The best waterside camping near Athol

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In Athol, waterside camping draws in everyone from anglers to snow-sport diehards. You’ll find over 1,400 spots where you can pitch your tent or park up just steps from lakes, rivers, or creeks. The average night runs about $65, but you can snag a site for as little as $20 if you book early or go off-peak. Campers rave about Willow Creek Retreat (424 reviews), Paradise on Mirror Lake (361 reviews), and A Wee Place in the Woods (317 reviews). Common facilities include showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Bring your rod, lace up your boots, or wax your skis—fishing, hiking, and snow sports are all in easy reach. Locals know to check water levels in spring and book ahead for the busiest weekends.

94% (2.6K) 38 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Athol

Parkside Mountain Ranch

1. Parkside Mountain Ranch

96%
(53)
42mi from Athol · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private Exclusive Campsites is what we will provide for you while staying with us! Parkside Mountain Ranch provides private camping on a 450 acre mountain with trails for any type of adventure. PMR has a variety of camping experiences you can pick from to accommodate while camping with us. Have a family get together, a business retreat, trail ride your horse with your barn buddies, send us a message and let us know what you would like and we will make your camping just the way you want it to be. Heyburn State Park Rocky Point is less than a mile away. Hipcampers can enjoy the Lake Chatcolet which offers a beach, marina, and a boat launch. Heyburn State Park South Side entrance is located on the same road as PMR. PMR will have sites with over night horse stalls too. Sooo bring your horse camping with you! We want to provide you with beautiful views and private rustic camping!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Waterfront Adventures

2. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(62)
18mi from Athol · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days 10% discount. Kayaks are available for use in the bay. Hiking and biking, stargazing, kite flying, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski/snowboard at Schweitzer only 45 min drive to the mountain. Boat launch 2 miles away. A couple of mooring balls available, ask on availability. Shallow, soft, clay bottom. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family. We have 4 kids. The beach with the dock between site 1 and 2 is also used by our family as well. Our place is a relaxed atmosphere and we enjoy meeting new campers visiting us. We do this because we enjoy sharing our space with others.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$88
 / night
Riverfront Base Camp

3. Riverfront Base Camp

79%
(29)
30mi from Athol · 1 site · Tent, RV
Park your RV, overland rig, pitch a tent, or sleep under the stars next to the Coeur D’ Alene River. Be advised this is directly next to State Highway 3. If you are a light sleeper, or road noise bothers you, this is not the campsite for you. At the camp, you can launch your kayaks at the river to go for an adventure down through the Chain Lakes, all eight are accessible by the river adjacent to where you will sleep. The bird and wildlife watching in this area is world class. Ospreys, hawks, turkeys and other animals commonly hang out in these parts. You can go for a swim at one of the sandbars, take your dirt bikes or side by sides down Killarney Lake Road to access an extensive network of trails and dirt roads into remote wilderness. There is no cell service, no water or electrical hookups, or toilet. As beautiful as it is, your experience will not be “glamping” unless you come with all the comforts you personally desire. You can hunt on the forest service land by 4th of July Pass, fish on the river, or on the Chain Lakes (with the proper permits, of course). There is a access into the water from camp but it is quite steep. For easy access to the water, use the docks or boat launch at Killarney Lake or Bull Run. Pets and kids are allowed at your own risk. Be advised the highway and river are hazardous for off-leash animals and rambunctious toddlers. Please send a message if you have any questions. I am happy to help.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$36
 / night
Farragut State Park

4. Farragut State Park

80%
(5)
248 sites · Athol, Idaho
A northern Idaho camping spot known for hiking, mountain biking, and watersports.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Pend Oreille

5. Lake Pend Oreille

100%
(6)
111 sites · East Hope, Idaho
A huge lake surrounded by mountains can mean only one thing: lots of fun!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Colville National Forest

