Best Camping in and near Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Discover Kootenai Refuge's wildlife and scenic trails.

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Community favorites near Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

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Paradise on Mirror Lake

14 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 is perched up about 50 feet over Mirror Lake, sitting in a mountain bowl on one end of the lake. 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. (Just before June, the fish stock will be at it's lowest point of the year, so keep that in mind.) 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? Some are hard to find, while others are in plain sight! 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). Fishing off of the campground dock is also a possibility but beware that lily pads are prevalent. Please obey all of the camp rules which are listed in each campsite. The most important campground rule is leaving the campground just as you found it, or better. This means smothering fires and packing out all trash to prevent wildlife from visiting our campground! A bit of history... In 2021, the campsites were graveled and graded, each with their own picnic table and fire pit. A mulch tent pad was added to Campsites C and D. An on-site Port-A-Potty was also installed at this time. In 2022, 50-30-20 Amp electric pedestals for camper and RV use were installed in campsites B and C/D. Also, a sand tent pad was installed in campsite F and a Sasquatch Trail was added where you can search for many Bigfoot hiding in the woods! In 2023 a brand-new 70' elevated nature-walk and dock were installed on the lakefront. In campsite E, a mulch tent pad was installed. Also, an interactive "Enchanted Forest" was added to the campground, which lights up a night to reveal all of the woodland creatures that live there! (Kids love this!) In 2024, a lakefront tiny cabin was added down by the dock at Campsite A, along with a grassy beach, hammocks and a grass tent pad. An Amenities Shed full of several camping games like horseshoes and corn hole was also added by the Port-A-Potty area. Two additional Port-A-Potties were also added, bringing the total to three for the campground. In 2025, a water tower will be installed, allowing campers to fill up with potable water within steps of each campsite. In addition, Fern Trail will be completed where you can hike through a "fern forest" along the lakefront. In 2026, a concrete corn hole pit will be installed, as well as a "shower bag" showering area. Yurt construction will also begin in 2026, with likely completion in 2027. As the host for this campground, I do not live on-site. You may reach me anytime before, during, or after your stay via phone, text or Hipcamp messenger. I almost always respond within a few minutes. Detailed directions, and camp information will be sent to every booked guest 48 hours prior to their arrival. When selecting your campsite, please take note of the following: Best lake views: Campsite A, C and D. (Campsites E and F have partially obstructed lake views due to trees.) Easiest RV access: Campsite B. It's a pull-through site. Most private: Campsites A and B, or booking Campsites C/D or E/F together. (Do not book C/D or E/F for complete privacy unless you book them in pairs.) Most shade: Campsites A, E and F. Sunniest: Campsites B, C an D. Electric access: Campsites B, C and D. (C/D share a power pedestal.) Nearest to Port-a-Potty: Campsites A and E. Nearest to lake: Campsite A. Best for large parties: Booking Campsites C/D together (for larger RV camping parties) or booking Campsites E/F together (for moderate-sized tent camping parties). Property located 48°10'11.0"N, 116°30'02.1"W

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ALMOST TO CANADA - FAR NORTH IDAHO

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · 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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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.

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The Knoll, LLC

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Priest Lake, ID

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.

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A Wee Place in the Woods

12 sites · Lodging5 acres · Priest River, ID

🌿 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, 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 complementary 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.❣️

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Phoenix Rising Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · 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 off-grid with an option to plugin if needed. 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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Spokane Western Dude Ranch Barn BnB

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents58 acres · Spokane, WA

Spokane Trail Rides and Boarding is a Western Horse n Cattle Ranch with Grand Views! We're a full working we ranch offering trail rides, Barn Animal Hands on Tours, 5 beautiful Campsites, 3 REAL horse stall rooms made into Cozy Barn BnB rooms for guests! We off full care Horse Boarding and MORE. Jen is the owner and host, a single Christian woman making dreams come true! The ranch is her life and all the animals are happy healthy and beautiful. Come enjoy some camping & stay among them. 🤠🐎We are a horse motel too! Bring your horses: $50 per horse/bring your own hay/xxl stall use and turn out to obstacle course.

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Waterfront Adventures

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Dover, ID

Beautiful far reaching southern views, shallow warm water, boat into Sandpoint. Week days are discounted 10% Paddleboards and 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. 17' water bouncer, slide for fun times playing in the water during the summer months. Two sandy beaches shared with Hipcampers and family.

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Grumpy Chicken Farm Camp

2 sites · Tents10 acres · Sandpoint, ID

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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North Haven Campground

23 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · 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, a 3/4 mile Nature Walking Trail Loop Around the Campground. 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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Shameless Oasis Lodging and Camping

9 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Troy, MT

Located in Yaak, MT, along the PNT (pacific northwest trail), deep in the Kootenai National Forest, in the Northwestern corner of Montana. Pick your campsite in the trees or in the grass, shade or sun. The 2 acre grounds extend to Yaak River, with a shared dock, and communal outdoor kitchen, (propane grill and fire pit, small fridge, some pans and utensils). Camp fire wood is available for purchase, or bring your own local firewood. Camping fee includes Hot outdoor shower, outdoor kitchen, outhouses, fire pits, WiFi, trash cans. In Summer, we have an on-site espresso/ice cream shop and fresh chicken eggs for sale. Roads and trails to explore are endless. Rivers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, Kootenai Falls and Lake Kookanusa are all close by. In Winter, explore groomed snowmobile/cross country ski trails, or go back country. Also, Turner Mountain Ski Area is only 17 miles away. Come set up your tent, or car camp. Also, we can accommodate your small camper/RV, with water and 110 power hookups. The Oasis can also be rented for parties and events, up to 100 people. Package includes exclusive use of the grounds, dock, outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower, firepits, and grills. Message for more information. Come Enjoy the true Montana experience here!

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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.

The best camping near Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge 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.