The best camping in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, ID

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Top-rated campgrounds

Small Yurt in the Woods

97%
(69)
20mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Lodging · Sandpoint, ID
We have created this place and lived here for over 20 years. Our two boys who are 17 and 20 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 going 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 feed 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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$73
 / night

ALMOST TO CANADA - FAR NORTH IDAHO

100%
(322)
21mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bonners Ferry, ID
Note: We have a Bonners Ferry, ID mailing address but our physical location is approximately 30 miles North of Bonners Ferry and 1 mile South of Eastport, ID. We are a mile South of the Canadian Border just off US 95. Also, please note: Our tent campsite and RV campsite have separate booking sites but share the same shelter and toilet. If you book either site the "other" booking site is blocked during your stay. You are in a forest on land shaped by the last Ice Age, The forest has nurtured generations of of wildlife including majestic birds of prey. It sustained the Kootenai People before borders separated their lands. It saw determined miners pass this way seeking their fortune in gold from British Columbia. This forest supplied timber to build railroads and homes for families in the western migration. Our family is the current steward of this forest and it is our wish to respectfully share its beauty and observe its wildlife with your family and friends! Our Forest is surrounded by Kaniksu National Forest which is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) as part of the Idaho Panhandle. National Forest.. The Moyie River ( say Moy-yay) has headwaters at Moyie Lake in British Columbia and feeds into the Kootenai River (say Koo-ten-e) just East of Bonners Ferry. The Moyie River is 95 miles long. The area is private, so there is no view of the neighbors. You’ll have a broken view of the Host’s Cabin. Camp is situated on 15.4 acres of Certified Family Forest. If you hear the rumble of a train at night, it's because the Union Pacific passes along the opposite edge of the property from the campsites. There is no mobile phone service at the campsite . There is WiFi at the campsite shelter. We strongly suggest you activate the “Cell over WiFi “ function on your smartphone BEFORE you arrive/lose cell signal so you can access Emergency 911 Services. There is a fire pit (firewood provided), covered shelter, a USFS-style charcoal grill, (bring charcoal and starter), picnic table, benches, bear-proof food storage box and TEMPORARY trash bin. Please plan to "pack-out" all of your trash and recyclables. There are a lot of deer roaming the property, along with many birds and other wildlife . OUR NIGHTLY CHARGE Includes all the firewood you need and a 10% Hipcamp Service Fee. It does not include 6% Idaho Sales Tax and 2% Idaho Convention and Travel Tax. Be Bear Aware : From April 1 - November 1 all food, beverages and trash must never be left unattended and, all of the same, be stored properly. Our Bear Box is large and can accommodate your supplies and cooler.
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$37
 / night

7B Cabin

100%
(63)
50mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Lodging · Athol, ID
Come nurture your soul at our off-grid cabin OR our grid tied cabin with modern conveniences. Surrounded by majestic conifers, you will find yourself in a forest paradise. Make time for bird watching, star gazing and watching wildlife enjoying their natural habitat. The cabins are both situated in a very private setting opposite our main house on our 32 acre property. We are conveniently located off Hwy 95, 7 miles north of Athol, ID. Spend your days exploring nearby Farragut State Park (7 miles), Round Lake State Park (15 miles), Sandpoint (20 miles), Coeur d’Alene (30 miles), or Silverwood Theme Park (9 miles). There are multiple dining options from breakfast to dinner within 7-10 miles. We have kayaks available upon request as there are multiple small lakes (Kelso and Granite Lake) less than 5 miles away. We are generally available and on-site 24/7 for any issues, questions and or problems that may need solved. In the case you forget anything at all……we can find it, fix it or provide it. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Some exceptions could be accommodated for additional tent campers in the same group on a case by case basis. Please reach out if you have a special circumstance. If you see dates that you want that are blocked out feel free to get in touch, we block out some dates for us to go camping but have no problem opening them up. *NO LATE ARRIVALS AFTER 8:30 PM , YOU WILL BE REFUNDED 100% AT 9PM **THERE IS A HOUSE BEING BUILT ACROSS THE ROAD FROM US, IT CAN BE LOUD DURING WEEK DAYS, HOPEFULLY COMPLETED BY SEPT 2025** **Heading into fire season JUNE 2025....NO FIRES OR SPARKLERS OR FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND****
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$80
 / night

