hammock camping. A visitor mentioned, "I really like this campground for hammock camping. I had no trouble finding just the right spot to set up my gear. Our site did have a fire ring and a bench with dirt and moss cover."
What you should know
Road noise at some locations: Giant White Pine Campground sits close to a highway. Campers report, "Right off the highway, so traffic noise consistently. Better for bikes and ATVs. Beautiful trees," and another noted, "We checked out campground and the giant white pine but decided not to camp there due to its proximity to a busy road. Lots of logging trucks made it awfully noisy for tent camping."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Lakes Divide Road offers primitive camping with no amenities. One camper explained, "It is a steep but well maintained forest road. There was one clear pull off early and it had someone in it. Wanted some privacy so I kept going."
Seasonal availability variations: Most campgrounds in the region close during winter months. A camper at Giant White Pine noted, "This area is not open for winter camping. I have found few that are though."
Water access limitations: Killarney Lake Picnic Site has boat launch restrictions. A visitor observed, "The lake is fairly small so it's only ideal for certain types of boats. There's some marshy shallow areas nearby as well which would be a problem for motorized boats likely."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kamiak Butte County Park includes a playground in the day use area, making it suitable for families with younger children. A camper mentioned, "Very nice playground in the day use area," which provides entertainment options beyond hiking and camping.
Water activities for various ages: Nine Mile Recreation Area offers family-friendly water access. A visitor shared, "Great family place, so much to do for everyone. Especially if you love the water. The campsite is butted up to the lake, which makes it great for sunsets and sunrises."
Farm animal experiences: Amongst The Pines provides unique interactions with farm animals. One family noted, "Robin was unbelievably accommodating with our situation and even introduced my daughters to all the farm animals. On top of that, the space was perfect for a couple young kids to run around and explore."
Weather preparation needed: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially at higher elevation sites. Pack additional layers for evenings as temperatures can drop considerably even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and leveling: Nine Mile Recreation Area accommodates larger vehicles but requires preparation. A camper advised, "The RV/camper sites have full or partial hook-ups. All back in. The campsite is clean and very friendly."
Limited shade at waterfront sites: RV sites near water typically have minimal tree coverage. An RVer at Nine Mile Recreation Area observed, "There is hardly any shade at the campsite," suggesting awnings or portable shade structures for summer camping.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), securing reservations is essential for RV sites with hookups. Some campgrounds like Kamiak Butte operate on first-come, first-served basis, which can be challenging for larger vehicles requiring specific accommodations.
Road access considerations: Some forest roads leading to tent camping Valleyford, Washington areas have steep grades or rough surfaces. For RVs, sticking to established campgrounds with designated access is recommended rather than dispersed camping options.
