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The best camping in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, ID

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Discover Kootenai Refuge's wildlife and scenic trails. 

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge adventure.

Top-rated campsites near Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

North Haven Campground

1. North Haven Campground

100%
(36)
4.5mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 20 sites · RVs, Lodging
ABOUT NORTH HAVEN Featuring 5+ acres in a peaceful wooded setting, with 5 Luxury Log Cabins (1BD and 2BD), 21 RV Sites, 2 Conestoga Glamping Wagons w/ private bathroom access, 1 Glamping Tipi, Tent Campsites, Large Bathhouse Facility and Laundry Room (open 24/7), "The Outpost" Camp Store and Office and a nature walking trail. Picnic tables, fire rings, propane BBQ grills at the cabins and glamping sites. LUXURY LOG CABINS... - 1-bedroom 1-bathroom log cabins that sleep up to 4 Guests. - 2-bedroom 2-bathroom log cabins that sleep 6-8 Guests. - Two pet-friendly cabins available (Cabins 1 and 2). RV SITES... - 21 RV sites: 10 full hook up; ALL are pull-through; - 11 partial hook-up (Water and Electric); 7 are pull-through; - Each site features 20/30/50 amp electrical receptacles; - Picnic table and fire ring at each site - 24/7/365 access to Bathhouse restrooms, showers and laundry room. CONESTOGA GLAMPING WAGONS... - Glamorous Camping at it's best! - King bed, twin-over-twin bunk bed; sleep up to 4 Guests; - Microwave, mini fridge and wagon wheel table; - Electricity, USB charging ports, Mitsubishi mini split for heat and A/C; - Private access to a dedicated bathroom in the adjacent Showerhouse, with shower, sink, toilet, with bath towels, bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap); - Outdoor wood picnic table, fire ring and propane BBQ grill; - Parking for one vehicle next to the Wagon GLAMPING TIPI... - Queen bed; Full size fold out futon; sleep up to 4 Guests - Microwave, mini fridge and small table; - Electricity, Heater, Portable AC unit; - 24/7 access to the nearby bathhouse facilities with private restrooms, showers and laundry room; - Outdoor fire ring and propane BBQ grill; - Parking for one vehicle near the Tipi North Haven Campground is locally owned and operated and is committed to providing a 5-star experience for our Guests. We have something for everyone and are conveniently located not far from Hwy 95 and Hwy 2 near Canada and northwestern Montana. No train tracks anywhere near the campground so Guests can enjoy the wooded setting and nearby proximity to shopping, restaurants and outdoor adventures in Bonners Ferry.
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Full hookups
Lions Den Ranch

2. Lions Den Ranch

100%
(13)
5mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Lions Den Ranch! This is a 90 acre waterfront property that sits at the base of the silkirks! We offer Stalls for your horses, parking for your side by side trailers or relax by Deep Creek on the property! Use us for your basecamp for hunting, fishing, kayaking, atv/utvs/dirtbikes, horseback riding, hiking, berry picking, or simply relax by the river on site with a drink in your hand!
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Electrical hookup
Campfires
Hymas Family Farm Stay

3. Hymas Family Farm Stay

93%
(15)
6.6mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site
Hymas Family Farm is an operating regenerative agricultural farm. We have cows to milk, eggs to gather, sheep to tend to and pigs to feed each morning. We have a farmstore on site for eggs, steak, chops, bacon and milk. Sometimes we even have soft serve, organic ice cream available. Pickleball and basketball court is also available at the farm for you to enjoy. A shower and bathroom is also provided for guests. There are 29 acres of pasture and 15 acres of woods. Spectacular views nestled in a beautiful valley between the Rocky Mountains! Learn more about this land: North Idaho is outdoorsman's paradise. Hiking, fishing, climbing or relax and enjoy the peace of the farm and mountains. There are several waterfalls and lakes nearby or a majestic ski resort within an hour's distance. All are surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains. Canada is 20 minutes to the north!
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Blue Lake RV Resort

4. Blue Lake RV Resort

97%
(72)
9.3mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
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Nonetheless Offgrid Homestead

