The best camping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Idaho Panhandle adventure.
89% (35 reviews)
89% (35 reviews)
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Top-rated campgrounds near Idaho Panhandle National Forests
98%
(417)
Paradise on Mirror Lake
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sagle, ID
*** Voted BEST Hipcamp in Idaho 2022 and 2024, and 2nd BEST in 2023 ***
Like a postcard photograph, Bigfoot Campout is perched up about 50 feet over Mirror Lake, sitting in a mountain bowl on one end of the lake. Campers will have gorgeous views and sunsets over the lake. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, hiking and wildlife watching abound. The campsite is off-the-beaten path so you'll be away from the crowds, yet the site is still close to other area attractions like Lake Pend Oreille (10 min. drive), charming downtown Sandpoint (15 min. drive) & Silverwood Theme Park (30 min. drive).
The beauty and allure of Mirror Lake led to it being featured in two Hollywood movies -- Dante's Peak (1997) and Mel (1998). The lake itself is excellent for fishing, and stocked with Kokanee, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
Paying homage to the Bigfoot legend in northern Idaho, the theme of this campground is all things Sasquatch! Can you find all nine Sasquatch throughout the campground? Some are hidden, others are in plain sight!
Swimming in nearby Talache Landing (a.k.a. Talache Beach) on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille is an absolute must-do. The views are absolutely stunning and the water is crystal clear -- and quite refreshing on a hot day.
Fishing is best done in a canoe or small boat which can be put in at our campground dock (free) or at the nearby public boat ramp ($5 fee). Fishing off of the campground dock is also a possibility but beware that lily pads are prevalent.
Please obey all of the camp rules which are listed on the laminated brochure at the campground entrance. The most important campground rule is leaving the campground just as you found it. This means packing out all trash to prevent wildlife from visiting our campground!
A bit of history...
In 2021, the campsites were graveled and graded, each with their own picnic table and fire pit. A mulch tent pad was added to Campsites C & D. An on-site portable toilet was also installed at this time.
In 2022, 50-30-20-Amp electric pedestals for camper and RV use were installed in campsites B and C/D. (Electric fee may apply -- please ask Host.) Also, a sand tent pad was installed in campsite F.
In 2023 a brand-new 70' elevated nature-walk & dock were installed on the lakefront. In campsite E, a mulch tent pad was installed. Also, an interactive "Enchanted Forest" was added to the campground, which lights up a night to reveal all of the woodland creatures that live there! (Kids love this!)
In 2024, a small lakefront cabin was added down by the dock at Campsite A. An "Amenities Shed" full of several camping games like horseshoes, bocce, and corn hole was also added by the Port-A-Potty.
In 2025, a well & pump will be installed, allowing campers to fill up with potable water within steps of each campsite. Also, a new grass beach will be created by the dock, which will be great for picnicking.
As the host for this campground, I do not live on-site. You may reach me anytime before, during, or after your stay via phone, text or Hipcamp messenger. I almost always respond within a few minutes. Detailed directions, and camp information will be sent to every booked guest 48 hours prior to their arrival.
When selecting your campsite, please take note of the following:
Best lake views: Campsite A, C and D. (Campsites E & F have limited lake views)
Easiest RV access: Campsite B.
Most private: Campsite B or Campsites E & F when booked together.
Most shade: Campsites E & F.
Sunniest: Campsite B.
Electric access: Campsites B, C & D. (C & D share a power pedestal.)
Nearest to Port-a-Potty: Campsite E.
Nearest to lake: Campsite A.
Best for large parties: Book Campsites C & D together (for larger RV camping parties) or book Campsites E & F together (for larger tent camping parties).
Property located 48°10'11.0"N, 116°30'02.1"W
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$44.49
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100%
(62)
Beaver Bay
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Athol, ID
Looking for a quiet place to rest and recharge? We have the perfect spot for you! This property fronts Kelso Lake, which is a motorboat free 55 acre lake located half way between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, just a 15 minute drive to Silverwood Theme Park. This is the ideal spot to spend time kayaking, catching up around the campfire, fishing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. If you keep your eyes peeled you may see blue heron’s, bald eagles, and if your quiet the beaver may swim past and say hello!
