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Riverfront Base Camp

Hosted by Nicholas · Cataldo, Idaho

8 guests max

79%

23 reviews

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Off-lead friendly

Pets can be off-lead at this Hipcamp.

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.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 stairway 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. Please send a message if you have any questions. I am happy to help.

Vehicle details

Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 35 feet allowed

Longer vehicles may have some difficulty entering the campsite due to the perpendicular entry from the road. Reach out if you have any questions.

Pull-in site

Longer vehicles may have some difficulty entering the campsite due to the perpendicular entry from the road. Reach out if you have any questions.

Accommodates slideouts

Longer vehicles may have some difficulty entering the campsite due to the perpendicular entry from the road. Reach out if you have any questions.

Surface type: Grass or field

Some leveling may be required. Mostly flat.

Surface levelness: Requires leveling

Some leveling may be required. Mostly flat.

Generators allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Pets allowed

Off leash, on leash. The river is very deep and the highway is very close to camp. Pets are allowed at your own risk.

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Picnic table present

No potable water

No showers

Pack it out

Cooking equipment absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Super Strict (30 Days)

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

Park at listing

Wheelchair accessible

Max 3 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Firewood bundlegood

$10.00

Start your trip off right with a bundle of firewood waiting for you at your camp for your first campfire.

10' Lifetime Sit-In Kayak Rentalrental

$65.00

10' Sit-in Lifetime Kayak 1-day rental. Paddle and vests included. 1 person, 275 lb. capacity.

9' Sit-On Kayak Rental rental

$50.00

1-day sit-on Ocean Frenzy Kayak rental. This is for one person up to 300 lbs.

Mad River 14' Canoe Rentalrental

$150.00

1-day canoe rental. The 14' canoe has 3 seats and is rated for up to 900 lbs. Life jackets are available as well.

Hammockrental

$10.00

1-person Hammock rental

Reviews

79% Recommend29 Ratings · 23 reviews

This campsite offers stunning views, especially with its riverfront location, making it a great spot for those who love nature and water activities. However, it's worth noting that some campers have pointed out concerns about water quality due to contamination signs, and the proximity to a busy road may not be ideal for light sleepers. Despite these issues, many visitors appreciate the easy access to the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes and the spacious, secluded feel of the site. Whether you're kayaking, biking, or just relaxing by the campfire, this site has a lot to offer for a peaceful getaway.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent

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!!!

Sarah M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Camping adventure

Tent · With pets

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😁

Sierra B.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent · Group trip

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

Linsey R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2025

Tent

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

Shawn O.

11 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent · With kids

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 :)

Kenzie W.

3 months on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· July 2025

water quality issues

Tent · With pets

To be fair, the campsite itself I had no complaints about and was exactly as described. I do believe that I should have been notified about water quality issues at the time of booking. There is a huge yellow sign directly across the water from the campsite stating the water has arsenic, heavy metals and other toxins and any time in water should be limited. Not a place to go if you’re thinking of a swim. Also, it is very close to the main road and traffic is nearly constant. Just things to keep in mind when booking here.

Rochelle C.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

TRANQUIL

35 ft Class A · With pets

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!!

Kelly K.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Beautiful site!

Tent

This location is phenomenal. Like other reviews have said- yes the road is nearby- but to be honest it’s not very busy and at night there was little to no traffic. There was a gorgeous area to walk in just passed the camp, and access to the trail of the couer D’Alenes was very convenient. The site itself was wide open, with just enough tree coverage for privacy. We will absolutely stay at this location again if it’s available!

Reggie M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

19 ft travel trailer · With pets

Everything was awesome, it was very quiet and beautiful, the only thing is make sure you remember the instructions, I couldn't remember which way to turn once I got on property and there is no service

Joshua R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· July 2024

Good time

Tent · With pets

We thought it would be a little more private. People showed up at 3am and started shouting across the lake. We still enjoyed our time, it just scared the heck out of me.

Mackenzie G.

