Best Camping near Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail, ID, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail

99%

(617)

Paradise on Mirror Lake

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sagle, ID

>>> Voted #1 Campground in Idaho 2022, 2024 and #2 in 2023 (Hipcamp Awards) <<< Like a postcard photograph, Bigfoot Campout sits perched over Mirror Lake on one end of a mountain bowl. 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) and 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. The stocking is typically scheduled for the first week of June each year, so if you are an angler, it's best to come after June 7th for the best fishing. Paying homage to the Bigfoot legend in northern Idaho, the theme of this campground is all things Sasquatch! Can you find all 9 Sasquatch hiding throughout the campground? 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). When selecting your campsite, please take note of the following: Best lake views: Sites A, C and D. (Sites 1, 2, 3, E and F have partially obstructed lake views due to trees.) Easiest RV access: Site B. It's a pull-through site. Most private: Sites A, B, 1, 2 and 3, or Sites C/D or E/F, when booked in pairs. (Do not book C/D or E/F for complete privacy unless you book them in pairs.) Most shade: Sites A, E and F. Sunniest: Sites B, C and D. Electric access: Sites B, C and D. (C/D share a power pedestal.) Nearest to a Port-a-Potty: Sites A, D and E. Nearest to lake: Site A. Best for large parties: Book Sites C/D together for larger RV camping parties, or book Sites E/F together for moderate-sized tent camping parties.

98%

(776)

Hidden Acres Orchards

14 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Mead, WA

I'm a 3rd generation farmer, working the same land as my father and grandfather. Hidden Acres Orchards is a 60 acre, u-pick fruit, vegetable, and flower farm. Camp within the luscious fruit tree rows, in the middle of a vibrant pumpkin patch or even in the petting zoo! Animals welcome! IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW: We are a real working farm, not like a romanticized IG version of a farm. There are tractors running, sprayers making applications, farm animals loudly enjoying life, day customers picking fruit, and farmers about early in the morning. With that being said, we understand that experience may not be to everyone's liking. Be aware that if you do decide to camp here be ready for a real farm adventure! Another little tidbit: to grow food, we try to maximize the amount of sun it receives- SHADE IS VERY LIMITED. ALL CAMPSITES ARE U-PICK, there are no designated spots. Let your creativity shine and choose as dope a spot as you like! If you're scared of driving off a paved road or frightened by the natural world we suggest glamping at another lovely Green Bluff location. Starting SEPTEMBER 23RD until OCTOBER 31ST every weekday we host hundreds of school kids on the farm. They start arriving around 9:00 am. If the sound of children's laughter drives you absolutely insane, you might think twice about booking a stay with us in the fall. Winter camping is available, please note we typically receive a lot of snow. Early spring is the extreme mud season, please be cautious of our soft ground and stick to the roads. July-August can get very dry some years, which means the grass goes dormant and dust starts to fly. MAX STAY IS 14 DAYS. No Side by Sides (UTV's), dirt bikes, or ATV's allowed to be rallied on the property. We can suggest close spots to rally. Need to store a camp trailer for a short period of time? Contact us for storage price.

100%

(172)

Under the Cedars

8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Priest River, ID

There are mountains, wetlands, meadows and forest land right in our back yard where we often see wildlife that call our area home. Elk, deer, turkeys, geese, ducks. rabbits, squirrels and the occasional cougar or bear. At any time, one critter or another will stroll through and check out our guests. We don't have a view of the river but it's nearby and our meadows and mountains offer a peaceful scene all its own. Camp surrounded by Old Growth Cedars and towering Grand Fir, stargaze by night, enjoy a campfire, smores and time with your family, Our peace includes little to no cellular service and don't offer internet or satellite tv. Feels like we're in the country but we live on a paved county road and only 4 miles from the city of Priest River. Bring your boat for a trip on the Pend Oreille River to Lake Pend Oreille. Launching is a short distance away at the Mud Hole, Priest River City Beach or Riley Creek Campground. Try your hand at fishing for bass, kokanee, perch, northern pike, and trout in the river or on the lake. Wake up in a peaceful woodsy setting where elk, deer, the occasional moose and turkeys roam the property and are often seen in the meadow. Load up your ATV, side by side or motorcycle and head for Priest Lake right from here. It’s a 21 mile (40 minute ride) to Coolin, ID. Enjoy the back county and take some of the IDL roads along the way to explore scenic drainages and in July/August pick some luscious huckleberries (the state fruit of Idaho) for a pancake or milkshake treat. In the fall, a nice central location for hunting camp. Want to go skiing or enjoy the summer lift ride? Head up to Schweitzer Mountain, about an hour drive away (38 miles/65 mins). The city of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille (Idaho's largest lake) are a half hour away (26 miles/33 mins) and Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, ID less than an hour away (36 miles/52 min).