6. Colville National Forest

56%
(9)
680 sites · Ione, Washington
Shaped by behemoth glaciers that carved out the land over 10,000 years ago, Colville National Forest is a gorgeous treasure spanning 1.1 million acres (props to President Theodore Roosevelt for saving it). The lands include a number of geographic features including the Kettle River, upper reach of the Columbia River and the Selkirk mountain range, which is considered to be at the foothills of the Rockies. Residents (including several Native American tribes) and visitors enjoy camping, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, lakes, rivers and some too legit to quit wildlife including grizzly bears, cougars, bald eagles and the last remaining herd of caribou in the US. That was almost starting to sound like an indie music festival lineup! Did we mention it’s an inspiring place? So much so that close to a million smackeroos was recently rewarded for continued restoration projects. Check the forest website for alerts and advisories.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coeur d'Alene Field Office

7. Coeur d'Alene Field Office

84 sites · Coeur D'alene, Idaho
Start your day at Coeur d’Alene Field Office with a jaunt down the scenic byway where every twist and turn will prove why locals call this spot “gem of the north”. Hike along Mineral Ridge or step into the stunning St. Joe river for some of the raddest salmon and trout fishing...ever. You can even boat in to your campsite at places like Popcorn Island. Backcountry camping is prime here. It's a chance to beat the crowds, see the best of the Coeur d’ Alene mountains, and you aren’t going to want to forget that camera. If you travel here in the winter, you'll see the insanely cool bald eagle migration. Every stretch of these lands is filled with a chance to discover the best of Idaho’s untouched wilderness; bring yourself or bring your posse, either way it’s a guaranteed gem to add to the list!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kootenai National Forest

8. Kootenai National Forest

73%
(15)
333 sites · Yaak, Montana
Stand on top of pine covered mountains and bask in the glory of the valleys below at Kootenai National Forest. With highly primitive areas like the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, you can stand in lands untouched by time and man. If solitude is what you’re seeking you’ll find it here by way of bikes, hikes, and horseback riding. With a herd of glacial lakes, rivers, and streams, anglers and wave riders will have their pick at places like Bull Lake, Lake Koocanusa, and the Yaak River. With impressive mountain scenes, winter sports for days (hello, snowshoes!), and exciting history and wildlife, it’s easy to see why the Kootenai is Montana’s best kept secret!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

In Athol, waterside camping draws in everyone from anglers to snow-sport diehards. You’ll find over 1,400 spots where you can pitch your tent or park up just steps from lakes, rivers, or creeks. The average night runs about $65, but you can snag a site for as little as $20 if you book early or go off-peak. Campers rave about Willow Creek Retreat (424 reviews), Paradise on Mirror Lake (361 reviews), and A Wee Place in the Woods (317 reviews). Common facilities include showers, toilets, and pet-friendly rules. Bring your rod, lace up your boots, or wax your skis—fishing, hiking, and snow sports are all in easy reach. Locals know to check water levels in spring and book ahead for the busiest weekends.

94% (2.6K) 38 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Athol

Parkside Mountain Ranch

1. Parkside Mountain Ranch

96%
(53)
42mi from Athol · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private Exclusive Campsites is what we will provide for you while staying with us! Parkside Mountain Ranch provides private camping on a 450 acre mountain with trails for any type of adventure. PMR has a variety of camping experiences you can pick from to accommodate while camping with us. Have a family get together, a business retreat, trail ride your horse with your barn buddies, send us a message and let us know what you would like and we will make your camping just the way you want it to be. Heyburn State Park Rocky Point is less than a mile away. Hipcampers can enjoy the Lake Chatcolet which offers a beach, marina, and a boat launch. Heyburn State Park South Side entrance is located on the same road as PMR. PMR will have sites with over night horse stalls too. Sooo bring your horse camping with you! We want to provide you with beautiful views and private rustic camping!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Waterfront Adventures

2. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(62)
18mi from Athol · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days 10% discount. Kayaks are available for use in the bay. Hiking and biking, stargazing, kite flying, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski/snowboard at Schweitzer only 45 min drive to the mountain. Boat launch 2 miles away. A couple of mooring balls available, ask on availability. Shallow, soft, clay bottom. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family. We have 4 kids. The beach with the dock between site 1 and 2 is also used by our family as well. Our place is a relaxed atmosphere and we enjoy meeting new campers visiting us. We do this because we enjoy sharing our space with others.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$88
 / night
Riverfront Base Camp