This property is a half acre at the edge of the Kelso Lake community. This property is ideally located less than a 20 min drive to Farragut State Park, Lake Pend Oreille, Bayview, and Silverwood Theme Park.
If you are trailer camping you will have to back in from the public roadway up an incline to access the spot. If you aren't comfortable backing your trailer in this spot might not be for you. We also welcome tent and van campers! There is a fire ring, a picnic table, tiki bar, decks, chairs, and an outhouse. There is a trail down to the dock where you can launch kayaks, paddle boards or canoes. New this season, 4 kayaks included with your stay!! The property is situated on the end of the lake with lily pads and beaver dens…. its beautiful but not the best swimming spot! If you want to take a dip in the lake the public boat launch is less than a half mile down the road! If you have an electric boat motor you are more than welcome to use it but no motor boats are allowed on this lake.
If this sounds like the perfect get away for you, we cannot wait to host!
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$90
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96%
(97)
Little Bear Ranch
5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Athol, ID
Because of property abuse we will not accept any kind of trailer on then site.
the only place for vehicles is in the circular drive or at the camp site only. DRIVING INTO THE FIELD IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THE BLUEBIRD BOXES! THEY WILL ABANDON THE NEST IF BOTHERED!!!
CAMP AT YOUR OWN RISK! THERE IS NO FIREWOOD ON SITE. THE PARK OFFICE HAS WOOD AS DOES SUPER 1 FOOD STORE.
Be sure to check out our TIPI 4 Two.......Please ask if You want to reserve the tipi!
GOOGLE: @LBRCARAVELLE For our face book page.
We have hosted weddingS and family reunions too!
THE BIG ROCK IN THE MIDDLE IS NOT A CAMP SITE!
WE HAVE ADDED A 4th CAMPSITE!! it is a Tipi away from everybody else. Check it out its pretty cool!
We let the grass grow tall on the property as it acts as a weed block.....we have spent hundreds of dollars and still spend a lot of time spraying and pulling weeds.
Pitch your tent in a secluded cove of pines. Fresh well water within short walking distance (20 yds). Community covered patio with grilling available.
LBR is primarily a tent camping campground. There are also many moles so the ground can be a bit bumpy.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT R’V’s or campers larger than a camper van. 4 people per site, 6 max per site but that is $5 per person extra.
little town of Bayview has a good restaurant Captains Wheel. 5 miles east on HWY 54.
Something new near us! There is a new Super 1 foods grocery store with an Ace hardware store complex just after you turn off HWY 95 to come to LBR. NEW! Sweet Lou's BBQ Pit at Athol Crossings next to the Super 1. You can get all your food needs and many of your camping needs there. This will be very helpful to all our guests.
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$40
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97%
(172)
Burke Creekside lisa J's
14 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Wallace, ID
We are excited to host you at our special property! It is
the perfect location for RV camping (tent camping allowed if accompanied by an RV). Whether you are just relaxing by the creek with friends and family or ready for an adventure. Burke is the spot for ATVs and Snowmobiling, Fishing, Hunting, Biking (Hiawatha Trail) Hiking, and Sight seeing old Mines.
We also have a Chalet for rent on our property. This is
a gorgeous, serene getaway in the Historic ghost town of
Burke Idaho. Built in the early 1900's and newly remodeled with all the comforts of home.
Located 7.5 miles northeast from the town of Wallace. Centrally located within minutes
of 2 major Ski resorts. Private hot tub, wood stove and many other features. Immediate access to many snowmobile, ATV, or hiking trails
from the front door of this home.
Home includes an attached garage and lots of parking for trucks with trailers.
Year round activities available throughout the area including snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, hiking and biking or just take a stroll along the creek or play in the snow.
