1000 Things To-Do

Welcome to our Monday City Spotlight, we are highlighting all the great opportunities to camp that Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho have to offer. Coeur d’Alene Idaho and all of North Idaho offers some of the best camping anyone could ask for. It’s one of the favorite things for myself and our family to do.

I tend to camp on and around the Coeur d’Alene River just east of Coeur d’Alene near Cataldo and Kingston. It is also one of the best places to float during the dog days of summer. Most of the camping is easy to get to and our area, with the multitude of national parks, state parks, formal campgrounds and public access areas, you really are in God’s country and will find it difficult to choose a spot from all the great opportunities around.

I camp with a family of 6 so it is always quite a deal getting everyone together, all the camping gear, the food and, well everything that is involved in spending 3-5 days in the woods with 4 kids, 2 of which are under 2. But with so many campgrounds in the area, a quick trip north to Beaver Bay in Ferragut or Round Lake near Sandpoint are always good options for a quick getaway.

If you are wondering where to go camping this weekend, try one of these areas that our writers have already visited this summer:

• Bumblebee Campground on the Coeur D’Alene River - If you are looking for a good camping spot that is not too far from Coeur d’Alene, try Bumblebee Campground near Kingston. The campground is located right off I-90, thirty miles from Coeur d’Alene and is close to the river and several good fishing and hiking spots. The campground is a fee area and prices are $14 a night and $7 for an extra vehicle.
• Graham Creek Camping - Graham Creek is located about 45 miles east of Coeur d’Alene on I-90. Take the Kingston, #43 exit and go north on Forest Highway 9. You will pass Bumblebee Campground and will start seeing several camping areas about 10 miles out. We always seem to camp after mile marker 15. On the left side of the road is an area right on the river with several spots and even an enclosed toilet and to the right are some secluded spots that lead straight to the creek and some great hiking trails.
• Beaver Bay Farragut Park, Bayview Idaho - Farragut State Park is located just north of Coeur D’alene about 20 miles from downtown. The park sits along side Lake Pend Oreille, our largest lake. The park used to be a military base and although most of the buildings are gone now, you can still find historical markers and some foundations of barracks on some of the hikes that are available. It is some of the best hiking, picnicking and camping in north Kootenai county.
• Crystal lake - If you are looking for an adventure with a great view, try hiking into Crystal Lake. With a rugged hike over rocks and down steep paths, the trek to the lake is good exercise and well worth the trip. The lake is a great spot for swimming, fishing, or snorkeling. Crystal Lake is located about 65 miles southeast of Coeur d’Alene at an elevation of over 5,000 feet.
• Elk River Recreation District - Camping in an area where you can also fish, swim and hike is always a good thing, so when my family found out about the Elk River Recreation District camping we thought we would try it out. From Moscow the city of Elk River is only 51 miles east on Hwy 8 so it is relatively nearby. The drive is very scenic and you can even follow through onto the Scenic Byway if you have a little more time.

There are many other options for camping in North Idaho and Coeur d’Alene. If you know of a great spot, let us know here or submit your own article to http://coeurdalene.onethousandthingstodo.com.