3. Riverfront Base Camp

79%
(29)
30mi from Athol · 1 site · Tent, RV
Park your RV, overland rig, pitch a tent, or sleep under the stars next to the Coeur D’ Alene River. Be advised this is directly next to State Highway 3. If you are a light sleeper, or road noise bothers you, this is not the campsite for you. At the camp, you can launch your kayaks at the river to go for an adventure down through the Chain Lakes, all eight are accessible by the river adjacent to where you will sleep. The bird and wildlife watching in this area is world class. Ospreys, hawks, turkeys and other animals commonly hang out in these parts. You can go for a swim at one of the sandbars, take your dirt bikes or side by sides down Killarney Lake Road to access an extensive network of trails and dirt roads into remote wilderness. There is no cell service, no water or electrical hookups, or toilet. As beautiful as it is, your experience will not be “glamping” unless you come with all the comforts you personally desire. You can hunt on the forest service land by 4th of July Pass, fish on the river, or on the Chain Lakes (with the proper permits, of course). There is a access into the water from camp but it is quite steep. For easy access to the water, use the docks or boat launch at Killarney Lake or Bull Run. Pets and kids are allowed at your own risk. Be advised the highway and river are hazardous for off-leash animals and rambunctious toddlers. Please send a message if you have any questions. I am happy to help.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$36
 / night
Farragut State Park

4. Farragut State Park

80%
(5)
248 sites · Athol, Idaho
A northern Idaho camping spot known for hiking, mountain biking, and watersports.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Pend Oreille

5. Lake Pend Oreille

100%
(6)
111 sites · East Hope, Idaho
A huge lake surrounded by mountains can mean only one thing: lots of fun!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Colville National Forest

6. Colville National Forest

56%
(9)
680 sites · Ione, Washington
Shaped by behemoth glaciers that carved out the land over 10,000 years ago, Colville National Forest is a gorgeous treasure spanning 1.1 million acres (props to President Theodore Roosevelt for saving it). The lands include a number of geographic features including the Kettle River, upper reach of the Columbia River and the Selkirk mountain range, which is considered to be at the foothills of the Rockies. Residents (including several Native American tribes) and visitors enjoy camping, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, lakes, rivers and some too legit to quit wildlife including grizzly bears, cougars, bald eagles and the last remaining herd of caribou in the US. That was almost starting to sound like an indie music festival lineup! Did we mention it’s an inspiring place? So much so that close to a million smackeroos was recently rewarded for continued restoration projects. Check the forest website for alerts and advisories.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coeur d'Alene Field Office

7. Coeur d'Alene Field Office

84 sites · Coeur D'alene, Idaho
Start your day at Coeur d’Alene Field Office with a jaunt down the scenic byway where every twist and turn will prove why locals call this spot “gem of the north”. Hike along Mineral Ridge or step into the stunning St. Joe river for some of the raddest salmon and trout fishing...ever. You can even boat in to your campsite at places like Popcorn Island. Backcountry camping is prime here. It's a chance to beat the crowds, see the best of the Coeur d’ Alene mountains, and you aren’t going to want to forget that camera. If you travel here in the winter, you'll see the insanely cool bald eagle migration. Every stretch of these lands is filled with a chance to discover the best of Idaho’s untouched wilderness; bring yourself or bring your posse, either way it’s a guaranteed gem to add to the list!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kootenai National Forest

8. Kootenai National Forest

73%
(15)
333 sites · Yaak, Montana
Stand on top of pine covered mountains and bask in the glory of the valleys below at Kootenai National Forest. With highly primitive areas like the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, you can stand in lands untouched by time and man. If solitude is what you’re seeking you’ll find it here by way of bikes, hikes, and horseback riding. With a herd of glacial lakes, rivers, and streams, anglers and wave riders will have their pick at places like Bull Lake, Lake Koocanusa, and the Yaak River. With impressive mountain scenes, winter sports for days (hello, snowshoes!), and exciting history and wildlife, it’s easy to see why the Kootenai is Montana’s best kept secret!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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