5. Nonetheless Offgrid Homestead

97%
(18)
15mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Traveling this gorgeous country extensively since she was 12 years old, Charlie fell in love with the west and North Idaho. In 2016 she purchased this little slice of paradise in the remote Far North Idaho wilderness where she turned an old hunting property into an Offgrid Homestead. While many places have been stripped of trees only to be replanted by all the same species, this place was sustainably and privately logged leaving much of the natural tree diversity. Not many places can you find many different firs, pines, larch, cedar, alders, and birch all in one place. Perched at the edge of wilderness areas, national forests, and timberlands but just off a main road, you find yourself transported into the wild in a short drive! The property is frequented daily by all types of wildlife and is hugged by TWO mountain ranges. The homestead is managed in a permaculture design with back-to-Eden and Huglekulutr gardens to have minimal impact on the land. Learn more about this land: Easy access just 1/2 mile off main paved road with views of BOTH the Purcell and Cabinet Mountain Ranges. Our little slice of paradise is a great stop on your way to/from Glacier National Park (100 mi) or to come enjoy all that North Idaho and Western Montana has to offer. We are just a few miles from the Montana border and you can walk from your campsite to Kaniksu National Forest. We're just a 15 minute drive to Bonners Ferry where you can enjoy the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Snow Creek Falls, rent kayaks and venture on the Kootenai River, visit the Boundary County Museum, an Antique Mall on the way to town is always full of treasures, play at Kootenai Casino, visit wineries and breweries, many great local restaurants boasting great cuisine with small town charm including an AMAZING farmers market every Saturday May - September and great downtown shopping. Or if you are up for a scenic drive you can venture to visit the Yaak Falls, Kootenai Falls, Ross Creek Cedars, Baldy Lookout, Schweitzer Ski Resort, and much more. Here at our little offgrid homestead you have choice of tent camping in the forest or tent/van/car/rv camping in our field next to the Larch grove and Timberland property. With the river close by eagles are frequently soaring overhead. Turkey, deer, and elk
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Small Yurt in the Woods

6. Small Yurt in the Woods

97%
(76)
20mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site
We have created this place and lived here for over 20 years. Our two boys who are 18 and 21 love to play and create their own piece of heaven. We desire to share it with others and allow them to see the magic of yurt living. We also live in a 30-ft yurt on the property that is our special place. Learn more about this land: This 14-foot yurt is a short walk of about 50 yards from the guest parking. You will pass our 30-ft family yurt and go to your own private space. The property has a great remote feeling and has space to move around. There is a queen custom bed and room for a child or two on the floor if desired. There is a small gravity-fed water system for the yurt and your own private outhouse. Plenty of wood for you to stay warm by the fire inside and an outdoor shower shared by our family. The kitchen comes with pots and pans, plates, etc. and a few extras. You will hear the sounds of nature and North Idaho at times out in your yurt as trains pass through the valley to Canada. We are 1.5 miles away from the tracks. If you are into being independent and open to new experiences then we would love to share our space with you. Please pull in the drive and pull up past the big garage and park to the left by the Yurt Parking Sign. Then walk towards the trail sign and follow the path. Recommended for you to bring a headlamp and outdoor slippers to walk to the outhouse or shower during your stay. We have towels at the yurt for your use. We can provide a Therm-a-rest bed for your child if needed. Please bring your own wood for outside fires at the fire pit. Currently there is fire restriction in effect.
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Lost Fainting Goat Ranch

7. Lost Fainting Goat Ranch

100%
(13)
20mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site
COME AND EXPERIENCE BEAUTIFUL NORTH IDAHO!!! We are located down a dead-end road, approximately 18 miles from downtown Sandpoint, with all it has to offer, yummy restaurants, Cedar Street Public Market, music, Bonner County Fair and don't miss City Beach, maybe even take a lake tour. We are 12 miles from The Idaho Club and just 22 miles from Schweitzer and some of the most breathtaking views around. There is always something to do and see on the mountain. Trestle Creek Park on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille, is only a 16-mile drive through some of the most picturesque areas of the NW. After a fun filled day exploring North Idaho come and relax at The Lost Fainting Goat Ranch, an amusing name for a place we call home. There is a separate private driveway, and you will have the whole camp area to yourselves, yet we aren't far away should a need arise. You may occasionally hear us (4 busy kids, 3 cats, 2 friendly dogs, 1 noisy rooster and 18 happy hens yet still no fainting goats) but we want you to feel like you are in your own private sanctuary. We are offering a furnished bell tent in a secluded area of our private property in the beautiful mountains of Sandpoint Idaho. Our camp area is along a quiet creek that is visited by deer, wild turkey, squirls and even the occasional moose. There are also those less desirable critters that live in nature like insects, we do try and mitigate those troublemakers. This area of our property is off grid with a wonderful shower house built from wood milled from our own land, complete with hot water and a compost toilet. We provide Starlink WiFi and a way to charge cell phones thanks to our solar charged batteries. There is a fire pit, comfy chairs, a beautiful picnic table, again, made from wood from our own land, and a screened in area with cooking supplies. Our family enjoys hosting guests and we enjoy meeting new people. We hope you love it here as much as we do. When you reserve your time with us, please look for messages regarding directions and check-in instructions, we like to meet everyone to show you around and it gets pretty dark out here in the country and the cell coverage is pretty spotty in our area. We truly want you to have a relaxing experience and good communication helps us serve you better.
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Grumpy Chicken Farm Camp