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$35
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98%
(83)
Glacial Ridge RV Park
3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hayden Lake, ID
In the forest on a small 10 acre farm. Lots of shade from hundreds of pinetrees. Private property feels remote but only 15-20 minutes to town, 20 minutes to lakes, 12 minutes to Silverwood Theme Park, and about 25 minutes North of Coeur D'Alene. Raspberries, blackberries, jostaberries, all sorts of different berry bushes growing. Chickens, Ducks, turkeys and Nigerian dwarf goats. Picnic area & hiking paths for beautiful nature walks.
Please ask for directions Google maps gives the wrong directions
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$45
/ night
98%
(130)
Home on the Range Campsite
2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Clark Fork, ID
This area is a fabulous collision of cultures that gives a Rustic-Mountain-Beach-relaxed-adventure vibe! (say that 3 times fast!) This is evident even on our property, as historically, it has been a hippy gathering site, a logging area, and a cattle range! We bought it as our 'forever home' and are working to create a forested ranch retreat. The property is off grid and offers all the serenity and remote feeling of a National Forest, but has quick access to daytime fun relaxation at the beach. For those who love both land and water, it couldn't be a better combination!Learn more about this land:RUSTIC MOUNTAIN BEACH DREAM! Camp in mountain solitude with the lake and beach only a short drive away. Enjoy Scotchman's peak and mountain views, sightings of wildlife and horses, stargazing, forest trailheads just down the quiet road; all in a relaxed beachy atmosphere. Shopping, tourist attractions, and all that comes with an eclectic town are just an hour away in Sandpoint. However, a few excellent restaurants can be found in Clark Fork and Hope. Campsites are private and out of view of our off-grid home but just a quick walk away. And you just might enjoy adventure tales from us about riding our horses across America, or make memories when we take you in to pet our horses, collect chicken eggs...or share in whatever farm excitement is happening! A note for booking your best stay: Campsite 1 has the best views, but is best for tent camping or very short trailers. Campsite 2 is flatter and the better option for trailers, oversize tents, and larger groups.
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$35
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96%
(34)
Riverview Woodland Retreat - CDA
1 site · RV1 acre · Coeur D'alene, ID
Wake up to picturesque views of the beautiful Spokane river and Rathdrum mountains, while staying only 15 minutes from both downtown Coeur D Alene and Post Falls. Our secondary lot offers a scenic plot, removed from town but within easy driving distance of local activities and restaurants. You will park next to our shop, which offers privacy from the road, but please take note of its placement in our photos to ensure that will work for your stay.
We offer year round electrical hook-ups, and fresh water in Spring, Summer and Fall (the pipes are winterized from approximately the end of October-March, depending on the snow season). While there is only 1 electrical hook-up, there is space for an additional vehicle, and options for parking locations if electrical is not required. During your stay, keep an eye out for our neighborhood moose family, our year-round resident bald eagle, and our many deer, quail, and turkey friends.
Winter camping is available, but please note that we can receive large amounts of snow.
Please reach out with any questions!
Quick references -
5 miles to downtown Coeur D Alene
7 miles to Post Falls
4 miles to the nearest boat launch (Blackwell Island Recreation Area)
NO RIVER ACCESS! But beautiful views abound :)
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$55
/ night
100%
(15)
The Mad Moose Ranch
2 sites · RVs20 acres · ID
Only 8 minutes from famous Silverwood theme park! This 20-acre location is close and private. 2 RV sites with full hookups and room for a tent at each site (maximum 6 campers per site per night, additional $10.00 per camper per night over 6). Our quiet property backs up to Idaho's pristine Farragut State Park, with fishing, swimming and boating, at Lake Pend Oreille only 6 minutes away!
Leashed dogs under 30 lbs. allowed, maximum 2 per site. Pets must be under control and on leashes at all times and MAY NOT BE LEFT AT SITE without their owners or in RV's, tents or travel trailers without their owners per Idaho State law. We do NOT allow aggressive breed dogs (pit bulls, rottweilers, Dobermans, etc.) on our property. Campers MUST CLEANUP after their pets or a $25.00 fee will be applied.
For your safety and enjoyment, the maximum campers to one site are 6. Additional persons will be an extra charge of $10.00 per person per night. One vehicle with RV/trailer per site. Each additional vehicle will be $10.00 per night. Quiet hours are 7a.m. to 10p.m.