Pack River Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Sandpoint, ID

Tucked near the beautiful Pack River, our camp is the ultimate getaway for outdoor enthusiasts 🌲 Whether you're into rafting, kayaking, fishing, or swimming, the river is right at your doorstep. Miles of trails offer hiking, horseback riding, and dirt biking in warmer months, while winter brings snowmobiling and snowshoeing adventures ❄️ Just 7 miles from a local gas station, convenience store, and one of the best restaurants around, you'll have easy access to essentials without losing that remote, wild feel. It’s also a great base camp for hunters looking to explore the surrounding wilderness. Come experience nature at its best!

100%

(37)

Maverick Mountain Home

2 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Hope, ID

Maverick Mountain Home is perched on a mountainside several hundred feet above picturesque Trestle Creek, a protected Kokanee Salmon and Bull Trout spawning habitat, two short but gorgeous miles up the road from Lake Pend Oreille. Our property is hidden within an epic cedar, fir and pine forest, bracketed by the Kaniksu National Forest to the east and conservation land to the west. SPRING/SUMMER/FALL: Spend the afternoon at the Trestle Creek Recreation Area on the eastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, only two miles down the road (just off Highway 200), where you can launch your boat, swim at the beach, or paddle along the shore in your kayak or SUP. Or, take an adventurous backcountry drive up Trestle Creek Road into the mountains of the Kaniksu National Forest where you can check out Lunch Peak Lookout, hike miles of pristine trails to one of the three nearby mountain lakes, explore several waterfalls, or drive the entire 35 mile backcountry loop down to the town of Clark Fork. If quiet rest is what you seek, stay here and find a secluded spot next to one of the creeks where you can hang a hammock and listen for that still small voice. Or read a book until the peaceful whispers of flowing water and breeze through the trees lulls you to sleep. You'll be in for a special treat if you book your site during the annual Kokanee Salmon spawning season! The salmon run usually starts during the last week in August or first week in September and lasts through late September. There are a multitude of viewing locations along Trestle Creek to witness this yearly miracle and snap some amazing photos! WINTER: Bring your snow machines and take advantage of sled in/sled out access from your campsite to the Trestle Creek loop system, boasting spectacular backcountry terrain with 50+ miles of groomed trails and hundreds of thousands of off-trail acres to explore! On-site trailer parking adjacent to the road is available. If skiing is your thing, Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort is an easy (and gorgeous) 45 minute commute. Don't tell anyone, but Schweitzer Mountain is an absolute gem of a ski resort with 2,900 acres of gorgeous skiing terrain (and epic views) for all ages and skill levels. Our family spends a good bit of time skiing here. Winter Driveway Access: a 4-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle is required to climb our driveway during winter conditions. OUR STORY: We (Tim and Molly) spent 14 years raising our young family in the desert heat of north Phoenix. Every summer we went dispersed camping as many weekends as possible with our four (now five) children in the backcountry mountain ranges of northern Arizona. We watched our family grow stronger together and sibling relationships flourish as the mental and emotional grime of the city grind was slowly washed from our souls during idle morning hangouts, afternoon hiking adventures and evening stories and laughs around the campfire. We had a particularly amazing mountaintop experience in 2014 backcountry camping over Labor Day Weekend where we felt a strong calling to share with others the blessings we were experiencing. Our hearts were impressed with a desire to host a place in the "wilderness" where people and families could escape and unwind from the noise and pace of city life for a few days and maybe even have a mountaintop experience of their own. After several years of waiting for the right timing, we started exploring and found this place in January 2019. By April we had sold our home in Phoenix and moved our family 2,000 miles north to this 27 acre property on a mountain of Hope. We named it Maverick Mountain Home, which captures our love of the wilderness, our mission to care for the lost, and our desire to be unbranded by the world. Upon landing here we immediately got to work preparing. We've spent the last five years working on hundreds of different projects, including: rehabilitating our driveway, beginning a long-term whole-house remodel, building a chicken coop, maintaining our driveway, fencing in a new orchard, chicken yard, and pig yard, planting trees, replacing a spring house, maintaining our driveway, installing underground infrastructure for future guest facilities, clearing trails, milling lumber, and maintaining our driveway. In 2024 we dedicated a good portion of April and May to preparing our first HipCamp site, Living Water, which went live on our wedding anniversary at the end of May. We added our second site, Boondock Butte in July with plans for several more sites in coming years. Since the first booking on our opening weekend we've watched as that line from "Field of Dreams" came true in our "backyard" - we built it and they started coming. Welcome to Maverick Mountain Home, Intrepid Camper! It is a huge blessing for us to share this amazing place with you.

