Sandpoint, Idaho offers convenient access to outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, water sports and trout fishing in Lake Pend Oreille, the fifth-deepest lake in the United States. A variety of RV and tent camping opportunities give campers several options for a site close to the activities they want to enjoy.
Location
Located 60 miles south of the Canadian border and 75 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, Sandpoint is situated in Bonner County in Idaho’s Panhandle region. The area is surrounded by the forested Selkirk Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille to the south. The lake and forests offer plenty of chances to enjoy outdoor activities.
Tent and Breakfast Camping
For a special camping experience close to lots of hiking trails, head to Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast located east of Sandpoint. The camping experience involves staying in a canvas tent that includes a bed, wood stove and camp kitchen. Modern distractions such as electricity, video games and TV are not available. Instead, you can hike to the Scotchman Peak, the highest point in Bonner County, for great views of the area and the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Area. You can also swim at Lake Pend Oreille or kayak or canoe after a 20-minute drive from Huckleberry.
State Park Camping
Round Lake State Park offers a central location from camping, great fishing and hiking. The campground, located 10 miles south of Sandpoint, offers 52 campsites for both tent and RV campers up to 24 feet in length. While no hookups are available, a dump station and restrooms with showers are available. A launch for boats with electric motors and another launch for canoes and kayaks are also available. Hikers have access to three trails, one of which leads to several interesting beaver lodges and ponds built by the creatures. You may get lucky and even spot a moose while on the trails.
Private Campgrounds
Easy access to Lake Pend Oreille for great trout fishing, boating, swimming or water skiing makes Springy Point Campground a good choice. Located south of Sandpoint, the campground offers spaces for campers in tents and RVs up to 24 feet in length. The campground includes water and toilets as well as several docks and a boat ramp. If you need full hookups, head to Garfield Bay Resort, located 14 miles from Sandpoint. The park offers RV campsites with water, sewer and electric along with a dump station, toilets and a laundry facility. A boat launch is on the property, so you can use your boat, canoe or kayak for exploring or fishing.
Preparation
Bring your own boat, canoe, kayak or jet skis, or rent some at Action Water Sports in Sandpoint or at Britt’s Power Sports Rentals in nearby Clark Fork. If you plan to fish, you’ll need an Idaho state fishing license, available at sporting goods stores in Sandpoint. Although summer days easily reach into the 80s, the nights get cool, so a lightweight jacket or windbreaker comes in handy.
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