5 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· July 2024

Tent · With kids

Great spot to access lots of different lakes, trails, etc. in Idaho. The shoreline is steep so it's not as enjoyable if you want beach access. Otherwise, the plot of land was large, great for groups. The kayaks were there upon arrival and worked great. The proximity to the road can be a distraction but the noise dies down at night.

Andrea E.

1 year on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· July 2024

So close to perfect

21 ft travel trailer

This site is in a beautiful spot, but directly across the river is a huge neon sign that says: CAUTION limit contact with water and soil. Area contaminated from mining. Also, the river was murky and smelled sulfuric. We saw many people happily enjoying the river without a care, but we just couldn’t get over the caution sign.

Alexandra P.

8 reviews

Mixed feelings

· July 2024

18 ft campervan · With pets

This is a nice spot, especially if you plan on anchoring your boat out in the river which does touch right next to the site. The directions to the site were a bit unclear, but manageable. Fire pit and table were nice additions. I know mosquitoes are a part of camping, but the number we had to deal with was a bit much. If the grass was mowed or probably would have been more manageable. Overall site has potential, but not at the current price. Lack of potable water & proper toilet bring it down. Then the unkept nature promoting mosquitoes is unfortunate.

Jacob Y.

3 reviews

Mixed feelings

· June 2024

17 ft travel trailer · With kids

We loved to kayak to the sandy bar and roast marshmallows. We're used to more remote sites.

Jennifer B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2024

24 ft travel trailer · With kids

It was a perfect spot to land and explore the area!

Heidi T.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2024

30 ft travel trailer · With pets

Hugh chunk of land all to yourself. Right next to the highway though so be aware of that. We had a great weekend, despite the rain and wind. The entrance is a bit narrow but I pulled our 30' trailer in. Thankfully other highway drivers were kind enough to wait for us to get out of the way.

Scott H.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

Camping with animals and friends

Tent · With pets

Loved camping here! Really easy directions and very private!! I will be camping here again. The only thing I would mention is that the site is a hop, skip and jump away from the highway. Only the first night I was a little nervous that a drunk driver would go off the road and hit us but I got over it! 🤣 also there is some warning sign across the site warning you of only spending limited time in the water but None of my group cared and we enjoyed the calm water floating! Thank you Nick!

Tracey M.

2 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· September 2022

Tent · Group trip

Great spot and view next to water. Busy road though. Nice camp fire location next to water.

Zachary C.

3 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· September 2022

20 ft travel trailer

The site was exactly as stated in every way! Unfortunately, we didn’t appreciate how much road noise there would actually be! I guess we are lighter sleepers than we thought.

Sara R.

5 reviews

Recommends

· July 2022

chain lakes are the best lakes

20 ft travel trailer · Group trip

great place to camp with the family. super easy water access. bring the kayak’s for some great early mornig or evening fishing. if your into boating there are two public boat launches within 2 miles of camp.

Jay P.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2022

Camping With Dogs

Tent · With pets

My sister and I loved this campsite! It’s secluded and had tons of space & water for our pups! The location is SO beautiful 🌲 We’ll definitely be camping here again!

Kimberley B.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

Camping!

Tent · With pets

This is an awesome camp spot! Right on the river, primitive camping at its absolute finest. We had a great 3 days staying here. Kellogg is close by in case you forget things - which is really nice! I would definitely recommend this spot to those looking for a great swimming spot and camping getaway. We had two dogs there and they absolutely loved it! So much wildlife. Saw a lot of bald eagles, ospreys, beavers. Super neat!

Taryn Z.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2022

Centered near adventure

12 ft RV · Group trip

This is a great jumping off point for those looking to venture out into the wilderness nearby. The Black Rock access point for the Trail of the Coeur D' Alene is a short distance west on the Highway. Kilarney lake access is across the street and Acres of forest are also nearby. A quick glance at the map shows all the places you can start your adventure. The region following the CDA river is filled with wildlife. Lots of marshlands, Birds, Deer, Beaver and even Moose. This is probably not a place for those who are light sleepers or those looking to be in secluded surroundings. But this listing does not misrepresent that fact.