8. Grumpy Chicken Farm Camp

99%
(45)
26mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Learn more about this land: We are a You-Pick flower farm and Floral Company in beautiful Sandpoint Idaho, with a field of flowers for you to enjoy. The property is located in the Heart of the Selle Valley, an area rich in history. There is running water and a port o potty on the property.
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Birch Forest Farm

9. Birch Forest Farm

94%
(17)
27mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
HUNTING SEASON BASE CAMP!! This campsite is about 20 minutes drive from Sandpoint, ID. perched on the mountainside overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, the Pack River Flats, Idaho Club Golf Course, Schweitzer Ski Resort, and the Norther Selkirk Mountian Range, the property is bordered on the east by millions of acres of USFS lands (Kaniksu National Forest) to the east, and bordered on the west by thousands of acres of Idaho Fish & Game land. fishing on the Pack River is only a football field away, or if you want to tow a boat, the public boat launch on the lake is only a 5 minute drive from camp. Horse camping? Ride your horse off the property into hundreds of miles of horse trails, free to explore. Hunting? Make this camp one of the most beautiful base camps you ever had. Bring a bottle of wine and watch the sun set over the Selkirks while you enjoy the smoke and crackle of the campfire. Campsites are primitive, but two of them have enough space for boondocking. :-)
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The Knoll, LLC

10. The Knoll, LLC

100%
(23)
28mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Phenomenal place to relax and rejuvenate from the hectic pace of life or a hard day of outdoor adventuring. Five acres located a short 7 minute drive (3 miles) from Luby Bay on Priest Lake, Idaho. Pine and Cedar trees surround a seasonal stream - peaceful and quiet site to set up a weekend get away. Easy access to all of the multiple outdoor activities in the Priest Lake area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Maverick Mountain Home

11. Maverick Mountain Home

98%
(85)
30mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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 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, find a secluded spot next to one of 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.
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Lakeview Majesty

12. Lakeview Majesty

96%
(236)
30mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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. NOTE: All campers over 12 foot tall please take the Sunnyside Cut off Road. Do not go under railroad tracks it only has a 12 foot clearance.
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Full hookups
Turnipseed Creek Campsites

13. Turnipseed Creek Campsites

96%
(67)
31mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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 up the road or camp area 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. Please note there are no restroom facilities. Campers are required to bring their own toilet setup. 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. WiFi is Adams camp Adamscamp286
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Potable water
Full hookups
Sacred Cedars

14. Sacred Cedars

100%
(11)
33mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Sacred Cedars is home to the Sacred Cedars Wilderness School. The property is roughly 13 acres with 4 different eco-systems to explore. At the heart of the property is an ancient grove of Cedar trees, hence the name, Sacred Cedars. Sleep under the boughs of the mystical cedars. Gaze at the wetland area for a cool soothing place to chill. Sacred Cedars is raw land, and completely off-grid. We provide tent and hammock camping spots, with 2 canvas tent glamping spots.
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Water Front RV Sites With Dock

