Lake Pend Oreille Camping

Camping at Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and diverse camping facilities. Nestled among the forested mountain ranges of the northern Rockies, this glacially carved lake is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the western United States, making it a prime destination for camping and outdoor recreation.

Campgrounds and Recreation Areas

Albeni Cove (near Oldtown, Idaho): Located just upstream from Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River, Albeni Cove is a small, rustic campground surrounded by fir, cedar, and pine trees. This peaceful area provides an excellent spot for enjoying the lake’s beauty and is close to the dam, offering views and proximity to river activities.

Priest River Campground (near Priest River, Idaho): Set on the banks of the Priest River, just upstream from its confluence with the Pend Oreille River, this campground is shaded by lush forest. It offers a serene experience for campers who want to be near the water while surrounded by the area’s fir, cedar, and pine trees.

Riley Creek Recreation Area (near Laclede, Idaho): As the largest recreation area associated with the Albeni Falls Project, Riley Creek offers ample space for camping and various recreational activities. Although it’s a spacious site, Riley Creek maintains a peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to enjoy the scenic Pend Oreille River and its mountain surroundings in a serene setting.

Springy Point Campground (near Sagle, Idaho): Overlooking the Pend Oreille River and offering views of the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountains, Springy Point is a picturesque camping location. Just a short distance from the city of Sandpoint, this site allows campers to enjoy nature while being close to amenities, including a marina, parks, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities in Sandpoint.

Farragut State Park: Located at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, this large park is built on the site of a former World War II naval training base and offers a rich history, extensive trails, and multiple camping options. It’s popular for its hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to the lake for water activities.

Activities and Attractions

Boating and Water Sports: Lake Pend Oreille’s many boat launches, marinas, and rental facilities make it a favorite for boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. Springy Point and Farragut State Park are notable access points, and marinas around Sandpoint, Bayview, and Hope offer rentals for pontoon boats, ski boats, and other watercraft.

Fishing: Known for its trophy-size fish, Lake Pend Oreille is home to kamloops (giant rainbow trout), lake trout, kokanee salmon, and other popular game fish. The lake’s clear, deep waters provide excellent fishing opportunities year-round, including ice fishing in shallow areas near the lake outlet during winter.

Wildlife Viewing: The lake and its surrounding forests support a variety of wildlife, from bald eagles and ospreys to deer, moose, and bear. Seasonal migrations bring swans, geese, and ducks, making it a great area for bird-watching as well.

Hiking and Trails: Several campgrounds around Lake Pend Oreille offer access to trails, including Farragut State Park, where campers can enjoy scenic hiking routes with views of the lake and surrounding peaks. These trails range from short, easy paths to more challenging hikes.

Nearby Attractions

The small towns near Lake Pend Oreille, such as Sandpoint, Hope, and Bayview, add to the area’s charm with quaint shops, dining, and cultural events. The city of Sandpoint is known for its vibrant arts scene and its City Beach Park, where visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, ball courts, playgrounds, and more. The scenic highways and byways around the lake offer beautiful views of the surrounding Green Monarch, Cabinet, Coeur d'Alene, and Selkirk Mountains.

Amenities and Accessibility

Most campgrounds provide essential facilities, including boat ramps, docks, restrooms, and picnic areas. Some, like Riley Creek Recreation Area, offer a broader range of amenities while maintaining a quiet, natural setting. Several sites are ADA accessible, making the lake's beauty available to more visitors.

Summary

Camping at Lake Pend Oreille is a memorable experience for anyone seeking an escape into nature. From family-friendly campgrounds with convenient amenities to more secluded spots perfect for solitude, Lake Pend Oreille caters to a variety of camping styles. Its combination of deep blue waters, lush forests, and surrounding mountains creates a unique outdoor retreat in the Idaho Panhandle. Whether campers are fishing for record-breaking trout, boating along the shorelines, or simply relaxing under the canopy of cedars and pines, Lake Pend Oreille offers a rich, scenic camping experience.