The best cave campgrounds near Rathdrum, Idaho

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a unique and adventurous camping experience near Rathdrum, Idaho, with a preference for cave exploration, we've got you covered. With over 45 options specifically tailored to your preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your inner spelunker. From the Spokane Western Dude Ranch! BarnBnB with 84 reviews, to the scenic Parkside Mountain Ranch with 28 reviews, and the secluded Camp Chain Lakes with 6 reviews, we've got the top campsites for you. And with popular amenities like showers, trash facilities, and cooking equipment, you'll have all the comforts you need. Plus, with exciting activities like whitewater paddling, climbing, and swimming nearby, your adventure awaits. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the hidden treasures of Idaho's caves!

90% (85)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rathdrum

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a unique and adventurous camping experience near Rathdrum, Idaho, with a preference for cave exploration, we've got you covered. With over 45 options specifically tailored to your preference, you're sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your inner spelunker. From the Spokane Western Dude Ranch! BarnBnB with 84 reviews, to the scenic Parkside Mountain Ranch with 28 reviews, and the secluded Camp Chain Lakes with 6 reviews, we've got the top campsites for you. And with popular amenities like showers, trash facilities, and cooking equipment, you'll have all the comforts you need. Plus, with exciting activities like whitewater paddling, climbing, and swimming nearby, your adventure awaits. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the hidden treasures of Idaho's caves!

90% (85)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rathdrum

1. Parkside Mountain Ranch

96%

(53)

32mi from Rathdrum · 30 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!

2. Riverfront Base Camp

79%

(29)

25mi from Rathdrum · 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.

3. Prater mountain ranch

97%

(29)

34mi from Rathdrum · 24 sites · Tents, RVs

(Import note on driving directions: do not take Riley creek road to property, it’s a goat trail that is blocked on the other side. This issue only occurs when you use maps from the sandpoint area). Welcome to the base of the beautiful Selkirk mountains, we’re nestled in between the beautiful lake resort town of Sandpoint ID and the picturesque resort area know at priest lake. Our property was originally homesteaded back before Idaho was a state by a trapper who fell in love with this lush little valley in the mountains. Once Idaho did become a state, the officials decided to keep the land surrounding this little oasis making it completely surrounded by thousands of acres of state endowment land usable to the public. There are three full time creeks that run though the property along with a few beaver made ponds and one large man made swimming pond. The site boasts hundreds of campsites ranging from dry RV parking to small tents on rock ledges overlooking the lush valley. Expect to see deer, elk, moose, turkey and a few other wild animals roaming the land around you. We have the space for event camping as well, we have a large covered gazebo for shaded group meals. Furthermore there is also a band stand for ceremonies and live music on select dates. We’re only 12 miles from town but you get that feeling of being out of the rush of the outside world.

4. Idaho Panhandle National Forests

88%

(39)

546 sites · Clark Fork, Idaho

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.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Riverside State Park

100%

(3)

92 sites · Town And Country, Washington

Discover the natural splendor of Riverside State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

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

Public campgrounds near Rathdrum

Whiskey Rock Bay Campground

27mi from Rathdrum · 13 sites · Tents, RVs · in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Maiden Rock Campground

27mi from Rathdrum · 4 sites · in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

100%

(3)

Bowl and Pitcher campground

29mi from Rathdrum · 38 sites · Tents, RVs · in Riverside State Park

Pioneer Park Campground

30mi from Rathdrum · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Colville National Forest

Magee Historic Ranger Cabin

30mi from Rathdrum · 1 site · in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Equestrian Campground

31mi from Rathdrum · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Riverside State Park

Nothing but wide open space with many colors of wildflowers. A beautiful property

100%

(1)

Green Bay Campground

34mi from Rathdrum · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Bead Lake Trail #127 Dispersed Campground

35mi from Rathdrum · 2 sites · in Colville National Forest

Bead Lake Boat Launch

35mi from Rathdrum · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Colville National Forest

Shadowy St. Joe Campground

40mi from Rathdrum · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

100%

(2)

Sam Owen Campground

40mi from Rathdrum · 77 sites · Tents, RVs · in Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Lake Spokane Campground

41mi from Rathdrum · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Riverside State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

K

Kim

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prater mountain ranch

I had a peaceful and quiet time at this lovely property. I booked for the weekend and ended up being the only one there. Will was a great host and checked in on me daily. My dog and I had a wonderful time. We chilled in the morning, had a swim in the lovely pond, a nice walk and a nap then sat by the fire in the evening. Couldn't be better. Highly recommend and looking forward to going to one of the music festivals the owners hold there!!! Thank you so much.