Cozy Mountain Bungalow

100%
(1)
47mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Lodging · Clark Fork, ID
Snug tiny 8’x12’ bungalow in the woods with everything you need for a not-so-rustic camping experience, surrounded by a forested mountainside. Inside, you’ll find a cozy full-size bed with extra blankets and pillows, a rocking chair, and a small wardrobe. Just outside, there’s a level 8’x8’ tent platform for extra space. Enjoy a big patio with a swing, an outdoor kitchen with seating for four, a fire pit, room to park—and even ingredients for s’mores. The bungalow has power for lights and charging your gadgets, while fresh water comes from a 2.5-gallon spigot tank filled from our deep well. A private, breezy outdoor potty with a bucket toilet is included (and doesn’t stink—we promise!). The outdoor kitchen features a camp stove, sink, counter space, cooking utensils, camp dishes, and more. The outdoor adventure here is endless. Turn right up the road—part of the Idaho Centennial Trail—to explore hundreds of square miles of roads, trails, wildlife, mountains, and rivers. It’s perfect for mountain biking, hunting, or seasonal huckleberry and mushroom picking. Turn left and you’re minutes from Montana, or head to the endlessly scenic Clark Fork River and delta with its dozens of wooded islands. Bring your water toys to enjoy vast Lake Pend Oreille—Idaho’s largest lake and the fifth deepest in the nation—for fishing, boating, swimming, paddling, kayaking, or canoeing. Just across the river, the huge Lightning Creek drainage offers backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, and endless exploring. Further out, you’ll find the town of Sandpoint and, just above it, year-round fun at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. It all starts right here.
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$52
 / night

Phoenix Rising Ranch

96%
(67)
42mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Priest River, ID
This is a very private and quiet place, more of a sanctuary and not a party place. The only thing you hear is nature, a breeze through the pine trees, the birds, and the creek. This property was and is an organic permaculture farm in the forest. There are two orchards and an organic garden. The water is from a spring. The La Luna cabin is no longer off grid, but if the power does go out, it's a great place to be.. Hot Showers at my cabins are private and outdoors. There's nothing more wonderful than a hot spring-fed shower. The toilets are composting. (No water is wasted here)! Two of the cabins were built from the trees on the property by the first family that lived here in the earlier 1900s. The Birds Nest cabin was originally a tool shed that needed a LOT of Love to be in the condition that it is today. It does have power, running water and wi-fi. There is the option to take an acrylic painting class, banjo, guitar or fiddle lessons, paddleboard lessons, and have a real old-timey campfire with a glass of wine or two with live music performed by our famous Fiddlin Red on the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Your experience here may change your life forever! We haven't added all the experiential options yet, so if there is something you are interested in please inquire. Every year we make it more and more magical and interesting. It's four miles up a county-maintained dirt road and one mile to a non-motorized lake. I can't see my neighbors, but they are awesome artists and musicians and some of them are off the grid! If you're bringing a pet, they must be on a leash and be quiet pets. If you are bringing a child they also need to be quiet and respectful. I want to keep my neighbors and my other guests happy with a peaceful atmosphere. Thank you!
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$60
 / night

Water Front RV Sites With Dock

91%
(11)
33mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · RVs · Sagle, ID
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. Perfect for boaters, both sites include water access and a shared floating dock—ideal for launching your boat, relaxing in the sun, or enjoying lunch by the water. Maximum length for motorhomes ONLY 38' 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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from 
$59
 / night

A Wee Place in the Woods

99%
(446)
48mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 12 sites · Tents, Lodging · Priest River, ID
🌟🏆 2025—A Wee Place in the Woods is Hipcamp's award winner in two categories: Best of Idaho and Best Treehouses in the U.S.! 🏆🌟 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 💠 ❣️ WE ARE THRILLED TO OFFER GUESTS NEW MATTRESSES IN 2025 FOR DEEPER, RESTORATIVE SLEEP THROUGHOUT THEIR STAY. ❣️ 🌿 Hidden amongst towering evergreen trees lies this charming oasis that celebrates art, creativity and community. Five acres of old-growth forest, lush greenery and a rainbow-array of seasonal flowers awaits you. Stunning woodland views in every direction. Soothing sounds of a year-round creek. Active wildlife. 🌿 All guests have access to camp amenities including fully-stocked outdoor communal kitchen with refrigerator, fire circle, outdoor living room, creek-side trails, craft supplies, solar shower, star-gazing area and labyrinth. 🌿 Whether you seek relaxation, spiritual renewal, or the perfect location for a family reunion or special event, you’ll find it here. Meet new friends. Make new memories. We warmly welcome you! 🌿 It is our pleasure to provide refrigerator space for all guests plus complimentary firewood, propane and charcoal, as well as soap and luxury shampoo during your stay at A Wee Place In The Woods. 🌿 ❣️PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN food, cooler, bedding, pillows, towels, and lanterns or flashlights.❣️
Potable water
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$136
 / night

Paradise on Mirror Lake

99%
(745)
38mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sagle, ID
>>> 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, 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.
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$35
 / night

Under the Cedars

100%
(228)
40mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · 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).
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$30
 / night

North Haven Campground

100%
(35)
4.6mi from Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge · 23 sites · RVs, Lodging · Bonners Ferry, ID
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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$55
 / night

The best camping in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, ID 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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