The best waterside camping near Clark Fork

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Clark Fork draws campers who want quick access to water—lakes, creeks, and riverbanks cut through the area. Over 1,400 waterside camping options mean you can pick a spot right on the shore or tucked among the pines, often just steps from the water. Average stays run $59 a night, but bargain hunters can find simple setups for as little as $20. Reviewers keep coming back to Paradise on Mirror Lake (361 reviews), A Wee Place in the Woods (317 reviews), and Burke Creekside lisa J's (222 reviews) for their easy water access and low-key vibe. Most sites allow campfires and offer toilets and showers—essentials when you’re out casting for trout, hiking shoreline trails, or scanning the tree line for deer. If you like mornings with mist on the water and evenings with a fire crackling, this is your spot.

97% (2.2K) 44 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Clark Fork

Waterfront Adventures

1. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(62)
25mi from Clark Fork · 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

2. Riverfront Base Camp

79%
(29)
45mi from Clark Fork · 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
Kootenai National Forest

3. 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
Lake Pend Oreille

4. 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
Farragut State Park

5. Farragut State Park

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

7. Lolo National Forest

92%
(12)
395 sites · Alberton, Montana
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coeur d'Alene Field Office

8. 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

Clark Fork draws campers who want quick access to water—lakes, creeks, and riverbanks cut through the area. Over 1,400 waterside camping options mean you can pick a spot right on the shore or tucked among the pines, often just steps from the water. Average stays run $59 a night, but bargain hunters can find simple setups for as little as $20. Reviewers keep coming back to Paradise on Mirror Lake (361 reviews), A Wee Place in the Woods (317 reviews), and Burke Creekside lisa J's (222 reviews) for their easy water access and low-key vibe. Most sites allow campfires and offer toilets and showers—essentials when you’re out casting for trout, hiking shoreline trails, or scanning the tree line for deer. If you like mornings with mist on the water and evenings with a fire crackling, this is your spot.

97% (2.2K) 44 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Clark Fork

Waterfront Adventures

1. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(62)
25mi from Clark Fork · 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

2. Riverfront Base Camp

79%
(29)
45mi from Clark Fork · 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
Kootenai National Forest

3. 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
Lake Pend Oreille

4. 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
Farragut State Park

5. Farragut State Park

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

7. Lolo National Forest

92%
(12)
395 sites · Alberton, Montana
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Coeur d'Alene Field Office

8. 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

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