L

Lisa

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Prater mountain ranch

This was further out than we expected, but it was great. The pond looked a little murky but was actually very cool and with such hot temps we were thankful for it. Large space (field) to choose where you want to camp. Or dogs loved to run and we appreciated not needing to keep them leashed. But that because we were the only ones there. It would be different if there were more campers around.

T

Tiauna

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Prater mountain ranch

What a way to escape reality for a bit! The land was beautiful and quiet. Directions were clear and concise! The Outhouses were clean and maintained well and bonus wood was provided, just be prepared to cut it (: we personally didn’t swim in the pond, but it was really well maintained. It would be an amazing spot for Early- Mid fall! We didn’t use them, but grills and were there if you bring propane. Overall a beautiful experience, would be fun to do a big family group trip or retreat here!

Anchor your boat right next to camp on the Coeur D'Alene River. Public boat launches are available at Bull Run, and Killarney Lake, within 3 miles of camp.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Beautiful scenery, FANTASTIC SWIMMING and a great location for bikers wanting easy access to the Trail of the Coeur D’Alenes! Our second time at this location, we’ll be back next year!!!

S

Sierra

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Really loved the camp site right on the water! It was very peaceful and clean would definitely recommend everyone to stay here at least once😁

Shawn

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Amazing sunset and sunrise.....perfect spot to rest.

J

Jessica

August 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prater mountain ranch

We chose William’s family’s land as our weekend getaway with littles because it offered so many things-wide open space to run and play, pond to swim and cool off, sandy beach, shaded area with lots of great hammock trees. We were so spoiled because we had the WHOLE place to ourselves all weekend so the privacy was unmatched! We met some of the hosts as we were arriving and they were so kind and hospitable-encouraging us to make ourselves at home and giving us a lay of the land! Then we met William on the last day as we were packing up and he was awesome as well-giving us some history on the land and his family as well as inviting us back out for live music! This place really is a gem, we had no problems hauling our 28’ travel trailer and navigating the roads, the instructions were clear and easy to follow! Only a 10-15 minute drive into priest river. We would definitely bring our little family back here! Thanks for having us!

L

Linsey

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

The view of the river was beautiful. Enjoyed a nice relaxing getaway

K

Kenzie

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

Great spot! Isolated and close to water. Water is fine to swim in as I think most bodies of water in this area have the same warnings just maybe not as concentrated? Idk, my husband and I didn’t grow any extra limbs or anything crazy! Plan to come back again soon :)

Karie

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

6 nights at Prater mountain ranch

I love this land!! It was the perfect site for my 5-day summer retreat! William and his parents are so wonderful and checked in occasionally to make sure we had what we needed to make this event successful! Not just during the retreat, but before and after. The swimming pond was essential on hot days, and the water was cool, clean and refreshing! The land fit my event like a glove and all my participants were in heaven. Camping under the trees provided good shade and the open areas provided room for games. I can't wait to do this again next year!

D

Darrell Hodges

July 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Prater mountain ranch

Great spot, plenty of room for our dogs to run around. We had a good time staying there.

H

Halle

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Prater mountain ranch

Our stay was wonderful. It was the perfect place to rest and reset. The swimming hole and rope swing was awesome! We loved the privacy and the option to socialize around the big bonfire!

C

Chris

May 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Prater mountain ranch

Very awesome site. Very accommodating and friendly. Beautiful spot and very peaceful , the areas nature is splendid. Very quick on responses on questions, Maps and google maps do show multiple routes to the site, but one of them is closed off with a gate. Eastside road is the right way . Definitely would come back and enjoy the place more!

K

Kelly

March 2025

35 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverfront Base Camp

PEACEFULL SPOT, HAD AN EMERGENCY AND HAD TO RESCHED. PERHAPS NEXT TIME. L ADI DA DAD DA, PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOC GO GREAT! GOD IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD, PEOPLE ARE F-ING CRAZY!!