100%

(4)

Zaltana Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Loon Lake, WA

Looking for the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with nature? Our private 30-acre mountain property offers a peaceful, off-grid camping experience just an hour north of Spokane and only 20 minutes from the highway — yet it feels like a world away. We’ve created a couple of quiet, spacious campsites nestled among the trees, each with its own private porta-potty for added convenience. This is true backcountry camping, so be sure to bring your own water and pack out what you pack in. Endless adventure awaits just outside your tent: hike, hunt, or explore miles of scenic logging roads by foot, mountain bike, or E-bike. Despite the remote feel, cell service is strong so you can easily access trail maps and plan your next outing. More campsites and even a cozy rental cabin are coming soon! Whether you're seeking solitude or an active outdoor getaway, this is the ideal basecamp for your mountain escape.

92%

(26)

Turnipseed Creek Campsites

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sandpoint, ID

Our property is located on 7 forested acres a few miles from Sandpoint. We have a few different houses on the property where parts of my family live. There are 3 rental spots that are all creek side and next to each other. You can wade in the shallow creek, swim in the pond, enjoy a walk on the nature trail around the property and just enjoy your camp spot surrounded by the forest and creek. There are also many trails and adventures within a 15 min drive of the property. We have a few dogs that live on property and like to come say hi to the campers and play fetch. The dogs are all friendly, but we ask that any guests bringing their own dogs please keep them on a leash as we do not know how they would all interact each other or local wildlife.

99%

(127)

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

98%

(65)

Blue Lake RV Resort

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Naples, ID

BLUE LAKE RV RESORT Your favorite North Idaho destination. Conveniently located in the heart of North Idaho, 22 miles north of Sandpoint and 5 miles south of Bonners Ferry. From our lake to nearby trails and waterfalls, outdoor activities abound. When entering the park, please watch for trains. There are no crossing arms. COMING FROM THE SOUTH? When you get here, go past our driveway, there is a semi-truck turnaround just 1/4 mile north of us. The approach from the north is much easier than trying to cross traffic coming from the south. AMENITIES •Our limited 36 sites on 21 acres make Blue Lake feel uncrowded and peaceful. •Fire pits and picnic tables at EVERY SITE! • Satellite-friendly sites available •We retained the charm of the wooded, old-fashion campground of our youth, but with the amenities of a modern RV facility: WiFi, radiant floor heat and on demand hot water in the bathrooms, and full-service laundry. •Big trees make lots of shade at the lakeside. The majority of the lake shore is shared space for all guests. •Feed the turtles and catfish and watch the trout jump like little orcas! Big trout and catfish to be caught, no license needed! •Summertime warms the surface water temps, so swim, kayak or float our awesome 3-acre lake. •Enjoy the wine deck every day from 6pm-9 pm •Free Showers Every Bathroom in our bathhouse includes a toilet, sink and shower for your convenience. Heated floors! •Coin Laundry $3.50 is needed to wash and dry 1 load. The laundry room also has a change machine for $1 bills. •Free Wifi Enjoy a free internet connection for checking emails and browsing the internet. Not suitable for streaming. •Sauna Book an all-day, private sauna for you and your friends Or book a single session on one of the open sauna days. Limited availability, you must book in advance •Boat Rentals Kayaks, Pedal Boats, and SUPs are available for rent by the hour. •Movie Rentals Action, Romance, Comedy, Cartoons. There’s something for everyone on our DVD rental shelf. •Free Games/Balls Giant Chess by the lake, horseshoes, Ladder Ball, Badminton, Bocce Ball, Ping Pong, Volley Ball, Croquet, Frisbee, footballs, checkers, Laddy Bug Tic-Tac-Toe. •Wine and Beer Bar Huckleberry Mimosas, Local Beers, Red and White Wine. We’ve got what you need to relax on our wine deck overlooking the lake. •Swimming and Fishing Swimming Dock, Fishing Dock. Cool off this summer with a dip in our lake. Or try your luck chasing trout, bass or catfish. (catch and release only, no license needed) •Firewood for Sale Please help reduce the spread of invasive bugs and wood disease by buying locally. $5.25 per bundle or $15 for 3 bundles.Don’t worry, you’ll get more than 4 pieces in our bundles. Unlike some places… •Ice for Sale Run out of Ice? No need to run to town, we’ve got it right here. •Community Fire Pits Come down to the fire pits and listen to someone share their adventures, or share a story of your own! •Dog Park After a long day on the road, your pooch will enjoy our off-leash, fenced dog park, as well as our off-leash walking trail. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS •Places to Visit -Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge -Kootenai River -Glacier National Park -Bonners Ferry Pelton Wheel -Boundary County Museum -Brush Lake -Mirror Lake Golf Course -International Selkirk Loop -9B Trails -Clifty Mountain & Katka Peak -Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge -Snow Creek Falls -Spruce Lake -Copper Falls -Myrtle Creek Falls -Roman Nose Lakes •Activities -Dining -Hiking -Fishing -Kayaking -Golfing -ATVs and Dirtbikes -Bird Watching -Bowling -Bonners Ferry Events