15. Water Front RV Sites With Dock

94%
(16)
33mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites
MAKE SURE YOU TAKE SAGLE ROAD OFF 95- Bottle Bay Road is narrow Scenic RV Sites with Full Hookups on Lake Pend Oreille! Enjoy the beauty of North Idaho at one of our two back-in RV sites, each equipped with full hookups including 50-amp power, water, and sewer. Nestled on a quiet private road, these sites offer a peaceful setting with beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille. YOU WILL NEED A REDUCER FROM 50 TO 30amp. Water shoes are highly recommended. Perfect for boaters, both sites include water access and a shared floating dock—ideal for launching kayaks and paddle boards, relaxing in the sun, or enjoying lunch by the water. The maximum length for (motorhomes only) is 40' in length. Some low rigs could drag from the street to the pad. Utilizing the boat slip is an extra cost. The sites are located on a vacant lot next to our private cabin, and there is one neighboring RV on a separate lot nearby. Come experience lakeside living and the tranquility of the great outdoors. Other things to do: 20 minutes from Downtown Sandpoint – Charming small town with local shops, restaurants, breweries, and art galleries Fishing & Boating – Excellent lake fishing for bass, trout, and kokanee; bring your gear or rent nearby Wildlife Watching – Bald eagles, deer, osprey, and even moose are often spotted Huckleberry Picking (seasonal) – A fun North Idaho tradition!
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Full hookups
Prater mountain ranch

16. Prater mountain ranch

97%
(31)
35mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 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.
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The Woods in Sagle

17. The Woods in Sagle

100%
(64)
36mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Discover peaceful forest camping in Sagle, Idaho just minutes from Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. This wooded North Idaho property offers two private campsites that can be booked separately or together—perfect for group camping, families, or friends traveling with tents and small RVs (up to 21 feet). Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit, with easy access to a nearby porta-potty, handwashing sink, trash disposal, and shared amenities. Please note: these are dry campsites with no hookups (no water, or sewer), making this an ideal spot for self-contained campers looking for a quiet, back-to-nature experience. Potable drinking water is available on the property, just not directly at the sites. Firewood is also available for purchase onsite. The property is surrounded by tall trees, offering a quiet and relaxing setting filled with birdsong, occasional train whistles in the distance, and resident owls at night. While you’ll feel tucked away in nature, you’re still conveniently located—just 10 minutes to downtown Sandpoint, 15 minutes to Lake Pend Oreille and Garfield Bay, and about 20 minutes to Silverwood Theme Park. Whether you're here for camping, fishing, boating, hiking, skiing, or simply unwinding in the woods, The Woods in Sagle is a perfect basecamp for your North Idaho adventure.
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Waterfront Adventures

18. Waterfront Adventures

96%
(63)
38mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 4 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.
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Paradise on Mirror Lake

19. Paradise on Mirror Lake

99%
(809)
38mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
>>> Voted #1 Campground in Idaho 2022, 2024 & 2025 (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, C, D, E and F. Nearest to water tower (potable water): Sites C, D, E and F. 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.
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Under the Cedars

20. Under the Cedars

100%
(240)
40mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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).
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Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge camping guide

Overview

About

Embark on a journey into undisturbed wilderness with a Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge camping expedition. Situated alongside the Selkirk Mountains in northern Idaho, this almost three-thousand-acre refuge boasts a mosaic of diverse habitats. From wetlands and meadows to riparian and coniferous forests, the area offers a vibrant sanctuary for a broad variety of wildlife, making it an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts and campers alike. Primarily serving as a sanctuary for migrating waterfowl, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. The vast array of species and their fascinating behaviors make for a captivating spectacle, adding an extra layer of excitement to your camping trip. Camping near Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge also opens up an array of outdoor activities. From serene hikes through verdant forests to tranquil picnics amidst blooming meadows, each day offers a new adventure. And with the cultivated agricultural land that dots the refuge, you get a unique glimpse into the local farming practices. A short drive away, there are even more attractions waiting to be discovered. The Selkirk Mountains offer extensive trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the local communities of Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint provide an enticing mix of local culture, historic sites, and regional cuisine. A Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge camping experience promises an immersive adventure into the heart of Idaho's diverse landscapes and wildlife, making every trip a unique and rewarding journey.

When to go

The best time to visit Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migrations, when the refuge becomes a bustling hub for birdwatching. Summer offers lush greenery and active wildlife, while winter presents a serene, snowy landscape, ideal for those seeking tranquility amid nature's quiet.

Know before you go

  • Check the refuge's seasonal activity schedule to plan your visit around prime wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Be prepared for bear country; carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • Some trails may be closed due to weather or conservation efforts; call ahead to confirm accessibility.
  • No fees are required to enjoy the refuge, making it an accessible option for all visitors.
  • Remember to bring essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen for a safe and enjoyable day out.

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