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$65
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Camp Thistledoo
3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Hayden Lake, ID
Nice quiet property with paved road all the way to it. We have large parking areas and two great RV sized spots. Diesel pusher to tent... We can accommodate. This is primitive camping. There are no hook-ups so it is dry camping. You can run your generator. Central fire pit and camp fires welcome when there are no fire restrictions. You can walk or ride 1.5 miles to the water or drive 10 miles to the public beach on beautiful Hayden lake. 10 miles to town and all paved. No trespassing signs are for anyone not renting the space... not for you :)
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$25
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70%
(5)
RV/Tent Site Near Lake Pend Oreille
1 site · RV1 acre · Sagle, ID
RV/tent site available in Garfield Bay, Idaho. The site is located behind our house and includes sewer, water and 50 AMP power. It includes a lovely fire pit to sit around and make smores. Campers welcome.
Lake Pend Oreille and Garfield Bay public park, beach and boat launch are located less than a 2 minute drive or 10 minute walk away, as well as Odie's Bayside Grocery and the Captn's Table restaurant and bar. Scenic Green Bay is a 20 minute drive away, as is the quaint town on Sandpoint, where you can go for grocery runs, hang out at City Beach, drive up Schweitzer mountain, stroll Main Street, and so much more.
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$45
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96%
(170)
Lakeview Majesty
9 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Hope, ID
Enjoy our beautiful peaceful, scenic property while tent camping or RV camping (full hookups). Gorgeous views of Idaho's largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Wake up in a peaceful woodsy setting where deer and turkeys roam the property. Stargaze by night, while you enjoy every lake amenity available by the day, only half a mile away! Sandpoint Marina and beach are only 12 miles away! Want to go skiing? Head up to Schweitzer Mountain, only a short 30 minute drive away.
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$40
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99%
(224)
Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch LLC
3 sites · RVs40 acres · Coeur D'alene, ID
We do not provide hook-ups but there is a gas station not far from the ranch that provides clean-outs. We provide excellent clean water and an extension cord. We also provide some of the friendliest cutest animals to visit.
This is self-check-in so find your clearly marked site and park. You are on a livestock working ranch with well taken care of animals. We will greet you when we are able do so.
We purchased this wonderful 40 acre ranch in our retirement years.
We had never done ranching or farming before and wanted a new experience
with this gift called life.
Being long time hard working Alaskans and living the Alaskan Adventure
we could see no reason to be in our golden years and not have another adventure.
Our many different animals provide us with entertainment and a purpose.
Mini Donkeys asking for a bum rub and braying for breakfast always brings a smile. Alpacas, Llamas and Valais Black Nose Sheep, provides us with beautiful rugs from their own fiber that we sell in the Seven Stars Store.
The rest of the hats, gloves, blankets and wonderful socks come from Peru.
Mini horses that love to be brushed and even have their hair braided all make for an unusual experience.
Our business is run on an honor system, and we ask that you practice the following:
Be Good Stewards Of The Animals
Be Good Stewards Of The Land
Be Good Stewards Of The People Who Cross Your Path On Their Journey
If you are looking for an animal adventure we might be a great spot for you as our business is how we take care of all of our friends on the Seven Stars Ranch.
We welcome you, Sonia, Andy, and the 77 heartbeats
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$65
/ night
The best camping near Idaho Panhandle National Forests guide
Overview
About
It doesn’t get much prettier than the Idaho panhandle. Situated between Big Sky Country of Montana and the vibrant evergreen fields of Washington (which seriously look Photoshopped to the naked eye), this forest holds more than half the state’s surface waters, and wilderness vibes are guaranteed by the deer, elk, bear, caribou, and wolf populations who call this spot home. Moist maritime air comes in from the Pacific coast, and historic cabins dot the landscape. Near Spokane and the border can get busy on the weekends, but with this much acreage you can always find seclusion here. Make sure to check out at least a portion of the bikeable and walkable Hiawatha Trail—weaving 15 miles through tunnels and across high steel trestles in the Bitterroot Mountains, it’s been called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country.
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