99%

(84)

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!

100%

(10)

Papa's Primitive Outdoor Paradise

3 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · Newman Lake, WA

Our campground is also our Tree Farm. Situated approximately 13 miles from Spokane Valley in the community of Newman Lake. If you're seeking outdoor adventures, relaxation, or a mix of both, our location offers a wonderful blend of experiences, it has the feeling of being remote while being close to civilization. Beautiful, spacious, and secluded campsites on 76 acres. We are surrounded by trees where it is very quiet with the exception of the wildlife, the distant call of the trains. These are dry sites without electricity, sewer hookups or dump. Potable water is available. It directly borders over 890 acres of land owned by inland paper company that can be utilized for hiking. Campsites are surrounded by forested area allowing campers to submerge into a peaceful nature setting and there is plenty of privacy between each camp site. Wildlife like deer, turkeys, and an occasional moose are common. One can walk through the woods or just sit and listen to nature all around. You will find many lakes just a short distance away. Coeur d'Alene is 16 miles away. Sandpoint is about 55 minutes away. Silverwood Theme Park is about 40 minutes. There is lots to do here from fishing and hunting to boating and skiing. Come visit soon!

99%

(53)

Amongst The Pines

2 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Mead, WA

We are a small farm located on Green Bluff, Washington. We would love to have you come stay in our treehouse cabin or camp out on our tent platform and enjoy visiting with the mini donkeys, goats, chickens and the cows. We have a shared fire pit area and a hot outdoor open air shower and outhouse. Green Bluff has so much to offer! There are several farms selling fresh produce, wineries, restaurants, a great brewery, stores, and so much more! We are also only 25 min away from Mt. Spokane State Park which has lots of hiking trails and other fun summer activities. Downtown Spokane is a quick 30 min drive where you can enjoy restaurants and shops. The setting is tucked in amongst the pines and is quiet. We are happy to show you around the farm and introduce you to mini donkeys, goats, chickens, cows, and barn cats! Green Bluff has so much to offer especially in the summer when you can go to several farms to pick fruits and vegetables, visit wineries, breweries, small businesses, and restaurants all within just a few minutes from our farm. I will give you all the information you need to tour Green Bluff when you arrive! Siemers Farm is located just 1/2 mile from us and they have pizza and salads available and Big Barn Brewery typically has food trucks and live music each weekend and they are about 3 miles away.

The best camping near Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail guide

Overview

About

Elevate your outdoor experience with a Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail camping expedition. Situated south of Priest Lake in Idaho, this region proffers a network of trails spanning 10 miles, ripe with options for hiking and snowshoeing. The trail system commences from the Priest Lake Information Center, conveniently located just off Highway 57. The Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail, acting as the principal pathway, gently meanders along the Priest River and its upper west branch, opening up the tranquil landscape. From this central trail, four named loops diverge, offering campers ample opportunities to explore varied routes and piquing their interest for subsequent visits. As you traverse these trails, don't miss out on the area's highlights, including the Kaniksu Marsh, a prime spot for potentially observing moose. A segment of the trail skirting the Priest River offers a unique experience as it runs parallel to the Chipmunk Rapids. Also, be on the lookout for deer and waterfowl that grace the area with their presence. Camping near the Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail not only delivers a unique opportunity to connect with nature but also provides a diverse range of activities and wildlife sightings. It promises a distinctive blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife observation, and tranquil relaxation, making it a prime choice for campers aiming for an enriching outdoor experience. Experience the allure of Idaho's wilderness at Chipmunk Rapids National Recreation Trail.

Be the first to review

Share your experience here to help other campers.